Preparing for Vacation or Moving

Getting Your Refrigerator Ready for Vacation

Remove perishables and anything that may expire while you are away. Ensure the fridge is empty of items that can spoil, then clean interior surfaces with a mild dish soap solution, rinse, and dry. To control odors, place an open box of baking soda or a fresh refrigerator deodorizer inside. Empty the ice bin, discard any ice that may have absorbed odors, and wash removable bins and trays.

• Trips under four weeks: Keep the refrigerator running at normal settings (about 37°F in the fresh food compartment and 0°F in the freezer). Turn off the ice maker if you will not be using ice, and confirm the empty refrigerator has good airflow.
• Longer absences: Turn off the ice maker, empty the ice bin, and consider unplugging the refrigerator. If unplugging, shut off the water supply at the source, disconnect the water line per your Use & Care Guide, and prop doors open with a towel to prevent mildew when the fridge is empty.

Leaving the Refrigerator ON:

1. Use up any perishables and freeze other items.
2. If your refrigerator has an automatic ice maker and is connected to the household water supply, turn off the water supply to the refrigerator. Property damage can occur if the water supply is not turned off.
3. If you have an automatic ice maker, turn off the ice maker. Depending on your model, raise the wire shutoff arm to the OFF (up) position or press the switch to OFF.
4. Empty the ice bin.

Turning the Refrigerator OFF:

1. Remove all food from the refrigerator.
2. If your refrigerator has an automatic ice maker:
   • Turn off the water supply to the ice maker at least one day ahead of time.
   •  When the last load of ice drops, raise the wire shutoff arm to the OFF (up) position or press the switch to OFF, depending on your model.
3. Empty the ice bin.
4. Turn off the Temperature control(s). See “Using the Control(s).”
5. Clean the refrigerator, wipe it, and dry well.
6. Tape rubber or wood blocks to the tops of both doors to prop them open far enough for air to get in. This stops odor and mold from building up.

How to Prepare Your Refrigerator for Moving

Plan ahead. Two to three days before moving, turn off the ice maker and dispense or discard remaining ice. Use up or remove all food so the fridge is empty. Unplug the refrigerator and allow the freezer to defrost fully with doors open. Place towels to catch water and prevent slippery floors, then clean and dry all interior surfaces to avoid odors and mold during transit.

Shut off the water supply. Disconnect the water line at the rear and any in-door connections as described in your Use & Care Guide. Keep the line and fittings clean and capped. Unplug the power cord from a grounded outlet and tape it to the back of the unit to prevent tripping or damage. Never move or service the appliance while connected to power or water. If you will be storing a fridge for any length of time, make sure the fridge is dry, and the doors are secured ajar to promote airflow.

• Protect the exterior with moving blankets and corner guards.
• Remove, label, and pack shelves, bins, and glass components separately when possible. If left inside, pad and secure them.
• Keep the unit upright at all times to protect the sealed system; do not lay it on its side.
• Use a dolly rated for the appliance’s weight and secure it with straps.
• Avoid extreme temperatures during storage; a climate-controlled space is best for a fridge in storage.

What to do before moving

1. When you are moving, follow these steps to prepare for the move:
2. If your refrigerator has an automatic ice maker:
   1. Turn off the water supply to the ice maker at least one day ahead of time.
   2. Disconnect the water line from the back of the refrigerator.
   3. When the last load of ice drops, raise the wire shutoff arm to the OFF (up) position or press the switch to OFF, depending on your model, and empty the ice bin.
3. Remove all food from the refrigerator and pack all frozen food in dry ice.
4. Turn off the Temperature control(s). See “Using the Control(s).”
5. Unplug refrigerator.
6. Clean, wipe, and dry thoroughly.
7. Take out all removable parts, wrap them well, and tape them together so they don’t shift and rattle during the move.
8. Depending on the model, raise the front of the refrigerator so it rolls more easily OR raise the leveling screws so they don't scrape the floor. See “Adjust the Door(s)” or “Door Closing and Door Alignment.”
9. Tape the doors closed and tape the power cord to the back of the refrigerator. When you get to your new home, return everything and refer to the “Installation Instructions” section for preparation instructions.

Your refrigerator is heavy. When moving the refrigerator for cleaning or service, cover the floor with cardboard or hardboard to avoid floor damage. Always pull the refrigerator straight out when moving it. Do not wiggle or “walk” the refrigerator when trying to move it, as floor damage could occur.