Many people prefer larger refrigerators for their greater storage capacity, better organization, the ability to store more than just food, and advanced preservation technologies. Also, despite their size, modern large refrigerators are more energy efficient.
However, your large refrigerator can turn into a headache when moving. Luckily, this guide will show you how to move a fridge in Montreal like a professional.
Items You Need
You need the following professional moving gear when moving a fridge to protect it from dents, scratches, or outright damage:
- Moving dolly: A moving dolly makes navigating your large fridge easier thanks to its sturdy construction and evenly distributed weight.
- Straps: Secure your fridge to the dolly so it doesn’t slip off.
- Moving blankets: Refrigerators have smooth surfaces, and moving blankets protect them against scratches, dents, etc.
- Tape: You need high-quality tape to seal refrigerator doors and keep them closed during the move. Tapes also secure the moving blanket wrapped around the refrigerator.
- Coolers: Store perishable food stuff in coolers after you remove them from the fridge.
- Gloves: You should always wear gloves during the move to improve grip and protect your hands from scratches.
Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Move a Fridge in Montreal
- Empty the fridge: Remove everything to make it lighter and prevent shifting or spilling that could cause damage.
- Unplug the fridge from the power source: Unplug the power cord from the socket and secure the cord with tape on the side of the fridge.
- Defrost and clean the fridge: If your fridge has ice buildup, you must defrost the unit at least 24 hours before the move. Once defrosted, use a clean, dry cloth to clean the interior to prevent a bad odor.
- Remove the loose parts: Fridge shelves, drawers, and bins must be removed and moved separately to prevent damage.
- Secure the fridge doors: Use moving straps or high-quality tape to prevent them from swinging open during the move.
- Measure the fridge: Check whether it will fit the doorways, stairways, and hallways in your home or apartment. With the measurements at hand, identify the best routes to move the fridge.
- Loading the fridge onto the moving dolly: You need help with this because the fridge must be carefully tilted as you slide the moving dolly underneath. Ensure the fridge is centered on the dolly, then secure it with straps. Position the fridge upright, as lying it on its side might cause the compressor oil to seep into the cooling lines and cause damage.
- Moving through tight spaces: Remove anything that causes obstruction when moving a fridge. If you must tilt the fridge in tight spaces, do so slowly and carefully to avoid tipping over. Also, maintain a steady pace as this is a heavy item.
- Loading the fridge into the truck: Keep the fridge upright as you move it from the dolly and into the moving truck. A loading ramp is ideal for this situation. Secure the refrigerator in the moving truck with ratchet straps inside the load bed. This prevents the unit from slipping or moving during transit.
Set Up at Your New Home or Apartment
- Don’t plug in your refrigerator immediately after unloading it from the moving truck; let it sit for a few hours for the compressor oil to settle.
- Check the fridge for any visible damage.
- Plug the fridge straight into a power outlet instead of using an extension cord.
- Reconnect the fridge and wait until it reaches its optimal temperature before restocking the perishables.
When to Let the Professionals Handle It
Moving a fridge without experience is a recipe for disaster; you shouldn’t attempt it. Also, moving a fridge to or from a high-rise apartment using elevators requires skills you might not have. The problem is tenfold if you live on the top floors of a triplex or your building is a walk-up or has an exterior staircase.
Our team of professional Montreal movers has the skills and experience to move a fridge without any hassle. It doesn’t matter whether you live in a standalone home or an apartment in a storey building, as we guarantee a seamless move from start to finish.
With MovinGo, refrigerator moving is part of our residential moving service, and you can even contact us for a single-unit move. Give us a call today to book the best moving service in Montreal at the most affordable rates.