Moving a regrigerator with straps takes most of the perceived effort out of moving a large and somewhat heavy item.
Attempting to move a refrigerator by hand is both awkward and cumbersome. there are few areas on a refrigerator ca be be grabbed and great grip maintained, It is also tall and easy to lose sight of where each side is, leading to collisions with doorways, walls, and surrounding objects.
Moving straps makes this far easier and simpler providing precise control, hands free lifting, and elevated movement free from ground obstacles. These are just a few of the benefits of using straps to move large and heavy items.
This article refers to moving refrigerators with shoulder mounted moving straps. For forearm mounted moving straps read here.
What Size of Straps Will I Need to Move Refrigerator-freezers?
The average refrigerator is roughly 32″ – 36″ wide and 28″ – 34″ deep. As most moving straps range between the sizes of between 100″ – 140″, most moving straps are capable of moving most refrigerators.
The longer the strap the better as this gives us more room for adjustment whenever the need arises. We want to be able to accommodate for our height and for whenever there is a need to change position. An example of this being in an attempt to climb a set of stairs.
Let’s look at the exact steps required to move a refrigerator with straps.
Moving a Refrigerator With Straps – 8 Steps
Positioning the Refrigerator
Place the refrigerator on its long side in preparation to lift using the straps
Putting the Vest On
Put the vest on and snap the chest buckle in place if there is one
Slip the Strap Underneath the Refrigerator
Slip the length of the strap underneath the ends of the refrigerator and hold one end in each hand
Positioning the Straps for Full Support
Swap one end of the strap with your lifting partner at the other side of the refrigerator so that the straps are in an ‘X’ configuration underneath the refrigerator
Attaching Straps to the Vest
Attach both ends of the strap to the belt buckles on the vest
Adjusting the Strap Length
Adjust the length of the moving strap using the vest buckle. Ensure the length you set to gives approximately an arms distance between you and the refrigerator once it’s lifted
Moving the Refrigerator
Lift the refrigerator with outstretched arms and good hand placement to stabilize the item, using slightly bent arms
Maintain Good Form
When on the move, ensure that you back is kept straight at all times and you maintain the same distance between your body and the refrigerator. Keeping in good communication with your lifting partner to ensure that you are moving in unison
Advantages of Moving Straps
- Inherently safer than attempting the lift by hand
- Protects back from strain by promoting good lifting technique
- Reduces perceived weight of the object by up to 66%
- Ascending stairs becomes far safer as hands are free to improve balance and remove obstructions
- Easy to maneuver tight spaces and around corners
- Clears obstacles easier as it’s not limited to movement across the ground as would be the case attempting to move the refrigerator with a furniture dolly or hand truck
Summary – Moving a Refrigerator With Straps
Moving straps assist with moving heavy furniture and appliances such as refrigerator freezers. They can help prevent back injuries, improve control, increase maneuverability while lifting. They also reduce the perceived weight of items being lifted by up to 66%.
Most moving straps are capable of moving refrigerators as their length typically exceeds 100″.