While shifting to a new place, one of the biggest tasks is transporting your refrigerator safely. This heavy appliance has an intricate interior and needs to be handled delicately so you don’t end up twisting the wires or breaking the glass inside. Transporting a refrigerator requires proper planning, and it is definitely not a one-person job. Here’s all you need to know about how you can successfully move your refrigerator without causing any damage.
See also: How to defrost your refrigerator?
Refrigerator transport: Preparation
Before you transport your refrigerator, you should plan a few things. For example, ensuring that the doors that you’re going to make the refrigerator pass through are broad enough. Also, ensure that there are no obstacles or sharp objects that might hit the object and always have another person to help you out.
Refrigerator transport: Necessary tools
One of the most important things that you should have is an appliance dolly which makes it easier for you to move the refrigerator. Also, get moving pads to protect the corners from getting damaged. Arrange packing tape and bubble wrap to protect the refrigerator. Straps or cords to ease up transportation.
Refrigerator transport: Process
Follow these steps to safely transport your refrigerator.
Empty the refrigerator and defrost it
Twenty-four hours before you wish to move your refrigerator, empty all the food items kept inside and also allow it to defrost naturally by cutting off the power supply to the refrigerator and opening the doors. You can keep a towel at the bottom of the refrigerator to prevent water from pooling everywhere. Also, make sure to keep your food items in a cool environment while you prepare to transport your fridge.
Secure inner components
Make sure to remove all the components that are loose and might get damaged during transportation. Remove shelves or drawers and loose glass and wrap all of these in bubble wrap to prevent any damage. You can keep these parts in the refrigerator itself so you don’t end up losing anything while transporting it.
Keep the doors sealed
With the help of tape, seal the refrigerator door so it doesn’t open by itself while shifting it. It is done to make sure the inner components remain intact.
Position the refrigerator on the appliance dolly
The next step is to keep the dolly as close to the refrigerator as possible and then tilt the refrigerator a bit so you can easily slide the lifting plate under it. Make sure you place the refrigerator properly over the appliance dolly and then secure it with the help of straps or cords to make sure it doesn’t fall over.
Move cautiously
Carefully move the refrigerator and always take the help of a family member while transporting it. Make sure that you tilt the refrigerator slightly and slowly move it forward, avoiding any kind of rush. Whenever you come near a doorway or stairs, make sure there is no obstruction and slowly and carefully move it forward. Make sure the door frames are wide enough to fit the refrigerator. Keep your back straight while doing so, or else you might end up with a backache.
Loading into the moving vehicle
While keeping the refrigerator in a vehicle, make sure it is strapped to one corner so it does not slide as the vehicle moves. Make sure the vehicle moves slowly and avoids obstacles. Also, avoid making any sharp turns that might cause damage to the refrigerator. Do not keep any heavy objects over your refrigerator while transporting.
Unload and install again
Once you reach your destination, carefully unload the refrigerator with somebody’s help and transport it to its position. Now let it stand for a few hours before connecting it to the electrical circuit. This is to ensure that fluids settle back to their normal position in case they shifted while transporting. Now you can connect the refrigerator to the electrical circuit and keep the food inside once it is cool enough.
FAQs
Should I lay the refrigerator on its back while transporting it?
It's best to lay the refrigerator on its side while transporting it since there is less risk of any damage.
How can I prevent my refrigerator from getting any scratches while transporting?
You can use blankets or bubble wrap in order to protect it from damage.
Is it necessary to remove the food from the refrigerator while transporting it?
It is important to remove all the food items to prevent any leakages and spoilage of food. Moreover, you need to defrost the refrigerator, which will ruin the food if not removed.
What if my refrigerator is bigger than the door frame?
If your refrigerator is bigger than the door frame, you can temporarily remove the refrigerator door to make it fit in the frame and then attach it again.
Is it necessary to secure the refrigerator with a cord?
Yes, this is important to ensure that the refrigerator doesn’t tip over.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at [email protected] |
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