Moving to a new apartment or house is always stressful due to logistics and safety of property. During this period, special attention must be paid to large household appliances, as their damage can be very expensive. The refrigerator is one of the most complex and vulnerable elements of a kitchen unit, requiring a specific approach to dismantling and transportation.
Many owners make the fatal mistake of believing that it is enough to simply unplug the appliance and roll it outside. In fact, internal compressor and the refrigerant pipe system is extremely sensitive to improper transportation. Violation of transportation rules often leads to oil leakage from the engine, which makes further operation impossible without expensive repairs.
Proper packaging allows you to protect the housing from chips, and the insides from vibration and shock. In this article we will analyze in detail all stages of preparation, from defrosting to final fastening in the back of the truck. Compliance with these recommendations will help you avoid material losses and quickly establish life in a new place.
Preparing refrigeration equipment for transportation
You should start preparing long before the movers arrive. The first and most important step is to completely defrost the chambers. Even if your unit uses a No Frostsystem, condensation or ice may remain inside, which will melt when tilted and flood the electronics.
It is necessary to disconnect the device from the power supply at least 24 hours before the planned move. Doors should be left open to allow air to circulate and speed up the evaporation of moisture. It is better to place a rag or a container under the bottom, since water from the drainage system will drain onto the floor.
After the moisture has completely disappeared, the surfaces must be thoroughly washed and, most importantly, wiped dry. Residual water may cause corrosion of metal parts or a short circuit when first turned on. Pay special attention to the rubber seals on the doors - they must be clean and dry.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to use hair dryers, heaters or sharp objects to chip ice to speed up defrosting. Mechanical damage to the evaporator will lead to freon leakage.
Internal shelves and drawers also require removal. Glass may crack due to sudden temperature changes or vibration, and plastic elements may become deformed. It is best to put them separately in boxes with soft filling, labeling each one.
Fixing moving elements and protecting the body
When the internal space is freed, it is necessary to fix the moving parts of the refrigerator itself. Doors are the first thing that can be damaged during transportation if they are not secured. Masking tape or a special stretch film are ideal for this.
It is not recommended to use ordinary stationery tape, as it can leave difficult-to-remove traces of glue on a glossy surface or even damage the paintwork when removed. Painting tape holds securely and does not leave sticky marks.
To protect the outer walls from scratches and chips, use bubble wrap, thick cardboard or old blankets. The corners of the case and protruding handles are particularly vulnerable. If the original packaging from the manufacturer has not been preserved, create a multi-layer protective cocoon.
- 📦 Wrap the body in several layers of stretch film to fix the protective material.
- 🛡️ Reinforce the corners with pieces of thick cardboard or special foam corners.
- 🔌 Carefully roll up the hoses and wires and secure them with tape so that they do not dangle.
Do not forget to seal the doors across in several places. This will prevent them from opening spontaneously along the way. If the model has drawers that cannot be removed, they also need to be secured with tape so that they do not move out when shaking.
Transportation: vertically or lying down?
One of the most common questions when moving concerns the position of equipment in the body. Manufacturers strongly recommend transporting refrigerators exclusively in an upright position. This is due to the design of the compressor, where the oil is located in a special tank.
When transported lying down, the oil may flow into the refrigerant circuit. If you immediately turn on the device in this state, the compressor will operate without lubrication, which will lead to its rapid failure. In addition, at inclinations of more than 40 degrees, the tubes may burst due to vibration.
Can it be transported on the side wall?
Technically this is possible, but it is extremely undesirable. If there is no other choice, place the refrigerator on its side so that the tubes coming out of the compressor face up. This minimizes the risk of oil leaking into the system. However, the risk of damage to the body and internal components with this method increases significantly.
