How to prepare fridge for moving

1. Remove all stuff from the fridge.

Make sure the fridge and freezer are free of ice, food, ice trays and ice packs. You don’t want any objects that can move around or cause damage or rattling about during a move.

2. Remove all shelving, trays and drawers.

A lot of people miss this step but it is important. Not only will it make the fridge lighter and easier to move but will also stop the trays from cracking and needing replacing. You don’t want the first call you make from your new home to be to a fridge repair man.

Wrap each shelf in towels or bubble wrap and store in a box for moving.

If you don’t want to remove the shelves opt for sticky taping them in place for a smoother move.

3. Unplug your refrigerator.

The day before the move unplug the refrigerator so it can warm up. This also gives the oils and fluids enough time to stop moving through the compressor. If your refrigerator makes ice automatically, ensure to disconnect the water too. Coil the power cord and tape it into a small bundle to avoid it getting caught on anything during a move or becoming damaged.

4. Defrost the freezer.

If you have been putting off defrosting the freezer now is the time to do it. If you have a considerable amount of ice on the sides of the freezer ensure you leave a day or so for it to melt. Lay down towels and other precautions to catch the water as it drips. On the day of the move just give the freezer a last wipe down and again ensure there are no ice trays or shelves left inside.

5. Secure the doors.

Shut the doors and secure them with rope. Doors swinging open during a move is dangerous for removalists and can cause damage to the fridge or other items in the truck. If you have a double door fridge make sure the door handles are tied together for extra security.

Avoid using sticky tape or another tape that will cause residue to the fridge!

6. Hire removalists.

Hire AussiRemoval or gather some friends to help with moving all heavy items and white goods. Moving a fridge takes at least 2 people – ensure you are lifting properly with your knees not your backs for a safe move.

Don’t lay the fridge down during a move. Keep it upright so the liquids inside don’t move around too much.

7. Turn your fridge back on.

Once your fridge is in your new home and upright, leave it for 3 hours until turning it back on. Older fridges needed 12 hours to a day to settle before being turned back on but if your fridge was built after 2010 then 3 hours is plenty of time. When the fridge is off, insert all trays and drawers.

 

Turn the fridge back on after 3 hours and refill with food.

Note the fridge may take a day or two to reach the ideal temperature again.

 

---

---