Why a fridge/freezer and/or water cooler require special consideration when moving, is that they all have a compressor. The compressor is literally the heart of these appliances. It compresses refrigerant gas, which ultimately allows for cooling. The compressor is also filled with oil, which is critical to their optimal performance.
This means that these appliances need to be transported upright. If transported on their side or back, the oil may leak out into the cooling channels, and if those become clogged, you can almost guarantee that the appliances will not work properly, possibly not even cool at all.
Prepping your fridge/freezer/water cooler for a move
- Empty your fridge/freezer of all its food contents - and preferably the night before.
- Defrost if necessary.
- Turn off the device and leave the door slightly open.
- If your appliance has an automatic ice-maker you may need to disconnect the water hose and remove all ice from its compartment.
- This is a good time to give it a thoroughly good wash with disinfectant.
- Remove all shelves, ice trays, and any other movable items, dividers or organisers.
- Wrap glass shelving in towels or a protective material like bubble wrap.
- Coil the power cord security, and tape it to one of the exterior walls of the appliance so it doesn’t get in the way, when transporting.
- Secure the doors snugly. You can use a rope or tie-down but be careful not to tie too tightly as the doors can be put out of alignment. Tape is not practical as it can damage the finish of the exterior, leave a residue, or snap.
- You can also consider wrapping the appliance in a blanket or professional packing wrap, as well as putting stuffing under the ties on the corners.
Moving the appliance
These are usually rather heavy appliances that will require more than one person to move, especially as it needs to be carried in an upright position. Lifting onto a trolley is the ideal, and even though the trolley needs to be tilted, it should not affect the compressor for such a short time.
When placed in a truck, the positioning is also an important consideration. Securing it against a frame, be that the walls of the truck or against the cab of a bakkie will support the appliance and keep it from moving around. Ideally a corner works best giving support to two sides.
In the same way that you do not strap the doors too tightly, ensure that any roping or straps to keep the appliance from moving around in the vehicle, or worse falling, must not be too tight.
During transport
Recommendations are to avoid speed bumps, potholes and swerving hard in corners. Driving to speed limits will also prevent hard braking.
On arrival
Moving the fridge from the transport to the new property requires the same care as when you left the previous property. Once inside, however, do not turn on the fridge for at least three hours, allowing all its mechanisms and fluids to settle. If you have a temperature gauge, allow the temperature to reach its optimal level before repacking.
If you HAVE to move or transport a fridge on its side
Sometimes keeping a fridge upright is not possible. Do not lie it on its back ever, as again this can compromise moving parts. Try to angle it as much as possible so it is not entirely on the backside. However, if it is lying completely flat, use old towels or blankets beneath to collect any escaping liquid.
The most important aspect of a sideways transported fridge is that when it reaches its destination it should not be plugged in until the same amount of time that it spent lying down, has passed, e.g. if it was lying down for six hours, it should stand upright and unplugged for six hours, or 24 hours to be even safer. This will give all the fluids time to settle. Always keep the door open or ajar, if not plugged in. You can use this time to place pricked half lemons inside, which will give a wonderfully fresh clean smell to the interior.
Best advice
Use professional movers. They have the right equipment, packaging materials, manpower and trolleys to ensure these appliances are transported correctly. It is, however, good to supervise your movers to ensure your appliances arrive at their destination in sound condition.
