At one time or another you may have to put some stuff into storage. One item that a lot of people worry about storing is their fridge/freezer. This is due to the worry of it getting damaged or ending up covered in mildew with a smell that cannot be shifted. Here are a few tips for how it's best to move it into storage and measures that can be taken in order to prevent having to invest in a new one.
Before moving the fridge/freezer you should empty out all food, unplug the appliance and leave for a few hours, overnight if possible. This should ensure that it thoroughly defrosts. Additionally, it might be best to put a towel or two down at the base of the fridge/freezer to catch any water that runs out and avoid your kitchen from flooding.
After it is completely defrosted you should make sure that you give it a proper cleaning. Remove any shelves, trays, connecting hoses, etc., and wash them in warm, soapy water. You should also make sure you clean the inside of the appliance to remove any food debris or spilled liquids, ideally with just warm water. Once it is thoroughly cleaned and dried out you should put the shelves, trays and any connecting hoses or pipes into a bag to be transported independently of the fridge/freezer. Then you should secure the doors with a moving strap.
When moving the appliance you should use a trolley or something similar in order to keep it upright at all times. It's probably best to hire a company to move it, but if you choose to do it yourself, make sure you have a competent person to help you and do not attempt it on your own. Not only are fridge/freezers heavy, they are also fragile and the slightest knock could render them useless. You should also cover the appliance with blankets whilst moving it to ensure it doesn't get scratched and the coils on the back do not get caught on anything.
The storage unit should be clean and airy, although it doesn't have to an expensive climate-controlled unit. You should then place the appliance carefully into an upright position where it is to be stored. This should be a place where it doesn't have to be moved until you're ready to remove it from storage.
In order to keep it dry, mildew free and without a horrible smell forming you should ideally remove the door(s) from the appliance, bagging up or covering them in blankets to keep them damage free. If you cannot completely remove them, you can wedge them open. Be aware that this could cause the doors to become bent and also damage the seal that ensures it stays shut when it's in use. The final point you should be aware of is to make sure there are no heavy items that could possibly fall onto the fridge/freezer.
If you follow these simple measures, they should ensure that when the time comes to remove your fridge/freezer from storage, it is still in tip top condition and ready to use. Talk to the managers at a self-storage facility, such as Lisarow Self Storage, for other tips on storing important appliances.
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