Moving to a new apartment is always associated with a high level of stress, and one of the most difficult tasks is transporting large household appliances. The refrigerator belongs to the category of large and technically complex devices that require a special approach when moving. Improper preparation can lead to mechanical damage to the housing, depressurization of the system, or failure of the compressor.
Many owners make the mistake of believing that the metal housing is strong enough on its own, but modern models often have thin walls and plastic elements that easily crack upon impact. Preparing equipment for moving requires not only physical effort, but also strict adherence to the sequence of actions in order to maintain the functionality of the unit in the new location.
In this guide, we will analyze in detail all stages of the process: from defrosting and packaging to the rules for loading into the back of a truck. Following these recommendations will allow you to avoid costly repairs and unnecessary nerves after moving into a new home.
Preparing equipment and defrosting
The first and most important step is to fill the refrigerator compartment. This step cannot be ignored, since the remaining ice inside the evaporator will turn into water when shaking, which can get on electrical components or cause a short circuit when turned on for the first time in a new place. defrosting refrigeration chamber. This step should not be ignored, as the remaining ice inside the evaporator will turn into water when shaken, which can get on electrical components or cause a short circuit when first turned on in a new place.
Empty all shelves of food and remove removable elements. Glass and plastic require separate packaging, since vibration during movement can cause them to break on the metal guides. It is best to put them in separate boxes, covering them with soft paper or cloth.
After defrosting, you need to thoroughly wash and, most importantly, dry the interior space. A humid environment allows bacteria to grow and mold to grow while the equipment is locked in the truck. Make sure there is no water in the drainage holes.
The system No Frostdeserves special attention. Although it does not require the lengthy defrosting that drip systems do, moisture may still remain in the ducts. Leave the doors open for at least 2-3 hours to completely evaporate the condensation.
⚠️ Attention: If you transport equipment in winter, let it warm up to room temperature before turning it on. A sharp temperature change can lead to the formation of condensation inside electrical circuits.
Fixing internal components
After Once the camera is released, all moving parts must be secured. Refrigerator doors are a weak point during transportation, so they need to be securely fastened. Use painting tape or a special stretch film to prevent spontaneous opening.
Do not use regular office tape, as it can leave difficult-to-remove traces of glue on the glossy surface or even damage the paintwork when removed. In this regard, masking tape is much safer and does not react with plastic.
If the kit contains shipping bolts for the compressor, be sure to install them. They firmly fix the motor on the frame, preventing it from beating and breaking the tubes when shaking. For models without such bolts, the compressor is often secured with soft foam spacers.
- 🔒 Secure the doors in the closed position along the entire height, not just at the top and bottom.
- 📦 Remove all glass shelves and pack them separately in boxes marked "Fragile."
- 🧊 Make sure that the egg trays and containers on the doors are also secured or removed.
☑️ Check before packing
Choice of packaging materials
The quality of packaging directly affects the safety of the appearance of the device. The ideal option is a factory box with foam inserts, but it is rarely preserved when moving. As an alternative, professionals use thick cardboardbubble film and soft blankets.
Bubble film should have large air cushions that provide shock absorption. You need to wrap the body in several layers, paying special attention to the corners and protruding handles. These areas take the brunt of the impact when accidentally touching walls or other loads.
For additional protection, you can use old blankets, rugs or special covers made of thick fabric. They not only soften shocks, but also protect the surface from scratches that may occur due to dust and sand trapped under the packaging.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use newspaper for packaging if you do not want to spend a long time wiping the printing ink off the white plastic. It’s better to take clean white paper or stretch film.
It is important to consider that some models have a glossy finish Anti-Fingerprintwhich is extremely sensitive to abrasives. For such surfaces, a layer of soft fabric between the body and the cardboard is required.
Proper packaging technology
The packaging process should begin from the upper corners. These are the most vulnerable areas that are often deformed during loading. Place cardboard or foam corners and secure them with tape. Then wrap the entire body with stretch film, creating a single protective cocoon.
If you are using blankets, wrap them around the refrigerator and tie them tightly with rope or straps. It is important that the material does not slip during transportation. The doors must be pressed tightly against the body to eliminate play.
