Moving a fridge freezer can be a daunting task, whether you’re relocating to a new home or simply rearranging your kitchen. As a large and delicate appliance, a fridge freezer requires careful handling and proper techniques to ensure a safe and successful move. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide you with expert advice and practical tips on how to move a fridge freezer efficiently, minimising the risk of damage to your appliance and your property.
From preparing your fridge freezer for the move to reinstalling it in its new location, we’ll walk you through each step of the process. You’ll learn how to safely disconnect and clean your appliance, secure it for transport, and navigate tricky doorways and stairs. When you hire a professional moving company like Headington Carriers you can ensure professional handling at all times, but if you are not sure this article will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to tackle this challenging task head-on.
Preparing Your Fridge Freezer for the Move
Before moving your fridge freezer, it’s essential to properly prepare it to ensure a safe and efficient move. Begin by emptying the fridge and freezer compartments, removing all food, drinks, and any other items. Plan ahead and try to consume as much of the perishables as possible to minimise waste. If you have unopened items, consider donating them to a local food bank or giving them to neighbours.
Once emptied, thoroughly clean the interior of the fridge freezer using a mild detergent and warm water solution. This includes wiping down all surfaces, shelves, and drawers. Defrost the freezer for at least 24 hours before the move to allow any ice buildup to melt completely. Place towels around the base of the appliance to absorb any water from the defrosting process.
After defrosting, remove any removable parts such as shelves, drawers, and ice trays. Wrap these components separately in bubble wrap or packing material to prevent damage during transit. Secure the fridge freezer doors using strong tape or bungee cords to keep them closed. Additionally, protect the exterior of the appliance by wrapping it in moving blankets or bubble wrap, securing it with packing tape.
Finally, disconnect the fridge freezer from the power source and coil the power cord, taping it securely to the back of the appliance. This will prevent the cord from dangling and getting damaged during the move. By following these preparation steps, you’ll ensure your fridge freezer is ready for a safe and successful relocation.
Moving the Fridge Freezer
With the fridge freezer prepared, it’s time to physically move it. Your moving company will provide the necessary equipment like an appliance dolly with straps, moving blankets, and tape or rope. They will ensure the dolly base is large enough to securely hold the fridge freezer upright to avoid leaking coolant.
When lifting and tilting the fridge freezer onto the dolly, never lay it on its side or back to prevent refrigerant oil from flowing into heat exchanger tubes, which can cause cooling issues. If unavoidable, keep the fridge freezer as upright as possible by placing a box or furniture under the top.
The movers will carefully tilt the fridge freezer back, ensuring it’s evenly positioned on the dolly and not tipped more than 45 degrees. The sign of professional movers is that they communicate clearly and don’t rush, key when moving heavy appliances. They will secure the fridge freezer upright in the moving truck using straps or rope.
Transporting the Fridge Freezer
When transporting a fridge freezer, it’s crucial to keep it upright to prevent damage to the compressor and internal components. If laying it down is unavoidable, position the fridge opposite the direction its doors open and avoid placing it completely vertical. Your movers will secure the appliance using straps or rope to prevent movement during transit.
Loading and Unloading from the Vehicle
Use a loading ramp when loading the fridge freezer onto a truck to avoid lifting and potential back injuries. Ensure the appliance is loaded securely and won’t shift during transportation. When unloading, use a dolly or hand truck to carefully move the fridge freezer to its new location.
Special Considerations for Laying Down
If transporting the fridge upright isn’t possible, lay it on its side with the compressor tubes facing upwards to minimise oil leakage. Never place a refrigerator flat on its back, as the weight can damage internal parts. Consult the manufacturer’s guidelines, as some models should never be laid horizontally. After moving a fridge on its side, leave it upright and unplugged for the same duration it was lying down before plugging it in to avoid compressor damage.
Reinstalling the Fridge Freezer
Once your fridge freezer has been safely transported to its new location, it’s crucial to reinstall it correctly to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Allow the appliance to stand upright for at least 4 hours before plugging it in, giving the compressor oil time to settle. This prevents potential damage to the compressor if the appliance is turned on too quickly.
When choosing the placement for your fridge freezer, maintain at least 5 mm of space around the appliance and avoid pushing it all the way back against the wall to allow for proper air circulation. Ensure the appliance is positioned centrally in the available space.
After the waiting period, you can plug in the fridge freezer. During the initial startup, it may take a few hours to reach the optimal temperature, with some models signalling readiness with a beep or green light. Allow the fridge freezer ample time to cool down to a safe temperature for food storage, which can take up to 12 hours.
Once the appliance has reached the desired temperature, you can restock it with food items. By following these steps and allowing your fridge freezer proper time to settle and cool, you’ll ensure it operates efficiently and effectively in its new location.
Conclusion
Moving a fridge freezer can be a complex process, but with careful planning, preparation, and execution, you can successfully relocate your appliance to its new home. By following the expert advice and practical tips outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to handle the challenges of moving a fridge freezer, ensuring its safe transport and efficient reinstallation.
Remember, when it comes to moving large appliances don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance. Headington Carriers can provide the support and expertise you need during your move, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to focus on settling into your new home. Call us on 01993 811 276 to talk to our team about how we can help you.