Moving a large, heavy object such as a refrigerator can be tricky. If you don't use the right technique, it is very easy to hurt yourself, damage your floor or even break the refrigerator. Use these tips to move your refrigerator safely when moving home.

1. Protect the Floor

Dragging a refrigerator across the floor can damage many flooring types, particularly vinyl floors. Avoiding denting, scratching or tearing your flooring by laying thin plywood planks between the refrigerator and the door. These planks can spread the weight of the refrigerator, preventing it from exerting a damaging level of pressure on the floor.

2. Clear Out the Refrigerator

Reduce the weight of the refrigerator as much as possible by removing as many of its contents as you can. Begin by removing all the food and then take out shelves, drawers and other removable parts to bring the total weight down.

3. Keep the Door Securely Closed

Moving a refrigerator can cause the door to swing open, which can result in damage if it bangs against other items of furniture. Prevent this from happening by tying a rope securely around the refrigerator to keep the door shut.

4. Use Moving Tools to Help You

Using a moving dolly can help you move a refrigerator without hurting yourself. This tool has a small platform on which the refrigerator rests, a long handle that you can use as a lever, and wheels to make moving easy. Slide the base of the dolly under the refrigerator and then lean on the handle to lift up the load. Wheel the refrigerator along the plywood sheets that you laid down earlier. Go slowly and be careful not to bump the refrigerator into walls, doorways or other items of furniture.

5. Know When to Get Professional Help

Although it is possible to move a refrigerator on your own or with the help of a friend, there is always a risk of hurting yourself or damaging your property. If you are not confident that you can safely manoeuvre the refrigerator from its place in your kitchen to the outside and load it into the vehicle you will use to transport it, you may want to consider using a furniture removal service. Professional movers can quickly and safely move heavy objects such as refrigerators without damaging them. Hiring a removal service is particularly recommended if you have problems with your back or knees, as moving a heavy object can put a lot of strain on these body parts.

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