Content Summary
Moving a mini fridge can be quite a tricky process, especially if you’re attempting to transport it in a car, a pickup truck, or even without help.
It requires careful planning, organization, and proper packing, handling, and transportation. It’s essential to take all the necessary precautions to ensure its safety throughout the entire process.
In this guide, we’ll provide you with all the tips, and tricks you need to know to transport your mini fridge safely, either in a car or to a different location in the house. Read on!
How To Transport A Mini Fridge In A Car
1. Gather Your Tools
Before you begin, gather all the necessary supplies and the right equipment.
- These include: bubble wrap, packing tape, measuring tape, blankets, foam sheets, a hand truck, a trolley or dolly, and moving straps.
- Check the owner's manual for instructions and tips.
- You also need to ensure that you measure the dimensions of the fridge, and the backspace in your car to accommodate your mini-fridge.
- Consider folding the back seats down, and empty the whole area to make sure that the mini fridge fits snugly.
2. Prepare Your Fridge
Now it’s time to prepare your mini fridge for transport.
If it's a used fridge, then empty and defrost the fridge.
- Unplug the power cord.
- Remove all items, including all the food, drawers and (glass) shelves. Defrost, and then clean with a mix of warm water and baking soda, and dry it.
- Use strong tape to keep the refrigerator doors shut.
- Wrap the fridge in moving blankets or foam sheets.
- These will cushion the appliance and prevent any scratches or damages.
- Pay special attention to the corners and edges, especially the delicate components and controls.
Jane Vo
Jane Vo
If it's a new fridge, you should keep the original packing.
- If you have kept the original packing, re-pack it carefully.
- If not, follow the above instructions for preparing a used fridge.
3. Move Your Fridge Into Your Car
The next step is to load your mini fridge into your car or moving truck.
- Use a hand truck or dolly to move it; this makes it easier and safer to maneuver. Cover the dolly or truck bed with a thick moving blanket.
- Make sure it's securely strapped or tied down to prevent movement during transport.
- To avoid shocks, make sure the path from your house to your car is flat and even.
- Tilt the fridge slightly forward and keep it in an upright position on the hand truck or dolly. Now, while keeping it standing upright, slowly move the fridge forward, to your vehicle.
- If the space in your car allows, then carefully lift the dolly or trolley into your car and place it on the floor of your car’s trunk or cargo area. Note: don't try to do this all by yourself. Arrange at least one helper.
4. Secure Your Fridge
Then secure your fridge for transport.
- Keep the refrigerator upright to prevent any damage to the compressor.
- Use moving straps or bungee cords to ensure that it does not move or shift around as you drive.
- This will also help to prevent any damage to your mini fridge.
- You can also place blankets or foam sheets around it to offer extra cushioning and support.
- Make sure it's well-leveled and does not move around.
5. Transport Your Fridge Safely
Now it’s time to transport your mini fridge safely.
- Drive carefully, avoid sudden stops, and take turns slowly to prevent the mini fridge from shifting around.
- Avoid bumpy or rough roads and opt for smoother routes.
- Once you reach your final destination, carefully unload the mini fridge from your car, move it to its new location, and unwrap it.
- Reinstall all the shelves and drawers.
- Let the fridge rest for 24 hours with the doors open before plugging it back in to avoid any damage due to shocks and rough handling.
Transport A Mini Fridge To A Different Location
If you’re going to relocate your mini fridge to a different location in the house, such as a new room upstairs, across an uneven terrain like a garden or field, you need to take extra measures to ensure that it’s safe during transit.
- Take all the necessary steps as above.
- Inside the house: assuming it has no elevator, you will need at least one helper to safely move this heavy appliance by carrying it up the stairs.
- Outside: on uneven terrain, use a heavy-duty dolly. An extra pair of (strong) hands will be welcome.
- Choose a route without obstacles or uneven surfaces.
- The most important thing to remember when relocating your mini fridge is to take your time and be extra cautious.
Transporting A Fridge FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about transporting a mini fridge:
Can you lay a refrigerator down to transport it?
You should never lay a refrigerator down when transporting it. Laying a fridge down can damage the compressor and lead to costly repairs. Therefore, it’s best to always keep the fridge upright when transporting it.
What happens when you lay a refrigerator on its back?
When you lay a refrigerator on its back, the compressor can be damaged or even broken. Furthermore, the cooling fluids in the fridge may leak out, causing further damage.
Additionally, the weight and pressure of the fridge may put too much strain on its bottom and cause it to crack or break off. Therefore, it’s important to always keep your fridge upright when transporting it.
Can a fridge be transported on its side?
A refrigerator should never be transported on its side. When transporting a fridge, it needs to remain upright at all times to avoid damaging the compressor. Always keep the fridge upright when moving it from one location to another.
What happens when you lay a refrigerator on its side?
When you lay a fridge on its side, it can lead to compressor damage. This is because the refrigerant and oil from the compressor are designed to be in certain positions when the refrigerator is upright.
When you lay the unit down, this oil and refrigerant mix together, leading to compressor failure. Therefore, it’s best to always keep the fridge upright when transporting it.
Can you transport a refrigerator without a dolly?
Transporting a refrigerator without a dolly is not recommended. Using a hand truck or dolly will make it easier and safer to maneuver, and it will also help to prevent any potential damage to the fridge.
If you don’t have a dolly, make sure you have plenty of help to carry the fridge. Always use straps and blankets to secure it in place during transit.
Why do you have to wait 24 hours to plug in a fridge?
If you plug in the fridge too soon, it can cause damage to the compressor or other components. Additionally, if the fridge has gone through a lot of movement during transport, it may take some time to settle.
It’s important to wait 24 hours before plugging in your fridge to allow the compressor and cooling system to settle.
Tips & Tricks
- Plan ahead. This includes materials, a vehicle, a person who can help, and making sure you have access to the fridge's new location.
- Rent a moving van if your car can't handle a mini fridge in an upright position.
- When transporting a refrigerator, always keep it upright.
- Careful packing, secure transport, and proper handling are key to a successful move.
- Use thick blankets or foam sheets to protect the fridge from any potential damage.
- Use moving straps or bungee cords to keep the doors shut and to ensure that the fridge does not move or shift around.
- When carrying the fridge, lift it from the bottom, and avoid tilting it.
- Wait 24 hours before plugging the fridge back in to avoid any potential damage.
Moving a mini fridge can be quite challenging, but by following these steps, you can ensure that it arrives safely at its destination.
Take your time and follow these tips thoroughly to ensure a hassle-free process. Happy moving!
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