How to Move a Fridge With Minimal Stress and Maximum Safety

Moving a fridge can be a daunting task, requiring careful planning and the right technique to ensure the appliance is safely transported without damage. The challenges involved include its heavy weight, bulky size, and the need to navigate tight spaces without scratching floors or walls. Additionally, improper handling can lead to issues such as internal damage to the fridge’s compressor or cooling system. Using the proper techniques is crucial, as it helps avoid costly repairs and ensures the fridge functions properly in its new location. Taking the time to prepare, secure the fridge correctly, and move it with the right tools is key to safeguarding both the appliance and your living space.

Can I Move My Fridge By Myself?

Size and Weight of the Fridge

Weight: Most fridges range from 150 to 400 pounds, depending on the size and type. This can make them very difficult to maneuver without assistance.
Size: Large fridges (e.g., side-by-side models) are bulkier and harder to fit through narrow doorways or tight spaces, adding to the difficulty of moving them alone.

Before attempting to move the fridge, assess its size and weight to determine if it’s manageable for one person or if you’ll need help.

Assessing Your Space: Doorways, Hallways, and Obstacles

Clear the Path: Ensure that the path to where you want to move the fridge is clear. Remove any obstacles like rugs, furniture, or other items in the way.
Measure Doorways: Check the dimensions of doorways, hallways, and corners to ensure the fridge will fit through. If the fridge is too large, you might need to remove the door from its hinges or even the fridge door itself.
Stairs: Moving a fridge up or down stairs is particularly dangerous and should not be attempted alone. If stairs are involved, it’s best to have at least one other person to help.

The Risks of Moving a Fridge Alone

Injury to Yourself: Moving heavy objects can result in muscle strains, back injuries, or accidents if you’re not careful. It’s easy to lose balance or hurt yourself trying to lift a heavy fridge by yourself.
Damage to the Fridge: Moving the fridge incorrectly or tipping it over could damage internal components, such as the compressor or cooling system. This might make the fridge unusable or lead to expensive repairs.
Property Damage: You risk damaging walls, doors, floors, or any other surrounding objects when moving a large appliance by yourself.

Equipment You May Need

Dolly or Appliance Cart: A dolly is essential for rolling the fridge safely without lifting it. Many appliance carts are specifically designed to support large, heavy items like fridges.
Moving Straps: These straps allow you to lift the fridge by securing it to your body, distributing the weight and reducing strain. They are particularly useful for moving large, bulky items.
Protective Covers: To prevent scratches or dents on the fridge or walls, wrap the fridge in moving blankets or other protective padding.

When It’s Safe to Attempt on Your Own and When to Seek Help

Safe to Move Alone:

If the fridge is small (under 150 pounds), you may be able to move it by yourself with the proper tools, like a dolly.
If the space is wide, the path is clear, and the fridge fits comfortably through the doorways, you might be able to manage alone.
If you’re physically fit and have experience moving heavy items, you might feel confident doing it yourself.

When to Seek Help:

Heavy Fridge: For fridges over 200 pounds or bulky, getting help is safer.
Stairs or Tight Spaces: If there are stairs involved or the fridge needs to be maneuvered through narrow spaces, it’s safer to have at least one other person to help.
Uncertainty: If you’re not sure about your ability to move the fridge without damaging it or risking injury, it’s worth seeking professional movers or getting assistance.

7 Steps for Moving a Fridge Safely

Moving a fridge safely requires careful planning and the right technique to avoid injury or damage to the appliance and your home. Here are 7 essential steps for a safe and effective fridge move:

Preparation | Emptying the Fridge

Remove Food: Take out all food, beverages, and anything else inside the fridge. This reduces the weight and prevents spills.
Remove Shelves and Drawers: Take out any removable shelves or drawers. This makes the fridge lighter and reduces the risk of breaking delicate parts.
Wrap Accessories: If the fridge has internal components like shelves, crisper drawers, or trays, wrap them in bubble wrap or towels to prevent damage during the move.

