Moving homes is a significant undertaking, filled with excitement and a fair share of stress. Among the many tasks involved, ensuring your large appliances, like your refrigerator, are moved safely and correctly is crucial. Proper planning is key to a smooth relocation process, and understanding the best practices for moving your fridge is essential.
Preparing Your Refrigerator for Transport
Before moving day arrives, proper preparation of your refrigerator is paramount. Start by completely emptying your refrigerator and freezer of all food items. Perishable goods can be stored in coolers if you’re moving locally, or you might consider consuming them beforehand to minimize waste.
Once emptied, thoroughly clean the interior surfaces of your fridge with a solution of baking soda and warm water. This not only cleans but also helps to neutralize any lingering odors. If you have a freezer, defrost it completely to prevent water leakage during transportation. For detailed cleaning instructions, resources like guides on how to clean your refrigerator can be beneficial.
After cleaning and defrosting, disconnect your refrigerator from its power source. It’s advisable to do this several hours before moving to ensure it’s completely off. Placing a small bowl of baking soda inside the refrigerator can further help absorb any developing odors while it’s not in use. Secure the power cord by coiling it and clipping it to the back of the appliance to keep it out of the way during the move. Finally, leave the refrigerator door slightly ajar to prevent mildew and odor buildup inside.
The Question: Can You Lay a Refrigerator on Its Side?
Refrigerators are ideally transported in an upright position. This is because the compressor, a vital component responsible for cooling, contains oil that needs to remain settled. Moving a refrigerator upright minimizes the risk of this oil flowing into the cooling lines, which can cause damage or reduce efficiency once it’s restarted.
However, logistical challenges such as space constraints in moving vehicles or the physical difficulty of maneuvering a tall appliance might make transporting a refrigerator on its side seem necessary. So, Can You Transport A Refrigerator On Its Side? The short answer is yes, but it’s not the best practice and requires extra precautions.
While manufacturers recommend upright transport, modern refrigerators are built to withstand temporary tilting. If laying your refrigerator on its side is unavoidable, it’s crucial to lay it on the side, not the back or front. The side orientation is less likely to damage the compressor and internal components compared to laying it on its back, which directly puts pressure on the compressor unit and tubing.
Moving Day: Upright vs. Sideways
Whenever possible, prioritize moving your refrigerator upright. This method is gentler on the appliance and reduces the waiting time before you can plug it back in at your new home.
Moving Upright:
- Use an appliance dolly: This is essential for safely moving a heavy refrigerator.
- Get help: At least two people are needed to safely maneuver the appliance, especially around corners and stairs.
- Secure the doors: Use tape or straps to ensure the doors remain closed during transit.
- Protect the exterior: Wrap the refrigerator in blankets or bubble wrap to protect it from scratches and dents.
- Secure in the moving vehicle: Use heavy-duty straps to secure the refrigerator in an upright position against the moving truck’s wall.
Moving on Its Side (When Necessary):
If upright transport is impossible, and you must transport your refrigerator on its side, follow these guidelines carefully:
- Choose the correct side: Lay the refrigerator on its side where the compressor pipes are least likely to be compressed or damaged. Generally, this is the side opposite to where the compressor housing is located, but consulting your refrigerator’s manual is advisable if you are unsure.
- Extra padding: Use ample padding like blankets or moving pads underneath and around the refrigerator to absorb vibrations and shocks during transport.
- Gentle handling: Avoid bumps and sudden stops as much as possible. Drive slowly and carefully.
Relocating and Re-installing Your Refrigerator
Once your refrigerator is in your new home, the settling process is critical, especially if it has been transported on its side. The golden rule is to let your refrigerator stand unplugged for a period before turning it on. This allows the compressor oil to flow back to where it should be, preventing potential damage.
- Upright Transport: If moved upright, let it stand for at least 4 hours before plugging it in.
- Side Transport: If transported on its side, the waiting time significantly increases. It should stand upright for at least twice the duration it was on its side. For instance, if the refrigerator was on its side for 3 hours, allow it to stand upright for at least 6 hours, but ideally 12 to 24 hours for complete settling.
After the waiting period, plug in your refrigerator. Set the thermostat to the desired temperature, but avoid loading it with groceries immediately. Allow the refrigerator to reach its optimal cooling temperature, which can take anywhere from 2 to 12 hours, before stocking it with food. This ensures food safety and efficient operation.
For specific installation guidelines, referring to your refrigerator’s user manual, such as guides on how to install your refrigerator, is always recommended.
A Note on Built-In and Integrated Refrigerators
Moving built-in or integrated refrigerators presents additional steps. These appliances are often secured within cabinetry, requiring careful removal of unit doors and detachment from their housing. Always consult the user manual and installation guide specific to your model for detailed instructions on safely removing and reinstalling these types of refrigerators. If you are a Beko appliance owner, you can typically download your user manual online using your product’s model number for specific guidance.
Conclusion
While it’s best to transport a refrigerator upright, understanding can you transport a refrigerator on its side is crucial for situations where it’s unavoidable. By prioritizing upright moving when possible, and taking extra precautions when side transport is necessary, you can ensure your refrigerator arrives safely at your new home and continues to function efficiently for years to come. Proper preparation, careful handling, and allowing adequate settling time are the keys to a successful refrigerator relocation.
