Moving large household appliances often turns into a real quest, especially if we are talking about a massive refrigerator. Many owners are faced with a dilemma: call professional movers or try to solve the problem themselves, saving the budget. The correct approach to this process allows you to avoid back injuries, damage to the floor covering and, what is critically important, failure of the unit’s compressor.
Before taking active action, it is necessary to soberly assess the situation. The weight of a modern two-chamber refrigerator can reach 80-100 kilograms, and Side-by-Door models weigh even more. Ignoring safety rules working with such scales is fraught with serious consequences for health and property. In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages of preparation and the moving process itself.
It is worth considering that modern refrigerators are not just metal boxes, but complex devices with fragile components inside. A compressor mounted on springs, glass shelves and plastic elements require careful handling. Inaccurate transportation can lead to broken tubes or displacement of internal components, which will require expensive repairs.
Estimation of the weight and dimensions of the device
The first step is always to study the technical documentation or inspect the nameplate located on the back wall or inside the camera. It is there that the exact weight parameters are indicated, which may surprise you. Often the visual assessment turns out to be erroneous, and the device turns out to be much heavier than it seems at first glance.
Pay attention to the dimensions of the doorway and corridors. Refrigerator width together with the handles can be a critical parameter that does not allow you to carry it assembled. In some cases, you have to dismantle the doors of the refrigerator itself or even remove the interior doors in the apartment.
⚠️ Attention: Never rely only on your physical strength. If the weight of the unit exceeds 40 kg, moving it alone is strictly prohibited. This is a direct path to a herniated disc.
Use a tape measure to accurately plan the route. Measure not only the width of the aisles, but also their height if any tilting maneuvers are planned. It is also important to consider the turning radius: a long and tall refrigerator can rest on top of the door frame when turning, even if its width is less than the width of the opening.
Necessary tools and floor protection
Quality training includes not only physical strength, but also the right set of devices. To protect the flooring from scratches and dents, professional movers use special materials. At home, you can find decent analogues that will effectively cope with the task.
You will need thick cardboard, old carpeting or special felt pads. Floor protection It should be continuous along the entire route of the equipment. If you just put cardboard under the legs and move on, then when you move, the refrigerator will slip and leave deep grooves on the laminate or parquet.
- 🛠️ Furniture runners or plastic pads under the legs - make sliding much easier.
- 🧶 Construction gloves with a rubberized coating - provide a secure grip and protect your hands.
- 📦 Thick cardboard or sheets of plywood - for organizing a temporary path.
- 🔧 Set of screwdrivers - may be needed for dismantling doors or legs.
Pay special attention to shoes. It should be comfortable, with non-slip soles. Sliding on a smooth floor in socks or slippery shoes when carrying weight is one of the most common causes of household injuries. Rubber sole sneakers will provide better traction with the surface.
Preparing the refrigerator for transportation
Before moving the unit, it must be properly prepared. This is not just a recommendation, but a mandatory requirement for the safety of equipment. There should be no foreign objects left inside that could move and break or damage the interior of the chamber.
Be sure to defrost the refrigerator if it is not equipped with a No Frost system. Even a small amount of ice when tilted will turn into water, which can get on electrical contacts or cause corrosion. Draining condensate and removing the ice crust is an important step in preparation.
☑️ Preparing to move
All removable elements: glass shelves, plastic containers, lattice stands - it is better to remove them and move them separately. Even if they seem secure, vibration from movement can cause them to fall out. Pack fragile parts in soft cloth or bubble wrap.
⚠️ Attention: The doors of the refrigerator itself must be secured in the closed position. Use masking tape or special shipping tape. Ordinary tape can leave traces of glue on a glossy surface.
Safe moving technology
There are several proven ways to move a heavy refrigerator, the choice depends on the type of floor covering and the availability of assistants. The gentlest method for flooring is to use slip-on pads. To do this, thick fabric or cardboard is placed under one of the front legs, after which the unit is slightly tilted and shifted.