If vertical transportation is not possible due to the dimensions of the body, transportation at an angle of no more than 40 degrees is allowed. In this case, it is necessary to ensure reliable fastening, eliminating any vibrations of the housing. The speed of the vehicle should be minimal, and the road should be as smooth as possible.
| Parameter | Vertical transportation | Horizontal transportation | At an angle (up to 40°) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Risk for compressor | Minimum | High | Medium |
| Settling time | 2-4 hours | 8-24 hours | 4-8 hours |
| Probability of damage | Low | High | Medium |
When loading into an elevator or climbing stairs, it is also important to maintain a vertical position. You can tilt the refrigerator only to pass through doorways, and then only for a short time. Sharp jerks and hits against walls are unacceptable.
Required materials for packaging
The quality of packaging directly affects the safety of equipment. You should not save on consumables, since the cost of repairing or purchasing a new refrigerator is incomparably higher than the cost of film and cardboard. Prepare everything you need in advance so as not to look for the necessary things at the last moment.
The basis of the packaging is thick corrugated cardboard. Ideally, if the factory box has been preserved - it has reinforced corners and accurately follows the contours of the model. If you don't have a box, use several layers of cardboard stapled together. Stretch film with a width of at least 50 cm is perfect for fixing.
☑️ What to prepare for moving
To protect from moisture and dust, the outer packaging can be additionally wrapped in polyethylene. This is especially true if the move is planned in rainy weather or winter. Wet cardboard loses strength and ceases to protect against impacts.
- 📏 Tape measure for measuring the dimensions of doorways and elevators.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from the sharp edges of cardboard.
- 🔪 Stationery knife for quick unpacking at a new place.
All packaging materials must be dry. Using wet rags or cardboard can lead to corrosion of the metal elements of the body during transportation, especially in the cold season.
Mounting in the back of a truck
Even a perfectly packaged refrigerator can suffer if it is not secured in the back. When the vehicle moves, inertial forces arise that can displace the load. The main task is to prevent any movement of the body relative to the floor.
Use belts with a tensioner for fixation. You should press the refrigerator in the upper and middle parts, but do not overdo it so as not to deform the body. If there are special stops or cells in the body, place the equipment there.
⚠️ Attention: Do not lean other heavy things on the refrigerator. Pressure from above can push the lid or damage the condenser located at the back.
If you transport the refrigerator along with other things, it should stand separately, without touching the walls of the body and other objects. Gaps can be filled with soft items such as blankets, pillows or bags of clothes. This will create an additional shock-absorbing layer.
The driver must be informed about the presence of fragile cargo. This means starting smoothly, avoiding sudden braking, and driving at a moderate speed. Avoid road areas with strong shaking and potholes.
Installation and first startup after moving
After delivery to a new location, do not rush to plug in the device. As mentioned earlier, the oil may have become dislodged and will take time to return to the compressor. The settling time depends on how exactly the transportation was carried out.
If the refrigerator was transported vertically, 2-4 hours of rest is enough. When transported lying down or at a strong angle, this period increases to 8-24 hours. It is better to check the exact time in the instructions for your model Indesit, Bosch or LG, since compressor designs vary.
Before turning on for the first time, remove all packaging, open the doors and let the interior space ventilate. Check the integrity of the seals and the absence of foreign objects inside. Place the device on a flat surface, the adjustable legs should be firmly on the floor.
It is better to start it without loading food. Let the refrigerator run idle for 1-2 hours until it reaches the required temperature. Only after this can you gradually fill the cells with products.
How long can you not turn on the refrigerator after moving?
The minimum settling time is 2 hours for vertical transportation in warm weather. If the equipment was transported lying down or in sub-zero temperatures, it is recommended to wait 8 to 24 hours. The exact value depends on the compressor model.
What to do if the refrigerator does not freeze after moving?
First make sure that sufficient time has passed for settling. Check that the doors close tightly. If after a day of operation without load the cold does not appear, it is possible that freon has leaked or the compressor has broken down during transportation - a call to a technician is required.
Is it possible to transport a refrigerator with extended drawers?
No, all removable elements (shelves, drawers, trays) must be removed and transported separately. When shaking, drawers can pop out, crack or damage the internal walls of the chamber.
Do you need to remove the doors when moving?
You need to remove the doors only if the refrigerator does not fit into the doorway when assembled. In other cases, it is enough to securely secure them with tape or film so that they do not swing open.