Preparing for Vacation or Moving
How to Prepare your KitchenAid Refrigerator for Vacation or Moving
Vacation Care:
If you choose to leave the refrigerator on while you are away:
- Use up any perishables and freeze other items.
- 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.
- If you have an automatic ice maker, turn off the ice maker.
NOTE: Depending on your model, raise the wire shutoff arm to OFF (up) position or press the switch to OFF. - Empty the ice bin.
If you choose to turn off the refrigerator before you leave:
- Remove all food from the refrigerator.
- 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.
- Empty the ice bin.
- Turn off the Temperature control(s). See “Using the Control(s).”
- Clean the refrigerator, wipe it, and dry well.
- 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.
Moving Care:
What to do before moving
- When you are moving, follow these steps to prepare for the move:
- If your refrigerator has an automatic ice maker:
- Turn off the water supply to the ice maker at least one day ahead of time.
- Disconnect the water line from the back of the refrigerator.
- 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.
- Remove all food from the refrigerator and pack all frozen food in dry ice.
- Turn off the Temperature control(s). See “Using the Control(s).”
- Unplug refrigerator.
- Clean, wipe, and dry thoroughly.
- Take out all removable parts, wrap them well, and tape them together so they don’t shift and rattle during the move.
- 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.”
- 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.
If you would like to download or view product literature for your appliance, please visit our Manuals and Literature page.