How to move a refrigerator like a pro

Moving a refrigerator is no small task. Refrigerators – one of the largest and heaviest appliances in a home – can weigh anywhere from 100 to over 300 pounds. Once you factor in their bulky size and awkward shape, it’s clear that maneuvering a refrigerator takes considerable strength and care. But with the right planning and techniques, most people can safely move their refrigerator either on their own or with just one helper.

Let’s walk through the key steps for preparing, lifting and transporting your refrigerator to a new location within your home or to a new residence without hurting yourself or damaging your fridge or flooring.

If you need any replacement parts for your refrigerator, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Important: The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for all types of appliances, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in transportation recommendations. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the use and care manual for your specific appliance model.

Can I move a fridge myself?

While it’s technically possible to move a refrigerator by yourself, it’s generally not recommended unless you have experience doing so. Refrigerators are one of the heaviest appliances, so you risk personal injury by attempting to move one yourself. They also contain delicate internal parts, such as the refrigerant system, which can be easily damaged if the fridge isn’t handled properly. 

The safest and most reliable option for moving a refrigerator is to hire professional movers who have the right equipment and expertise to transport a refrigerator safely. If you do decide to move it yourself, always try to get another person’s help.

How to safely move a refrigerator

Follow these steps to get your fridge ready to move and transport it safely.

Step 1: Prepare for movement

Don’t pick up your refrigerator yet. Here’s how you can get it ready to move.

1. Measure the refrigerator

You need to measure the height, width, and depth of the refrigerator to determine the size of the doorway(s), hallway(s), vehicle and room where it will be moved. This will help you determine if the refrigerator will fit through the doorway and clear any obstacles along the way.

2. Disconnect the utilities

Disconnect the utilities that connect your refrigerator to the wall, such as the water line, ice maker line, and electrical cord.

3. Empty the contents

• Remove all perishable food items and store them in safe, temperature-controlled space.
• Dump any ice from the ice maker.
• Remove any shelves, drawers, and other accessories from the refrigerator to make it lighter and easier to move.

4. Remove the doors

If the refrigerator has removable doors, take them off to make the refrigerator lighter and easier to move.

If you’re not able to remove the doors, tape them down well so they don’t open during the move.

5. Wrap it up

Wrap the refrigerator in thick blankets or moving pads to protect it from scratches, dents and other damage during the move. You should also cover the doors and any other exposed parts to prevent them from getting damaged.

6. Prepare the new location

Before you start moving the refrigerator, make sure the new location is ready to receive it. Clear the area so you can move the fridge without tripping over or catching anything.  Plan your route in advance to avoid any potential problems.

You also need to make sure the electrical outlet and water supply are installed and functioning correctly.

Read more: The inner workings of refrigerators explained

Step 2: Lift the refrigerator

Lifting the refrigerator is the most challenging part of moving it. You need to be very careful to lift the fridge correctly to avoid damaging the appliance or injuring yourself.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when lifting the refrigerator:

• Ask a friend or family member to help you lift the refrigerator. It’s better to have two people lift it together than to risk injuring yourself by lifting it alone.
• Bend at the knees, keep the refrigerator close to your body, and lift with your legs, not your back.
• Use lifting straps to help distribute the weight of the refrigerator evenly and provide better control when lifting it.
• If the refrigerator is particularly heavy, take breaks to rest and reposition the appliance as needed.

Step 3: Transport the refrigerator

Once you’ve lifted the refrigerator, you’ll need to transport it to its new location. Consider these tips when you’re moving the fridge:

• Use a dolly or hand truck to distribute the weight of the refrigerator and make it easier to move. Make sure the dolly is sturdy enough to support the weight of the refrigerator. The maximum weight capacity should be listed on the device.
• Use straps or ropes to secure the refrigerator to the dolly or the truck to prevent it from shifting or falling during transport.
• Take your time to prevent damage and personal injuries.
• Avoid sudden movements or sharp turns.
• Never lay the refrigerator on its front or back since this can cause damage and cause the refrigerant to settle incorrectly. If you need to lay the fridge down, only lay it on its side.
• Avoid tipping the refrigerator too far forward or backward since this can cause damage to the appliance or injury to yourself. Try to keep the refrigerator upright and stable at all times.
• Be mindful of the transportation path and any obstacles it contains such as stairs, narrow hallways, and tight corners.

Read more: How To Deep Clean Your Refrigerator

Step 4: Install the refrigerator in the new location

Before you slide the refrigerator into place, make sure the site is prepared and clean. Clear the area of any debris and make sure the floor is level. If necessary, install shims or adjust the floor so the refrigerator can rest evenly.

Important: If the refrigerator was laid on its side during transport, wait at least 24 hours before plugging it in so the fluids can settle.

1. Make sure the refrigerator is level and positioned to prevent tipping or leaning. Use a bubble leveler to see if the refrigerator or floor needs to be adjusted to a level position.
2. Connect the refrigerator to the water supply, electrical outlet, and any other necessary utilities.
3. When sliding the refrigerator into its final position, move slowly and make sure all the connections are out of the way and not crushed.
4. Reattach the doors if they were removed earlier and make sure they open and close properly. Check the door seals to make sure they’re secure and not damaged.
5. Check the refrigerator’s temperature with an independent thermometer and monitor the fridge to make sure it’s functioning correctly.

Read more: Cool Savings: 6 Fridge Energy Saving Tips

FAQs about moving a refrigerator

Q: Can I lay the fridge down when moving it?

A: You should never lay a fridge down on its front or back during a move since this can damage the compressor and other delicate parts. Refrigerators should always be kept upright to avoid harming the sealed refrigerant system and getting coolant into unwanted areas. 

If you absolutely need to transport a fridge on its side, you’ll have to let it rest upright at least 24 hours after moving it before plugging it back in.

Q: How long should a fridge be turned off before moving it?

A: It’s recommended to unplug the refrigerator and let it sit unplugged for about 24 hours before attempting to move it. This allows the refrigerant to settle and the freezer section to defrost.

Q: How long should I wait to plug in the fridge after moving it?

A: If you kept the refrigerator upright while moving it to the new location, you’ll want to let it rest for 2-4 hours before reconnecting it to power. This gives the refrigerant time to redistribute. 

If the refrigerator was leaned over or laid on its side during transportation at all, it will need to be left unplugged and upright for at least 24 hours before being plugged in and turned on.

Q: How do I know when it’s time to buy a new fridge?

A: Refrigerators are typically designed to last many years, but it’s normal for a person to have to purchase more than one in their lifetime. Here are a few signs that it may be time for a new unit:

• The fridge is over 10 years old and is less energy-efficient
• Repairs are frequent and more costly than a new model
• The interior is no longer maintaining the correct temperature even after repairs
• The unit has significant rust, dents or other physical damage
• It’s no longer meeting your storage needs

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this article helped you safely move your refrigerator.

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to see our latest repair guides!