Moving house in London is a stressful affair, and frankly, the fridge freezer is often the most problematic item. As someone who has managed countless removals over the past 15 years, I can tell you that this appliance is not just heavy; it’s mechanically delicate. Getting the move wrong, even slightly, can permanently damage the compressor system, leading to expensive repairs or an entirely new unit.

This guide outlines exactly what you need to do to prepare, transport, and reinstall your appliance successfully, ensuring it’s chilling properly the moment you arrive at your new London flat or house.

Phase 1: Preparation is Non-Negotiable (The 24-Hour Rule)

You need to start this process at least 24 hours before the removal van arrives. Trust me, rushing this part is the primary mistake homeowners make.

1. The Big Empty Out

Firstly, you must empty the appliance. Take out every single carton, jar, and frozen pizza from the appliance. This is the perfect moment for a ruthless decluttering session!

  • For Perishables: Any food you are keeping should be immediately transferred into high-quality cooler bags with plenty of ice packs. Don’t risk cross-town transit with food that might spoil—it’s not worth the clean-up.

  • Remove and Protect Loose Parts: Remove all removable shelves, vegetable drawers, and door trays. These items are typically fragile and will certainly rattle, chip, or break if left loose. Wrap them individually in bubble wrap and pack them securely in a separate, clearly labelled box.

2. Defrost, Drain, and Dry

You cannot skip this step. If you move a freezer with ice, that ice will melt in the van, leading to water damage or dampness

  • Unplug and Open Up: Switch off the power at the wall and disconnect the cord. Prop the doors wide open. This accelerates the defrosting process. Place towels inside the bottom of the unit and on the floor to absorb the meltwater.

  • Wipe it Spotless: After removing all the ice, use a clean cloth to dry the entire interior thoroughly. Pay special attention to the door seals and any crevices. A damp fridge is a magnet for nasty odours when it’s sealed up and switched off.

3. Securing the Unit for the Journey

You need to ensure everything is neat, tidy, and secure before the movers handle it.

  • Tidy the Cable: Gently coil the power cable and firmly secure it to the back of the unit using strong masking tape or a zip tie. You don’t want it trailing and causing a trip hazard or snagging.

  • Seal the doors: Once you are sure that the interior is completely dry, use a generous amount of non-residue moving tape or industrial stretch wrap to secure the doors shut around the appliance’s body. A vital warning: Never tape over the rubber seals themselves, as you risk tearing them and destroying the airtight seal.

Phase 2: The Physical Move and Transport

This is the hard part, especially when navigating the tight hallways and numerous staircases often found in London properties.

4. Lift It, Don’t Drag It

I cannot stress this enough: never drag the appliance. Sliding it across the floor risks damaging the surface and, crucially, bending the delicate coolant pipes at the back.

  • Use a Trolley: Always use an appliance hand truck or utility dolly, and ensure the unit is tightly secured to the dolly with straps before moving it an inch. Get a helper, this is a two-person job, always.

  • Keep it upright: This is the golden rule. The appliance must always be kept in an upright position. Tilting it too much causes the compressor oil to drain from the reservoir and flood the cooling lines. If that happens, the appliance’s system can fail immediately when you switch it on.

My Expert Advice: If you are forced to lay it on its side due to ceiling height or logistics (use this as a last resort!), try to ensure it is laid on the side indicated in the manual, and never exceed a 45-degree angle.

5. Securing in the Vehicle

In the moving van, strap the unit firmly against the sidewall using professional ratchet straps. Always use moving blankets to cushion the fridge freezer from any other furniture or boxes that might shift during transit. London traffic demands careful packing!

Cleaning fridge freezer for safe move

Phase 3: Reinstallation (The Waiting Game)

You’ve made it. But before you stock up on groceries, there is one last, absolutely crucial step that homeowners often forget.

6. The Critical Settling Time

Patience is your best friend here. If the fridge freezer was moved while standing upright, you must wait a minimum of 2 to 3 hours before plugging it in.

If, however, the unit was tipped, laid down, or handled at any severe angle, you absolutely must allow a minimum of 4 hours, and ideally 12 to 24 hours, before plugging it in.

This essential delay allows the compressor oil that may have shifted during the move to settle back into its proper place. Ignoring this risk voids warranties and is the most common reason for motor failure immediately after moving.

7. Power-Up and Test

Once you have waited the requisite time:

  1. Plug the unit in and switch it on.

  2. Let the fridge freezer run completely empty for at least 2 hours.

  3. Monitor the internal temperature to confirm it is cooling efficiently and stably before reloading any food.

Follow these steps, and your appliance will be running perfectly from the moment you move into your new London address. Happy cooling!