Prepare Your Fridge and Freezer for Moving

Preparing to move your appliances, especially your refrigerator and freezer, takes a bit of extra care. If not properly defrosted and dried, these appliances can become breeding grounds for mold and mildew during the move.

To help you avoid any messy surprises, here is a complete guide on how to prepare your deep freezer, upright freezer, and refrigerator before moving day.

1. Empty Out All Food

Perishable items will not survive a move, especially during warmer months. Start the emptying process early enough so food does not go to waste and you have enough time to properly clean and defrost the appliance. Here are a few ideas for how to responsibly handle your frozen and refrigerated items:

  • Eat them in the days leading up to the move.
  • Give them away to neighbors, friends, or family.
  • Do not transport frozen food, especially long-distance—it is risky and can lead to leaks, spoilage, and messes.

2. Plan 24–48 Hours in Advance

Refrigerators and freezers need time to fully defrost and dry before they are moved. Plan to start the defrosting process at least 24 to 48 hours before your moving date. This allows plenty of time for all ice to melt and for the interior to air out completely. Disconnect the appliance and place towels on the floor to soak up any water that may drip from melting ice.

3. Clean the Interior Thoroughly

Once emptied and unplugged, it is time to clean:

  • Wipe down all shelves, drawers, and interior surfaces with warm, soapy water or a mild cleaning solution.
  • Pay special attention to corners and drain holes where water may pool.
  • Use a solution of vinegar and water for a natural way to combat odors.

4. Disconnect Water Lines and Empty Ice Bins

If your refrigerator has a built-in water dispenser or ice maker, you will need to:

  • Disconnect the water line to prevent leaks during the move. Or, you can speak with your Pine Brook NJ Movers coordinator to arrange for a third party service to perform the disconnecting and reconnecting services for you.
  • Empty the ice tray completely, and dry it out to prevent melting and mildew.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safely disconnecting water lines—some may require a shutoff valve to be turned off.

5. Remove All Detachable Parts

Do not forget to remove all the parts like the glass shelves, trays, storage pans, covers, ice trays, and water dispensers. This will also ensure that these items will not be damaged and may not cause any accidents during the transfer. Clean, dry, wrap, and pack them separately for moving. You do not want anything to slide around inside the fridge during the move and break.

6. Leave Doors Open to Air Dry

After cleaning and defrosting, leave the doors open on both the refrigerator and freezer to allow any remaining moisture to evaporate.

This is a critical step to prevent mold and mildew growth while the appliance is in transit or storage.

7. Secure Doors Safely if Kids or Pets Are Around

If you have children or pets in the home, it is important to prevent them from getting inside an open fridge or freezer during this drying period.

Pro tip:

  • Place a rolled-up towel in the door gap and secure it gently with painter’s tape. This keeps the door slightly ajar to finish drying but prevents children or pets from messing with it.
  • You can secure the power cord with zip ties or tape it to the body of the unit to prevent it from coming loose or getting damaged.

8. Let Movers Know the Appliances Are Ready

Once your fridge and freezer are clean, dry, and defrosted:

  • Let your Pine Brook NJ Movers movers know the appliance is ready to go.
  • We will make sure it stays upright during transport (especially freezers and refrigerators with compressors).

Final Checklist

Before moving your refrigerator or freezer:

  • Empty all food and ice
  • Unplug and defrost 24–48 hours ahead
  • Clean and dry interior
  • Disconnect water lines (if applicable)
  • Remove all detachable parts
  • Leave doors open to air dry
  • Secure doors if kids or pets are in the home

Planning ahead saves time, prevents messes, and protects your appliances. A little extra effort now means you will not be unpacking a moldy fridge in your new home.

When your refrigerator or freezer arrives at your new home, let the unit stand in an upright position and keep it unplugged for 12 hours before using it. Letting the appliance stand without plugging for several hours will ensure that all oils, lubricants, and compressor have settled safely before plugging it.

While you are waiting, place the shelves and drawers back in their original positions.

When it is time, plug in your fridge and let it start cooling. It can take anywhere from two hours to a full day for your fridge to reach its optimal temperature. It is important to wait until your fridge reaches its safe cooling temperature to prevent food spoilage or bacteria growth.

Need help with the heavy lifting? Pine Brook NJ Movers offers expert packing and moving services, so you can focus on settling in. Our specially trained pros are skilled to pack and move all your appliances to your new home. Get a free quote for your move today by calling us at (800) 990-1110!