Of all the questions our team gets asked in the lead up to moving day, this one comes up the most: when should I turn off my fridge? It is a fair question. Get it wrong and you end up with a puddle in the back of the truck, a fridge that smells for weeks, or a compressor that does not want to start at the other end. Get it right and your fridge arrives dry, clean and ready to go.
The Short Answer
Switch your fridge off about 24 hours before moving day. If your freezer builds up a lot of ice, give it closer to 48 hours so it has time to fully defrost. If the fridge is going into storage rather than straight into a new home, turn it off about a week ahead so it can dry out completely.
Why It Matters
A fridge that is still cold when it is loaded keeps melting on the way. That water ends up on the floor of the truck, on your other furniture and sometimes inside the fridge itself, where it turns into mould and odours once the doors are shut. Giving the freezer time to defrost and the inside time to dry out avoids all of that and gives the fridge the best chance of starting up happily in its new home.
Your Fridge Countdown
The week before: start running down what is in the fridge and freezer. Plan a few meals around what is left so there is very little to throw out or carry on the day.
The day before: empty it out, switch it off at the wall and leave the doors open. Lay old towels around the base to catch the melt water, and empty the drip tray if your model has one. If you have a fridge with a water dispenser or ice maker, disconnect and drain the water line now.
Moving morning: wipe the inside down and dry it properly. Take out any glass shelves and drawers so they can be wrapped separately. Leave the rest to us. Our team secures the doors, wraps the fridge in moving blankets and straps it to the trolley so it travels safely.
Keep It Upright
Wherever possible, a fridge should travel standing up. Keeping it upright keeps the oil and refrigerant where they belong. That is why our team moves fridges on a trolley with a ratchet strap and loads them standing in the truck, rather than laying them down to save space.
After the Move
If your fridge travelled upright the whole way, it can generally be switched on as soon as it is in position. If it had to be tilted or laid down at any point, stand it upright and leave it to settle before switching it on. How long it needs varies between models, so check your manual or the manufacturer's website. Either way, give it time to get properly cold before you restock it. Most manuals recommend waiting several hours, and many suggest a full day.
Moving Soon? We Have Got You Covered
Fridges are one of the most common items we move, and one of the easiest to get wrong without the right gear. If you are planning a move around Port Macquarie or further afield, our team can take care of the heavy lifting, including your fridge. Have a look at our pre-move checklist for everything else to sort before the big day, then get in touch for a free, obligation-free quote.
Easy Choice Removals and General Freight. AFRA accredited, free quotes. Call (02) 6583 1595.