How To Move A Counter Depth Refrigerator
Assessing the Situation
Before you start moving your counter depth refrigerator, take a moment to size up the situation. This means checking the path and measuring the space to make sure the move goes off without a hitch.
Check the Path
First things first, scope out the route from where your fridge is now to where it needs to go. Look for any obstacles and make sure the way is clear. Pay attention to doorways, hallways, and tight corners.
- Doorways: Measure the width of all doorways to make sure the fridge can fit through. If it’s a tight squeeze, you might need to take the doors off their hinges for a bit.
- Obstacles: Look for furniture, decor, or anything else that might get in the way. Move or adjust these items to clear the path.
- Flooring: Different floors need different handling. Moving a fridge over carpet is different from moving it over hardwood or tile.
Measure the Space
Getting the measurements right is key to avoiding any hiccups. Measure your fridge and compare it to the space where it’s going.
| Measurement | Dimension (in inches) |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator Width | 36 |
| Refrigerator Height | 70 |
| Refrigerator Depth (without doors) | 24 |
| Refrigerator Depth (with doors) | 28 |
- Width and Height: Measure the width and height of the spot where the fridge will go. Make sure there’s enough room on all sides for air to circulate.
- Depth: Measure the depth of the fridge and the space. If the fridge doors stick out past the counter, make sure there’s enough room for them to open all the way.
- Ventilation: Leave at least 1-2 inches of space behind and on the sides of the fridge for air to flow.
By checking the path and measuring the space, you can make sure your counter depth fridge moves smoothly and safely. For more tips on moving different types of fridges, check out our guides on how to move a 2 door refrigerator and how to move a french door refrigerator.
Getting Ready
Moving a counter-depth fridge safely starts with some prep work. You gotta empty it out and lock down any loose stuff to keep things from getting banged up.
Emptying the Fridge
First things first, clear out everything inside. This makes the fridge lighter and stops any messes.
- Clear Out All Food: Move perishable stuff to a cooler with ice packs. Non-perishables can go in a box.
- Defrost the Freezer: If your fridge has a freezer, defrost it to avoid leaks.
- Clean It Up: Wipe down all surfaces to get rid of spills or crumbs.
Here's a quick rundown:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Clear out all food |
| 2 | Defrost the freezer |
| 3 | Clean it up |
Locking Down Loose Items
Once the fridge is empty, you gotta secure any loose parts to keep them from moving around and causing damage.
- Take Out Shelves and Drawers: Remove all shelves and drawers. Wrap them in blankets or pads.
- Tape the Doors Shut: Use strong tape to keep the doors closed during the move.
- Secure Cables and Hoses: If your fridge has a water dispenser or ice maker, secure the cables and hoses.
Here's a handy checklist:
- Remove and wrap shelves and drawers
- Tape the doors shut
- Secure cables and hoses
By emptying and securing your fridge, you’re setting yourself up for a smoother, safer move. For more tips on moving different types of fridges, check out our guides on how to move a 2-door fridge and how to move a French door fridge.
Getting Your Gear Together
Alright, folks, moving a counter-depth refrigerator isn't a walk in the park, but with the right gear, it's totally doable. Here's what you'll need to make the move smooth and safe:
Moving Straps
These bad boys are lifesavers when it comes to lugging heavy stuff like refrigerators. Moving straps help spread the weight evenly, making it easier on your back and reducing the chance of dropping your precious appliance. Plus, they're adjustable, so they'll fit snugly around your fridge.
| Supply | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Moving Straps | Even weight distribution, secure grip |
Furniture Dolly
A furniture dolly is your best friend for moving heavy things with minimal effort. With its wheels, you can glide your fridge through tight spots and around corners without breaking a sweat. Say goodbye to back pain!
| Supply | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Furniture Dolly | Easy navigation, reduced physical strain |
Protective Blankets or Pads
You don't want your fridge or your walls looking like they've been through a war zone. Protective blankets or pads are perfect for cushioning and preventing scratches or dents. Wrap your fridge up nice and snug before strapping it down, and you're good to go.
| Supply | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Protective Blankets or Pads | Cushioning, damage prevention |
With these supplies in hand, you're all set to move your refrigerator safely and efficiently. Need more tips on moving other types of fridges? Check out our guides on how to move a french door refrigerator and how to move a side by side refrigerator.
Moving the Fridge
Moving a counter-depth fridge can be a bit of a hassle, but with the right steps, you can make it a breeze. Here's a no-nonsense guide to disconnecting, securing, and lifting your fridge without breaking a sweat—or your back.
Unplugging and Disconnecting
First things first, you gotta unplug and disconnect everything. Here's how:
- Unplug It: Find the power cord and yank it out of the socket.
- Cut Off the Water: If your fridge has a water dispenser or ice maker, turn off the water valve and disconnect the water line. Keep a towel handy for any drips.
- Drain the Lines: Press the water dispenser or empty the ice maker to get rid of any leftover water.
Need more details on different fridge types? Check out our guides on moving a 2-door fridge and moving a 3-door fridge.
Locking Down the Doors and Shelves
To avoid any mishaps, make sure everything inside and outside the fridge is secure:
- Remove or Secure Shelves: Take out any removable shelves and drawers. Wrap them up in blankets or pads. If they don't come out, tape them down.
- Tape the Doors: Use strong tape or bungee cords to keep the doors shut.
- Protect the Outside: Wrap the fridge in blankets or pads to avoid scratches and dents.
