Moving or purchasing new household appliances is always an event that is often overshadowed by the difficulties of delivery and installation of large items. The issue is especially acute when you need unpack the refrigerator, and there are no movers or assistants nearby. Many apartment owners make the mistake of starting to remove the packaging immediately in the doorway or on the staircase, which leads to damage to the door frames or the unit itself.
Unpacking yourself is not just cutting cardboard, but a whole technological process that requires preliminary preparation of the space and an understanding of the design of the device. Modern models, be it LG, Samsung or Indesit, have sensitive elements that are easily damaged by careless handling of packaging materials.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions that will allow you to safely remove the equipment from the box without outside help. We will pay special attention Removing the transport bolts on the back wall, since it is this stage that is often ignored by beginners and leads to motor failure when first turned on. The correct sequence of steps will save you nerves and protect you from expensive repairs.
Preparation of the work space and tools
Before taking up the knife, you need to free up a sufficient area in the room. The ideal option is the center of the room, where you can freely walk around the unit from all sides. If the apartment is cramped, move other furniture at least one and a half meters away to have some room for maneuver. It is better to cover the floor with a piece of old carpet or thick cardboard so as not to scratch the floor covering with the legs of the refrigerator.
To work, you will need a minimum set of tools, which can be found in every home. You should not use kitchen knives with thin blades, as they may break on thick tape or cardboard. A construction knife with replaceable blades or a stationery knife with a strong grip is best. Also prepare a screwdriver (usually a Phillips or flat-head screwdriver, depending on the model) and a garbage bag.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, make sure that the refrigerator has stood in an upright position for the required time after delivery (usually from 2 to 8 hours), if it was transported lying down. This is necessary for oil to drain into the compressor.
Particular attention should be paid to lighting. Dim light may cause you to miss small fasteners or staples hidden under layers of packaging. If natural light is not enough, use an additional lamp or phone flashlight. Cleanliness of your hands is also important: wipe them from dust and dirt so as not to stain the snow-white body of the new equipment immediately after unpacking.
Removing the outer cardboard packaging
The cardboard box performs a protective function during transportation, but indoors it becomes an obstacle. Removal should begin from the top, carefully cutting the tape holding the valves together. Do not make sudden downward movements to avoid accidentally striking the blade against the body of the refrigerator. Many manufacturers, such as Beko or Atlant, use fairly thick cardboard that requires careful handling.
After the top cover is open, do not rush to pull out the foam inserts. First, cut the sides of the box along the vertical edges. The most convenient way is to make one long cut in the center of one of the side edges, and then simply spread the cardboard to the sides. If the box is too high, you can remove it in parts: first the top half, then the bottom.
It is important to keep an eye on so that when removing the cardboard you do not catch protruding parts of the equipment. Often in the upper part, above the doors, there are ventilation grilles or decorative panels. Careless movement may cause the plastic to chip. If the cardboard is stuck to the body due to static electricity or humidity, do not tear it off by force - it is better to carefully pry the edge with your fingernail or the blunt side of a knife.
Removing protective materials and films
After removing the main box, you will see a refrigerator entangled in layers of protective materials. Typically these are soft foam pads, stretch film and foam corners. The foam clips on the corners are easy to remove: you need to slightly pull them up and to the side. They are held in place by a tight fit and are sometimes fixed with tape, which must first be cut.
Stretch film is often wound in several layers over the entire height of the unit. You need to cut it with horizontal movements, trying not to touch the surface of the body. Under the film there may be a layer of soft paper or fabric material that protects the varnish coating from micro-scratches. This material should also be completely removed, as it interferes with normal heat transfer and looks unaesthetic.
Take special care in the area of door handles and control panels. On modern models with displays (Smart refrigerators), the screen is often covered with an additional protective film with a logo. It should only be removed after final installation, but if it interferes with access to the control when checking, you can carefully bend its edge. Do not use sharp objects near plastic panels to avoid leaving deep grooves.
Removing shipping bolts and clamps
This is the most critical stage on which the durability of the compressor depends. During transportation, the moving parts of the engine are fixed with special bolts so that inertia does not damage the suspension. These bolts are located on the back wall of the refrigerator, usually in numbers of 2, 3 or 4 pieces. They must be unscrewed before turning them on for the first time.
