DIY American Fridge and Freezer Moving Tips

• A kitchen with an American-style refrigerator.kitchen image by Rich Johnson from Fotolia.com
  
  American-style refrigerators have vertical, adjacent freezer and refrigerator compartments--with the freezer on the left and the refrigerator on the right. Most models also have an ice dispenser on the freezer side. The specifications of an American-style refrigerator call for a few unique moving steps. Always unplug, defrost and clean any refrigerator before attempting to move it.
  
  

Preparation

• Remove all shelves and drawers from inside the refrigerator and freezer to move separately. Pull the refrigerator away from the wall. Turn the water line valve at the back of the refrigerator to the off position. This is the water line that supplies the American-style's icemaker. Use a wrench to unscrew the fitting and disconnect the water pipe from the back of the unit.
  
  

Securing Doors and Icemaker

• Tie the handles together with rope, tape or a bungee cord. This is possible in an American-style refrigerator because of the side-by-side layout. Cover the icemaker cavity in the freezer door to protect the parts by taping a piece of cardboard over it. Use a low-tack tape such as painter's tape to prevent damage to the finish on the refrigerator.
  
  

Moving and Transporting

• Tilt the refrigerator on it side just enough to slide the platform of the appliance dolly underneath. Place the dolly on a side rather than the front of the refrigerator because it is flat there are no external parts that the dolly bars might damage. Wrap the dolly strap around the middle of the refrigerator and secure it tightly with the buckle. Keep the refrigerator upright as much as possible while moving and transporting. Laying it on its side or back can cause compressor oil to leak internally.