7 Expert Tips to Keep Your Fridge Safe During the Move

7 Expert Tips to Keep Your Fridge Safe During the Move

Moving house or relocating your business? If you’ve got large appliances like fridges, you already know they can be one of the trickiest things to move. They’re bulky, heavy, expensive, and fragile in all the wrong places. Whether you’re moving across Adelaide or interstate, proper planning is the key to safe and damage-free fridge removals.

In this blog, we’ll share 7 expert tips to keep your fridge safe during your move, drawing from the experience of Adelaide local removalists and professional furniture removalists Adelaide. Whether you’re also moving other big items like pianos or furniture, these tips will help make your move smooth and damage-free.

Why Safe Fridge Removals Matter

Fridges aren’t just heavy, they’re sensitive pieces of equipment. Poor handling during a move can lead to:

• Scratches and dents
• Internal coolant leaks
• Broken hinges or shelves
• Complete failure of the compressor
• Expensive repairs or full replacement

That’s why hiring experienced Adelaide local removalists who understand how to handle appliances properly is essential. Let’s jump into the tips to keep your fridge safe and sound during your next move.

Tip 1: Empty and Defrost Your Fridge Early

This might sound obvious, but it’s something many people overlook until the last minute. A fridge full of food or ice is not only heavier—it’s also a mess waiting to happen.

Here’s what you should do:

• Empty all contents at least 24–48 hours before moving day.
• Defrost the freezer by turning off the appliance and leaving the doors open.
• Dry it completely to prevent water leaks and mould during transit.

If your fridge is still wet when the furniture removalists Adelaide arrive, it can damage nearby items in the truck or slip during handling.

Tip 2: Remove All Loose Parts

Internal shelves, trays, and drawers might seem secure, but once your fridge is tipped or jolted during the move, they can shift, crack, or even damage the interior.

• Take out all removable parts and pack them separately in bubble wrap or newspaper.
• Tape drawers shut if they can’t be removed.
• Use labelled bags for screws or small parts if disassembly is needed.

Our experienced team at RMoverz often gets calls after DIY moves where fridge interiors are damaged due to unsecured parts. This step alone can save you hundreds in repairs.

Tip 3: Secure Doors and Power Cords

When moving any appliance, especially fridges, make sure everything is tight and tidy.

• Use moving tape or straps to keep the fridge doors shut.
• Wrap and tape the power cord securely to the back of the fridge.
• If your model has a water line (for ice or filtered water), make sure it’s disconnected and drained.

Professional furniture removalist Adelaide teams, like ours, always check these things before loading your fridge into the truck. It prevents damage to both the fridge and surrounding furniture during the ride.

Tip 4: Use Proper Moving Equipment

A fridge isn’t something you should try moving with just your hands or a basic trolley from Bunnings. To do it safely, especially if there are stairs or tight spaces involved, you’ll need proper gear.

• Use an appliance dolly (a heavy-duty moving trolley with straps).
• Furniture sliders can help move fridges across floors without scratching.
• Always keep the fridge upright, laying it down can damage the internal compressor and cooling system.

As experienced Adelaide local removalists, we come fully equipped with the right tools to move large appliances like fridges, washing machines, and even piano removal Adelaide jobs that require serious care.

Tip 5: Choose a Flat and Safe Route

Planning your move isn’t just about getting from A to B. it’s about how you get there.

• Clear any obstacles along the way before the fridge is moved.
• Keep pets and kids out of the area during loading and unloading.
• Use ramps or lifting straps if necessary to avoid tipping or dropping.

If you’re moving from or into an apartment, let your furniture movers Adelaide know about stairs, lifts, or tight corners ahead of time. The more they know, the better they can plan and protect your appliance.

Tip 6: Hire Professional Fridge Removals Specialists

Sure, moving a fridge on your own might seem doable, but it’s one of those jobs best left to the pros. Why?

• We know how to lift safely, protecting both your back and your appliance.
• We have insurance, so if something unexpected happens, you’re covered.
• We’ve got years of experience in fridge removals, meaning we’ve seen (and solved) it all.

Professional furniture removalists Adelaide like RMoverz don’t just move fridges, we treat them with the care they deserve, just like we do with fragile items or piano removal Adelaide projects.

Tip 7: Wait Before Turning It Back On

One of the most common mistakes people make after moving their fridge is plugging it in straight away. This can cause serious damage to the cooling system.

Here’s what to do instead:

• Once the fridge is placed in its new spot, wait at least 4–6 hours before turning it on.
• For fridges that were accidentally tilted during the move, wait up to 24 hours.
• This gives the coolant time to settle and prevents compressor issues.

Your furniture removalist Adelaide should always place the fridge upright at the destination. Just let it sit for a bit before using it.

Bonus Tip: Check for Damages and Test Everything

After the move:

• Inspect the fridge for dents, scratches, or loose parts.
• Plug it in only after the recommended waiting time.
• Check cooling functions, lights, and seals once it's powered back on.
• Reinstall the shelves and trays carefully.

If you notice any issues, contact the moving company immediately. Reputable Adelaide local removalists like RMoverz take responsibility for safe and secure moves, and we’re always here to help.

Why Choose RMoverz for Fridge Removals in Adelaide?

At RMoverz, we specialise in all types of moves, from full house relocations to single-item jobs like fridge removals or piano removal Adelaide services. Our local Adelaide team is trained, insured, and committed to making your move easy and stress-free.

We provide:

• Experienced and friendly staff
• Modern, well-equipped vehicles
• Competitive pricing with no hidden costs
• Full insurance coverage for peace of mind
• Fast, careful, and efficient moving

As trusted furniture removalists Adelaide, we’ve built our reputation on reliability, care, and customer satisfaction.

Final Thoughts

Moving a fridge safely isn’t just about muscle, it’s about knowledge, planning, and the right team behind you. With these 7 expert tips, you’ll be ready to handle your next appliance move like a pro.

But if you'd rather save time and skip the heavy lifting, RMoverz is here to help. Whether it’s furniture removal Adelaide, fridge removals, or handling delicate pieces like pianos, we’ve got the skills and tools to make your move smooth and damage-free.