Take It, Don't Break It: How to Move a Refrigerator

One of the most difficult parts of your move is probably going to be lugging heavy items into your new home, and refrigerators require careful planning to avoid damage. If you are transporting heavy appliances to your new home, your best bet is to hire a moving company, but if you are doing it on your own, be sure to have at least one other strong-armed person to help maneuver large items, such as a fridge. Here are some tips for moving your refrigerator:

• If possible, refer to your fridge's instruction manual to find out what steps you need to take to move your fridge without damaging it.


• Hopefully you have planned your meals to empty your fridge, but if you still have food in the fridge and/or freezer, either eat it, give it away, or store it in a cooler with dry ice.


• Unplug the refrigerator for 48 hours before moving. The fridge and freezer must be fully dethawed prior to the move. Disconnect the ice maker if you have one.


• Clean the interior of the fridge and freezer with warm, soapy water, and remove any trays and other items that could shift during the move. Be sure the shelves and trays are completely dry before packing. Wrap any glass in bubble wrap and pack separately.


• Let the fridge and freezer air out for at least 24 hours before your move to prevent any moisture turning into mildew. Secure the doors open so that nothing (and no small child) gets trapped inside.


• Secure the fridge and freezer doors shut with bungee cords or ropes--tape may damage the finish. Cover the fridge with a blanket or other soft cover to protect it during the move.


• Use a dolly to help move the fridge onto your moving truck or vehicle.


• Be sure to move the fridge in an upright position. If you move a refrigerator by laying it on its side, you run the risk of oil running up the cooling tubes from the compressor. If possible, lay the refrigerator in the opposite direction of the discharge line. Consult your owner’s manual to determine what and where the discharge line is. Also, try propping up the “top” end so that one end is higher than the other, to keep oil from escaping into the cooling coils or discharge line.


• Load your refrigerator and any other large appliances into your moving truck first. Secure the fridge with straps if possible, and tightly pack other items around the fridge to keep it from shifting.


• At your new home, allow the fridge to sit upright for 24 hours before turning it on. This will allow time for the oil to settle, preventing damage to the compressor.


• If you have an icemaker and/or water dispenser, you'll want those connected to your water line by a professional.