How To Prepare Your Refrigerator For Long-Distance Moving

A long-distance move takes careful planning. Even something like preparing your refrigerator has to be planned and done in advance of the move. Some long-distance moving services might get your appliance ready for the move or bring in an appliance mover to help, but you can save money by doing the job yourself. Here are some tips for moving your refrigerator.

Be Sure It's Empty When Moving

Plan to work down on the food contents in the weeks leading up to your move since you can't move perishable foods long distance. Your refrigerator should be empty on moving day so nothing rolls around and causes damage. Remove shelves, the ice bin, and anything else that might move out of place, and then pack them in a box separately.

Read Your Owner's Manual

Be sure to read the manual that came with your refrigerator about how to prepare for a move. Different models have different steps to take. For instance, some refrigerators can be placed on their side if proper precautions are taken while others must always be upright. It's also important to follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to restart your refrigerator at your new home. You may need to let it rest upright for a certain number of hours to let the fluids settle before you plug it back in.

Unplug And Defrost The Refrigerator

Unplug the refrigerator a couple of days before your move and let it defrost and drain. Keep the door open so moisture and odors can evaporate. Use towels to dry out the inside and outside of the appliance, then empty the drain pain so the refrigerator is completely dry before moving day. This is also a good time to wash the inside of the refrigerator to remove odors and to vacuum the coils so you start with a clean refrigerator in your new home. Cleaning and airing out the refrigerator are important when you're moving a long distance because your refrigerator will be closed up for a long time without ventilation. This can lead to odors causing a problem when it gets to your new home. You can place baking soda or activated charcoal in the refrigerator and freezer to absorb odors during the move.

Protect The Refrigerator With Padding

Tape or secure the cord to the refrigerator and then wrap the refrigerator in moving blankets or bubble wrap so it is protected during the move. You can hold the blankets in place with bungee cords so the padding stays secure. When your refrigerator is dry, clean, and wrapped up for protection, all the moving company has to do is wheel it onto the moving truck. Long-distance moving companies have experience moving appliances of all types so your refrigerator will be in good hands during the move.

Contact a moving service, like Get A Move On, for more help.

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