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Moving The Refrigerator
If you plan to move your fridge, you should make sure that the job is done right. A refrigerator is an excellent investment, so you should ensure that it is moved safely. You have to ensure that no damage occurs during the moving process. A fridge is also bulky making it even more challenging to move if you do not apply the right strategies in the process.
Just like when you are moving any other appliances, you need to plan well and use the right equipment in the process. This article offers you a comprehensive guideline on all that you should know when moving your fridge.
What Do You Need When Moving Your Fridge?
Here are some of the things you need to move your fridge or freezer. However, you should know that these are just some of the main things you need. The checklist required will be determined by your own moving needs and the type of fridge that you want to move.
- Moving blankets
- Measuring tape
- Appliance dolly featuring straps
- Rope or tape
- Minimum of three people
- Moving boxes
Steps To Follow When Moving Fridges And Freezers
Below are some of the most dependable and effective steps you should follow when you are moving the fridge. By following the steps, you can be assured of a smooth and seamless moving process. In addition, if you follow these steps to the latter, you are guaranteed that your appliance will also be safe.
Step One: Clean Out and Defrost the Fridge
The first thing you should do is to prepare thoroughly. Ensure you empty all its contents and either store or discard them in a cooler. If you have perishable goods such as foods or drinks, keep them in a place where they will remain chilled for the moving duration. However, you can also plan ahead by consuming all foods a week or two before the scheduled move.
After you remove all the contents, you should then clean its surfaces using water and baking soda. Make sure that you melt all the remaining ice in the freezer with a hairdryer (on low) and clean up the water. It is advisable to dissolve the surfaces well in advance to control water leaks when moving the appliance.
Moreover, ensure that you turn off your fridge before moving for at least 3 hours. You can also add a moisture-absorbent substance such as activated charcoal inside the fridge to prevent odours from building up as you move.
Step Two: Disconnect According to the User Manual
If your refrigerator features a water filter and an ice maker, disconnect them according to the manufacturer's manual. This is necessary because most movers will not perform the disconnection for you. After unplugging and completely disconnecting the appliance, you should protect it.
Roll up the cord and tape it directly to the back of the refrigerator. Next, remove the refrigerator door also according to user manuals. You can secure it using rope or bungee cords. Put all the pieces and screws together in a bag. Wrap the fridge in moving blankets or any other material that offers the right cushioning to prevent scratches and dings.
You can remove the glass shelves and drawers for additional protection. If you are moving only a short distance, just tape the drawers and doors.
Step Three: Measure the Doorways and the Fridge
The way you move your fridge depends on its width and the width of your doorways. At times, you might have to remove your house and/or fridge doors to allow them to fit through your house's doorways. Take a notepad and a measuring tape; write down your appliance's width, height, and depth. Then, measure the width and height of your hallways and doorways.
Once you have all your measurements, develop a plan on how to fit the fridge through each of your doorways. The last thing you want to do is force your fridge through the doorway. This can cause damage to your appliance or your door frames.
Step Four: Remove All the Obstacles on the Way
Depending on the moving plan that you create, you should get rid of anything that could hinder the smooth movement of your fridge. You can opt to remove doors from the hinges or remove the stair railings. In addition, remove all the lingering furniture out of the way. This ensures that you can move the fridges and freezers safely from the house onto the truck.
Step Five: Slide the Refrigerator Out and Strap it onto the Dolly
Most fridges feature wheels, thus sliding them forward should be easy. To guarantee that you are on the safe side, you will need to lift the appliance forward slightly. Then, put furniture sliders under the back of your fridge. Stand in front of your appliance, hold both sides as you push it side by side as you guide it forward.
You can also pull it forward using a straight shot. Ensure that you keep your back straight and your knees bent during this process. Now it is time to load the appliance onto the dolly. One person should lift it slightly while the others should slide the moving dolly under the side of the fridge.
You should not push the dolly onto the back or front of the refrigerator. Now, tighten the fridge using dolly straps.
Step Six: Tilt the Refrigerator Back and Move it with Care
Tilt your appliance back slowly. Ensure that both the bottom and top of the refrigerators are positioned evenly on the dolly. Note that you should never tip back your fridge more than forty-five degrees. In case you need to set the appliance back down, you should do it slowly. Have someone on the other side to help you guide it down.
