Moving a refrigerator requires careful planning and execution to avoid damage or injury. With some preparation and the right techniques, you can safely move a fridge to a new home or location. Follow these 10 easy steps to make relocating refrigerators stress-free.
Gather Equipment and Supplies
Moving a fridge is easier with the right gear. Be sure to have:
- Moving straps or lifting belts to safely lift and maneuver the refrigerator
- Furniture sliders or dollies to roll the appliance once lifted
- Boxes, padding, tape, and other packing materials to secure loose shelves and drawers
- Tools like wrenches, screwdrivers, and pliers for uninstalling the fridge
- Gloves for grip and protection
Take time to inspect the fridge and surroundings to identify any special supplies needed, like having to remove cabinet doors if spaces are tight. Prep equipment ahead of time for a smooth fridge moving process.
Empty the Refrigerator
A light refrigerator is much easier to maneuver than one filled with food and beverages. Take everything out of the fridge and freezer, tossing expired items and donating the rest. Remove any removable bins, drawers, or shelves after emptying them.
As you remove food, try to keep items chilled in separate coolers. If moving long distances or in hot weather, place ice packs in the coolers to avoid spoilage. Make sure to use up any perishables that may not withstand the move.
Thoroughly wipe down the empty compartments to clean up spills or sticky messes. This also lets you inventory any forgotten items left behind.
Disconnect Utilities and Tubing
Before attempting to move a refrigerator, you must disconnect it from power, water, and other lines.
- Unplug the power cord from the outlet, coiling it neatly and taping it to the fridge.
- Turn off automatic water lines and unscrew supply tubes. Place tubes in a bag and tape to the fridge.
- Detach filter tubing for ice makers, water dispensers, or in-door water.
- Disconnect digital control screens if required.
Consult manuals as needed to properly disconnect utilities without causing leaks or other issues. Tag lines clearly for easier reconnection later.
Detach Doors on Side-by-Side Models
Many modern refrigerators have large double doors allowing side-by-side access to the freezer and fridge compartments. Removing the doors makes the appliance narrower and lighter for moving.
Refer to manufacturer guidelines for your specific refrigerator model. In most cases, the process involves:
- Prying off door covers to access hinge mounts. This may require a putty knife or screwdriver.
- Locating and removing hinge bolts or screws. Some use simple hinge locks.
- Lifting the door straight up to detach it. Avoid bending or twisting.
- Placing door on edge and covering with padding to avoid damage.
Repeat for second door. Leave doors leaning securely or lay flat when moving the fridge.
Protect Interior and Exterior Surfaces
Although emptied, the refrigerator still contains vulnerable surfaces that must be shielded during relocation.
Cushion interiors by:
- Taping major components like condenser coils or compressors
- Wrapping shelves, bins, and drawers in packing paper or bubble wrap
- Securing freezer door open so rubber seals don’t bend
For exterior protection:
- Use pads, blankets, or foam on the doors, sides, and top
- Carefully tape the power cord to avoid dragging or tripping
- If using appliance dollies or hand trucks, pad contact points
Adequate padding prevents costly dents, chips, or tears during handling.
Remove Kickplate and Doors If Needed
Narrow hallways, tight corners, and small openings may require complete disassembly of refrigerators prior to moving. This includes:
- Taking off lower kickplate panels to reduce clearance space
- Detaching both doors on all models to reduce width
- Removing upper decorative trim if the height must be lowered
Completely disassemble only if absolutely necessary. Have an assistant help remove and label parts for simplified reassembly later. Padding all removed components is critical to prevent damage.
Lift and Move the Appliance
With all preparations complete, it’s time to safely lift and relocate the refrigerator. There are several approaches:
1. Use Moving Straps
Moving straps allow two people to share the load, keeping the fridge upright.
- Position straps beneath fridge, aligned with sides
- Assign one person in back and one in front
- Lift together on a count, keeping steady
- Carefully shuffle sideways through doorways
- Bend knees when lowering rather than straining backs
2.Slide On Furniture Dollies
Dollies placed under the front allow rolling the fridge like a wheelbarrow.
- Position dolly aligned with fridge width
- Lift the front just enough to slide dollies underneath
- Keep back low and tilted onto dollies as you roll
- Added control by having someone behind steadying appliance
3. Roll On Appliance Hand Truck
Hand trucks tilted back make refrigerators easy to maneuver solo.
- Lower ramp end to floor and tilt fridge onto the rails
- Keep strapped upright as you slowly roll backwards
- Lower ramp end again at destination to settle fridge gently
Go slowly over thresholds and turns. Having a spotter always helps guide large appliances on dollies or trucks.
Transport Safely With a Moving Truck
When relocating refrigerators in moving trucks, take steps to prevent shifting or damage:
- Place in the front of the truck, not touching walls if possible
- Secure fridge with tiedown straps anchored to the truck
- Cushion with thick padding on all sides
- