At Moving, we know how difficult it can be when you’re moving and don’t have time to defrost your freezer. Sometimes it feels like you’re juggling a million things at once. That’s why you want to make transporting your freezer or deep freeze as easy as possible. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to transport your freezer safely, without the hassle of melted ice or damaged parts. We’ll cover every important part, from securing drawers with tape to connecting your freezer in your new home.
Why move a freezer without defrosting it?
You may wonder if this is wise. After all, you don't want to risk the compressor getting into the cooling lines and causing damage. However, we understand that sometimes you don't have time to let the freezer defrost for a long time. You want to keep your frozen products frozen and have a smooth move.
Always defrost the freezer
Think of a friend who wants to have everything ready for moving day. He’s filled his freezer to the brim with food. He doesn’t want to cram everything into a cooler and spend days defrosting it. We hear this scenario a lot. That’s why we decided to create this guide.
Transporting a freezer: key points to consider
Several factors come into play when you are going to transport your freezer. You want to keep the freezer upright and not tilt it unnecessarily. Otherwise you run the risk of oil from the compressor getting into the cooling lines.
Also note these points:
Weight matters. Empty the freezer!
A full freezer weighs a lot more than you think. Take all the frozen products out or put them in a cool box. That will save you a lot of lugging. Once the freezer is empty, it will weigh a lot less and you can move the refrigerator or freezer safely.
Drawers and loose parts
Remove the drawers from the freezer or secure them with tape. This will prevent them from sliding around during transport and damaging the inside of the freezer. Moving is done safely, so make sure you know how to move them best.
Moisture and ice formation
Clean the freezer with soapy water if you have time. It may sound redundant, but it helps a lot. Small ice residues can slide away and cause damage if you tilt the freezer. You should never move a freezer like this.
We often see that people do not secure the freezer door properly. A door that suddenly swings open during moving can quickly cause an accident. So make sure you secure everything firmly with tape or tension straps.
Step-by-step plan for transporting your freezer
Our team at Moving loves clear instructions. Here's how to transport your freezer step by step, even if you don't have time to defrost it:
1. Make sure your freezer is empty
Remove all frozen products or transfer them to a separate cooler. This will minimize the weight and prevent spillage of any ice residue. Are you cleaning the freezer? This is the right time to clean the freezer.
2. Turn off the freezer
Unplug the freezer the day before you move if you have a little defrosting time. If you don't have that day, turn it off a few hours before you leave and let it run at its coldest until then. This is also better for the oil in the compressor.
3. Make sure that loose parts of the freezer are secured
Remove containers and racks from the freezer or secure them with tape. This prevents them from sliding and damaging the freezer from the inside. By securing everything, you ensure that you can move the freezer safely. You do this so that the freezer cannot be damaged during the move.
4. Transport the freezer upright
Preferably keep the freezer upright while lifting and placing it in the moving van. Transporting a freezer lying down is possible but not ideal. You risk the oil from the compressor leaking into the cooling lines. Even if it is an old freezer, make sure you transport it upright so that no compressor can end up in the cooling lines. That is why it is best to ask for help from professionals.
5. Transport the freezer upright and empty
An empty freezer is much easier to move. This way you can work faster and avoid unnecessary risks. Do you think a flatbed truck is no longer necessary? Then you are mistaken! This is always useful and are you alone? Then call in the help of professionals so that the freezer can stand upright during transport.
Moving the freezer safely
We may be talking about “moving a freezer,” but a freezer is essentially the same appliance with a different name. Moving safely requires good preparation and the right tools:
- Use a flatbed truck if you have one available. This makes lifting easier and keeps the freezer stable.
- Secure all loose parts so they don't fly around. We don't just mean drawers, but also small containers or ice cube trays.
- Ask someone to help you. It is difficult to keep an eye on the freezer and keep a door open on your own. Two (or more) people see more than one.
Imagine you are dragging a 50 inch TV through a doorway. You are doing this with a friend. One tilts the TV, the other steers. With a freezer, it is the same but with a little extra care, because you have a greater chance of leaks and mechanical damage.
Protecting the freezer during transport
You don't want to scratch or dent your freezer. Take these steps to protect it:
1. Moving blankets or bubble wrap for transporting your freezer
Wrap this around the freezer. This will prevent sharp corners of walls or thresholds from causing ugly dents. Also secure the door properly. This is exactly something people often forget.
2. Secure loose parts with tape or tension straps
Secure the freezer with a tension strap in the moving van. Also make sure the freezer door cannot open during the trip. That way you know for sure that it can be transported safely on the moving day.