Unplugging and Defrosting

Unplug the Fridge: Always unplug the fridge to ensure there’s no electrical hazard while moving.
Defrost (if necessary): If the fridge has a freezer compartment, allow it to defrost before moving. This helps prevent water leakage during transport. Place towels on the floor to absorb any water runoff.
Drain Excess Water: If your fridge has an ice dispenser or water tray, drain any excess water to avoid leaks or spills.

Measuring Your Fridge and Doorways

Measure the Fridge: Before you start, measure the height, width, and depth of the fridge. Take into account any protrusions, like handles, that could make it harder to move.
Measure Doorways, Hallways, and Elevators: Ensure the fridge will fit through the doorways, hallways, and any other entry points (including elevators if applicable). Consider the width and height of each point and the fridge’s dimensions to avoid getting stuck.
Plan the Path: Identify any obstacles along the route and clear the space to make the move smoother.

Lifting the Fridge | Using Proper Technique

Get Help: If your fridge is heavy (over 150 pounds), enlist at least one other person to help lift it. Moving large appliances by yourself can lead to serious injury.
Use Your Legs, Not Your Back: When lifting, bend your knees and use your legs to lift, not your back. Keep your back straight and avoid twisting as you lift.
Lift from the Bottom: Always lift from the bottom of the fridge, keeping it balanced and level to avoid tipping.

Using Moving Equipment

Dolly or Appliance Cart: For heavy fridges, use a dolly or appliance cart to move the fridge more easily. A two-wheeled dolly can support the fridge’s weight, and the straps help secure it in place.
Moving Straps: Use moving straps to help lift and maneuver the fridge. These straps will distribute the weight across your body and reduce strain.
Positioning the Dolly: If you’re using a dolly, tilt the fridge carefully and slide the dolly underneath the fridge. Ensure it’s centered on the dolly before securing it with the straps.

Safely Transporting the Fridge

Move Across Flat Surfaces: On flat floors, you can push or pull the dolly carefully, making sure to keep the fridge upright. If you’re on an uneven surface (e.g., stairs or ramps), proceed slowly and cautiously.
Stairways or Ramps: If moving up or down stairs, always have at least one other person helping. Use a stair-climbing dolly or carry the fridge with controlled movements. Make sure both people are in sync to avoid dropping or tilting the fridge.
Sliding the Fridge onto the Dolly: When lifting the fridge onto the dolly, make sure it’s done slowly and with care to prevent any sudden movements. Slide the fridge onto the dolly gently to maintain control of the weight.

Setting the Fridge in Its New Spot

Position the Fridge Correctly: Once you’ve moved the fridge into its new spot, position it properly. Ensure it’s level, both front-to-back and side-to-side, to avoid operational issues like uneven cooling.
Allow Time for Settling: If the fridge was tipped during the move, let it sit upright for at least 30 minutes (preferably longer) before plugging it back in. This allows the compressor and fluids inside to settle and reduces the risk of damage to the cooling system.
Reconnect and Plug In: Once everything is set, plug the fridge back in and make sure it’s working properly.

Moving a Fridge Across the Room

Moving a fridge across the room is a common task during activities like rearranging, remodeling, or cleaning, and it requires careful planning to avoid damaging the appliance or your home. Here’s how to move your fridge safely and efficiently within a room:

Why You May Need to Move a Fridge Within a Room

Rearranging: If you’re redesigning the layout of your kitchen or need to clear space for cleaning, you might need to move the fridge to a new location within the same room.
Remodeling or Renovations: During kitchen renovations, you may need to move the fridge temporarily out of the way to make space for construction work or new appliances.
Deep Cleaning: Sometimes, moving the fridge helps you clean behind or underneath, especially if it hasn’t been moved in a while.

Special Consideration: Moving a fridge within a room can be easier than a long-distance move, but the challenges remain, especially when it comes to protecting the fridge and your home.

Special Considerations for Smaller Spaces and Avoiding Scratches or Dents

Narrow Spaces: If the room has narrow hallways or tight corners, moving the fridge can be tricky. Take your time and carefully measure to ensure the fridge can pass through the available space without scraping walls, cabinets, or the fridge itself.
Avoid Scratches or Dents: Fridges can get scratched or dented if they scrape against walls or furniture. Use blankets or pads to cover the fridge during the move to protect its exterior.
Clear the Area: Move any obstacles like rugs, small furniture, or other appliances that might get in the way, making the fridge move smoother and less risky for damage.
Floor Protection: If you have hardwood floors, tiles, or other sensitive surfaces, protect them with moving blankets or furniture pads. This will prevent scratches from the fridge or any equipment used to move it.