If it is necessary to overcome a threshold or a small obstacle, the lifting method is used. Two people take hold of the lower corners of the case (in no case by the doors or decorative panels) and simultaneously lift the device. Synchrony of actions The key role here is played: jerking is unacceptable.
When moving along the corridor, one person pushes the refrigerator from behind, holding it by the upper corner, and the second directs from the front, controlling the trajectory. It is important not to tilt the unit too much. The permissible tilt angle usually does not exceed 40 degrees, but for older models with spring compressors this figure may be even less.
| Coating type | Recommended method | Risks | Required equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laminate/Parquet | Slip on felt | Scratches, chips | Felt pads, cardboard |
| Linoleum/Tile | Rolling on legs | Tearing the coating, sliding | Thick fabric, gloves |
| Carpet | Carrying or dragging | Stuck legs | Plywood sheets |
| Steps | Carrying only | Fall, injury | Carrying belts, 2-3 people |
Features of working alone
Situations when help is unavailable happen often, but moving a heavy refrigerator alone is always a risk. If there is no other way out, use the principle of leverage. Place a strong block under one side or use a special cart for furniture. Mechanized assistants allow one person to operate a load weighing up to 150 kg.
Movement should be progressive and in short jerks. They moved it 10-15 centimeters - they caught it, adjusted the linings, and moved it again. Do not attempt to drag the unit across the floor, even if it is slippery. This is guaranteed to damage the legs and floor.
If there are stairs in the house, going down or going up alone is strictly prohibited. Here a minimum of two people are required, or preferably three: one insures from above, two carry from below. Safety in this case, the speed of completing the task is more important.
What to do if the refrigerator is stuck in the doorway?
Do not use force. Try removing the door from the refrigerator (after unscrewing the hinges) or dismantling the interior door. Often only 2-3 centimeters are missing, which can be gained by dismantling.
Installation in a new location and first start-up
After the refrigerator is installed in a new location, do not rush to plug it into the network. During transportation, especially on an incline, oil from the compressor could leak into the refrigerant circulation system. If you start the engine right away, it may run dry or create a water hammer.
Let the equipment settle. The settling time depends on the position in which the unit was transported. If it stood upright, 2-4 hours is enough. If the refrigerator was lying on its side or tilted strongly, it is better to wait 8-12 hours, and in the cold season - up to a day.
After turning on, listen carefully to the operation of the compressor. Extraneous knocking, humming or vibration may indicate that during movement the tubes were touched or the motor fasteners were loosened. Initial startup must be carried out under your control.
⚠️ Attention: If you notice that after moving the refrigerator began to work louder than usual or stopped freezing, don't panic. Give him time (up to 24 hours) to stabilize his work processes. If the problem persists, contact service.
Check the installation level using a building level. The legs of the refrigerator should be adjusted so that the doors close by themselves when opened 10-15 degrees. This ensures proper operation of the seals and saves energy.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to transport a refrigerator lying on its side?
Technically it is possible, but this is not advisable. When transported in a horizontal position, there is a high risk of damage to the tubes and oil leakage from the compressor. If there is no other way out, place the refrigerator strictly on its side, opposite the side where the compressor tubes exit, and after delivery, let it stand vertically for at least 12 hours.
How to remove deep scratches from the floor after moving?
Small scratches on the laminate can be masked with a special wax pencil. For deep damage to wooden parquet, the area will need to be sanded and varnished. It is almost impossible to repair deep slots on linoleum; you will have to change the coating or use a decorative patch.
Is it necessary to secure the compressor before transportation?
In modern models, compressors often have internal shock absorption, but it is advisable to tighten the shipping bolts (if they are still from the original packaging). If there are no bolts, just try to minimize shaking and tilting of the unit while moving.
Why does the refrigerator wobble after installation?
Most likely, the floor in the new place has unevenness, or the legs of the refrigerator are twisted to different heights. Use the adjustable feet on the front of the chassis to ensure a stable position. A wobbly refrigerator creates unnecessary noise and vibration during operation.