How to move a fridge freezer when moving house

When it comes to moving house, there are so many different things to consider. We often think of how we’re going to get our possessions to the next property or into storage; but what about those huge appliances that we’ve accumulated over the years? None are perhaps as big or as bulky as a fridge freezer.

If you’re having nightmares over how to best deal with moving this unit, then don’t worry – we’re here to offer you some advice. At Repair Aid, we install fridge-freezers all the time so we’re used to having to move and manipulate them. So here’s our simple step-by-step guide to moving your fridge freezer.

Step 1: Remove everything from the inside

Firstly, you’ll want to remove everything from your fridge-freezer until there is nothing left that can move about or be smashed. You’ll want your fridge-freezer to be as complete a unit as possible so that the weight of the load doesn’t shift. It can also be worth removing items on the outside too – such as magnets and notes – as these can get in the way.

It’s best to have a food plan in the days before you move so that you’re using up as many perishable items as you can before the move. You’ll either have to throw anything leftover out, or you could put the items in a cold/freezer bag and move it to another fridge-freezer temporarily – such as a friend or family member’s fridge. Just be sure to ask them first!

If you don’t want to remove the shelves, you can instead tape them in place – but we recommended that they should be removed to prevent any possible damage.

Step 2: Defrost and prepare

When everything is out, there’s no need to keep the fridge on so unplug it. It’s worth noting that if your fridge-freezer has an ice dispenser, you should make sure that it’s disconnected from the water supply. If you’re not sure how to do this, or how to connect it back up at your new property, give us a call and we can help.

Defrost the freezer overnight – preferably before you go to bed the night before the big move. That way your unit will be ready to go by morning. All you’ll need to do in the morning is give it a wipe to get rid of any excess water. You may also want to take this opportunity to give it a quick clean (if you’ve got the time).

Next you’ll want to keep the doors shut tightly by using a cord, rope or belt that can be securely clipped or hooked around the fridge to keep the doors tightly shut. Don’t do it too tightly though or you may damage the doors by displacing them – which could dramatically reduce the efficiency of your fridge-freezer.

Step 3: Moving the fridge-freezer

With it now time for you to move your fridge freezer, you’re going to need three things: help, a removal dolly and straps.

Try asking friends, family members or neighbours for help with removing the unit. This is absolutely essential if you’re moving it down a flight of stairs. If your capable of performing the physical labour to move the fridge freezer, you’ll want one other similarly bodied person with you for help. Just make sure that they can help with your move in advance – disturbing someone in the middle of their day off for help isn’t very conducive to an ongoing friendship!

A moving dolly, specifically one built to move fridges, should be used. The dolly will hopefully come with straps to help secure the fridge-freezer to the dolly. This will do the heavy lifting for you and is especially helpful when moving your unit down a flight of stairs. You can rent one if you don’t want to own one.

Slide the dolly under your fridge-freezer, that you should have moved out from the wall by now, and get your helper to tie the straps together.

With the fridge-freezer secure, tilt it gently until you can move the wheels – with you behind the dolly and the side with the wheels closest to you – before pushing it out. Take care if you’re moving it downstairs and take your time. Your helper will be invaluable here. Be respectful of neighbours who may have to get past – so it’s best not to do this during a busy time.

Make sure the truck you’re using has a ramp that can help you to easily move the dolly up and onto the truck bed. If you can leave it attached to the dolly, then do so – as this provides security and makes it easier to move when you get to your new property.

If not, try and keep the unit upright and wedge it in between other large items to prevent it from moving about.

Step 4: The finishing touches

When you get to your new property, repeat the process of moving your fridge freezer (but this time in reverse).

The only new thing you’ll need to decide is where to place your fridge freezer. This choice might be obvious but, given that you’re going to have so much to do on the day of the move, it’s best to decide this in advance.

But before you plug your fridge-freezer back in, just make sure to let it sit for a few hours. This will allow any oils or fluids that were disturbed by the move to slide back into place – ensuring that your appliance isn’t damaged.

Then it’s time to place the shelves back in and re-stock your fridge. It may take a few days for it to get back to its operating peak but it’ll manage on its own.

And you’re done!