Essential guide for safely moving and transporting your fridge

Moving a refrigerator is a big task, but with the right preparation, you can make it a smooth and safe process. Whether you’re moving to a new house or just rearranging your kitchen, here’s how you can move your fridge without a hitch.

First things first, empty your fridge. Remove all food, drinks, and those magnets collecting on the door. Then, pull out any removable shelves and bins—wrap these separately to keep them safe during the move. Don’t forget to defrost a day before the move to prevent any messy leaks!

Got a tight squeeze through a door or a tricky turn in your hallway? Measure your fridge and any areas it needs to pass through to make sure it fits. If it looks tight, you might even consider removing the fridge doors or house doors temporarily. Lay down some cardboard or sheets to protect your floors as you go.

Wrap your fridge in moving blankets or bubble wrap, especially around corners and edges. Secure the doors with moving straps or strong tape—this keeps them from swinging open as you move.

Using a dolly or hand truck, carefully tilt the fridge back just enough to slide the dolly underneath. Make sure the fridge stays upright to protect its inner workings. Strap it in tightly, and you’re ready to roll. Remember, moving a fridge is a two-person job, so don’t go it alone!

Keep the fridge upright during transport. If you must lay it down, only do so on its side, and never on the front or back. Secure it well in the moving vehicle to prevent any shifts during the drive.

Once at your new place, don’t rush to plug it in. Let your fridge stand upright for at least three hours before you power it up. This wait helps all the internal fluids settle back into place.

Ideally, refrigerators should be transported upright. However, if you need to lay your fridge down, only do so on its side to prevent damage. Never lay a fridge on its front or back. Secure it upright to the side of a tall moving truck with straps if possible. If you lay the fridge down, place it carefully on its left or right side and let it stand upright for at least 8 hours before turning it back on to allow the internal system to reset.

Emptying your fridge might seem like just another task on your moving checklist, but it's crucial for a few reasons. First, an empty fridge is much lighter and easier to maneuver, reducing the risk of injury or damage during the move. Plus, it prevents any forgotten food items from spoiling or causing a mess inside during transit. Think of it as making your fridge travel-ready, ensuring it arrives clean and fresh at your new home!

Defrosting your fridge before you move is more important than you might think. If you skip this step, ice and leftover water can move around inside during transit, potentially damaging the fridge’s interior workings. Just turn off your fridge a day before moving to let it thaw, then wipe it dry. This simple act can save you from unexpected messes and keep your fridge in top shape during the move.

Wrapping your fridge in a moving blanket or bubble wrap isn’t just about keeping it scratch-free. It’s about cushioning your fridge against bumps and knocks that happen on the road. This extra layer of protection can make a big difference, especially for the delicate parts at the back of your fridge that keep it running smoothly. Think of it as giving your fridge a safety jacket that keeps it looking good and working great even after the move.

Keeping your fridge upright during transport is not just a suggestion—it's a must for preventing damage. Laying a fridge down can cause the internal fluids like oils and coolants to shift, which can lead to poor performance or even serious damage once it’s turned back on. If you absolutely must lay it down, always choose its side - never the front or back, and don’t forget to let it stand upright for a few hours before plugging it back in at your new place.

Moving a fridge by yourself might seem like a good challenge, but it’s a task best tackled with a buddy. Why? Because fridges, even when empty, can be awkward and heavy to handle. Having a friend helps you maneuver the fridge safely without hurting yourself or the appliance. Plus, it’s always more fun to share the load and maybe even share a laugh or two along the way!

After a big move, your fridge needs some time to settle, just like us! Letting it stand upright for a few hours allows all the internal fluids to return to their proper places. This wait is crucial because it helps prevent any operational hiccups when you start it up again. So, give your fridge some downtime—it’ll pay off with a smooth, efficient run when you’re ready to use it again.