4 Pro Tips for Moving a Fridge

Moving large appliances, especially refrigerators, can be a challenging task. Fortunately, with the right preparation and tools, it’s possible to move a refrigerator safely and efficiently. This guide outlines the essential steps to help ensure a smooth relocation of a refrigerator to its new destination, minimizing the risk of damage and ensuring the appliance arrives in good condition.

What You'll Need:

• Appliance dolly

• Allen wrench

• Moving pads

• Plastic wrap

• At least one helper

  
  

Tip 1: Empty the Refrigerator

Before starting the move, it’s essential to clear out the refrigerator. Transferring all food into coolers with ice will help keep perishables fresh during transit. It's also a good idea to leave the fridge until the end of your move when packing up a home, so it can be one of the first items unloaded at the new location.

Tip 2: Disconnect the Refrigerator

Once the fridge is emptied, the next step is to disconnect it. This includes unplugging the power cord and any water or ice maker lines, if applicable. It’s important to tape the power cord securely to the back of the fridge to prevent tangling or damage. Any additional wires should also be properly secured.

Note: When you disconnect your fridge, it's recommended to wait about 5-10 minutes before plugging it back in. This allows the compressor to settle, preventing damage to the cooling system. However, if you've had your fridge disconnected for a longer period (for example, due to a move or cleaning), it's generally fine to reconnect it after an hour or more. If your fridge was unplugged for a significant period (like overnight), give it some time to reach a stable temperature before putting food back inside, as it might take a while to cool down again.

Tip 3: Measure and Check for Clearance

Before moving the refrigerator, it's critical to measure both the appliance and the doorway to ensure it will fit through. Standard doors typically measure 36 inches in width, 80 inches in height, and 1 ¾ inches in thickness. In many cases, removing the handles from the refrigerator will make it easier to pass through doorways. An Allen wrench will be needed to unscrew the handles.

Note: If removing the handles doesn’t provide enough clearance, the refrigerator doors may need to be taken off entirely. However, this is generally not within the scope of typical moving services, so it's advisable to consult a professional if unsure.

Tip 4: Protect the Refrigerator

After preparing the refrigerator, the next step is to protect it from damage during the move. Cover the appliance with moving pads, paying particular attention to the front, which is the most vulnerable part. Since the side of the fridge is usually the shortest dimension, the fridge will likely need to be tilted sideways to fit through doorways.

Once the moving pads are in place, secure them by wrapping the fridge in plastic wrap. This extra layer of protection helps keep the pads in place and provides additional safeguard for the refrigerator’s exterior.

Now you're prepared to safely move a fridge!

With the fridge prepared and protected, the next task is to move it. Using an appliance dolly, carefully tilt the refrigerator and load it onto the dolly. Moving a refrigerator is a physically demanding task, so having at least one helper is strongly recommended. If there are stairs to navigate, two helpers will be necessary to share the load and minimize the risk of injury or damage.

Final Tips:

Clear the Pathway: Before moving the refrigerator, remove any obstacles from the pathway, including rugs, furniture, or other items, to ensure a smooth and safe move.

Be Cautious on Stairs: When navigating stairs, take extra care. It’s often safer to move a refrigerator downstairs than upstairs, so be mindful of the direction of movement and work closely with a helper to avoid accidents.

Transport Upright: When loading the refrigerator into a truck or vehicle, it should always be kept upright to prevent damage to internal components.

By following these steps and ensuring the right preparation and equipment are in place, it’s possible to move a refrigerator safely and without damage. If there’s any uncertainty or hesitation about the process, it's always a good idea to consult with professional movers to ensure the job is done correctly.