How to Move a Freezer

If you’ve got a freezer to move as part of your home relocation, you may find yourself in a bit of a pickle when you think about how you’ll actually move it. They’re naturally very heavy, whether you have a standalone freezer, a sub-zero freezer, or a standard fridge/freezer combo.

With the average freezer weighing up to 200 pounds and a sub-zero freezer weighing up to 800 pounds, it stands to reason that moving this item on your own is a foolish endeavor. That’s why you need to hire a professional mover to get this task done safely. They will minimize damage to the freezer itself as well as surrounding areas because they come equipped with all the right supplies and equipment.

Still determined to move your freezer yourself? Heed these tips.

1.    Is it Even Worth Moving It?

Ask yourself if you should even move it in the first place. You can ask the buyers if they want it or you could also donate it to a soup kitchen or school in the area. This is a wise idea if you won’t have enough room for it in the new digs, or you plan to invest in a new one. If it’s broken, schedule a time for a junk removal company to haul it away before you move. If you absolutely must bring the freezer, keep reading.

2.    Enlist the Help of a Friend

This is definitely not a one-person job. Find a buddy or two to help you out and come up with a plan of how you will not only pick up the freezer but which route you will take to get it out of the house.

3.    Gather Supplies

In order to provide protection for your freezer when moving it, you’ll need:

• Furniture blankets and sliders
• Packing tape
• Straps
• Dolly (appliance dolly for an upright and furniture dolly for a chest freezer)

4.    Remove All Food

Your freezer is heavy enough without all that frozen food and ice in it, so remove all of that before you attempt to move it. Disconnect the icemaker from the main water supply, then allow the freezer to defrost for a day before you attempt to move it. Keep the door open to help things along.

5.    Clean It

Take out the shelves and doors, cleaning as you go with a soft non-abrasive sponge, baking soda, cleanser and warm water. Allow to dry completely to keep mold or mildew at bay. Pack all shelves, bins and accessories separately.

6.    Wrap With Blankets

Shimmy the freezer away from the wall, putting a furniture slider under each leg. Secure the power cord to the back of the appliance with tape so no one trips. Tape the door at the bottom, middle and top to avoid swinging. Wrap the freezer with some blankets and use tape to secure.

7.    Load it Onto the Dolly

Tilting as you work, slide the dolly under the freezer, securing the straps. Push and load the appliance into the moving vehicle. With an upright freezer, keep it upright during transport to avoid spillage of the refrigerant in the coils. Position it in the back of the truck, then remove the dolly. To prevent swaying, secure to the walls.

Contact Texas Best Moving and Storage

Have you realized what a chore it will be to move a freezer on your own? Let our experts handle it in a fraction of the time. Contact us at 210-960-9825 today.