Whether you’re renovating your kitchen, moving to a furnished home, or traveling for an extended period, there may come a time when you need to store your refrigerator. As one of the most expensive household appliances, you’ll want to take the correct steps to ensure your fridge comes out of storage as good as when it went in. There are a few essential storage tips to bear in mind before you get started. Here’s everything you need to know about how to store a refrigerator in a storage unit.
1) Empty the fridge.
Your first order of business is to remove everything from your fridge. Food, jars, bottles, and so on should all be taken out and used, stored elsewhere, given away, or tossed out.
2) Unplug your refrigerator at least 24 hours before sending it into storage.
Once you’ve emptied your fridge, unplug it. If you have a freezer compartment, you’ll need to let it defrost to room temperature. Keep a shallow pan under the freezer to catch any water. Don’t forget to empty any ice or water dispensers.
3) Clean your fridge.
Once it’s fully defrosted, grab a sponge and cleaning products and clean your fridge until it’s spotless. Clean the surfaces with soapy water or disinfect it completely with bleach . Make sure to clean both the inside and outside of the appliance, and if you opt out of beach, make sure to at least use warm water when cleaning it. Once you’ve cleaned your refrigerator, wipe it down so it’s completely dry. Leave the door open to allow it to air out. You can even put a container of baking soda in the fridge to absorb any lingering odors. Just be sure to remove it before you move the fridge.
4) Secure the doors and wires and move the refrigerator.
Secure the refrigerator doors with wire and tape it to the side of the fridge to reduce the risk of damage. You don’t want a broken wire on your hands! Your fridge will be stored unplugged until you’re ready to take it out of storage. Tape the door with masking tape as an extra precaution when transporting the appliance.
5) Prepare the fridge for moving.
You’ll want to protect your refrigerator when it’s being moved. Wrap it well in moving blankets to prevent scratches and dings. If you have hardwood or linoleum floors, you can slip some cardboard under your fridge. You don’t want to wreck your floors! If you’re moving the fridge yourself, have a friend on hand to help you get it onto a dolly.
6) Keep the refrigerator right side up.
When moving your refrigerator, make sure to keep it upright. Never turn it on its side or upside down. This can cause the inner workings of your fridge to break, and you’ll be down hundreds if not thousands of dollars trying to replace it.
7) Place your fridge in the correct storage unit.
Your self storage unit should be free from dampness, mildew, and mold. A clean, dry storage unit is a must for storing anything, and this is just as true when storing a refrigerator. Any moisture will cause mold in your fridge. Storage facilities do offer humidity-controlled storage units – these are the best options when it comes to storing a refrigerator long term. Once your fridge is in place inside the unit, open the doors. Keeping the doors open is key to avoiding mold and unpleasant odors.
When cleaned and stored properly, a refrigerator can be kept in storage for 10 to 15 years. Following these storage tips can help ensure your fridge remains in top condition for as long as possible.