Step Seven: Take Extra Care as You Go Down Steps
One person should guide your refrigerator with the dolly; the other should be below it and help guide the dolly down any steps in your house. Take complete control of the dolly by pulling it towards you. The person at the bottom should ensure that the refrigerator stays positioned towards the back of the dolly and never just forward.
Step Eight: Move the Fridge into the Truck
Use a plank to guide the fridge into the moving truck. A platform is easier to navigate instead of trying to lift the refrigerator onto the truck by yourself.
Step Nine: Safeguard the Fridge for the Move
You should not lay the fridge on its side. You can safeguard it onto the moving truck by the use of additional straps along the sides and top of the refrigerator. This is an easy way to keep your appliance on the dolly at this point. By doing this, there is also no need for you to re-secure it once you get it to its final destination.
Step Ten: Setup the Fridge in Your New Location
Once you unload the fridge into your new location, the hard part of the moving process is over. The most important thing that remains is to ensure that you set it back in the right way. Check the user manual to find out if there are guidelines on the time you should wait before reconnecting the appliance.
In most cases, there is a time lag of about one to three days before the fridge can store the perishable food products safely. If you moved the fridge on its side, make sure you put it upright for more hours than it stayed on its side before plugging it in. Once you plug it in, you should check for the manufacturer's recommendations before adding any food or drinks.
How Much Does It Cost To Move Your Fridge?
To get the best results when moving your fridge, you should be ready with a reasonable budget. Thus, during the planning stage, you should keep in mind the costs involved in the process so that you can be prepared. Here are some of the factors that determine the amount it will cost you to move your fridge.
Moving Distance
The distance highly determines the cost of your fridge moving process in Sydney. If you are moving it over a long distance, you can expect the cost of the process to be higher than when you are moving it over a shorter distance. The time your mover takes also determines the amount you pay. Note that if the terrain is rough, you can also expect your mover to charge a higher amount than for smoother terrain.
Weight and Size of Your Fridge
Most movers will also consider the weight and size of the fridge. Heavier freezers and fridges cost more to move than the lighter ones. So, if you have a larger appliance, you should be prepared with a big budget. It is also worth noting that a large fridge will occupy a bigger space or require a large moving truck. This adds to the overall costs of your freezer moving process.
When Are You Moving?
Like in other businesses, the moving company has its low and peak seasons. The cost of moving a fridge is, therefore, determined by the time you want to move. If you are moving during the busy months, you can expect to pay a higher amount. Moreover, if you move your fridge during the weekdays, you are likely to pay less than if you move it over the weekends. Perform prior research to understand the low and peak moving seasons in Sydney.
Accuracy of Your Inventory
It is essential to get a free fridge moving estimate. This is the most effective way to know the entire amount the moving process will cost you. So, make sure that your calculations are as accurate as possible. Most people think that giving lower estimates can lower moving costs, but this is not true. You need to be precise about the size of your fridge, the distance you will be moving, and other factors. This ensures that you do not end up incurring extra costs with the wrong estimates.
Additional Services Needed
The cost will also be determined by the services you require from your mover. If you just need help moving your fridge to your new location, you incur lower costs. However, if you require extra services such as loading, unloading, or cleaning the fridge, you can expect to pay a higher amount in the process. Thus, to save on the costs, you can decide to do as much as you can by yourself. However, only do this if you have the proper knowledge and skills to perform all these tasks effectively.
Extra Moving Tips For Your Fridge
To ensure that your fridge does not get damaged during the moving process, here are some additional moving tips to help you:
- Never place your fridge on the side - You should always keep the refrigerator standing upright as much as you can. This prevents oil from seeping into the cooling tubes, which can cause severe damage to the appliance.
- Carefully read the manual - You should go through the manufacturer's manual before moving your fridge. The manual has all the safety tips, advice, and warnings on all potential problems with your fridge.
- Apply safety measures - A refrigerator is a heavy and bulky appliance; thus, when moving it, you should make sure that you apply the correct safety measures to prevent injuries.
Need Help Moving Your Refrigerator?
It can be challenging to move your fridge because of its weight and bulkiness. Bear in mind that a fridge is also costly, so you do not want any damage to occur. To be on the safe side, it is advisable to use a home removalist Sydney to help in the moving process.
The professionals have the right moving skills and knowledge. In addition, they have the right moving essentials that guarantee the safety of your appliance from the start to the end of the moving process.
