How to move a refrigerator

Moving a refrigerator without hiring a mover

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.

“Modern refrigerators have a tremendous number of features to be considered when planning a move,” Aurora Hughes, director of communications at the moving and relocation service MSS, Inc., said.

Whether handling a high-end brand that is built into the cabinetry with wood panels attached to the face, a smart refrigerator connected to Wi-Fi with a touch-screen on the door, or a classic side-by-side, the first step you should always take is to review the owner’s manual to confirm the manufacturer’s recommendations,” Hughes explained.

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Tools and supplies needed to move a refrigerator

Before you can move your refrigerator, make sure you have all the tools you need for the job. For starters, you should employ the help of at least one other person for transport, as refrigerators can be quite heavy.

Moving a refrigerator is best done by at least two people with an appliance hand truck, which can be purchased (or rented) at big box stores like The Home Depot, Ace Hardware, Tractor Supply Company and Uline. 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.

Preparing to move your refrigerator

With the right tools in hand, you can prepare to move your refrigerator. Doing so requires careful preparation, including emptying and cleaning your fridge, allowing it to fully defrost and securing small components to protect them during the move. Follow these steps to prepare:

1. Measure the refrigerator

Start by measuring the fridge, the doorways in and around the fridge’s current location and future destination, the exact space where you plan to place the fridge after moving and the vehicle you will use to transport the refrigerator. Verify that the fridge will fit through all of these doors and in these spaces. If not, you may have to remove the doors.

If your vehicle cannot 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.

2. Empty the fridge

Completely empty the refrigerator prior to disconnecting it and then 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.

3. 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.

4. 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 have the expertise, disconnecting the water line can open the door for a catastrophic water leak or can cause damage to the water system’s delicate plastic components within the refrigerator.

5. Wait before you move the fridge

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. When you allow your refrigerator to defrost for at least 24 hours, securely prop the refrigerator doors open to prevent them from accidentally closing on pets or children.

6. Clean up

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.

7. 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.

8. Measure the new space

Take measurements of the doorways and the refrigerator’s height, width and depth to confirm whether it will fit. If the refrigerator is too large, you must detach the doors of the refrigerator and/or your home. Due to the presence of a water line and electrical connections between the refrigerator’s cabinet and doors, a professional should handle this process. Moving a fridge can be complicated, much like moving a piano.

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Transporting a refrigerator safely

Once it is prepped to move, place the side of the refrigerator (never the front or rear) against your hand truck (resting the fridge on its front or back 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 them, the doors should be replaced immediately after the refrigerator is successfully 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 refrigerator 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.

Repeat these steps in reverse when the refrigerator arrives at your new home.

What to do after moving your refrigerator

After your refrigerator is in its new home, you need to follow a few more steps 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.

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.

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.

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Tips to keep in mind when moving a refrigerator

When moving a refrigerator, you want to avoid damaging the fridge and surrounding property. Even more important, you should 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 — with 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: Unless you are only slightly moving the refrigerator out to see behind it, 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 downstairs or coming around corners.
• Have 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 the refrigerator is going to be stored for an extended period, be sure to prop the doors open to allow for airflow,” Hughes from MSS, Inc. 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.

Bottom line

When it comes to moving a refrigerator, it is best to leave that job to the professionals. However, if you cannot afford to hire a moving service, do not 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. Read the fridge’s owner’s manual for specific tips on moving that type of fridge.

Measure the fridge, the doors and the fridge’s future location to check that it will fit. Ensure that the fridge is clean and dry before moving. Prioritize protecting the fridge, the surrounding property, yourself and any other people who are helping you move the refrigerator.