Refrigerator - Moving Instructions

It is important to follow the instructions provided below when moving a refrigerator to a new location. Observing these rules and tips will prevent any damage from occurring while the appliance is being transported.
 

Before Transporting Your Refrigerator

  1. Turn the refrigerator to Off. This should be done a couple of hours before moving to allow the evaporator some time to defrost.
  2. Disconnect the power cord from the wall.
  3. Remove all foods and clean the interior. If the refrigerator is going to be in transit for more than a day, you may want to place a small bag of activated charcoal (often used in fish tanks) or a box of baking soda in the refrigerator to absorb odors.
  4. Secure loose items such as the grille, shelves, storage pans, ice trays, ice storage bucket, etc. Covers and removable parts should be protected with tape. This prevents them from coming loose and causing damage.
  5. Handle with care. The exterior of your refrigerator should be protected with a blanket covering.

Transporting Your Refrigerator

  • When loading the refrigerator in a moving van, truck, etc., it is best to keep it standing upright to minimize possible damage to the sealed system or prevent damage to loose items.
  • If laying the refrigerator down cannot be avoided, here are some things to consider depending on the type of refrigerator being transported:
    • Top-Freezer models: Lay it on the side opposite the hinges so the door will remain closed.
    • Side-by-Side models: Lay it on the freezer side. That door is less likely to come open.
      • Exception: Side-by-Side Built-In models should follow the instructions for Built-Ins below.
    • French-Door & Bottom-Freezer models: These must always remain upright, though they can be tilted to get through doorways, etc.
    • Compact models: These must always remain upright. Because of the design of the drain, compact models should be kept upright at all times to prevent drain water from running back into the appliance unless it is new out of the box. If it does have to travel on its side, turn it off a day in advance and allow it time to drain.
    • Built-In models: All built-in refrigerator models, when transported in a vehicle, must be in an upright position under all circumstances. However, it can be tilted to the side when placed on a dolly to take it into the home. Details are listed in the installation instructions included with the product.
      • Exception: Some Column models can be tilted back when placed on a dolly to take it into the home. This should be done before the packing is removed from the unit.
  • Secure the refrigerator. If your refrigerator is on rollers, be sure it is properly secured in the moving van to prevent rolling and damage.
  • When using a dolly or hand truck, always truck from the side. Possible damage could occur if trucked from the front or rear.

After Transporting Your Refrigerator

  • If it has been necessary to transport the refrigerator on its side (for example, a Top-Freezer or Side-by-Side model), it should be stood upright for an equal amount of time as it was on its side before plugging it in. If it was on its side for more than a day, leave it standing upright for 24 hours before running the refrigerator.
  • If laying on its side just briefly to service, clean or adjust, just a few minutes of stand time will be enough.

Tips to Consider Before Transporting Your Refrigerator

  • Don't forget to measure your doorways and entry ways in both your existing and new home! Make sure the refrigerator will fit through your front door, down the hall, around any corners and through any doorways within the home.
  • If you have an older refrigerator, you may want to consider leaving it behind. New models are very energy efficient and most appliance dealers will deliver and install the new one for you. Take a look at our current refrigerators!

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