How to move a refrigerator in 14 steps
Moving a refrigerator may seem simple, but it involves more care and caution than you would use when transferring furniture. To move a refrigerator safely and without damaging your home — or the fridge itself — there are steps you won’t want to skip.
1. Read the owner’s manual
Read the fridge’s owner’s manual for specific tips on moving your type of fridge.
“Modern refrigerators have a tremendous number of features to be considered when planning a move,” said Aurora Hughes, director of communications at MSS, a moving and relocation service.
Whether you’re handling a high-end brand that’s built into the cabinetry with wood panels attached to the face, a smart refrigerator with a touch-screen that’s connected to Wi-Fi, or a classic side-by-side fridge, the first step you should always take is to review the owner’s manual to confirm the manufacturer’s recommendations, Hughes said.
2. Ask someone to help you
Moving a refrigerator is best done by at least two people, though it may help to have three or four people depending on how heavy your fridge is. Never move a refrigerator by yourself.
3. Get all the tools you need
It’s helpful to get an appliance hand truck to move a fridge, which can be purchased (or rented) at big box stores like The Home Depot, Ace Hardware or Tractor Supply Company. You can also call your local hardware store to see if this type of hand truck is available.
You may also need some basic tools for removing the doors or disconnecting the water line, like a wrench, pliers and screwdriver. Finally, don’t forget supplies for protecting and securing the refrigerator in the moving truck. This could include ratchet straps and moving blankets.
4. Take measurements
Measure the refrigerator’s height, width and depth. Then, measure the doorways in and around your fridge’s current location and the location you’ll be moving it to. If the refrigerator is too large, you must detach its doors or your home’s doors.
5. Rent or borrow a truck
If your vehicle can’t accommodate the size of your refrigerator, you can rent a covered truck or van from a company like U-Haul. Remember that it is best to transport your refrigerator in an upright position, so look for a vehicle that can accommodate this if at all possible.
6. Empty the fridge
Completely empty the refrigerator prior to disconnecting it. Put any remaining food you would like to save into coolers. If the refrigerator has an ice maker, empty the ice bin and turn off the ice maker to prevent water from entering the freezer.
» RELATED: How to move a freezer by yourself
7. Protect your floors
Protect the floors immediately in front of the refrigerator. Lay down cardboard, moving blankets or plastic strips in front of the wheels to prevent the refrigerator from creating indentations or scratches on the floor.
If you need to help the refrigerator’s wheels roll onto the blankets, you and your moving helper(s) can slightly lift or tilt the fridge up onto the fabric. Make sure you lift with your legs and not your back to avoid injury.
8. Disconnect the ice machine
Have a plumber disconnect your ice maker (if applicable) from the water source if possible. Once the refrigerator is pulled away from the wall, you’ll have access to the electrical plug and the water connection.
It’s highly recommended to have a professional plumber, handyman or appliance mover familiar with refrigerator relocation be the one to disconnect the water line and prepare the refrigerator for moving. If you don’t hire a professional, disconnecting the water line can lead to a catastrophic water leak or cause damage to the water system’s delicate plastic components within the refrigerator.
9. Let your fridge sit for at least 24 hours
Allow the refrigerator to sit for at least 24 hours before moving it after disconnecting so that it can fully defrost. You can place towels in and around the refrigerator to collect any water from melted ice or frost.
10. Clean your fridge
Clean the refrigerator thoroughly, as any food particles left inside could result in mildew, mold and unpleasant smells, especially if the refrigerator will be in transit or storage for an extended period of time. Check that the entire refrigerator is completely dry.
11. Wrap and secure drawers and other components
Secure any loose components inside the refrigerator to maximize the chance that they remain intact during the move. Plastic wrap is helpful for securing drawers. As for shelves, you can remove them from the refrigerator, wrap them in padding or moving blankets, secure the load with tape and pack them in boxes.
12. Move your refrigerator
Next, place the side of the refrigerator against your hand truck. Don’t rest it on its front or back — this can cause damage to its screen, handles, water dispenser, buttons, compressor, condenser coils and other parts that are essential for the fridge to function.
If you had to remove the fridge’s doors, they should be replaced immediately after it is moved out of the space. Leaving the doors off during transit can create issues with the seal when they’re reinstalled at the destination. To keep the doors closed during transport, you can use ratchet straps or plastic wrap. You should not apply tape directly on the refrigerator, as it can leave behind a residue.
Use a ramp if necessary to move the refrigerator from the hand truck into a van or truck. Secure the refrigerator in place with ratchet straps, and pad the appliance with moving blankets, ensuring that the fridge is not lying or leaning against its front or rear.