Lifting Like a Pro
Moving a fridge isn't just about muscle; it's about technique. Here's how to do it right:
- Use a Dolly: Slide a furniture dolly under the fridge. Tilt the fridge slightly and secure it with straps.
- Lift with Your Legs: Bend your knees and use your legs to lift, not your back.
- Team Up: Always have at least one other person to help. Communicate and move slowly to avoid accidents.
For more tips on different fridge types, check out our articles on moving a side-by-side fridge and moving a bottom-freezer fridge.
By following these steps, you'll move your counter-depth fridge safely and efficiently. Take your time, stay safe, and you'll have that fridge in its new spot in no time.
Getting That Fridge Moved
Moving a counter depth refrigerator can feel like a wrestling match with a bear, especially when you run into stairs, steps, and those pesky tight corners. But don't sweat it! With a bit of planning and the right moves, you can get that fridge to its new spot without breaking a sweat—or the fridge.
Stairs and Steps
Stairs can be a real pain when moving heavy stuff. Here's how to tackle them without ending up in a heap:
- Check It Out: Count the steps and see how much space you’ve got at the top and bottom.
- Grab a Dolly: Get a furniture dolly and strap the fridge on tight.
- Buddy System: You need at least two people—one at the top, one at the bottom. No solo heroics here.
- Tilt and Go: Tilt the dolly back a bit to balance the weight. Lift it one step at a time, making sure you and your buddy are in sync.
- Take Five: Moving heavy stuff is hard work. Take breaks so you don’t wear yourself out.
Tight Corners
Corners can be trickier than a Rubik's Cube. Here's how to get around them without losing your cool:
- Measure Up: Measure the fridge and the corners to make sure it’ll fit.
- Take It Apart: If the fridge is too wide, take off the doors or handles.
- Strap In: Use moving straps for better control.
- Pivot Like a Pro: Use the pivot method. One person guides the fridge around the corner while the other supports the opposite side.
- Protect Your Stuff: Cover the fridge and walls with blankets or pads to avoid scratches and dents.
Follow these tips, and you'll be moving that fridge like a pro. For more tips on moving different types of refrigerators, check out our articles on how to move a french door refrigerator and how to move a side by side refrigerator.
Loading and Unloading
Using a Ramp or Lift
Moving a counter-depth refrigerator can be a real backbreaker, but a ramp or lift can make it a breeze. A ramp lets you roll the fridge onto a truck or into another room without breaking a sweat. Just make sure the ramp is solid and won't slip out from under you.
If you're going with a lift, double-check that it can handle the fridge's weight. Place the fridge on the lift, making sure it's smack dab in the middle and balanced. Follow the lift's safety instructions to avoid any mishaps.
| Tool | Weight Capacity |
|---|---|
| Standard Ramp | 1,000 lbs |
| Hydraulic Lift | 2,000 lbs |
Strap that fridge tight to the dolly or lift so it doesn't tip over during the move. For more tips on moving different types of fridges, check out our articles on how to move a french door refrigerator and how to move a side by side refrigerator.
Placing the Refrigerator Safely
Once you've got the fridge to its new home, it's time to set it up safely. Before unloading, clear the path of any obstacles. Use the ramp or lift to gently lower the fridge.
When placing the fridge, make sure it's level to avoid any issues. Most fridges have adjustable feet to help with this. Put the fridge in its spot, leaving enough space for it to breathe.
| Clearance Space | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Back Clearance | 1 - 2 inches |
| Side Clearance | 0.5 - 1 inch |
| Top Clearance | 1 - 2 inches |
Let the fridge settle for about 2-4 hours before plugging it in. This allows the refrigerant fluids to stabilize, ensuring it works like a charm. Once it's settled, you can go ahead and reconnect the power and water supply. For more tips on moving specific types of fridges, check out our guides on how to move a bottom freezer refrigerator and how to move a built in refrigerator.
Getting Your Fridge Back in Action
Letting Your Fridge Chill Out
So, you’ve just moved your counter-depth fridge to its new spot. Before you get too excited and plug it in, give it a breather. Moving it around can shake up the coolant inside, and it needs a little time to settle down for everything to work smoothly.
| Time to Chill | How Long? |
|---|---|
| Minimum | 2 hours |
| Best | 4 - 6 hours |
During this downtime, resist the urge to nudge or move the fridge. This helps all the bits and pieces inside find their happy place. If you’re curious about moving other types of fridges, check out our guides on moving a French door fridge and moving a side-by-side fridge.
Plugging It In and Hooking Up the Water
Once your fridge has had its chill time, it’s time to get it up and running. Here’s how:
- Power Up: Plug your fridge into a grounded outlet. Make sure the outlet matches what your fridge needs in terms of voltage.
- Water Works: If your fridge has a water dispenser or ice maker, you’ll need to reconnect the water supply. Here’s the lowdown:
- Turn off the water supply before you start.
- Hook up the water line to the fridge, making sure it’s snug to avoid leaks.
- Turn the water back on and keep an eye out for any drips.
| Connection | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Power | Plug into grounded outlet |
| Water | Connect water line, turn on supply, check for leaks |
After you’ve got everything connected, give your fridge a few hours to cool down to the right temperature before you start loading it up with food. For more detailed steps on moving different fridge types, check out our guides on moving a top freezer fridge and moving a built-in fridge.
By following these steps, you’ll have your counter-depth fridge ready to roll in its new home. For more tips and tricks, including handling specific models, visit our article on moving a 3-door fridge.
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