How to Move a Refrigerator When Moving Across the Country?

Make sure that your refrigerator is properly unplugged and disconnected from any water lines at least 24 hours before relocating. This will give the appliance time to defrost and prevent any water damage during transport. If possible, remove the refrigerator doors and transport them separately. This will help to avoid any dents or scratches on the doors during the move. When loading the refrigerator onto the moving truck, be sure to secure it in place so that it doesn’t shift during transit.

Before You Figure Out How to Move a Refrigerator Get Supplies

Depending on the circumstances, it may be advisable to leave this task to the experts. Consider booking professional long-distance moving services. That way you’ll have help from experienced cross-country movers and won’t have to worry about taking all the necessary precautions in order to avoid injuries.

However, if you want to make this a DIY project, ensure you make the relocation budget first to buy the appropriate tools. After that be a little patient when planning to prevent damage to this pricey household appliance. Regardless of how far it needs to travel, use our hacks and you will be able to transfer a refrigerator from A to B without fuss and relocation stress. You’ll need to gather a few supplies before you start preparing your refrigerator for the move. These include:

• A furniture dolly,
• Several blankets or towels,
• Measuring tape,
• Drill, or screwdriver,
• Straps and moving ropes,
• A friend or family member to help you move the appliance.

With these items in hand, you’ll be ready to get started on the process of transporting your fridge. Just be sure to take extra care when moving it, as refrigerators can be quite heavy and delicate.

Clean the Fridge First

Make sure your fridge is properly cleaned and defrosted before moving day. This will help prevent mold and mildew from forming during transport. Be sure to clean all surfaces, including the removable shelves and drawers. If your fridge has an ice maker or water dispenser, disconnect the water line and empty any water that’s left in the lines.

Take care of all of the perishables before the relocation – this is a great opportunity to invite your loved ones and tell your friends you’re relocating. You can even throw a party and eat all the food from your cooler. You’ll be less likely to go food shopping at the last minute if you prepare meals at this time.

After the food has been eliminated, thoroughly clean every surface. A great solution is to use a mixture of baking soda and water. For the remaining ice in the freezer, use a hair dryer. Doing this before the moving day will prevent any accidents caused by leaking water during transport.

Don’t Forget to Disconnect the Fridge

Carefully detach your refrigerator’s water filter and ice maker using the owner’s instructions well in advance. Most relocation companies won’t turn off the refrigerator for you. So, when you’re relocating to another state and want to learn how to move a fridge, you definitely have to check how to properly prepare it first.

Steps to Take and Protect Your Appliance in the Best Possible Way

Protect the refrigerator by wrapping the cord and attaching it to the rear part of the appliance after it has been totally disconnected and unplugged. As directed in the owner’s manual, either disconnect the refrigerator doors or tie them shut using rope or bungee cords. Keep all the parts and screws in a zip-top bag.

To avoid dents and scratches, cover the surface of the refrigerator with moving blankets or another type of padding. For safe travel, take out the glass shelves and refrigerator drawers. Drawers can be taped in place if you won’t be traveling very far.

Measure and Create a Detailed Plan for the Move

The width of your fridge and the width of your doorways will have a significant impact on how you move it. You might need to open both the doors to your house and the door to your refrigerator for it to fit through. Unless you included the fridge in the list for donating unwanted appliances, this step surely mustn’t be omitted.

One of the greatest relocation tips is to record the fridge’s height, width, and depth using a measuring tape as well as a notepad. Next, take measurements for the doorways and hallways in your home. Plan how you’re going to get the fridge through each door. The very last thing you would like is to try pushing the fridge through a door while it is on the dolly and then realize it won’t fit.

Remove All the Obstacles on the Way

Now is the moment to eliminate anything that will obstruct the move following the relocation plan you developed. Prepare for professional cross-country movers and remove stair railings or take doors off their hinges. Clear the path for you to exit the house and board the moving truck by shifting any remaining furniture.

Slide Fridge Out of the Kitchen

The majority of refrigerators have wheels, so moving one ahead shouldn’t be too challenging. Put the sliders underneath the refrigerator’s back and move the refrigerator a little forward for safety. Place yourself directly in front of the fridge, take both sides and move it forward and sideways while pushing it. You can occasionally move it forward straight away. Maintain your back straight and knees bent as much as you can.

It’s now time to place the refrigerator on the appliance dolly. The best way to move a refrigerator is to lift it a little bit with one person helping the other slip the dolly underneath the edge of the fridge. Never roll the dolly up against the back or front of the refrigerator. To secure the refrigerator, tighten it using the dolly straps. If you wonder how to move a refrigerator without a dolly, know it’s always better to have this kind of help. Not only for your appliance but for your back and muscles as well.

Tilt the Fridge While You Are Moving It

Make sure that both the top and bottom of your refrigerator are evenly spaced on the dolly as you slowly tilt it back. Keep in mind that a refrigerator shouldn’t be turned back over more than 45 degrees. Carefully move the dolly to the first thing to do if wondering how to pack a refrigerator for moving cross country process. Also, when you need to lower the fridge again, do it carefully and with a helper on the opposite side to help you lower it.

Consider Some Extra Precaution Down the Steps

When you decide it’s time to move after considering all the reasons for the relocation, pass on figuring out how to move a refrigerator up the stairs. This entire process must be properly planned because otherwise you and your helpers could get hurt.

One person should be above the fridge using the dolly to move the fridge, and the other below it should move the dolly down the staircase one at a time. In order to make this happen you should lean the dolly slowly toward you while maintaining the fridge inclined at a 45-degree angle rather than shoving it down the stairs. Continue to draw the dolly toward you, maintaining complete control at all times. The person at the bottom has to watch that the fridge doesn’t protrude forward and that it always rests against the rear of the dolly.

The Next Step is Loading Onto the Truck

Once you survive the staircase, you should pass on to figuring out what size of a moving truck you need and how to load your appliance properly. However, if you hire reliable long-distance movers, you won’t have to worry about a thing because they will take care of everything – wrapping the fridge with blankets and keeping it upright during transport.

Keeping the fridge in an upright position during transport will help prevent damage to the appliance and make it easier to unload on the other side. So, when you consider this, you get the idea why people are tipping cross-country moving companies, right?

Book the Best Cross Country Moving Service and Move a Fridge Effortlessly

Moving a refrigerator is no easy task – but with proper planning and execution, it can be done! By following these simple tips, you can rest assured that your refrigerator will make it safely to your new home across the country. However, with the much-needed help of a professional long-distance moving company, not only you won’t have to worry about a thing, but you can rest assured your appliance will arrive at your new home in no time without a scratch.

Cross Country Moving Company has many years of experience in helping people transport their belongings, from delicate items to bulky appliances. Contact us today and get a free quote for the best relocation experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving a Fridge