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Moving a fridge may seem like a simple task, but without the right preparation and tools, it can go wrong quickly. This can lead to injury, property damage, or even a broken appliance. At Vango Removals LTD, we’ve handled thousands of heavy and sensitive household items, including fridges of all shapes and sizes. Here’s our professional guide to help you move your fridge safely and efficiently.
Before you begin lifting or shifting anything, proper preparation is key to a safe and smooth relocation.
Start by removing all food, drinks, and loose items from both the fridge and freezer compartments. Not only does this make the appliance lighter, but it also prevents items from spilling or damaging the interior.
If your fridge has a freezer, it must be fully defrosted at least 24 hours before the move. This prevents water leakage during transport and ensures your appliance is dry and safe to handle.
Take out shelves, drawers, trays, and any detachable components. Wrap them in protective padding and pack them separately to prevent breakage. If some parts cannot be removed, secure them in place with tape or bubble wrap.
Before moving the fridge, measure all doorways, hallways, and staircases it will pass through. Compare these measurements to your fridge’s dimensions to ensure it fits through without difficulty. This step helps avoid dents, scrapes, or unexpected delays.
Equip yourself with professional-grade tools such as an appliance dolly with strong wheels, moving straps or bungee cords, furniture sliders for hardwood or tiled floors, and thick moving blankets. If you’re hiring Vango Removals LTD, rest assured we bring all the right gear and experienced hands to every move.
Now that your fridge is ready, here’s how to move it safely.
Disconnect your fridge from the power source a few hours before the move. This allows any residual oils in the compressor to settle, protecting the motor and internal parts from damage.
Cover the fridge with thick moving blankets or padded covers. Use moving straps to secure the wrapping. This protects the finish from scratches and helps cushion any bumps along the way.
Gently slide the fridge away from the wall and tilt it slightly to fit the dolly underneath. Always keep the appliance upright. Avoid tipping it backward more than 45 degrees to protect the compressor.
Push slowly and carefully, and never rush. Have someone guide the way to ensure you don’t hit corners, walls, or doorframes. When navigating steps, always have at least one strong helper supporting the fridge from below.
If you need to put the fridge down while repositioning, use furniture sliders to avoid scraping the floor. Never lay a fridge flat as this can damage the cooling system.
Once the fridge is in its new location, don’t plug it in immediately.
Leave the fridge upright and untouched for 3 to 6 hours. This gives the internal compressor oil time to stabilize. Failing to wait can shorten your fridge’s lifespan or cause it to malfunction.
Ensure the fridge is standing perfectly level using the adjustable feet. A fridge that leans forward or to one side can struggle to cool efficiently and may leak.
Once the fridge has settled, plug it in and allow it to cool to the appropriate temperature before restocking food. Check the user manual for ideal settings or time estimates.
Moving a fridge isn’t just about strength. It’s about knowledge, safety, and precision. One wrong tilt or bump could cost you hundreds in repairs. That’s why many homeowners choose Vango Removals LTD for peace of mind.
Van Go Removals offers reliable removals & man and van services in London. Whether you need house removals, secure storage, or same-day deliveries, our friendly team is here to help make your move easy and stress-free.