The Do's and Don'ts of Moving and Storing a Refrigerator in Storage

A refrigerator really is a staple in any home. But, there are a few situations where someone may want to move the refrigerator out of their home. If you are moving to a new home or recently upgraded kitchen appliances, you may be tasked with moving your refrigerator. When considering moving this appliance, it is important to keep in mind how large, heavy and expensive it is. Incorrectly moving it can result in damage to your home, damage to the refrigerator or even injury to yourself. Interested in learning more about how to properly move and store a refrigerator? Read the do’s and don’ts of refrigerator storage below!

How to Move and Store a Refrigerator

1. DO: Unplug the refrigerator and allow the appliance to thaw- It is important to get all of the moisture out of the refrigerator. In order to do so, unplug the refrigerator and freezer and open the doors to the appliance. Place a towel below the refrigerator to catch any excess water.
2. DON’T: Forget to scrub the fridge- Once the refrigerator and freezer have thawed, it is time to clean the appliance. Since the refrigerator is constantly exposed to food smells, it is important to completely scrub and deodorize it to get any sign of food out. Mix together a solution of baking soda and water and wide down the appliance both inside and outside.
3. DO: Drain water from inside of refrigerator- Disconnect the drain line and drain any remaining liquid from inside of the refrigerator.
4. DON’T: Move the refrigerator on its side- Keep in mind that the appliance was made to stand upright. Never put the refrigerator on its side at any point when moving or storing it. Placing a refrigerator on its side can cause damage to the compressor.
5. DO: Move the refrigerator with a dolly- Always use a dolly when moving the refrigerator and freezer. Tilt the fridge slightly and have a friend slide the dolly underneath. Secure the appliance to the dolly to ensure it doesn’t fall off.
6. DON’T: Close the refrigerator doors during storage- Always keep your appliance doors open during storage. If the doors are kept close, any moisture the appliance is exposed to will not be able to escape. Over time, this can result in mold or mildew forming.
7. DO: Use a climate controlled storage unit- When storing a sensitive item like a refrigerator, it is essential to use a climate controlled storage unit. A climate controlled storage unit will protect the appliance from dangerous fluctuations in temperature.

Store Your Household Items with Brentwood Self Storage!

Brentwood Self Storage has storage facilities in Brentwood, CA with a variety of sizes of storage units available. For storing a refrigerator, furniture and other household items, wee recommend a 10x10 storage unit. If you’re moving and looking to store the contents of your home for a period, consider the 10x20 or 10x25 storage unit. Reserve your storage unit today!