Preparing to move is a lot of work. It’s a long process, from organizing to packing, loading the truck, and getting everything situated in your new place. On top of that, you’re having to move heavy items, like a fridge, which can be exhausting. Even if you have the help of friends and family when moving, items like this could potentially cause problems if you don’t have the right supplies. Why not let a professional mover handle the big stuff so you can spend less time worrying and more time looking forward to your new home?

Maffucci Moving has been aiding customers with their relocations since 1909. With that many years in service, we must be doing something right! Our movers are carefully screened and approved to ensure that your items, big or small, will be safe with us. 

Preparing to Move a Fridge

Figuring out how to transport a refrigerator is a big— no pun intended —part of moving. As one of the heaviest and most oversized items in your home, it takes a bit of collaboration to get it out the door, on the truck, and installed in your new home. So, how do you prepare a fridge to be moved? And what tools will you need to accomplish your task safely? We can answer those questions for you. 

• Measure, measure, measure. Consider the refrigerator size you’ll be moving to ensure you can move it from your current kitchen to the next. Measure the height, width, and depth of the fridge, as well as the width and height of surrounding doors and openings. 
• Plan a route. Based on your measurements of the doorways and fridge, map out the easiest way to remove the fridge. While doing so, note where there are stairs, curbs, and potential tripping hazards.
• Remove potential obstructions. If there are any exterior doors, remove them beforehand to minimize the risk of damaging them. This will also make moving the refrigerator dolly around your house easier. 
• Secure a truck. Make sure that you arrange for a moving truck to arrive early on a moving day plenty far in advance. It’s no use struggling with such a large appliance if you cannot get it to your new place! 
• Take an inventory. Once you’ve done all that, take stock of the moving supplies you already have and note what you still need to get. This way, you’ll not need to run out for something on moving day and can finish quicker. 

When to Unload and Unplug Your Fridge

Several days before you move, empty out the fridge. Any food left in the fridge will go to waste, making it heavier than necessary. For any perishable items, use coolers to keep them safe for eating. Once you finish that, clean it thoroughly. Then, unplug it and pull it away from the wall. Roll up the power cord so it doesn’t get tripped on, and tape it to the side of the fridge. Your refrigerator should be dry and at room temperature so you can move without making a mess. To avoid breaking things, remove compartments that could otherwise shift during transport. If there is one attached, turn off the water line. If unsure what a water line looks like or how to do this, Google “how to disconnect a water line from a refrigerator” or call a professional for assistance. 

Best Moving Practices

We’ve discussed many helpful moving tips so far; now, let’s discuss a few more. We recommend using a floor protector to prevent damaging your floors, walls, or appliances when moving. You can also use slider pads or any spare laminate floor panels to add more things so they don’t scratch the floor. When getting the sliders into place, tilt the refrigerator away from you so that you can place them on the left and right side under the front casters. 

You may want to remove the refrigerator doors to prevent them from flying open. If you do so, ensure you safely store the hardware so that you can reattach it. When you’re ready to start moving it, wrap it in moving blankets to protect it from getting scratched or dented. If you plan to use a dolly, get help from someone else who can tilt the refrigerator while you put the base underneath it. Due to the unit’s heaviness and oversized shape, moving it is a two-person project. Once it’s been loaded into place, tighten the dolly straps around it. 

After successfully moving your fridge and placing it in your new home, wait at least four hours to plug it in if it is transported upright. If, for any reason, it was moved on its side, wait 24 hours for the coolant to settle appropriately before plugging it in. Remember, these are just general guidelines; the farther you move the appliance, the longer you should wait to plug it back in. Always check with your user manual to see if there are any other specific instructions.

Working with a Professional mover

You shouldn’t even take the risk if you wonder whether you can move the oversized appliance without professional help. Fridges weigh between 200 and 400 pounds, and moving them incorrectly can potentially cause injuries. Not to mention the potential damage to your home and the stress of coordinating such a large and complex move. 

Professional movers— like us —have the necessary tools, equipment, and experience to move heavy objects. If your fridge isn’t adequately secured when moving it out or into a home, your walls could also be damaged. When we move them, we use dollies, straps, blankets, and pads to ensure that won’t happen, giving you peace of mind during your move. 

Maffucci Moving—Relocating Made Easy.

Moving is a big job. It’s a lot of organization, a lot of packing, and a LOT of heavy lifting. If you’re overwhelmed by the prospect of it all, consider working with a professional moving company. For a relocation partner with the necessary experience to get the job done without damaging your belongings, that’s reasonably priced and puts customer satisfaction above all else, call Maffucci. With Maffucci Moving, you can relax knowing that your fridge and other belongings are in safe hands. Save yourself the hassle—let our experienced team handle your fridge move! Contact Maffucci Moving today for a free quote and ensure your appliances arrive safely, without the stress and strain of moving them yourself.