Tips for Using Furniture Sliders, Blankets, or a Dolly for Short Distances

Furniture Sliders:

Place furniture sliders under the fridge’s feet to make it easier to move across smooth floors. This reduces friction and allows you to glide the fridge with minimal effort.
Sliders are especially helpful if you’re only moving the fridge a short distance (e.g., a few feet or a few inches to the side).

Moving Blankets:

Wrap the fridge in moving blankets to protect both the fridge and your floors from scratches. You can use the blankets to help cushion the fridge during the move as well.
If the fridge has delicate sides or corners, additional padding around those areas will prevent any potential dents or damage.

Using a Dolly:

Even for short distances, a dolly can be helpful to support the fridge’s weight. Tilt the fridge gently and slide the dolly underneath it. Secure the fridge with straps, and you can easily move it across the room without lifting the full weight.
Dolly wheels are particularly useful on uneven surfaces or if you need to lift the fridge over small thresholds or edges.

The Importance of Checking the Fridge’s Level Once It’s Moved

Check for Leveling: After moving the fridge, it’s important to ensure that it’s level. An uneven fridge can cause operational issues, such as improper cooling or stress on the compressor.
Use a Level Tool: Place a spirit level on top of the fridge to check if it’s balanced. If not, adjust the fridge’s feet using a wrench or by twisting them to make sure it’s stable.
Why Leveling Matters: A fridge that isn’t level can also affect door seals, causing them to not close properly. This can result in inefficient energy use or potential issues with keeping the fridge cold.

Can You Lie a Fridge Down to Transport It?

Transporting a refrigerator requires careful consideration of how the appliance is positioned during the move. While it is generally not ideal to lie a fridge down, there are situations where it may be unavoidable. However, when lying it down, certain risks and precautions should be considered. Here’s an in-depth look into this topic:

Risks of Lying a Fridge on Its Side or Back

Compressor Damage: Refrigerators have compressors filled with oil, and when a fridge is laid down on its side or back, the oil inside the compressor can shift. This can cause it to flow into areas where it shouldn’t be, potentially damaging internal components like the compressor or clogging refrigeration lines.
Cooling System Malfunction: The cooling coils or other components might become dislodged or strained when the fridge is laid flat, leading to inefficiency or failure once it is reinstalled and powered on.
Refrigerant Flow Issues: Laying the fridge on its side can cause refrigerant to move incorrectly through the system, which could lead to damage when the fridge is turned back on after being transported.
Physical Damage: Depending on the fridge’s construction, placing it on its side or back may lead to dents, scratches, or breakage, especially with models that have delicate or exposed parts.

How Different Types of Fridges Respond to Being Laid Down

Side-by-Side Refrigerators: These models are often the hardest to transport lying down due to their size and internal structure. They typically contain more complex systems with both a refrigerator and freezer section, which can increase the risk of damage to the cooling components or cause issues with their balance when laid down.
Top-Freezer Refrigerators: This type is generally less risky to transport horizontally, as their simpler internal systems are more forgiving. However, even with these models, lying the fridge down can still cause oil to flow into places it shouldn’t, requiring precautions.
Bottom-Freezer Refrigerators: Like top-freezer models, bottom-freezer fridges are usually safer than side-by-side fridges when lying down, but the risk of oil displacement and refrigerant disruption still exists.

When It’s Okay to Lie a Fridge Down

If it’s unavoidable to transport the fridge on its side or back, here’s what you can do to minimize risk:

Wait for Oil to Settle: After laying the fridge down, wait at least 4-6 hours (ideally 12 hours) before plugging it back in. This allows the oil to return to the compressor and helps prevent damage when you power it back on.
Positioning: Ideally, lay the fridge on its side rather than its back. The back is where the compressor is typically located, and laying it flat on its back can create more problems than laying it on its side.
Secure the Fridge: Ensure the fridge is properly secured during the move to prevent it from shifting or getting damaged. Use moving blankets and straps to cushion and stabilize the appliance.
Keep It Upright When Possible: If there’s no urgent need to lay it down, try to keep the fridge upright for as long as possible, as this is the safest way to avoid any internal complications.

