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How do I prepare my refrigerator for moving? Empty out the fridge. Disconnect water lines and wiring. Defrost the fridge, if necessary. Remove the doors, if necessary. Protect the floors, walls, and refrigerator. Physically move the fridge with a dolly. Secure it safely in the truck. Reassemble and reconnect in the new house.
Can I move a refrigerator by myself?
You can save money by moving a fridge yourself. Not only are refrigerators cumbersome and bulky, but they’re also costly as well. However, you can make the job much easier by knowing how to move a refrigerator properly. Depending on your situation, sometimes it might be best to leave this job to the professionals.
How hard is it to relocate a refrigerator?
Moving a refrigerator is hard enough without its doors flying open during the move. So before placing your refrigerator on the dolly, wrap the appliance with either a moving strap or strong rope. Make sure the rope is tied tightly and the doors are securely closed before sliding it onto the dolly.
Can you move a fridge straight after turning it off?
You should let it stand unplugged, in an upright position, for at least 4 hours to allow its compressor oil to settle. You can plug your appliance in once 4 hours have passed. Moving built-in appliances is a little less straightforward as you will first need to remove unit doors from the appliance.
Can you transport a refrigerator on its side?
Refrigerators travel best standing up. Though not preferable, you can move your refrigerator laying on its side. Remember, your fridge needs to stand still for hours after the move. If transported on its side, this wait time goes up to twice the time that the appliance has laid on its side.
How much does it cost to relocate a refrigerator?
The distance they are moving the appliances will determine the total duration, but we suggest you estimate at least 2 hours. With 110 per hour as the approximate rate, you should be spending about $220, excluding taxes and other extra fees.
How do you move a fridge without a dolly?
Use furniture sliders: Gently tilt the front portion of your fridge up off the floor (using a pry bar or with the assistance of a partner, if needed) and adhere sliders, also sometimes referred to as “furniture glides,” to the front feet. You should now be able to slide the fridge forward without causing damage.
Can I move my fridge to another wall?
If there is already plumbing on the wall where you’d like to place the fridge, it can be repurposed for the refrigerator or you can purchase a water line installation kit and slice into the existing lines.
How long do you need to turn fridge off before moving?
If you’re moving a fridge or freezer into your new home, it’s best to turn it off 24 hours before. This gives the fridge’s evaporator time to defrost, which reduces the risk of any damage during the move. It also lets the oils and fluids inside settle and stops them moving through the compressor.
Do modern fridges need to settle?
Fridges and freezers are full of fluid that’s used to cool the compartments. In transit, your appliance gets shaken around, so it’s best to let everything settle before you plug it in. If it was transported upright, give it at least an hour before you plug it in.
How do you wrap a refrigerator for moving?
Secure Your Refrigerator for Moving You don’t want anything to slide around inside the fridge during the move and break. Simply wrap them with blankets, towels, or bubble wrap. After that, close the door shut with a rope or a strap so it will not open once it’s on the dolly.
Can you lay a fridge down in a truck?
Besides this, placing a refrigerator flat on its back is a major no-no: the weight of the fridge can damage its internal parts, even if they’re not exposed. Some manufacturers warn not to move any of their refrigerators, or certain models, on their side under any circumstances.
Can I lay a freezer down to transport it?
Keep the freezer in the upright position. If transporting it in an upright position is not possible, lay it down on the compressor side of the unit. Be careful to secure the door to prevent it from opening.
How do you fix a refrigerator that was laying down?
If your refrigerator was on its side for more than 24 hours, let it stand upright for 24 hours before plugging it in. Allowing the fridge to stand in its normal position before plugging it in will give the oil time to flow back into the compressor where it belongs.
Can you lay a refrigerator down on its back?
If you do lay your fridge down to move it, you can lay it on its front or side, but it’s not recommended that you lay it on its back – the weight of the fridge’s body on its working parts could damage them, even if they’re not exposed.
What’s the difference between a utility dolly and an appliance dolly?
At first glance, an appliance dolly may look a lot like a regular hand truck or utility dolly. Appliance dollies feature straps to help secure and protect your bulky item. Many appliance dolly also commonly feature an additional handhold to help with steadying the load and moving on an incline.