How to Pack a Fridge, AC and LED TV for Moving (Step-by-Step)

Three appliances account for roughly 70% of the move-day damage claims our team sees: refrigerators, split-AC units and LED televisions. Each one fails in a specific way, each one needs a specific preparation, and each one rewards a few hours of upfront work with a damage-free reinstall at the destination. Here is the step-by-step technique we follow on every TBPM Express move.

Refrigerator — the 24-hour rule

The #1 cause of fridge damage during a move is oil migration in the compressor. When a fridge is tilted or laid horizontal, the compressor oil drains into the cooling circuit. If you switch it on before the oil settles back, the compressor seizes — a ₹6,000–₹15,000 repair bill on a 3-year-old fridge.

Pre-move (24 hours before)

1. Empty the fridge completely. Donate or consume anything perishable.
2. Unplug from the power socket.
3. Leave the doors open to allow the interior to defrost and reach room temperature.
4. Wipe the interior dry. Water left inside will leak during transit.
5. Tape the doors shut with low-residue masking tape (not duct tape — it leaves marks on the gasket).
6. Remove the loose shelves and crisper drawers. Wrap each in bubble wrap and box separately.

Move day

1. Keep the fridge upright at all times. Do not lay it on its back or side.
2. Wrap the body in a furniture blanket and secure with stretch film.
3. Use an appliance dolly (sack truck) to move it. Two people minimum, three for double-door.
4. Load it standing upright at the back wall of the truck, strapped to the truck wall.

At destination

1. Unload upright, position in the final spot, level the legs.
2. Wait minimum 6 hours before plugging in — 12 hours is safer for double-door / side-by-side models.
3. Once switched on, leave empty for 2–3 hours to allow the interior to cool before loading food.

Split-AC — the gas-recovery trick

Split-ACs need a certified technician for both the dismount at the source and the install at the destination. The single most expensive mistake is letting an untrained crew "just disconnect" the unit — refrigerant gas leaks out, and you will pay ₹3,000–₹6,000 to top up R-32 or R-410A at the destination.

Step-by-step dismount (always done by a technician)

1. Switch on the AC, set to cooling mode for 5 minutes.
2. Close the high-pressure (liquid) line valve at the outdoor unit.
3. Let the indoor unit run for 30–60 seconds, pulling all refrigerant back into the outdoor unit.
4. Close the low-pressure (suction) valve — the refrigerant is now sealed in the outdoor unit.
5. Switch off the AC and disconnect power.
6. Unscrew the copper-line couplings at both units. Tape the open ends to prevent dust ingress.
7. Unmount the indoor unit, then the outdoor unit. Coil and bind the copper lines carefully (do not kink).

Packing

• Indoor unit: wrap in bubble wrap, place in a 5-ply carton with foam corner-protectors
• Outdoor unit: wrap in a furniture blanket, secure copper lines coiled on top
• Remote control, screws and original brackets: small ziplock bag, taped to the indoor unit

Reinstall

A certified technician at the destination will check the refrigerant pressure, top up if needed, install the brackets, mount the units and run a 30-minute test cycle. Budget ₹1,500–₹3,000 per AC for the dismount-and-reinstall service.

LED TV — the foam-and-carton method

Modern LED panels are extremely thin and crack easily under direct pressure. Never lay a TV flat for transport— always upright, screen vertical.

Pre-move

1. Photograph the cable layout at the back of the TV — set-top box, gaming console, sound bar, HDMI ports — before disconnecting anything.
2. Unplug all cables. Bundle each cable, label both ends and store separately in a ziplock bag.
3. Detach the stand or wall-mount. Keep the screws and stand-pieces in a labelled bag taped to the TV.

Packing

1. If you still have the original carton + foam, use it. Best protection.
2. Otherwise: wrap the screen in two layers of bubble wrap (smooth side facing the screen).
3. Place foam corner-protectors on all four corners.
4. Slide into a flat 5-ply TV carton (movers carry these in three standard sizes — 32, 43, 55 inch).
5. Fill empty spaces with crumpled craft paper. The TV must not move inside the carton.
6. Mark the carton "FRAGILE — THIS SIDE UP" with arrows on all sides.

Loading

TV cartons are loaded last, placed vertically (screen perpendicular to the floor) and wedged between soft items. Never stack anything on top of a TV carton.

A note on warranty and insurance

Manufacturer warranties on most major appliances (LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, Daikin, Voltas) cover internal manufacturing defects, not transit damage. For transit, the only protection is the moving company's transit-insurance policy. Declare high-value appliances on the inventory list and confirm coverage in writing before the move. A typical transit-insurance claim for a damaged LED TV gets paid within 21 working days if the inventory and claim documentation are in order.

Doing this work yourself can save 30-40% on the appliance-handling portion of your bill. But for high-value units — side-by-side fridges, 65"+ TVs, premium AC brands — paying a professional packer-mover the ₹500-1,500 per appliance is usually cheaper than one warranty-voiding mistake.