Getting Ready to Move
Measure Twice, Move Once
Before you even think about moving your built-in fridge, grab that tape measure. You need to know if it’s going to fit through all the doorways, hallways, and tight spots. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
| Measurement | Dimension (inches) |
|---|---|
| Fridge Width | 36 |
| Fridge Height | 70 |
| Doorway Width | 32 |
| Hallway Width | 36 |
Got those numbers? Great. Now, make sure there’s enough room to wiggle that big guy through without scratching up your walls or the fridge. If it’s a tight squeeze, you might need to take some doors off their hinges or move some furniture out of the way.
Empty the Fridge
Time to clear out the fridge. Start by taking out all the food and sticking it in a cooler or another fridge. You don’t want your ice cream melting all over the place. Plus, a lighter fridge is easier to move.
Next, remove all the shelves, bins, and drawers. These can rattle around and break if you leave them in. Secure them separately so they don’t get damaged. Don’t forget about those loose items like ice trays or egg holders—either take them out or make sure they’re secure.
Need more tips on moving different types of fridges? Check out our guides on moving a side-by-side fridge or moving a two-door fridge.
By measuring your space and clearing out your fridge, you’re setting yourself up for a smooth move.
Safety Tips
Keeping things safe is key when moving a built-in fridge. Follow these tips to avoid injuries and damage to your appliance.
Unplug the Fridge
First things first, unplug the fridge. Disconnecting it from the outlet keeps you safe from electrical shocks. Also, flip off the circuit breaker that powers the fridge, especially if it has extra electrical connections.
- Find the power cord at the back.
- Gently pull the plug out.
- If it's hardwired, turn off the circuit breaker.
Secure Loose Items
To avoid damage and make the move smoother, secure any loose items inside and outside the fridge. Here's how:
Remove Shelves and Drawers: Take out all removable shelves, drawers, and compartments. This stops them from shifting and breaking during the move.
Tape Doors Shut: Use strong tape to keep the fridge doors closed. This stops them from swinging open and causing injuries or damage.
Secure Exterior Cords and Hoses: If your fridge has external cords, hoses, or water lines, secure them with tape or zip ties to avoid tripping and damage.
| Loose Item | Action |
|---|---|
| Shelves/Drawers | Remove and pack separately |
| Fridge Doors | Tape shut |
| Cords/Hoses | Secure with tape or zip ties |
Following these steps makes moving your built-in fridge safe and easy. For more tips on moving different types of fridges, check out our guides on how to move a 2-door fridge, how to move a French door fridge, or how to move a top freezer fridge.
Gear You Need to Move a Built-In Fridge
Moving a built-in fridge can be a real pain, but the right tools can make it a breeze. You’ll need two main things: furniture dollies and either moving straps or sliders.
Furniture Dollies
Furniture dollies are lifesavers when it comes to lugging around heavy stuff like fridges. These bad boys have a flat platform with wheels, making it super easy to roll your fridge around.
| Equipment | Dimensions | Weight Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Dolly | 24" x 48" | 800 lbs |
| Heavy-Duty Dolly | 30" x 50" | 1,200 lbs |
Using a dolly is pretty straightforward:
- Park the dolly next to your fridge.
- Tilt the fridge and slide the dolly underneath.
- Strap the fridge down so it doesn’t wobble or fall off.
Need more details? Check out our guides on moving a 2-door fridge and moving a 3-door fridge.
Moving Straps or Sliders
Moving straps and sliders are also super handy. Straps help you lift the fridge by spreading out the weight, while sliders let you glide it across the floor.
| Equipment | Purpose | Weight Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Moving Straps | Lifting | 600 lbs |
| Sliders | Sliding | 500 lbs |
Here’s how to use moving straps:
- Slip the straps under the fridge.
- You and a buddy stand on either side.
- Lift together, sharing the weight.
For sliders:
- Lift one side of the fridge a bit and slide a slider under each corner.
- Push the fridge gently, letting it glide.
These tools make moving your fridge way easier. If you’re curious about moving other kitchen gadgets, check out our articles on moving a built-in ice maker and moving a built-in beverage center.
Using the right gear not only keeps you safe but also protects your fridge and floors from getting banged up.
Getting That Fridge Outta There
Moving a built-in fridge can feel like wrestling a bear, but with a bit of care, you can avoid any mishaps. Here's your no-nonsense guide to disconnecting the water and ice lines and freeing that fridge from its cabinet prison.
Cutting Off the Water and Ice Lines
First things first, make sure the water supply to the fridge is off. Follow these steps to safely disconnect the water and ice lines:
- Find the Water Supply Valve: Usually lurking behind the fridge or under the sink.
- Shut Off the Water Supply: Turn the valve clockwise until it won't go any further.
- Disconnect the Water Line: Grab an adjustable wrench and carefully loosen the nut connecting the water line to the fridge.
- Drain the Leftover Water: Stick a bucket under the connection to catch any drips.
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Find the water supply valve |
| 2 | Shut off the water supply |
| 3 | Disconnect the water line |
| 4 | Drain the leftover water |
Freeing the Fridge from the Cabinet
With the water and ice lines out of the way, it's time to detach the fridge from the cabinet. Here's how:
- Remove Trim and Panels: Gently take off any trim or paneling around the fridge. Use a screwdriver if there are screws.
