Prepare Your Refrigerator For Your Household Move
If you’re planning a household move that includes a refrigerator, it’s essential to prepare it carefully. Moving companies are specific in how they want to transport various appliances. For the fridge, it’s not as simple as emptying the food and hauling it on the truck. Consult with your mover on how they suggest you prepare your refrigerator. The movers’ preparation steps will probably include some similar to the following:
Clean Out the Refrigerator and Freezer
In the weeks before your move, plan your meals to use up items in the refrigerator and freezer. This way, less goes to waste since it all likely can’t be moved. Once the unit is primarily empty, take out any perishables kept and place them in a cooler packed with ice. Remember also to empty the icemaker.
Unplug the Unit
Once you empty your refrigerator/freezer, unplug it at least 24 hours before the move. Check the manufacturer’s manual for directions because some models need a week to defrost thoroughly. Next, disconnect any water lines. If unsure how to do this, consult with an appliance technician to ensure it’s done correctly. When ready for defrosting, remember to place towels on the floor to soak up any water that may flow out.
Clean Inside and Out
The last thing you want is to arrive in a new place with a dirty refrigerator. So give it a good cleaning while it’s empty.
- Remove all shelves and drawers
- Wash with warm soapy water, and then rinse
- Leave the pieces to air dry
- Empty, clean, and dry the evaporator pan (usually found underneath the refrigerator)
Once the removable pieces are clean, before putting them back in, clean the refrigerator and freezer’s interior with a sponge, using warm water and baking soda. Replace pieces. Next, clean the top of the unit with a warm soapy sponge and dry. Then, vacuum any dust that has accumulated on the coils on the back of the refrigerator. Remember also to get out any dust from underneath.
Securely Tape Loose Pieces
Once the shelves and drawers are back in the unit, tape them (painter’s tape can work well) to not jostle during the move and crack or break. These pieces can be expensive to replace, and it could take weeks to order them. Proactively protecting them saves a lot of hassle at the other end of your move. Also, secure the refrigerator cord with packing tape to avoid getting torn or frayed during the relocation.
Wrap the Refrigerator
Ideally, you want to leave the doors partly open when in transport or storage. This way, odors don’t get caught inside, or mold starts to grow—even the slightest bit of moisture is enough to set conditions for mold. Next, use a towel to keep the door(s) slightly ajar and tape them together, so the doors don’t swing open. Finally, wrap the unit in a moving blanket (or old comforter) to safeguard it from scratches or nicks.
Moving Made Easy
Prepping a refrigerator and other major appliances for a move takes careful planning that you need to do in the days leading up to the move. You may need the help of a specialized technician. Consult with your professional moving company to find out. They typically have a network of qualified technicians they can refer you to.
Are you planning a move? Contact us today for a free quote.
