How to Move a Refrigerator

When it comes to home relocations or renovations, the refrigerator often emerges as the biggest and heaviest household appliance. Due to their substantial size and weight, moving refrigerators often demands significant effort. At TWO MEN AND A TRUCKⓇ, we excel in the delicate art of moving large and heavy items with finesse and expertise. And because we are the MOVERS WHO CAREⓇ, we've curated a comprehensive guide to aid your next refrigerator move, and we're excited to share it with you.

This guide will walk you through all the necessary steps to properly move your refrigerator.

Necessary Equipment

The first thing to do when planning to move a heavy appliance is to confirm that you have all the essential equipment. To avoid harming yourself or damaging your refrigerator, we recommend that you have the following equipment:

• Dolly - A dolly is an essential equipment for moving a refrigerator due to its specialized design, which allows for easier navigation of large and heavy items. The dolly's sturdy construction and wheels help distribute the weight of the refrigerator, making it easier to transport without straining yourself or risking damage to the appliance or surrounding surfaces.
• Straps - You need straps to secure your refrigerator to the dolly so it doesn’t slip off when moving.
• Moving Blankets - Blankets provide crucial protection against scratches, dents, and other damages. Refrigerators typically have smooth surfaces that are prone to scuffs and marks, especially when being moved or shifted. By wrapping the fridge in moving blankets, you create a protective barrier that cushions it against impacts and friction during transit.
• Tape - We recommend you use tape to seal the refrigerator doors so they remain closed during the move. You’ll also need tapes to secure the moving blankets around the refrigerator.
• Cooler(s) - If you have any perishable food items in your refrigerator when you need to move, you need coolers to store these items temporarily.
• Glove - We recommend you put on a pair of gloves during the move. This gives you a better grip while protecting your hands from scuffs and scratches.

Steps to Properly Moving Your Refrigerator

Get ready to move your refrigerator like a pro! Follow this step-by-step guide closely to ensure a hassle-free relocation of your appliance.

1. Empty the refrigerator

The first thing you need to do when moving your refrigerator is to remove everything inside it. This makes the appliance lighter and easier to move. It also prevents your items from shifting or spilling inside the refrigerator.

2. Unplug from the Power Source

Before you try moving your refrigerator, you have to unplug it from the power source. After unplugging, secure the power cord to ensure it doesn’t dangle during the move.

3. Defrost and Clean

After emptying your refrigerator, you need to check if it has an ice build-up. If you notice any, you must defrost it at least a day before the move. Once defrosted, clean the refrigerator’s interior to prevent unpleasant odors.

4. Measure the Refrigerator

We recommend you measure your refrigerator to confirm if it will fit through the doorways, stairways, and hallways it needs to move through. Once you’ve gotten these measurements, you can map out the best route for the move and the best spot to move the refrigerator.

5. Secure the Doors

You need to secure the fridge doors so they don’t swing open during the move. We recommend you use strong tape, bungee cords, or straps to secure the doors.

6. Secure the Refrigerator on the Dolly

We recommend you get help for this step. Enlist your friend or neighbor to help you tilt the refrigerator carefully while you slide the dolly underneath. Ensure the appliance is centered and balanced on the dolly, then secure it with straps. It is important to note that you should always position your refrigerator upright on the dolly. When you lay it on its side on the dolly, oil from the compressor may seep into the cooling lines and cause you many problems.

7. Move It

Slowly move the refrigerator with one person guiding the dolly and another pushing from the back. You need to ensure that both of you maintain a steady pace. Remember that this is a heavy item; do not go too fast.

8. Load into the Moving Truck

Keep the refrigerator upright even as you move it off the dolly and onto the moving truck. Use a loading ramp to move it onto the truck. Once safely in the truck, secure the refrigerator with ratchet straps inside the load bed. This prevents it from moving or slipping as the truck moves.

9. Setup at your New Home

Once you’ve successfully moved the refrigerator to your new home, let it stand upright for at least 3 hours before you plug it in. This allows the oil to flow back into the compressor. And you can begin to use the refrigerator without any hassle.