- Find the Mounting Brackets: Look for the brackets holding the fridge in place, usually at the top and bottom.
- Unscrew the Mounting Brackets: Use a screwdriver or drill to remove the screws.
- Check for Extra Attachments: Make sure there aren't any other sneaky fasteners keeping the fridge tethered to the cabinet.
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Remove trim and panels |
| 2 | Find the mounting brackets |
| 3 | Unscrew the mounting brackets |
| 4 | Check for extra attachments |
Once you've done all this, your fridge should be ready to move. Need more tips on moving a two-door fridge? Check out our section on how to move a 2 door refrigerator for some handy advice.
Moving the Fridge
Getting the Fridge Out
First things first, unplug the fridge and disconnect any water or ice lines. You might need to remove some baseboards or trim around it to free it up. Once that's done, here's how to slide it out:
- Clear the Way: Make sure there's nothing in the path from the fridge to the exit.
- Lift a Bit: Use a pry bar or flat tool to gently lift the fridge from the bottom. This helps break any seal it has with the floor.
- Use Moving Sliders: Put moving sliders under each corner of the fridge. This protects your floor and makes sliding easier.
- Pull Carefully: With a buddy, pull the fridge straight out. Keep a firm grip and move slowly to avoid any sudden shifts.
Using Dollies for Transport
Once the fridge is out, furniture dollies make moving it a breeze. Here's how:
- Place the Dollies: Put a heavy-duty dolly near the front and another at the back of the fridge. Make sure they're securely under the appliance.
- Secure the Fridge: Use moving straps or bungee cords to tie the fridge to the dollies. This keeps it from tipping over.
- Lift with Care: With some help, tilt the fridge slightly back and position it onto the dollies. Make sure it's balanced and stable.
- Move Slowly: Push the dollies, guiding the fridge through doorways and around corners. Go at a steady pace to keep control.
For more tips on moving different types of fridges, check out our articles on how to move a 2-door fridge and how to move a French door fridge.
Follow these steps, and you'll move your built-in fridge without a hitch.
Loading the Fridge
Getting the Fridge in the Car
Alright, you've managed to wrestle that fridge out of the house. Now, let's make sure it gets to its new home in one piece.
- Stand Tall: Keep the fridge upright in the vehicle. Laying it down can mess up the compressor oil, which could lead to a broken fridge when you plug it back in.
- Strap It Down: Use some heavy-duty straps to keep the fridge from moving. Hook those straps to the anchor points in your car and pull them tight.
- Cushion the Blow: Wrap the fridge in blankets or moving pads. This helps protect it from bumps and vibrations on the road.
Tips for a Smooth Ride
Getting the fridge to its new spot isn't just about strapping it down. Here are some extra tips to keep in mind:
- Drive Like a Pro: Avoid sharp turns and sudden stops. The fridge is heavy and can shift, so take it easy on the road.
- Let It Breathe: Make sure there's some space around the fridge for air to flow. This helps keep it in good shape.
- Check It Out: Once you arrive, give the fridge a once-over for any damage before you unload it.
| Tip | Action |
|---|---|
| Stand Tall | Keep the fridge upright |
| Strap It Down | Use strong, tight straps |
| Cushion the Blow | Use blankets or moving pads |
| Drive Like a Pro | Avoid sharp turns and sudden stops |
| Let It Breathe | Ensure proper airflow around the fridge |
| Check It Out | Inspect for damage before unloading |
For more tips on moving different types of fridges, check out these articles: how to move a 2 door refrigerator, how to move a french door refrigerator, and how to move a bottom freezer refrigerator.
Follow these steps, and your fridge will make it to its new home safe and sound, ready to keep your food fresh and your drinks cold.
Setting Up Your Fridge in a New Spot
Getting the Space Ready
Before you plop your built-in fridge into its new home, make sure the space is ready. Measure the area to see if your fridge will fit snugly. Double-check the fridge's size against the space, and remember to leave some room for air to circulate.
Give the area a good clean to get rid of any dust or junk that might mess with the setup. If you’re curious about moving different types of fridges, check out our guide on how to move a 2 door refrigerator.
Hooking Up Water and Power
Getting the water and power lines connected is a big deal. Here’s a simple guide to help you out:
- Hook Up the Water Line:
- Find the water supply valve and turn it off.
- Connect the water line to the fridge’s water inlet valve.
- Make sure the connection is tight to avoid leaks.
- Turn the water supply back on and check for any leaks.
- Hook Up the Power Line:
- Make sure the power outlet is close enough and matches the fridge’s plug.
- Plug the fridge into the outlet.
- Turn on the fridge and make sure it’s getting power.
| Task | Steps |
|---|---|
| Hooking Up Water Line | 1. Turn off water supply valve 2. Connect water line to inlet valve 3. Tighten connection 4. Turn on water supply and check for leaks |
| Hooking Up Power Line | 1. Plug fridge into power outlet 2. Turn on fridge and check for power |
By following these steps, you'll have your built-in fridge up and running in no time. For more tips on moving different fridge types, check out our guides on how to move a bottom freezer refrigerator and how to move a french door refrigerator.
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