If you’re putting items into storage, contemplating how to move a refrigerator can be an overwhelming thought. What is the best way to move a refrigerator? Is there a best way to transport a refrigerator to a storage unit? How do you pack a fridge? You don’t need to worry as in this article we’ll share our top tips and advice on moving a fridge freezer to ensure the process is as seamless as possible.
How to Prepare a Refrigerator for Storage
To prepare your fridge for short-term or long-term storage, it’s important to follow the correct steps. Our preparation tips in the next section will ensure you’re on the right track.
Remove All the Contents
The first thing you need to do is remove everything from your fridge freezer. Either discard the contents or store them elsewhere, such as a cooler. It’s advisable to use all perishables up in the week or two before you clean and move your fridge.
Clean Your Fridge Thoroughly and Defrost
Once cleared, it’s time to start cleaning your fridge. Use a mix of warm water and baking soda to clean each part of your fridge thoroughly. If you need to, you’ll have to defrost your fridge and freezer compartment and drain the water. Otherwise, water will spill out during transportation. When it’s fully defrosted, disconnect from the electricity supply, roll up the power cord and secure it to the back of the appliance. Keep the doors open to prevent unpleasant odours. You can also place a bowl of baking soda on a fridge shelf to avoid odours from forming.
Package Your Fridge Securely
Naturally, any heavy item should be packed securely to prevent damage from occurring to the item itself, other goods, and your property. Ideally, it’s a good suggestion to have someone helping you as it makes the packing process much easier. First, you should pack the fridge in bubble wrap or blankets to prevent damage during transit. This includes the fridge unit as a whole, as well as wrapping and protecting the refrigerator doors. Secure the bubble wrap or blankets with tape so they don’t fall off easily. Now your fridge freezer is ready to be moved to your method of transport.
The Best Way to Transport a Refrigerator for Storage
How do you transport a fridge freezer? To know how to move a fridge, follow these next steps.
Make A Clear Path to Your Vehicle
It’s essential that you make a clear path between your fridge freezer and your vehicle. As a refrigerator is a bulky, heavy item, it’s difficult to move. Ensure there are no trip hazards or any dangerous items in your way. If you have a pet, try to place them temporarily in another room.
Remove Doors If Needed
Once you’ve cleared your path, it’s time to measure your fridge and entrances to ensure that it will fit through them without hassle. If you think it may get stuck, it’s a good idea to remove the doors as this will create extra space for it to fit through.
Slide Your Fridge Out Carefully
Carefully lift your fridge forwards so it’s on a slight tilt. Put furniture sliders under the back of the fridge. Place your body in front of your refrigerator, holding both sides. Push from side to side and then gently forwards. At this point, it should start to move towards you.
Use A Trolley If Possible
The best way to move a refrigerator to your vehicle is by placing it on wheels. For this, you’ll require extra assistance. Moving companies can take care of this part for you, otherwise, you’ll need to track down some kind of trolley on wheels. Another person should pull and lift the fridge upwards while you position the trolley underneath it from the side. Never try to do this from the front or back as it will make your job much more difficult. Once on the trolly, secure your fridge with bungee cords or rope.
Move Slowly
The top and bottom of your appliance should be evenly positioned on your trolley before you start to move it. When moving your fridge freezer out of your property, you must move slowly, especially if you have to move up or down stairs. In this case, one person should be in front and one at the back of the trolley. With the fridge at a 45-degree angle tilt, make your way up or down the steps with the person at the front gently pulling it towards them.
Use A Ramp to Place It on A Vehicle
Rather than lifting the fridge onto the vehicle, it’s much easier to use a ramp. This makes the process quicker and easier, preventing you from injuring yourself.
Place Your Fridge in An Upright Position
Fridges are best transported in an upright position and secured with extra ropes or cords. However, if this is not possible, then they can be placed flat on the floor of the vehicle. Make sure it’s as secure as possible and won’t topple over during transportation.
Our Best Refrigerator Storage Tips
Placing your fridge into storage means it’s not going to be used for a while. In this scenario, there are a few handy tips to know to keep your appliance in optimal condition.
Leave the Refrigerator Doors Open
Your fridge freezer doors should be left open during storage to avoid a build-up of foul odours. Additionally, you should store your fridge in an upright position at your storage unit.
Choose A Clean and Dry Storage Facility
An excellent storage facility will be equipped with climate-control technology to prevent any temperature-related damage to your fridge, such as damp or water damage. A clean, dry storage unit is important for keeping your fridge freezer in optimal condition so that it’s delivered back to you in the same condition that you left it in. Additionally, a storage facility should also be safe and secure, protecting your items from fire, theft and animals.
Check On Your Fridge
If your fridge is going into long-term storage, you can make arrangements to visit your item to check on it. By visiting every couple of months, you can determine that your refrigerator is being stored correctly. Ask yourself if you notice any unpleasant smells, if the area it’s kept in looks clean and dry, as well as ensuring there are no pests around or inside your appliance.
Follow Our Advice for The Best Way to Move a Refrigerator and Pack It for Storage
Now you know how to move a refrigerator, you can safely and securely move your fridge into a storage facility. With our moving fridge freezer advice, you’ll be able to avoid any damage to your belongings or property, enabling the whole process to go as smoothly as possible.
We’re The Experts in Removals and Storage in London
At Removals & Storage Experts, we’re highly experienced in packing and moving bulky items such as fridges into storage. We have a range of storage options across London to suit all budgets and requirements. We’re on hand to help you move items into storage, without you needing to lift a finger – and we can deliver items back to you whenever you need them. Get in touch now for a free quote.
