Transporting a refrigerator is a delicate step in a move! Whether you are moving alone or have called in a professional, you will need to take some precautions to avoid damaging your freezer.

Before considering transporting your refrigerator to your new home, you will need to make sure that its dimensions are suitable for your new kitchen. If your refrigerator does not fit the dimensions of the location of your new home, it would be best to get rid of it before moving. Then, find an appliance store near your new home, in order to get a new refrigerator.

Your refrigerator should be unplugged at least 24 hours before moving.

Why can transporting a refrigerator compromise it’s proper functioning?

Many people are unaware of the precautions to take when transporting a refrigerating appliance: refrigerator, freezer, combined, American fridge, etc.

No need to mention that it is a bad surprise when the device is reconnected and it is found that it no longer works correctly or not at all!

2 errors are largely done :

• laying the refrigerator in the wrong position;
• plugging it in too soon after transport.

How do I prepare my refrigerator or freezer for the move?

Preparing your fridge or freezer is absolutely necessary. This can be done a few days before or on the day of the move, if you allow yourself enough time. Preparing it in advance is definitely preferable.

We recommend that you unplug the refrigerator at least 6 hours before the move, so that the appliance stabilizes at the electrical level.

Empty the refrigerator

Before moving your refrigerator, it is obligatory to empty it. Obviously, it will be lighter to move and it will also be safer. Make sure there is no food, ice cubes, condiments, or anything else that might get around inside during the move.

If your move is a short distance, you still need to empty everything, but obviously you can keep your items in a cooler and put them back after the move is complete.

Remove all shelves and drawers

You should remove any components that might move inside the fridge. This includes drawers, shelves, racks, dividers / organizers, etc. You should wrap glass shelves in napkins or bubble wrap to protect them and make sure you identify them properly.

Unplug the fridge

When unplugging the fridge, be sure to pack the cable securely. It would be better to place it in the fridge so that it does not fall out during the move. If your fridge makes it’s own ice cream, you need to remove the water hose as well.

Thaw your freezer if needed.

If ice has accumulated in the freezer, you must make sure to thaw it out at least 24 hours before moving.

Normally it can take up 6-8 hours. You can do this the night before the move and wipe down your freezer well in the morning.

If you are in a hurry or there is a lot of frost and you are worried about overflows, you can speed up the defrost. For example, by placing a pot of hot water inside the appliance.

Once the freezer has been defrosted, clean it thoroughly and wipe it dry for transport.

Secure the doors

Once you have completed the steps above, you should make sure that the doors of your refrigerator are secure. You can do this with a bungee cord or a strong rope. If there is more than one door, tie them together as well. Make sure you don’t over-tighten, as you don’t want to damage or misalign your doors!

And here you go! Your refrigerator is ready to be taken aboard, heading for your new home!

Transporting a refrigerator horizontally or vertically?

Moving a refrigerator upright is most recommended in order to not damage it. If you have a moving truck, place the refrigerator upright and secure it with heavier furniture. This way, it will not move during the bumps of the road (turns, speed bumps, braking …)! Use blankets to protect the surface from scratches as well.

★ Once at your destination, as a precaution, always let the refrigerator rest for at least 24/48 hours before plugging it in. This will allow any oil that may have entered the circuit to slowly drain back to its place and avoid electric shock.

If you plug it in too soon, its motor (the compressor) will compress and push the oil contained in the compressor into the circuit which will generate a plug. This phenomenon is sometimes called a “blocked circuit”.

The expertise of a technician will then be mandatory to flush the circuit and this operation is expensive!

There you go, now you know everything there is to know about transporting your refrigerator.

And don’t forget to wait between 24- 48 hours before putting your fridge back in use : 2 precautions are better than one!