Delivery day for your new refrigerator should be exciting, not stressful. Over the years, we've seen plenty of situations where a little advance preparation would have saved homeowners time, money, and frustration. Whether you're upgrading to a more energy-efficient model to battle those San Antonio summer electric bills from CPS Energy or replacing a unit that finally gave out, taking an hour to prep your kitchen makes all the difference.
Measure Everything Twice
Start by measuring your refrigerator space—height, width, and depth. Then measure your doorways, including the front door, any hallway turns, and the kitchen entrance. Don't forget to account for door handles and hinges that might stick out an extra inch or two. In older San Antonio homes, especially those built before the 1990s, doorways can be narrower than you'd expect. If your new refrigerator is 36 inches wide and your doorway is 32 inches, you've got a problem before the delivery truck even arrives.
Check the path from your driveway to the kitchen. Note any tight corners, stairs, or low-hanging light fixtures. Delivery crews appreciate knowing about obstacles ahead of time, and you'll avoid the awkward situation of a refrigerator stuck halfway through your front door.
Clear the Path and Protect Your Floors
Remove everything between your front door and the installation spot. That means area rugs, plant stands, decorative tables, and anything else that could get bumped or knocked over. If you have tile or hardwood floors, consider laying down cardboard or moving blankets along the delivery path. A refrigerator can weigh anywhere from 200 to 400 pounds, and even professional movers can leave scuff marks on vulnerable flooring.
Clear out the space where your old refrigerator sits. Pull out any magnets, photos, or papers from the exterior. Empty the contents—or at least consolidate everything into coolers with ice if you need to preserve food during the swap.
Prep Your Plumbing and Electrical
If your new refrigerator has an ice maker or water dispenser, you'll need a water line. Check that your existing water shut-off valve works properly—these can corrode over time in our hard San Antonio water from SAWS. Turn the valve off and on to make sure it operates smoothly. If it's stuck or leaking, call a plumber before delivery day.
Verify that your electrical outlet is within reach and functioning. Most refrigerators need a standard 110-120V outlet. If your outlet is old or the prongs feel loose, have an electrician take a look. Spending $75 on electrical work now beats a service call later.
Plan for Your Old Refrigerator
Decide what happens to your old unit before the new one arrives. Many delivery services will haul away your old refrigerator for $25 to $50. Confirm this when you schedule delivery. If you're donating it, arrange pickup in advance. Don't let your old fridge sit in the garage for months—it's just wasting electricity.
Final Checklist
On delivery day, have someone home who can answer questions and sign paperwork. Keep pets secured in another room. Have a clear spot ready in your garage or outside if the crew needs to unbox the appliance before bringing it in.
Taking these steps ensures your new refrigerator gets installed correctly the first time. If you're ready to upgrade, check out our $899 in-stock washer and refrigerator options for quality appliances that fit real family budgets. A little preparation goes a long way toward starting off on the right foot with your new kitchen workhorse.