Moving a fridge can be challenging, but learning how to move a refrigerator the best way—and with proper planning—can be done smoothly. Fortunately, Budget is here to help you tackle all your moving day challenges with our moving guide.
Today, we’ll review the best way to move a refrigerator, answer frequently asked questions about this task, and help you prepare for a smooth moving day.
Quick Tips and Tricks for Moving a Refrigerator
- Clean and dry the fridge’s interior to prevent mildew or mold growth if you have a long-distance move ahead.
- Use a dolly, moving straps, and proper lifting techniques to prevent injuries to you and your helper.
- Measure your doorways and pathways and, if necessary, remove doors or hinges to give yourself more space.
- Keep any loose parts together so you don’t have trouble finding them after your move.
What You’ll Need to Move a Refrigerator
- An appliance dolly with straps
- A Budget Truck that provides enough space for your fridge and other belongings
- Strong tape (such as duct tape or packing tape) or rope
- A measuring tape
- Moving blankets or other padding to protect your fridge and belongings inside the truck
- At least one other person to help you move the fridge
Preparing to Move a Refrigerator
After gathering everything you’ll need to move your refrigerator successfully, here’s what you’ll need to do to prepare for the move.
Empty the Refrigerator
It’s best to empty your refrigerator before moving it, even if you’re relocating it to a different spot in your home. In addition to all food and drinks, take out all removable shelves, drawers, and ice cube trays. Leaving items inside the fridge will increase weight, making it more challenging to maneuver, and unsecured items inside the refrigerator will shift uncontrollably.
Disconnect the Wiring, Power, and Water Lines
Before moving the fridge, you must unplug the wiring, power cord, and water lines. Additionally, the best way to move a refrigerator is to tape the power cord in a tight, secure bundle against the fridge to remove a potential tripping hazard.
Secure the Doors
Use rope or tape to secure the fridge and freezer doors shut. If using rope, make sure you don’t tie the rope too tightly, as doing so could damage your refrigerator. Doors should be snugly closed and secure enough that they won’t come open while moving the fridge.
Clear a Path and Plan Your Route
Half of knowing how to move a refrigerator is preparation. Before attempting to move your fridge, plan your route and clear the path of any hazards. Use measuring tape to measure your fridge and all doors and walkways to ensure you have plenty of space, and remove doors and hinges if necessary (trust us, it’s worth it).
The Best Way to Move a Refrigerator
With preparation out of the way, it’s time to get started! Here is a step-by-step guide on the best way to move a refrigerator.
Use the Dolly to Move the Fridge
You’ll need a dolly to move your refrigerator, and we recommend placing a pad over the metal to prevent it from scratching the bottom of your fridge when loading and unloading. Next, slide the dolly under the refrigerator with the help of another person, and fasten the straps around it to secure it.
Then, brace the back of the dolly with your foot and carefully and slowly tip the fridge back toward you. Once you’ve got the refrigerator elevated with the dolly, you can push it forward. Have your helper guide you while you watch the fridge to ensure the weight isn’t shifting.
Secure the Fridge in Your Budget Truck
Wheel the fridge into the Budget Truck and place it against the wall. Secure the refrigerator upright with straps or rope to prevent it from moving inside the vehicle or damaging your other belongings.
Reassemble and Reconnect in Your New Home
Once you reach your new home, unload your refrigerator using the same methods you used to get the fridge into your Budget Truck. Be sure to reconnect any wiring, power cords, and water lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you move a refrigerator on its side?
No, you should never lay a refrigerator flat. Your refrigerator’s compressor contains fluid that, when laid flat or tipped for an extended period, can shift to where it shouldn’t be. If you absolutely must move the fridge onto its side, put it upright again as soon as possible—and do not plug it in right away.
How long before you move a fridge should you unplug it?
You should unplug your fridge at least 24 hours before moving it. This will provide your fridge enough time to defrost, allowing you to clean and dry the interior to prevent mold and mildew growth during your move.
How long should you wait to plug in a fridge after moving it?
After moving a refrigerator, it’s best to wait at least a couple of hours before plugging it in to prevent any permanent damage caused by any slight tipping or shifting. Then, you’ll need to wait before adding food. The wait time can vary by manufacturer, so check recommendations for your model. Recommendations typically range between 24 and 72 hours.
Special Cases
How to Move a Refrigerator Out of a Tight Space
The best way to move a refrigerator in a tight spot is to grasp both sides and rock it slightly and slowly from side to side as you scoot it forward. Then, once it’s out of its tighter spot, you can move the fridge using the steps listed above.
How to Move a French Door Refrigerator
Moving a French door refrigerator can be done the same way you would move any other fridge—with one additional preparation step. You’ll need to secure the doors closed by tying the handles snugly together to prevent the doors from opening during the move.
How to Move a Refrigerator Without a Dolly
Moving a refrigerator without a dolly is not recommended, as it will make the job far more difficult. Additionally, fridges are too heavy to lift, so you’ll need to slide the refrigerator across floors. If you absolutely must move the fridge without a dolly, we recommend using furniture sliders to protect your fridge and floors.
Book a Budget Truck Rental
Knowing how to move a refrigerator correctly is essential for safe and easy execution. In addition to this guide, check out our other moving guides for help moving furniture, heavy objects, appliances, fragile belongings, and much more.
Don’t forget to save more on your next moving truck rental with Budget Truck. Book a Budget Truck rental today!