Preparing Your Refrigerator For A Ride On A Moving Truck

If you just purchased a new house, you will soon be packing up your belongings in anticipation for the big move ahead. Your appliances will need special care in preparation for a ride on a moving truck so they do not become damaged while in transit. Here are some steps you can take to ensure your refrigerator remains in the best of condition so it can be quickly utilized upon arrival at your new abode.

Remove Contents And Defrost Your Unit

In the days before you intend to pack up your refrigerator, use any cold food to minimize waste. If you have a lot of extra food in your unit, consider offering it to a neighbor or friends. Avoid purchasing additional cold food and opt for prepackaged goods instead starting a week or so before your move. Anything you plan on eating right away can be stored in a cooler along with ice cubes or freezer blocks. When all items have been removed from you refrigerator, unplug the unit and allow it to defrost in its entirety. A towel can be placed on the floor of the freezer and main portion of the refrigerator to aid in sopping up moisture. Keep your refrigerator's doors open to defrost the unit quickly.

Take Time To Clean Before The Move

Remove any accumulated dust and pet fur from the coils on the back or bottom of the unit. This can be done with help from a soft-bristled brush attachment placed on your vacuum cleaner. Wipe down the coils afterward with a clean piece of microfiber cloth to remove any remnants left behind. Pull out the drain pan, dump out any accumulated water, and wipe down the pan with a cleanser before replacing it. Wipe down the interior of the unit with a detergent as well to remove crusted on food and to minimize odor.

Package The Unit Properly To Avoid Damage

Remove each shelf from the unit and use a large piece of bubble wrap to protect each one. Secure the wrap with pieces of heavy-duty packaging tape. Obtain a large cardboard box to house these shelves. It is best to use a new box as it will not have weakened corrugated portions within its structure. Line the bottom of the box with a few inches of foam packing peanuts. Place one wrapped shelf in the box and cover with foam peanuts. Continue stacking the other shelves, making sure to cover each one with foam pieces for protection. Secure the box with tape and label it as "Refrigerator Shelves" so movers are alerted of the contents.

Remove any light bulbs from your unit and wrap them in pieces of bubble wrap as well. These wrapped bulbs can be taped to an interior wall of the refrigerator for quick access or placed in the box with the shelves if desired. Wrap the refrigerator's cord and use a garbage bag tie to secure it so it does not unravel in the moving truck. The doors can then be secured shut with pieces of packing tape.