Many homeowners forget about their refrigerator or freezer when they move, even though it needs special care. You might be busy packing up your kitchen tools and wrapping your glassware in bubble wrap, but it’s essential to ensure your fridge and freezer are ready for the move so they don’t get damaged or make a mess. “Should I defrost my fridge or freezer before moving house?” is a question we frequently receive at Movers Crew LLC, a top moving company in Dubai.

Yes, you should do it. In this guide, we’ll explain why it’s important, how to do it correctly, and how professional movers and packers in Dubai can help make the process run smoothly.
Why You Should Defrost Your Freezer or Fridge Before Moving
1. Stop leaks and damage from water
When you move a fridge or freezer that still has ice or frost in it, that buildup will start to melt while you’re moving it, especially in a hot place like Dubai. Due to this, water can leak into your moving truck or boxes, potentially damaging your furniture, electronics, and other valuable items. Defrosting your fridge at least 24 hours before the move will help you avoid this.
2. Make sure the transport is safe
Your appliance is heavier and more difficult to move when the compartments are frozen and ice has built up inside. Moving ice can also damage internal components. If you want professional movers in Dubai to move your fridge safely and efficiently, ensure it is properly defrosted first. This will prevent the appliance from getting damaged or causing harm to someone.
3. Keep Mold and Bad Smells Away
If you don’t clean and dry your fridge before moving it, it can develop an unpleasant odor due to trapped moisture or food. Mold and bacteria can grow over time, especially if the fridge is unplugged for an extended period while it’s being moved. When professional villa movers and relocation come to Dubai, they prefer to have appliances ready for relocation without worrying about hygiene issues.
How to Defrost Your Freezer or Fridge Before You Move
Movers Crew LLC, a reliable packing and moving company in Dubai, has put together this step-by-step guide to help you defrost your fridge like a pro.
Step 1: Unplug Your Appliance Ahead of Time
Unplug your refrigerator or freezer at least 24 to 48 hours before the move. This will give the ice enough time to melt and the inside to dry completely.
Step 2: Get rid of all the food
Remove all food, drinks, and other items from the freezer. You can keep food that goes bad in a cooler with ice packs for a short time, or you can plan your meals to minimize waste.
Step 3: Keep the doors open
Open the doors of your fridge and freezer to allow air to circulate. This makes the defrosting go faster and keeps moisture from getting trapped inside.
Step 4: Place towels down to absorb the melted ice.
Put towels or trays under the appliance to catch the water that melts. If there is much frost, be prepared to change them a few times.
Step 5: Clean and Dry Well
After it has thawed, use a mild cleaning solution to wipe down all the inside surfaces, then dry them with a clean cloth. This prevents mound, mildew, and unpleasant odors from developing while the item is being moved.
Can movers help you defrost?
Most moving companies in Dubai, like Movers Crew LLC, don’t offer appliance defrosting as a standard service. However, professional movers in Dubai can guide you on preparing your refrigerator for the move.
That’s why it’s essential to prepare. When you clean and defrost your fridge before moving, the process will go more smoothly, quickly, and efficiently, especially if you hire the best self storage in al Quoz.