How to Move a Refrigerator

Moving to a new home and taking your fridge with you? Whether you’re moving out of state or relocating within the area, moving large items like a fridge out of your old home and into your new one can be stressful. For a hassle-free move, discover the best ways to move a refrigerator in this step-by-step guide!

Create a Moving Plan

If you’re not hiring movers, be sure to devise a plan for how to efficiently pack your fridge for moving. Since the fridge is one of the heaviest kitchen appliances, ask friends and family for help relocating it. Consider renting a moving truck and gathering the proper moving tools in advance. Here’s a list of moving supplies you’ll need to move your fridge safely:

• Measuring tape

• Floor protectors

• Moving straps

• Moving blankets

• Stretch wrap

• Furniture sliders

• Bungee cords

• Appliance dolly

Measure Your Fridge & Doorways

After developing a moving plan, use measuring tape to determine the width and height of your doorways and fridge. This will tell you if you have enough room to move the piece through the doorways and onto the moving truck. You may be able to create extra space in a doorway by unscrewing the door entirely—if your fridge still won’t fit through the space, consult the owner’s manual for guidance.

Clean Out, Defrost, & Disconnect the Fridge

In the week leading up to your move, take time to clean out, declutter, defrost, and disconnect the fridge from the water line. Try to finish any perishable foods in the days leading up to the move—otherwise, discard unwanted food and drinks, and store any remaining perishables in ice coolers. After emptying the fridge, disconnect the water line to defrost the freezer at least 24 hours before moving—this allows the various oils and chemicals in the fridge’s mechanisms to settle. Leave the doors open to prevent moisture from collecting, and lay down towels on the floor to soak up any water leaks that may occur. When the fridge is ready to move, roll up and tape the cord to the back of the fridge to prevent a tripping hazard and damage.

Lay Out the Moving Path

One of the best refrigerator moving tips is to map out and prepare your route ahead of time to help make transporting your refrigerator easier and safer. As your fridge or freezer is defrosting, make sure the path you’ll take to the truck is clear of any obstacles—including furniture or moving boxes. Then line the floor with floor protectors, cardboard, hardboard, or rubber mats to avoid damaging your floors during transport.

Prepare Your Fridge for Moving

Before pulling the fridge away from the wall to move, there are a few preparatory steps to take. Remove drawers and shelves inside the refrigerator, then pack them separately to avoid damaging them in transit. Next, wrap the fridge’s exterior with stretch wrap and moving blankets to help prevent scratches or dings. Finally, secure the fridge doors with a moving strap so the doors stay closed and out of the way while moving.

Move the Fridge Onto the Dolly

After you’ve prepped the fridge, it’s time to use a dolly to move the refrigerator. Start by having one person slightly lift on one side so the other one can slide furniture pads underneath, and repeat on the other side. This will help protect your floors as you slide the fridge onto the dolly. When the pads are in place, position the dolly beside the base of the refrigerator and slide the flat support under the appliance so that the fridge is “on” the dolly. Now, wrap and cross moving straps to secure the fridge to the dolly in this upright position—and ensure they’re tight enough to keep the fridge in place but not so tight they damage it.

Load the Fridge onto the Moving Truck

Ensuring the fridge is evenly positioned and centered on the dolly, slowly tilt the appliance back—no more than 45 degrees. Take small steps, carefully pushing the dolly to maintain control as you move your fridge along the moving path. If there are any stairs, one person should pull the dolly back while the other guides it down one step at a time—this will help prevent the weight of the fridge from falling too far forward. Once at the truck’s base, walk backward, pulling the dolly up the ramp and into the truck. Find a spot to secure the fridge in place, keeping it upright—rather than on its back or side—to avoid damaging internal components. Use bungee cords or moving straps along the top and sides to fasten the fridge to the truck and keep it on the dolly for hassle-free unloading.

Unload & Reinstall Your Fridge

After arriving at your new home, lay down a moving path and floor protectors to prevent any damage to your new floors, and move the fridge and other small appliances into the kitchen. Gently rock the appliance from side to side until it’s in the right spot. Reassemble any drawers and shelves, and be sure to give the fridge several hours to settle before plugging it in. Once it’s plugged back in, allow the refrigerator to get cold for 24-72 hours before adding food.

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