Appliances like fridges are probably the most difficult products to move. Without the expertise of professional movers from Birmingham, Alabama, you could risk damaging the appliance or, in a worst-case scenario, hurting yourself.
Because refrigerators are large and very heavy, moving them is not simple. Let’s discuss safe refrigerator moving techniques, including how to prepare and put the refrigerator back in its proper place once it is moved.
Tips for Moving Your Fridge
1. Make a Plan
Make your path before you begin the laborious work. Measure the refrigerator’s height, width, and depth to ensure it will fit through each doorway. If you hire professional helpers, notify them of any stairs, curbs, or other obstacles you encounter on the path. This will help prevent accidents and save time.
2. Prepare the Fridge
To make things easier, prepare the refrigerator after you have decided on a course of action. If possible, remove the doors or use tape to secure them. Then, disconnect the water supply line, turn off the shelves, and take out the drawers.
If your refrigerator has ice buildup, give yourself plenty of time to defrost it. This will reduce its weight and prevent leaks while being transported. We also suggest putting an open container of baking soda in the fridge to get rid of any smells. Just don’t forget to remove it before moving the appliance!
3. Keep the Refrigerator Upright
The refrigerator should always be kept upright. It should never lie on its back or side while being moved, as it may sustain significant damage if it is laid down.
When power is restored, internal parts may sustain damage, and vital liquids like oil and refrigerant may leak from their required housings, endangering the components. To be safe, turn a refrigerator that has been on its side or back over and leave it upright for at least a full day before plugging it in.
4. Use a Dolly to Place the Refrigerator
Have you ever watched one of those videos of Brazilian movers carrying an appliance on their shoulder while dancing? Although inspiring, it’s important to remember that everyday people can’t achieve that!
Instead of trying to carry a fridge in your hands, use an appliance dolly to center the refrigerator. Then, secure it to the dolly using the integrated ratcheting strap and carefully tilt it to guide the refrigerator safely to your new home.
5. Move the Refrigerator
Carefully wheel the refrigerator along the designated path using the dolly. When lowering a refrigerator down steps, hold the dolly at about a 45-degree angle and lower the appliance one step at a time while your assistant steadies the refrigerator from the opposite side.
Instead of trying to push the dolly uphill (that’s a disaster waiting to happen), pull it when encountering ramps or inclines.
Have a Safer Move with the Help of Movers from Birmingham, Alabama
Refrigerators are delicate appliances; mishandling them can easily make them unusable. With the hefty costs of a move, no one wants to add a new fridge to that. Learning how to move a refrigerator with care is important to prevent accidents and protect both your money and your health.
If you decide to hire professional movers, Pink Zebra is here to help you. Find a location near you and reach out to learn more about our services!