Moving house can be stressful, let alone transporting your fridge. With these fridge moving tips, you can safely and efficiently move your fridge without risking damage to your appliance or home. Read this guide to ensure your fridge is ready for the move.
Looking for a transport and moving service in Singapore? WhatsApp us at Soon Seng Transport now!
Fridge Moving Tips
Moving a fridge isn’t just about shifting a heavy appliance—it’s about protecting your fridge and your home, too. These fridge moving tips will take you from prep to perfect placement in your new home.
What to Do Before Moving Your Fridge
- Tip #1: Turn Off and Unplug the Fridge
Turn off your fridge at least 24 hours before moving to allow for defrosting and to prevent damage to the cooling system.
- Tip #2: Defrost Your Freezer
Allow your freezer to fully defrost at least 24 hours before moving. This helps prevent water leakage and ice build-up.
- Tip #3: Remove Food and Drinks
Empty all contents from the fridge and freezer. Dispose of perishable items and pack other items for transport if necessary.
- Tip #4: Clean and Deodorise the Unit
Clean both the fridge and freezer thoroughly to remove spills and odours. You can deodorise using a fridge-specific deodoriser.
How to Prepare the Fridge for Transport
- Tip #5: Measure the Space
Use a measuring tape to ensure your fridge fits through doors, stairwells, and the moving truck.
- Tip #6: Secure the Doors
Secure the fridge and freezer doors with tape or straps to keep them closed during transit.
- Tip #7: Wrap the Fridge in Packing Materials
Protect the fridge with moving blankets or bubble wrap to safeguard against scratches and dents.
- Tip #8: Insert Flat Timbers Underneath
Place flat timbers or planks beneath the fridge for easier lifting and to prevent damage to the bottom.
How to Move the Fridge Safely
- Tip #9: Use a Moving Dolly
A moving dolly is essential for safely transporting heavy appliances without straining your back.
- Tip #10: Clear the Path
Ensure the path to the truck is clear of obstacles, and make sure you have enough space to move the fridge.
- Tip #11: Lift and Carry with Care
Always lift with your legs, not your back, and handle the fridge gently to avoid damage.
- Tip #12: Load the Fridge Gently into the Truck
When loading the fridge into the moving truck, make sure it’s placed upright and secured.
What to Do After the Fridge Moving Process
- Tip #13: Let the Fridge Settle
Once the fridge is in its new location, allow it to settle for at least 2 to 3 hours before plugging it in to ensure the coolant fluids have stabilised.
- Tip #14: Plug the Fridge Back In
After the waiting period, plug in the fridge and freezer and let it cool down to the correct temperature before restocking with food.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common mistakes to protect your fridge and make your move smoother. Keep these fridge moving tips in mind to avoid unnecessary issues during your house move.
- Skipping the Defrost Process
Not defrosting your fridge can lead to water leakage during transit, causing a mess or even damage to the fridge.
- Failing to Secure Doors
Unsecured doors can swing open, causing dents or injuries. Always tape or strap them tightly.
- Leaving Food Inside
Transporting a fridge with food still inside can damage shelves and increase the risk of spoilage.
- Not Measuring Doorways
Failing to measure the fridge and doorways can lead to frustrating delays or damage to walls.
- Moving Alone
Attempting to move a fridge solo is risky. Enlist help or use proper moving tools like a dolly.
- Improper Wrapping
Skipping protective wrapping can leave your fridge vulnerable to scratches, dents, or dirt.
- Laying the Fridge Flat
Placing the fridge horizontally can cause oil to leak from the compressor, damaging the appliance.
- Forgetting to Protect Floors
Moving a fridge without floor protection can result in scratches or gouges on your flooring.
- Rushing to Plug It In
Plugging in the fridge immediately after a move can harm its cooling system. Always let it settle upright for at least 12 hours.
- Overloading a Dolly
Using a weak or poorly secured dolly can result in tipping over or dropping the fridge during transport.
Cool Quick Facts and Fun Trivia About Fridges
Now that you’ve mastered the practical side of moving your fridge, let’s have a little fun with some cool fridge facts. These fridge moving tips and fun facts will give you a fresh take on your trusty appliance.
- Fridge Weight: The average fridge weighs 200–400 kilograms. That’s the equivalent of 2–4 adult kangaroos!
- Historical Innovation: The first electric refrigerator for home use was introduced in 1913, revolutionising food storage.
- Biggest Fridge: The largest fridge in the world is a facility at CERN, designed to cool equipment for the Large Hadron Collider.
- Silent Cooling: Early refrigerators were incredibly noisy compared to today’s whisper-quiet models.
- Origins of the Name: The word “refrigerator” comes from the Latin word refrigerare, meaning “to make cool.”
- The Great Divide: In Europe, most homes prefer smaller fridges due to limited space, while Americans love their jumbo models.
Conclusion
With these fridge moving tips in hand, you’re all set to move your fridge safely. A little preparation goes a long way in making your move smoother, so follow these steps and enjoy a stress-free relocation!
Looking for a transport and moving service in Singapore? WhatsApp us at Soon Seng Transport now!
