Moving to a new home is an exciting adventure, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the trickiest tasks is packing your fridge. Whether you're moving across town or across the country, good furniture removalist services can ensure your refrigerator arrives in one undamaged piece.
Here, we’ll guide you through the steps on how to pack a fridge for moving, making the process hassle-free and efficient. Here at Austate, we have years of experience in packing and unpacking these big but very important items. After all, your fridge is one of the first things you’ll need in your new home.
Why properly packing your fridge really matters
Packing your fridge correctly is essential. Improper handling can lead to damage, leaks, and spoilage, costing you time and money. By following these steps, you'll make sure your fridge is ready for the move and arrives at your new home in perfect condition.
Preparing your fridge for the move
Before you move
Whether you are moving the fridge yourself or getting help, you need to know the size and be sure it’ll fit through all doorways.
Start by measuring the fridge (width and height) and checking it against all doorways and entrances, the fridge alcove, and any stairways. This can save grief later when you find it won’t fit.
Empty the contents
Before you even think about moving your fridge, empty all of its contents. Remove all food and beverage items and any loose items like ice trays or drawers that are pretty loose. You may even want to consider taking out all of the shelves and moving them separately. If you can, organise an esky or portable fridge for your perishables during transit.
Defrost the freezer
If your fridge has a freezer compartment, you'll need to defrost it. Turn off the fridge and leave the freezer door open to allow any ice to melt. This can take several hours, so it's best to do this, at the latest, a day before your move. Placing towels around the base can help soak up any meltwater. (Consider how you’ll move these wet towels if you leave this until the end.)
Clean and dry the interior
Once your fridge is empty and defrosted, give it a thorough cleaning. Use a mild detergent or a mixture of bicarbonate of soda and water to clean the shelves, drawers, and walls of the fridge. A dash of vanilla essence in the rinse water can sweeten the fridge interior for when you need to repack it. Make sure everything is completely dry before you move on to the next step.
Securing the fridge components
Remove and pack shelves and drawers
To prevent any damage during the move, it's best to remove all shelves and drawers. Wrap each piece in bubble wrap or packing paper and then into an appropriate carton to protect them. Label each item so you know where it goes when you reassemble your fridge in your new home.
Secure the doors
Use strong tape to secure the fridge and freezer doors. This prevents them from swinging open during the move, which could cause damage to the fridge and other items. A layer or two of shrinkwrap can help with securing the doors too. Ensure that the power cord is taped to the back of the fridge out of the way so that it doesn’t snag or get severed by the trolley.
Protect the exterior
Cover the exterior of your fridge with moving blankets or padding. This provides an extra layer of protection against scratches and dents. Secure the blankets with tape or moving straps. Be sure not to tighten the straps too tight so that the fridge skin becomes buckled. Ensure that your fridge is secure in your choice of transport by using mattresses around it to reduce any movement in transit.
Moving the fridge safely
Use a dolly or trolley
A dolly or trolley is essential for moving heavy appliances like fridges. Slide the dolly or trolley underneath the fridge and secure it with straps. This makes it easier to manoeuvre the fridge and reduces the risk of injury to the person moving the fridge. Keep an eye on the nature of the floor as you might need to pull the fridge out onto a mat or piece of cardboard to ensure that the fridge doesn’t scratch your flooring.
Keep it upright
Always keep your fridge upright during the move. Laying it down will cause the compressor oil to flow into the cooling tubes, potentially damaging the fridge. Try to keep it upright for as much of the move as possible and always leave it standing for a few hours before plugging it in and turning it on.
Navigate stairs carefully
If you need to move the fridge up or down stairs, take extra care. Have someone at both ends to help guide the fridge and ensure it doesn't tip over. Move slowly and communicate with your helpers to avoid accidents. The person on the bottom end needs to take much of the weight when going down stairs so take it very slowly. This is where the experts in furniture removalist services can take the weight off you and move all of your possessions while you deal with all of the other issues involved with moving residence.
Reconnecting your fridge in your new home
Allow it to settle
Once your fridge is in its new location, allow it to settle for a few hours before plugging it in. This gives the compressor oil time to settle back into place, reducing the risk of damage.
Reinstall shelves and drawers
Unpack and reinstall the shelves and drawers you removed earlier. Refer to the labels you made to ensure everything goes back in the right place.
Clean once more
Give your fridge one final wipe clean with vanilla-scented rinse water before restocking it. This ensures it's fresh and ready for your food.
Tips for maintaining your fridge after the move
Check the temperature settings
Make sure your fridge and freezer are set to the correct temperatures. This helps maintain the freshness of your food and ensures the fridge operates efficiently.
Monitor for any issues
Keep an eye on your fridge for any signs of trouble, such as unusual noises or temperature fluctuations. Address any issues promptly to prevent further damage.
Regularly clean and defrost
Regular maintenance, including cleaning and defrosting, helps keep your fridge in top condition. This prolongs its lifespan and ensures it continues to operate efficiently.
Common mistakes to avoid
Rushing the process
Take your time when packing and moving your fridge. Rushing can lead to mistakes and potential damage.
Ignoring defrosting
Failing to defrost your freezer can lead to leaks and water damage during the move. Always ensure your freezer is fully defrosted before moving your fridge and any water is mopped up and removed from the fridge.
Skipping protection
Protecting your fridge with moving blankets or padding is crucial. Skipping this step can result in scratches, dents, and other damage. Your fridge is one of the most important pieces of your possessions so look after it well.
Conclusion
Packing a fridge for moving doesn't have to be daunting. By following these detailed steps, you can ensure your fridge is well-protected and arrives safely at your new home. The same principles apply to packing your televisions. Remember to take your time, protect each component, and move the fridge carefully.
Ready to make your next move seamless? Interstate furniture removalist services can pack and move your fridge and all of your possessions without you lifting a finger and with a minimum of fuss. Follow these tips and enjoy a hassle-free experience. For more moving tips and expert advice, stay tuned to our blogs.
Happy Moving!