The power cord must be wound up and secured to the back wall so that it does not dangle and interfere with carrying. It is best to use plastic ties or electrical tape, but do not overtighten the cable so as not to damage the insulation.
| Material | Function | Number of layers |
|---|---|---|
| Stretch film | Fixation of packaging, protection from moisture | 3-4 layers |
| Bubble film | Shock absorption | 2 layers |
| Cardboard | Protection from scratches and dust | 1 solid layer |
| Blanket/Plaid | Additional soft protection | 1-2 layers |
Is it possible transported without original packaging?
Yes, you can, but the risk of damage increases. Be sure to use at least 2 layers of thick cardboard around the entire perimeter and carefully secure the corners with soft material. Factory-installed foam caps are critical to protecting corners.
Transportation and Loading Rules
The most critical issue during transportation is in what position to transport the unit. Manufacturers categorically recommend transporting the refrigerator only to vertical position. A tilt of more than 40 degrees can lead to oil leakage from the compressor into the refrigerant circuit.
If vertical transportation is not possible due to the size of the truck, a tilt is allowed, but not more than 40 degrees. In this case, the speed should be minimal and the road should be as smooth as possible. After installation, such equipment will require a long rest before turning it on.
When loading into the truck, make sure that the refrigerator is on a level surface. Use load straps to secure loads to prevent movement when braking or turning. The side walls should not touch other objects.
- 🚛 Secure the device with straps to the sides of the body, and not just to the floor.
- 📉 Avoid sudden braking and acceleration during transportation.
- 🛑 Do not place heavy boxes on the refrigerator, even if they are light in appearance.
⚠️ Attention: Never place the refrigerator on its side if the instructions for your model LG or Bosch this is expressly prohibited. For some compressors, a horizontal position is deadly.
Installation and first start-up
After delivery to a new apartment, do not rush to plug in the device. If transportation was carried out in a vertical position, let the equipment stand for at least 2-3 hours. This is necessary to stabilize temperature conditions and evaporate condensate.
If the refrigerator was lying down or tilted strongly, the waiting time increases to 8-12 hours (and in winter up to 24 hours). The oil must completely drain back into the compressor crankcase, otherwise water hammer may damage the motor.
Before turning on, wipe the housing with a damp cloth to remove dust and install all shelves in their places. Check the integrity of the power cord and make sure that the socket is grounded.
The first start-up is better without loading food. Let the refrigerator run idle for 1-2 hours until it reaches the desired temperature. Only after this can you gradually fill the chambers with products.
Common mistakes when moving
One of the most common mistakes is ignoring the manufacturer's instructions. There are no universal tips: for some models, tilting is acceptable, for others it is strictly prohibited. Always check the technical data sheet of your device.
They also often forget to remove the ice maker or secure its internal moving parts. When shaking, they can break off and damage the plastic walls of the chamber. Dismantling all removable elements is the key to the integrity of the internal structure.
Some try to save on packaging materials by using thin film or newspapers. This leads to a network of scratches on the doors, which are especially noticeable on stainless steel or gloss black models.
What to do if the refrigerator does not freeze after moving?
First of all, do not panic. If you turned it on too soon after horizontal transportation, the oil may not have had time to drain. Unplug the device, wait 24 hours and try turning it on again. If the problem persists, it is possible that the capillary tube is clogged with oil or there is a freon leak - in this case, you need to call a technician.
Is it possible to transport a refrigerator in cold weather?
It is possible to transport equipment at temperatures below -5°C, but with caution. The main danger is not the cold, but the condensation that forms when a warm device is brought into a cold body and vice versa. Be sure to let the equipment warm up completely to room temperature (at least 4-5 hours) before turning it on.
Do you need to remove the doors to get through the opening?
In most modern models, the doors can be removed if they do not fit into the doorway of the new apartment. This will require a Phillips screwdriver and the help of a second person to hold the heavy door. Before removing, do not forget to seal the hinges with tape so as not to lose small parts.
How to transport a Side-by-Side refrigerator?
Side-by-Side models have a large weight and dimensions. They should absolutely not be tilted too much. To transport such giants, a high-body truck or special equipment is often required. They need to be packaged especially carefully, using a rigid frame made of plywood or thick cardboard.