Plan Out Your Move
Just like you plan a vacation road trip, it is important to plan out how you will be moving a refrigerator.
- Your first step will be to measure the height, width and depth of your appliance.
- Be sure to include the handles in the measurement if they are extended from the door. After getting that data, you can map out your exit strategy.
- It is important to think about kitchen islands, interior door width and height, floors, stairsteps and any other obstacles that my hinder your removal.
- Moving may require the removal of your refrigerator doors. Check your owner’s manual if needed.
- Also, check on any entry doors or storm doors that might need removal to help with your exit.
As part of your pre-move planning, go ahead and schedule a moving truck if you will need one for the day of your move. Also, make sure you have an appliance dolly, blankets, and adjustable straps to secure your load.
Clean and Prepare Your Refrigerator for Moving
Moving your refrigerator full of groceries is never a good idea. There are several steps you should take to prepare the fridge for transportation.
- Clear out all of the contents from your refrigerator and freezer. Now is also a good time to throw away any out of date foods.
- You can use coolers for temporary storage and transportation of your items to keep them from spoiling. Use ice or cooling blocks to help maintain a proper temperature.
- Clean and remove the shelving from the refrigerator and wrap with newspaper or old towels.
- Unplug the refrigerator to let it cool down. Open the doors to help with this step.
- Defrost, if necessary. Be sure to dry any water and ice that may be present before moving.
Secure Your Fridge for Transport
It’s now time to secure your appliance for loading on the transport truck. If your refrigerator is surrounded by cabinets, you will need to pull it out to start. Some larger units have wheels that will assist in pulling it out from the cabinet space. You may need to walk you unit out if wheels are not present. If your fridge is a stand alone, turn it to one side to access the back.
There are several options for securing the doors on your unit for transportation.
- You can use bungee cords, zip ties over the handles, or even plastic wrap around the entire appliance.
- Also, make sure to secure the power cord and any water lines to the back with tape or zip ties.
Whether using a hand truck or furniture dolly, it is especially important to protect your flooring. This can be done with floor protectors, furniture slider pads, or even thin plywood sheets. Using either of these will assist in moving the refrigerator and also keep from scarring your floors.
Loading Your Refrigerator
Now it’s time to load your refrigerator. Please be aware that moving appliances like a refrigerator is not a solo job. You must have a helper to be able to move and navigate the load safely. Many refrigerators today can weigh up to 400 pounds.
- Cover the refrigerator with moving blankets to protect it from scratches and dents during the move.
- Have your helper tilt the fridge to one side so the hand truck or dolly can slide underneath.
- Center the dolly and lower the fridge onto the tow lip.
- Secure the appliance with the dolly straps.
Transporting the Refrigerator
Working with assistance, have one person behind the fridge to manuver the hand truck and the other in front as a guide.
- Tilt the appliance back to about 45 degrees.
- Keeping the fridge tilted, begin slowly moving to your moving truck.
- Take your time to move around any obstacles or down any steps.
- Using the lift gate or a ramp, walk backwards and pull the appliance onto your trailer or truck.
- Secure your load to the truck walls or trailer rails using moving straps.
When moving a refrigerator, it is crucial that you never lay it on its front or back. This can cause damage to the coils and cooling system, making for a costly repair. If it is an absolute necessity, a fridge can be moved on its side for a short trip. Allow at least 8 hours of upright rest before attempting a restart.
Install and Reconnect the Refrigerator
Once you have arrived at your new location, unload your fridge with the same care you used in loading it. Use the dolly to position the fridge in its new location.
- Attach the water line for the ice maker and plug in the power cord for the refrigerator.
- Install any shelves and bins you may have removed for transport.
- Wait at least 2 hours before restocking with food.
Moving a refrigerator is not a difficult job if you prepare, have the right equipment and some assistance. If you have any doubts about your ability to move it, it is advisable to call a professional mover.
Should you need a new refrigerator, consult our guide on Choosing the Best Refrigerator for Your Kitchen. Purchase from Lowe’s and you can get delivery and installation on your new unit as well as other appliances and services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions on moving a refrigerator.
What is the easiest way to move a refrigerator?
The easiest way to move a refrigerator is with some assistance and a furniture dolly. With proper preparation, taking your time and following some simple instructions it can be an easy task.
Can I move a fridge by myself?
Moving a refrigerator by oneself is never a good idea. Some of today’s refrigerators can weigh almost 400 lbs., which can make for a bulky load to manage alone. Couple the weight with the sheer size of your appliance and it is a necessity to have assistance if you are contemplating a move.
How long should a fridge be off before moving it?
To give your fridge a thorough chance to defrost, it is a good rule of thumb to clean out and unplug your refrigerator overnight to allow it dry out completely. You can give a final clean and wipe in the morning before preparing your move.
What are some rules for moving fridges?
There are several suggestions that should be strictly followed when thinking about how to move a fridge.
- Clean out your refrigerator and allow it to defrost before moving.
- Make sure you have assistance and a hand truck or dolly to help with the move.
- Secure not only the appliance to the dolly but the dolly to your method of transportation to safeguard against it falling over.
- Never lay your fridge on its back as this will cause damage to the cooling system.
- After arrival at your new location, let the unit sit upright 3 or 4 hours to allow the compressor oil to settle back in position.