Moving a fridge anywhere, let alone interstate is an experience most people would rather avoid. So much so in fact that many people opt to forgo the fridge and just buy a new one when they get where they’re going. But in the age of making things last longer and reducing our waste, abandoning your fringe is not necessarily the smart option. And it may not be the most cost-effective one either.
With the range of moving options available to today’s movers, moving a fridge interstate couldn’t be easier. So, before you abandon your old fridge and buy a shiny new one, let’s look at the real cost of moving your old one.
Move it yourself vs getting a professional
When it comes to moving your fridge, you essentially have two options. You can move it yourself or you can get the professionals in. There are pros and cons to each option. Doing it yourself is certainly cheaper, but it’s more hassle and there is the risk of damage.
That’s why most people choose to use a professional moving firm. Any respectable removals firm will have insurance to cover damage to goods in transit. And most removal firms will have experience moving bulky heavy items like refrigerators.
The only downside to hiring a professional removals firm is the cost, but you may be able to reduce this by combining it with other goods. Many removals firms now offer groupage style services where you only pay for the space you need in the truck.
So, it’s always worth contacting a removals firm to see what kind of services they offer for moving bulky items interstate.
Prepare your fridge for moving day
Once you have decided which transport method is best for you, it’s time to prepare your fridge for transit. This part is one of the most important; get it wrong and you could lose hundreds of dollars of food.
Empty
The first step is to empty the fridge. Remove all perishable items around 24 hours before moving day and store them in chiller boxes. This should keep everything cool for at least 48 hours.
It’s a good idea to plan ahead and think carefully about your menus the week before. You don’t want to be buying lots of frozen food just before moving day. So, try and use up what’s left in the fridge so that you don’t have to store it.
Defrost
Once the fridge is empty, it should be defrosted. This should be done at least 24 hours before moving day itself. Most fridges have a manual defrost cycle, but some newer fridges use frost-free technology which won’t need defrosting at all.
Clean
Once defrosted, it’s a good time to give your fridge a good clean. Remove all shelves and fittings and give them a good scrub with soapy water. Try to avoid using scented soap because this will linger for a long time and may be absorbed by your food.
For the fridge itself, use baking soda. Mix one part baking soda with two parts water to make a soft paste. Then, wipe the paste around the fridge with a damp cloth to remove stubborn stains. When finished, dry the surface clean with a paper towel.
Package accessories
Most refrigerators contain shelves and fittings which need to be removed during transit to prevent damage. Once cleaned, wrap all fittings and accessories in packing paper or bubble wrap and place them in a separate cardboard box.
Now you’re all set, you just need to wait for the removal guys or load the fridge into the van yourself.
Book your truck
If you would like to arrange a free quote for moving your fridge interstate, get in touch with our helpful team of removals experts today. We offer a range of state and interstate transport solutions, from entire loads to part loads and single boxes.
You’ll be surprised just how cost-effective it can be to transport your goods. Get in touch today by completing the contact form here and tell us where you are where you want to go. One of our team will then be in touch to discuss your options.