To move a double door refrigerator safely, you need a solid plan and at least one other person to help. The key is to protect your appliance, your home, and yourself from strain and damage.
My Guide to Moving a Double Door Refrigerator Without the Stress
I’ve moved my own share of refrigerators over the years, and let me tell you, a double door model is a whole different beast compared to a smaller, top-freezer fridge. It’s big, it’s heavy, and it’s awkward. But with the right approach, you can get it from point A to point B without a scratch on your appliance or your floors. I want to share what I’ve learned from experience to make your move smooth and safe.
This isn’t just about brute force; it’s about smart preparation. A successful move is all about what you do before you even try to lift it. Let’s walk through the process together.
Step 1: The Essential Prep Work (24-48 Hours Before)
You can’t just unplug it and go. Preparation is your best friend here.
1. Empty the Contents: Start by taking everything out. Remove all the food, shelves, crisper drawers, and any removable bins. This lightens the load significantly. This is a great time to use up perishables or pack a cooler for items you want to keep.
2. Defrost the Freezer (If Needed): If your fridge has a freezer section that isn’t frost-free, you must defrost it. Ice buildup adds weight and can lead to water leaking everywhere during the move. For most modern double door refrigerators with an automatic defrost cycle, you can simply unplug and proceed. Check your owner’s manual to be sure.
3. Clean It Out: Once everything is out, give the interior a quick wipe-down. This prevents any spills or smells from hanging around during the move. A simple mix of baking soda and water works great.
4. Secure the Doors and Components: This is critical. Use heavy-duty tape or rope to secure both the refrigerator and freezer doors shut. You do not want them swinging open while you’re moving it. Also, if you removed any glass shelves or delicate parts, wrap them in moving blankets or bubble wrap and pack them separately in a box.
5. Gather Your Moving Equipment:
- Appliance Dolly: This is non-negotiable. A standard furniture dolly won’t cut it. An appliance dolly has straps to secure the fridge and is designed to handle the weight and height.
- Moving Blankets: You’ll need at least two to protect the fridge’s finish and your walls.
- Furniture Sliders: These are lifesavers for moving the fridge across hard floors.
- A Strong Helper: Never try to move a full-size refrigerator alone. Recruit at least one other capable person.
Step 2: Moving Day – The Main Event
Alright, it’s go time. You’re prepped, you have your team, and you’re ready.
1. Unplug and Disconnect: Carefully unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet. If your model has a water line for the ice maker and water dispenser, you must disconnect it. Please, turn off the water supply valve first! This is usually located under the sink or behind the fridge. Have a towel and a small bucket ready for any residual water in the line. Cap the water line if possible.
2. Position the Dolly: Tilt the refrigerator back slightly and have your helper slide the appliance dolly right up against it. The dolly’s lip should be flat on the floor underneath the unit.
3. Secure and Strap: Tilt the fridge back onto the dolly. It should now be resting securely on it. Wrap the moving blankets around it to protect the doors and sides. Then, use the dolly’s straps to tightly secure the fridge to the dolly. This keeps it stable and prevents it from shifting.
4. Navigate the Path: This is a team effort. One person should guide the dolly from the top, controlling the movement and balance, while the other person pulls and steers from the bottom. Go slowly.
- Going Through Doorways: Measure your fridge and the doorways beforehand. Angle the dolly carefully to get it through.
- Going Down Stairs: This is the most dangerous part. The person at the bottom must bear the most weight and control the descent step-by-step. The person at the top keeps it balanced. If you have a long staircase or a tight turn, consider hiring professionals.
- Moving Across Floors: For hard surfaces, you can use furniture sliders under the dolly wheels for an easier push. For carpet, a low-pile carpet runner can help the wheels roll.
“Preparation is the key to success. The time spent preparing is never wasted.” — Alexander Graham Bell
Step 3: Transportation and Final Placement
1. Loading the Truck: Use a ramp to get the dolly into the moving truck. Position the refrigerator upright and secure it tightly with straps against the truck wall. Do not lay it on its side. The coolant and oil can flow into the cooling lines and cause a blockage, leading to serious damage.
2. Unloading and Placing in Your New Home: Reverse the process to unload. Once inside, carefully maneuver it into its final spot. Don’t shove it all the way back just yet. Leave a few inches of space behind the fridge for proper airflow, which is vital for its operation.
3. The Waiting Game: Once it’s in place, leave it standing upright for at least a few hours, or ideally overnight, before you plug it back in. This gives the coolant and oil time to settle back into the compressor after the move.
4. Plug In and Restart: After the waiting period, plug the refrigerator back in. If you have a water line, you can now reconnect it (turn the water supply back on slowly and check for leaks). Set the temperature controls to the manufacturer’s recommended settings. It may take several hours to reach the proper temperature.
Pro Tips for a Smooth Move
- Measure Everything: Measure the fridge, your doorways, hallways, and the space in your new home. There’s nothing worse than getting stuck in a hallway.
- Protect Your Floors: Use cardboard or old carpet scraps as a path for the dolly wheels to prevent scratches on hardwood or tile.
- Stay Hydrated: It’s a physical job. Take breaks and have water on hand.
- Know Your Limits: If the path involves multiple flights of stairs or feels unsafe, there is no shame in calling a professional moving company. Your safety is more important.
“It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.” — Lou Holtz
Frequently Asked Questions for How to Move a Double Door Refrigerator Safely?
How long should I wait to plug in my refrigerator after moving it?
You should always let it stand upright for a minimum of 2-4 hours. If it was on its side at all during the move, wait a full 24 hours. This lets the fluids in the compressor settle.
Can I move my fridge on its side?
It’s strongly discouraged. If you absolutely must, lay it on its back, not its side, and protect it with blankets. Plan to let it stand upright for 24 hours before plugging it in to avoid potential damage.
Do I need to tape the doors closed?
Yes! This is a simple but vital step. Use strong packing tape or rope to keep the doors from swinging open and causing an accident or damage.
How much does a double door refrigerator weigh?
They are heavy! A standard model can easily weigh between 250 to 350 pounds (113 to 159 kg). French door models with a bottom freezer can be even heavier due to the extra components.
Is it necessary to hire professional movers?
For a simple, single-story move with no stairs, a capable DIY approach can work. However, for moves involving stairs, tight corners, or long distances, hiring professionals is a smart investment for your safety and the appliance’s safety.
Conclusion
Moving a double door refrigerator is a big task, but it’s completely manageable with careful planning and the right help. By taking your time to prepare the fridge, using the proper equipment like an appliance dolly, and following these steps, you can ensure a safe and successful move. Remember, protecting your investment and, more importantly, yourself, is the ultimate goal. You’ve got this!
“The only thing that stands between you and your goal is the story you keep telling yourself as to why you can’t achieve it.” — Jordan Belfort
