If you’re moving out of state to a house or apartment that doesn’t already have a refrigerator, you’ll probably want to bring this appliance with you. While transporting a refrigerator is somewhat laborious, it can save you thousands of dollars on the purchase of a new one. To prepare your refrigerator for an out-of-state move, follow these seven tips.
1. Cut Back on Purchasing Refrigerated or Frozen Foods
In the months and weeks leading up to your moving date, cut back on purchasing refrigerated and frozen foods. The fewer foods stored in your refrigerator, the easier it will be to move. Even if your moving date is several months from now, you can choose foods that don’t require refrigeration or freezing to make moving easier.
2. Remove Remaining Items and Disconnect
When your moving date is just a few days away, go ahead and remove the remaining items from your refrigerator and disconnect the water line and power. You don’t have to throw your food away necessarily. Depending on the distance of your move, you may be able to use a portable cooler to transport your refrigerated and frozen foods safely. If you’re moving long distance, either dipose of uneaten food or give it away to friends, family or neighbors. Cheap Movers Seattle, provider of long distance moving services, says trying to transport food out-of-state gets expensive and movers won’t take your perishables.
3. Clean Inside and Remove Shelves
With all food removed from your refrigerator, you can give it a thorough cleaning. Some people are hesitant to use store-bought cleaning products inside their refrigerator, believing it will poison their food. A safe and effective alternative, however, is vinegar. All She Cooks says you can clean the inside of your refrigerator by spraying and scrubbing it down with white vinegar.
4. Defrost
It’s recommended that you defrost your refrigerator so that it doesn’t leak water. While some people use hairdryers or heat guns to defrost their refrigerator, room temperature air is just as effective. Simply open the doors of your refrigerator, with the unit unplugged, and place some towels at the bottom to collect condensation.
5. Secure Doors
It’s a good idea to secure the doors of your refrigerator before attempting to move it. Wrapping your refrigerator with tie-down straps or bungee cords will secure the doors, preventing them from opening during your move. You can even tuck the power and water lines into the straps to secure them as well.
6. Keep It Upright
The golden rule of moving a refrigerator is to keep it upright. According to wikiHow, tilting a refrigerator on its side can cause the compressor oil or coolant to leak. But if you happen to transport your refrigerator on its side, allow it to stand upright for at least 24 hours before plugging it in to reduce the risk of damage. This will allow the oil to settle back into the compressor, thus protecting against internal damage.
7. Get a Dolly
Also known as hand truck or box cart, a dolly is an essential tool for moving a refrigerator. According to DoItYourself.com, refrigerators older than 15 years weigh up to 250 pounds — and that’s without any food or beverages. Rather than risking back injury, use a dolly to move your refrigerator out of your current home and into your new home.
Don’t wait until your moving date to prepare your refrigerator. Follow these tips to get your fridge ready now.