Refrigerators weigh a lot, hide water in odd places and hold the contents of a week of groceries. The preparation is simple, and it protects the floors, the compressor and the food. The work starts at least a day before the truck arrives.
Empty and defrost
Eat down or donate food in the days before the move; what to do with food and the pantry explains how. Unplug the refrigerator at least a day ahead, and open the doors so the ice melts.
Place towels on the floor and a shallow pan under the freezer. An ice maker line should be shut off at the wall and the water line disconnected.
- Empty the refrigerator and freezer.
- Unplug it and leave the doors open to defrost.
- Shut off and disconnect the water line to the ice maker.
- Wipe the interior and leave it to dry with the doors open.
- Tape or remove shelves, bins and drawers, and tape the doors shut.
Clean and dry the inside
Wipe the inside with a mild solution of baking soda and water to keep odors from growing in a closed box. Leave the doors propped open for a few hours until the inside is dry.
A dry interior stops mold, which grows fast in a sealed fridge. A box of baking soda or coffee grounds helps in the days before delivery.
Secure the doors, shelves and cord
Remove glass shelves, wrap them in paper and pack them in a carton. Secure loose bins with tape, and wrap the power cord around the back of the unit.
Use strips of masking tape or a strap around the unit to hold the doors closed. Avoid tape that leaves residue on stainless steel; a moving strap works.
Keep it upright and measure the path
A refrigerator travels upright on an appliance dolly with a strap. If it must tip, the compressor oil can move, so most manufacturers advise leaving the unit standing for several hours before plugging it in.
Check the doorways and the turns against the width of the unit. Doors can be removed from some refrigerators to fit a tight frame.
At the new home
Place the unit, level it with the feet and wait before plugging in; check the owner's manual for the time. Reconnect the water line, and allow a day for the fridge to reach temperature before restocking. See household appliance moving and how to move a washer and dryer.