To access the rear wall, you will have to tilt the unit. Since you are working alone, do this extremely carefully: stand on the side, grab the body with both hands and smoothly tilt the refrigerator towards you, resting the top part on your chest or shoulder (if your height and weight allow). Have someone back up or use a stand if the model is too heavy.
☑️ Check before turning on
Locate the bolts at the bottom of the rear panel. They may be closed with plastic plugs that need to be removed. Use a suitable screwdriver or wrench (they often come with instructions). After unscrewing, keep these bolts in a bag with documents - they will be needed if you ever decide to move the refrigerator to another apartment.
⚠️ Attention: Operating the refrigerator with the transport bolts tightened leads to strong vibration, noise when the compressor is running and rapid failure of the motor. Do not ignore this step!
In addition to bolts, check for the presence of other fasteners. Some models Liebherr or Bosch may have additional brackets that hold the condenser or tubes. Carefully read the instructions, section "Installation", to ensure that all stoppers have been removed. Sometimes, inside, between the shelves, there may also be foam spacers that need to be removed.
Inspection of internal shelves and accessories
After external processing, it is the turn of the internal audit. Open the doors and carefully inspect the interior. All shelves, drawers and containers must be securely secured with tape or foam inserts. This is done so that when shaking, the glass does not break against the walls of the chamber.
Carefully remove all removable elements. Glass shelves are often individually packaged or lined with cardboard. Plastic containers for vegetables can be fastened together. Take them all out to have access to the inner walls to remove any remaining packaging paper or film.
| Element | Mounting type | Action | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glass shelves | Scotch / Inserts | Remove, wash | Fragile, require careful handling |
| Boxes for vegetables | Inserted into grooves | Pull out | Can be secured with tape to the body |
| Trays on the door | Protective film | Remove film | Often have factory markings |
| Ice tray | Rubber / Scotch tape | Remove | Check complete set |
Wipe the internal surfaces thoroughly with a soft, damp cloth. Even a new refrigerator may have the smell of plastic or factory dust. Use a weak soda solution or a special refrigerator cleaner. Don’t forget about the seals on the doors - wipe them along their entire length, removing possible dirt.
Why can’t you turn on a refrigerator with shelves?
If you turn on the unit with the shelves installed but not secured, vibration when the compressor starts can displace them, which will lead to an impact on the wall and the appearance of cracks on the glass.
Final installation and first start-up
When the refrigerator is completely cleaned of packaging, it must be installed in a permanent place. Maintain the necessary clearances for ventilation: usually at least 5-10 cm are required from the back wall to the wall of the room and 5 cm from the sides. This will ensure proper air circulation and efficient operation.
Use the adjustable feet at the bottom of the cabinet to level the refrigerator. The doors should close on their own when opened to 45 degrees. If this does not happen, slightly tighten the front legs, lifting the front of the unit. This also compensates for the possible slope of the floor.
Only after all manipulations can you connect the power cord to the outlet. Make sure the outlet is grounded and meets wattage requirements. After turning on, let the refrigerator run idle (without food) for 2-4 hours so that it reaches the required temperature and enters operating mode.
⚠️ Attention: Technical specifications and clearance requirements may vary depending on the model. Always check the official user manual supplied with your device, as the design of different brands has its own nuances.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can the shipping bolts be thrown away or should they be stored?
Throwing them away is not recommended. These bolts have a specific thread and length designed specifically for your model. If you decide to move or send your refrigerator to a service center, missing these bolts may result in damage to the compressor during transportation. Fold them into a bag and stick them with tape to the back wall or put them in a box with documents.
What to do if the cardboard box does not fit into the doorway?
In this case, the box must be removed on the landing or in the corridor before being brought into the kitchen. Carefully cut the tape, remove the cardboard and foam, then bring in the refrigerator. However, make sure that the hallway is clean enough so as not to stain the floor or the unit itself when moving without packaging.
How long after unpacking can you load food?
After turning on the empty refrigerator, at least 2-3 hours should pass, and it is better to leave it overnight. During this time, the chambers will cool down to the set temperatures, and the thermostat will turn off the compressor. Loading warm food into an empty refrigerator will cause the motor to overload.
How to wash sticky traces of tape on a glossy surface?
For glossy surfaces (glossy plastic, glass, metal), you cannot use abrasives or solvents such as acetone. The best options are a special sticker remover, vegetable oil, or alcohol-based wipes for screens. Apply the product to the fabric, apply to the stain for a minute, then rub gently.