Whether you need to move a refrigerator in or out of your public storage unit, or into a new home, it’s important to use caution. Back injuries, shoulder injuries, and muscle strains can happen when moving a heavy item. Read on to learn how to move a refrigerator safely to a storage unit or to your new home.

How to Move a Refrigerator

Before you move a refrigerator, make sure you have a partner helping you, to reduce the likelihood of accident, damage, or personal injury. Here is how to move a refrigerator in five easy steps.

Step One: Clean and Unplug the Refrigerator

Before you move your refrigerator, it’s important to empty it. You don’t want items spoiling or spilling during the move. Next, clean your refrigerator. This is particularly important if you’re going to be putting your refrigerator into a personal storage unit. Cleaning it will prevent mildew and odors from developing while the refrigerator is not in use. A simple solution of baking soda and water is perfect for wiping the interior of your refrigerator clean.

Don’t forget to melt any residual ice left in the freezer. This will prevent water from remaining in the unit while it is stored. You just need a hair blow dryer to melt the ice and a towel to wipe the freezer clean.

Then, don’t forget to unplug the refrigerator, and fully disconnect it according to the user manual a few hours before you move it.

Step Two: Protect Your Refrigerator

You’ll want to remove any drawers or shelves and securely wrap them in padding or blankets. You will also want to secure the doors of your fridge with bungee cords. Then, wrap the refrigerator in padded blankets to protect it.

Step Three: Measure Doorways and Clear a Path

Before physically moving your refrigerator, be sure to confirm it will fit through the doorway you plan to move it through. That way, you’ll know if you need to completely remove a door to move your refrigerator. Make sure you measure the refrigerator once you’ve wrapped it to get an accurate measurement.
Finally, confirm that there are no obstacles in your path. Toys, furniture, or other moving boxes should be cleared out of the way. This not only makes moving your refrigerator easier, but it also helps to prevent a trip, fall, and/or injury.

Step Four: Load Your Refrigerator onto a Dolly

Thankfully, most refrigerators are on wheels. It should be easy to slide it away from the wall. Then, while your moving partner is holding the dolly secure, tilt the refrigerator slightly forward so that the back is elevated and the dolly can fit beneath it. Once it’s on the dolly, use straps to secure it.

Step Four: Secure Your Refrigerator in Your Truck or Van

Once you’ve used a ramp to guide the dolly and refrigerator into your truck or van, it’s important to secure it with bungees and straps. If possible, keep the fridge strapped to the dolly for transport, as it will make it much easier to unload at your storage unit or in your new home.

If you’re taking your refrigerator to a new home, be sure to wait at least 24 hours to put food back in it. If you’re storing your refrigerator in a storage unit, it never hurts to peek inside to make sure it is still clean and dry. You may even want to keep the door slightly ajar while it is in storage for extra odor prevention.

Eugene’s Best Storage Unit for Your Refrigerator and Other Appliances

For storing appliances and furniture, choose a secure storage facility that boasts easy access. At Armored Storage in Eugene, we boast unmatched security features. Our storage campus security features include an onsite manager, 50 security cameras, a security gate, controlled access, and a safe location in a residential neighborhood. In addition, our units offer humidity control, climate control, and pest control. If you need help deciding how to move a refrigerator into your storage unit, our friendly staff will be glad to help. To learn more about our safe and secure public storage units, contact us today at 541-688-1301. You may also send us a message online or stop by to tour our facility.