3. Check the inside of the freezer and transport the freezer safely
Remove ice that is easy to reach. Scraping it off with a sharp object can work if it is only a small patch of ice. The amount of time you have to wait varies, but it is best to allow some time for this. Once the freezer has defrosted, wait about 24 hours to make sure everything is good.
Materials overview
| Material | Function |
|---|---|
| Moving blanket | Protects the exterior from scratches and bumps |
| Tape | Keep the freezer door closed and drawers in place |
| Tension strap | Stabilizes the freezer during transport |
| Bubble wrap | Adds extra protection to corners and edges |
| Cool box | Keep your frozen products frozen |
Can't do it any other way? How to move a freezer without defrosting
Sometimes you really don't have time to defrost your freezer. Maybe you're leaving for your new home tomorrow, or maybe all your food is still in the freezer. This step-by-step plan will help you on your way:
1. Transporting the freezer? Lower the temperature
Let the freezer get extra cold in the hours before you turn it off. You prevent everything from defrosting quickly. This way you have enough time to defrost.
2. Moving a freezer? Remove or secure all drawers
Protect the inside and avoid rattling and damage. Make sure the freezer is properly defrosted before moving it.
3. Turn off the freezer and unplug it
Do this shortly before departure if you do not have time to defrost. This way your food will stay fresh a little longer.
4. Move the freezer upright
Transporting it flat can introduce oil into the cooling lines, which can damage your freezer or deep freeze.
5. Wait 4 to 24 hours before turning it back on
This rest period gives the oil a chance to flow back to the compressor if you had to tilt the freezer. Wait about 24 hours to make sure everything is going to be ok.
Installing the freezer in the new home
Arriving in your new home is exciting. Of course, you want to put everything in its place right away:
1. Place the freezer in a stable position
Choose a flat floor and make sure it can't wobble. Only turn on the freezer when it is in its final corner.
2. Connect the plug
Wait with this if you have transported the freezer (half) lying down. Oil in the compressor must be given the chance to sink back to the right place.
3. Clean the freezer with soapy water
Remove dust and any ice residue that may have formed during the move. This will give you a fresh start in your new home.
4. Let it come up to temperature
Sometimes it takes up to 24 hours before it is functioning at full power again.
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem: The freezer is making a lot of noise after the move.
Solution: Check that it is upright and that all parts are securely fastened. Deformed foam or crooked feet can sometimes cause rattling.
Problem: Ice formation in the freezer will get worse in the first few days after installation.
Solution: You may have moved it with leftover ice. Defrost the freezer when you have time and dry it thoroughly.
Problem: The compressor in the cooling lines comes and causes damage.
Solution: This happens especially if you transport the freezer lying down and turn it on immediately. From now on, wait 4 to 24 hours before turning the freezer on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I also use the freezer as a cool box?
You can of course leave the freezer off, but it will heat up. A real cooler is more convenient to keep your stuff frozen when you move.
How long should I wait before turning the freezer back on after transporting?
Count on 4 to 24 hours if you tilted it. If it was upright and you didn't bump on the road, you can check after a few hours whether it can be turned on again.
Is empty transport always necessary?
It is best to move it empty. A full freezer is not only heavy but also sensitive to shifting ice and water.
Do I need to remove the door if I need to go through a narrow doorway?
That can sometimes help. Door off, freezer in, door back on. That way you avoid awkward maneuvers.
Additional tips and alternatives
- Defrost the freezer if you have time to spare. Nothing is as clean and light as a freshly defrosted freezer.
- Use a cooler to keep perishable foods cool. Do you have friends who live nearby with space in their freezer? That is also possible.
- Clean the freezer in time. Do this with soapy water to prevent unpleasant odors in the new home.
- Get professional help movers. Especially when you have to lift a large American fridge or freezer. This way you avoid back pain and damage.
Is moving a freezer without defrosting the best option?
It depends on your situation. If you really don’t have time, our method works fine. Keep the freezer upright as much as possible, secure the loose parts and give the compressor time to settle in your new home. If you do have time, defrosting is the safest and cleanest option. Ultimately, you decide which method fits your moving schedule best.
Share comments and experiences
We at Moving would love to hear about your moving experience. Have you experienced a crazy situation or come up with a handy tip? Share it with us. You will undoubtedly help others who also need to transport a freezer but don't know how. We wish you the best of luck with your move. Feel free to leave a comment with your experiences or questions. We are always ready to help you further!
