How to Move a Refrigerator

person preparing to move a fridge — Photo:
AndreyPopov / Getty Images

Working Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 day
Skill Level: Beginner
Estimated Cost: $0

Whether you're moving into a new house or making way for a new refrigerator, learning how to move a refrigerator safely will ensure you protect yourself and your appliance. Additionally, knowing the right way to move a refrigerator can affect whether it still works when it is time to use it again. Refrigerators are bulky and incredibly heavy; transporting them is no easy feat. Here, we explain how to move a refrigerator safely, including preparation steps and the correct way to reinstall a fridge after the job is done.

Before You Begin

Before you start the heavy lifting, plan your path. Measure the refrigerator's height, width, and depth, then measure each doorway to ensure the fridge will fit through them. Make note of any stairs, curbs, or other bumps along the path, and communicate these things to a helper. Remove the doors if necessary.

After you plan a path, take some time to prepare the refrigerator by following these steps:

Empty all the items from the fridge.
Remove the shelves and drawers.
Turn off the water supply line and disconnect it.
Unplug the refrigerator and tape the cord tightly to the side of the appliance to prevent tripping.
Clean the refrigerator and leave the doors open to dry.

Place an open container of baking soda inside to remove any odors from your refrigerator. Remove it before moving the appliance.

How to Defrost a Refrigerator Before Moving It

If your refrigerator has ice buildup, plan for ample time to defrost it. This decreases the fridge's weight and prevents a water mess during transport. To defrost the refrigerator or freezer before moving, follow these steps:

Unplug the refrigerator.
Open the doors.
Place a couple of towels on the ground beneath the open doors to absorb the water.
Check the towels occasionally to ensure they aren't saturated, and swap them out if necessary.

This process can take several hours to days, depending on the severity of the ice buildup.

Keep the Refrigerator Upright

Always keep the refrigerator upright. At no point during the moving process should it lie on its back or side. Laying a refrigerator down can cause severe damage to the appliance. Internal parts can suffer, and crucial liquids such as oil and refrigerant can run from their necessary housings, compromising the components when power is restored.

If a refrigerator has been on its back or side, play it safe and set it upright for at least 24 hours before plugging it in.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

Appliance dolly
Appliance sliders or thick cardboard
Measuring tape
Assorted tools for removing hardware (screwdrivers, wrenches)
Ratcheting straps
Appliance straps (optional)

Materials

Moving blankets
Towels

Instructions

How to Move a Refrigerator

Protect the Floor

Protect the floor by placing appliance sliders or thick cardboard beneath the fridge. To do so, gently tilt the refrigerator back and slide the protectors beneath the front casters.
Remove the Doors (Optional)

Remove the refrigerator doors or handles following the manufacturer's instructions if necessary to fit the appliance through doorways.

When moving your fridge to storage, leave the doors off or prop them open to prevent odors and moisture buildup.
Protect the Refrigerator

Wrap the refrigerator in thick moving blankets to protect it from dents and dings. This also protects door casings in case of collision.
Place the Refrigerator on a Dolly

With a helper's assistance, center the side of the refrigerator on an appliance dolly and secure it to the dolly using the integrated ratcheting strap.
Carefully Tilt the Dolly

After the refrigerator is secured to the dolly, carefully tilt the dolly toward yourself as your helper spots you and guides the refrigerator.
Move the Refrigerator

Use the dolly to carefully wheel the refrigerator down the pre-planned path.

When moving a fridge down steps, hold the dolly at approximately 45 degrees and lower it one step at a time as your helper stands on the other side and steadies the refrigerator.

When moving up an incline, such as a trailer ramp, pull the dolly up the incline rather than attempting to push it.
Secure the Refrigerator

Keep the refrigerator in the upright position and secure it to the trailer or truck using ratcheting straps.

If you must lift the refrigerator into a truck or trailer without a ramp, use appliance lifting straps. These straps make it much easier to lift heavy, large appliances without injuring yourself.

When to Plug In a Refrigerator After Moving It

A refrigerator that has been moved properly in the upright position can be plugged in immediately upon arrival at its new location or home. However, if the fridge was on its side or back at any point during the moving process, you must wait to plug it in. First, set the refrigerator upright for at least 24 hours to let the liquids flow back into the proper places. Then, visually inspect all parts to ensure they haven't been crushed or otherwise compromised before plugging in the appliance.