Best Practices for Transporting a Fridge Horizontally

Direction: If you have no choice but to lay the fridge down, always do so on its side (never on its back or front), with the door facing up. This minimizes the risk of damaging the compressor and keeps the cooling system more stable.
Time Before Plugging In: After transportation, it’s important to wait 4-12 hours before plugging in the fridge. This ensures that any oil that may have shifted during transport has settled back into the compressor.
Stabilizing: When transporting, ensure the fridge is securely strapped to the dolly or moving equipment and that it’s not tipped too far over or jolted too hard during the move.

Alternative Options If Lying Down Is Not Advisable

Rent a Truck with Vertical Clearance: If possible, rent a vehicle that allows the fridge to be transported upright. This will eliminate the risks associated with lying it down and make the move safer for both the fridge and you.
Use a Professional Moving Service: Movers who specialize in appliances often have experience transporting fridges, knowing how to secure them upright or at the right angle during transport to avoid damage.
Fridge Dolly: If you’re moving it by yourself, invest in an appliance dolly designed for refrigerators. This will help you keep the fridge upright while you move it, reducing the risk of accidental tipping.
Dismantle the Fridge: In rare cases, you may consider removing the fridge’s doors, drawers, or other parts to reduce the risk of damage. This is generally more labor-intensive and may not be necessary unless you’re trying to make the fridge fit into a smaller space.

Fridge Moving Services

At Chamomile Moving, we understand that moving your fridge can be a stressful and delicate process. Whether you’re moving locally or long-distance, our experienced team handles each fridge with the utmost care, using specialized equipment to ensure it’s safely transported without damage. From large side-by-side models to compact refrigerators, we take care of the heavy lifting, so you don’t have to.

Why Choose Chamomile Moving?

Experience: We have years of expertise moving refrigerators of all shapes and sizes.
Specialized Equipment: Our team uses high-quality moving tools, including appliance dollies and secure padding, to ensure your fridge is transported safely.
Stress-Free Service: We make the process easy from disconnecting your fridge to setting it up in its new location.

Let Chamomile Moving take the weight off your shoulders! Call us today to schedule your fridge move.

FAQs

Why Should I Hire Professionals For Moving A Fridge?

Answer: Moving a fridge is a delicate task that requires specialized equipment and expertise to avoid damage to the appliance or your home. Professional movers, like Chamomile Moving, have the right tools, experience, and insurance to ensure your fridge is safely transported, especially for heavy or oversized models.

How Do I Prepare My Fridge For Moving?

Answer: Before moving a fridge, you should unplug it at least 4-6 hours before the move to allow it to defrost and prevent water leakage. Remove any food or shelves, and if possible, secure the doors with tape or a strap to prevent them from opening during transit. Our team can also assist with disconnecting and preparing your fridge for the move.

Can I Move My Fridge On Its Side?

Answer: While it’s not ideal, some situations require moving a fridge on its side. However, it’s important to lay the fridge down carefully, ensuring it’s on the side (not the back) to minimize the risk of oil leakage from the compressor. Chamomile Moving’s team can handle this for you and ensure the fridge is transported safely. We recommend waiting 4-12 hours after transport before plugging the fridge back in.

How Much Does It Cost To Move A Fridge?

Answer: The cost of moving a fridge varies depending on factors such as the distance, size of the fridge, and any special requirements (e.g., stairs, narrow doorways). On average, local fridge moves start around $100, but for more accurate pricing, it’s best to get a free quote from Chamomile Moving.

How Long Will It Take To Move My Fridge?

Answer: A typical local fridge move usually takes 1-2 hours, depending on the fridge size, access to your home, and distance to the new location. For long-distance moves, the timeline may vary, and we’ll provide an estimate based on your specific move.