You’ll then repeat these steps in reverse when the refrigerator arrives at your new home.
13. Install your fridge in your new home
After your refrigerator is in its new home, you need to install it properly. This includes having a plumber assist you with connecting your fridge to the water line to avoid damage or leaks. Once your fridge is up and running, you may need to discard your first batch of ice in case of any impurities.
14. Wait 12 to 24 hours, then plug it in
Before you plug in your fridge, you should let it sit for 12 to 24 hours to allow the compressor oil to resettle. Plugging in your refrigerator too soon can result in damage. Then give your fridge another good cleaning before putting food back into it, in case of any dust or grime picked up in the moving process.
» RELATED: Does a home warranty cover water lines?
Tips for moving a refrigerator
When moving a refrigerator, you want to avoid damaging the fridge and surrounding property. You should also ensure that you are transporting a refrigerator safely to prevent injury to yourself and others. Keep the following tips in mind to make this process as risk-free as possible:
Check the fit
Before moving your refrigerator to a new location, check that it will fit in the area you have chosen, making sure there’s room for proper ventilation. Measure both the refrigerator and its designated space beforehand, ensuring that the refrigerator’s airflow is not blocked by surrounding walls or cabinets.
Use a hand truck
Never relocate a refrigerator without a hand truck that can handle the fridge’s weight and size.
Safeguard the fridge
To protect your refrigerator’s exterior from scratches or dents, wrap the fridge in moving blankets or padding. Keep the padding in place by taping it together.
Vacuum
While your refrigerator is away from the wall, take the opportunity to vacuum up the dust around the compressor or condenser. If your refrigerator has an evaporator pan, clean it and allow it to dry.
Use care
Take your time when carrying the refrigerator on the hand truck, especially when going down stairs or coming around corners.
Wear proper gloves
In cool, dry weather especially, cloth gloves can make it challenging to get a good grip on the refrigerator. Use gloves with plastic dots or rubber strips to maintain a proper grip.
Take care of the compressor
After moving your refrigerator to a new home, let it sit for 24 hours so that the compressor oil can settle.
Watch out for the ice maker
For the ice maker and water line connections, enlist the expertise of a professional. You may need to discard the first several batches of ice to remove any impurities from the water line.
Prop the doors
If you won’t be using your fridge right away, prop the doors.
“If the refrigerator is going to be stored for an extended period, be sure to prop the doors open to allow for airflow,” Aurora Hughes said. “Use a soft material that will not make an indentation in the door gaskets.” When the fridge is reconnected, indentations can prevent a complete seal, causing a loss of refrigeration and frost.
FAQ
Can you transport a refrigerator on its side?
Whenever possible, you should avoid transporting a refrigerator on its side. Doing so can result in damage to the refrigerator’s cooling mechanisms. If you cannot avoid laying down your fridge to transport it, though, try to limit the amount of time it is on its side to less than eight hours. You should also let it sit in place in your new home for about 24 hours before you plug it in.
How long should I wait to plug in a fridge after moving it?
Generally, you should let your refrigerator sit for between 12 and 24 hours in its new location before you plug it in. This allows it to settle and prevents damage to the compressor.
Can you hire a company to move a refrigerator for you?
Yes, you can hire a company to move a refrigerator for you. If you know of a moving company, simply reach out to ask if they relocate refrigerators and how much they charge. If you need help finding a company, you can ask friends, family or neighbors. It can also help to read online reviews to vet the service. You can also find professional movers using resources like Thumbtack or Taskrabbit. Reach out to confirm that the company is properly licensed and insured, and ask for a quote to see how much it will cost to move a refrigerator.
How many people does it take to move a refrigerator?
Since a refrigerator is a large and heavy appliance, you will want at least two people to help with lifting, moving and maneuvering the fridge. When the refrigerator is on the hand truck, one person can hold the handles while the other navigates the fridge from the front, keeping an eye out for obstacles.
How can I protect myself when moving a refrigerator?
Make sure to get help from someone and lift wisely. When lifting the refrigerator onto a hand truck, lift with your legs and not your back. To avoid injury, keep your back straight while bending your knees to lift.
Bottom line
When it comes to moving a refrigerator, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. However, if you can’t afford to hire a moving service, don’t relocate a refrigerator on your own. Have at least one other person to help you, along with an appliance hand truck that can support the size and weight of your refrigerator.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, “Tips for a Successful Move.” Accessed July 2, 2026.
