Moving a refrigerator is a complex process that requires proper preparation and packing to avoid damage during transit. Whether you are moving to another city or state, working with professional long distance movers in Boston will help keep your appliance safe. In this article, you will learn the basic steps of packing a refrigerator for moving and useful tips to protect it during transit.
Preparatory Work — Cleaning The Refrigerator
Preparing refrigeration equipment for a long or short move is done according to one principle:
- Disconnect the device from the power supply.
- Remove all products. For transportation, place perishable food in a refrigerated bag, and the rest – in boxes. If you are planning a large move and there are several boxes, be sure to label them.
- If the refrigerator is designed for defrosting, do it. (In this case, it is better to start preparing the day before transportation. Then the internal elements will have time to dry.)
- Remove all accessories, shelves, trays, and drawers from the refrigerator chambers. Before packing, wash and dry them well.
- Remove magnets and other existing decor.
- Thoroughly wash and dry all accessible surfaces of the unit.
- If the refrigerator model is large and does not fit through the doorway, remove the protruding handles or the doors themselves.
Packing The Refrigerator
After preliminary preparation, the refrigerator and all its accessories must be carefully packed. Glass shelves can be packed separately, placing sheets of 3-layer cardboard between them. Then wrap them in bubble wrap, additionally protect them with cardboard, and secure them with tape.
Drawers, trays, and other accessories are usually left inside, secured with paper tape. Pull out the refrigerator and place it so as to ensure free access to it from all sides. To secure the compressor, tighten the transport bolts. If they are not there, you will have to secure the compressor in another way.
More About The Compressor
Most household refrigerator models have a compressor at the bottom and are protected by a sealed metal casing. To reduce vibrations and noise during operation, manufacturers install compressors on springs. If the refrigerator is transported correctly – in an upright position – the springs act as shock absorbers.
When it comes to packing a refrigerator for transportation, it is very important to ensure that the motor-compressor is firmly secured. Many modern models have transport bolts to solve this problem. But even if they are not there, the compressor must be protected from potential damage during transportation. At a minimum, you need to block its casing with cardboard.
Features of Refrigerator Packaging For Transportation
To properly pack the refrigerator itself, you need to:
- Make sure that the compressor is securely fixed.
- Fix the doors with paper tape in several places.
- Place the power cord on the mounts intended for it or on the radiator grill.
- If you have the factory box and foam inserts, use them. If they are not preserved, wrap the refrigerator thoroughly with shipping cardboard and bubble wrap. Fix with tape. Carefully cover the sharp ends with the film.
- You need to pack the refrigerator from all sides to protect it from dirt, moisture, and potential damage. After that, you can start moving.
How to Transport a Refrigerator Correctly?
To ensure safe transportation of a refrigerator, it is important to follow proper handling and loading procedures. If you prefer to handle the move yourself, make sure the refrigerator is placed upright in the vehicle and securely fastened to prevent tipping or excessive movement during transit. Using moving blankets or padding can help protect the appliance from scratches and impact damage.
If you are hiring professional movers, they can provide the necessary packing materials and safely load the refrigerator into the moving truck. Experienced movers typically position large appliances in a way that minimizes movement and secures them properly for transport. Additionally, choosing a suitable route with smooth roads can help reduce excessive shaking, sudden braking, and jerks that may cause internal damage to the refrigerator.
By following these precautions, you can help ensure that your refrigerator arrives at its destination safely and remains in good working condition.
Why Is The Refrigerator Transported Vertically?
Transporting a refrigerator in a horizontal position often leads to serious equipment breakdowns. The rear wall of the refrigerator has a fragile and vulnerable condenser. The door is also vulnerable – if you put the refrigerator on it, the seal of the chambers will be broken.
In the side position, there is a risk that oil from the controller casing will end up in the refrigerant circulation circuit. The tubes through which freon flows from the compressor and back are then directed up and down. And if oil gets into the discharge tube during the move, during further operation of the device it will spread along the circuit, clog the capillary tube, and cause a breakdown.
Information about whether it is permissible to transport a specific model of a refrigerator in a horizontal position (and if so, on which side) is indicated by the manufacturer in the instructions.
How to Install a Refrigerator?
After moving, the refrigerator is delivered to the premises. Regardless of how far the trip was, it needs to stand for several hours without being connected to the power grid. Following this advice is important for adapting the device to the new microclimate. When moving in cold weather, acclimatization will take 4-8 hours. During this time, the temperature of all units of the unit will have time to equal the room temperature.
Conclusion
Proper packaging of a refrigerator is essential for its safe transportation and to prevent damage. Turning off the appliance in advance, securing internal components, and using protective materials can help maintain its condition during the move. Whether transporting it yourself or with assistance, following these precautions will help ensure that the refrigerator arrives safely and remains in good working order.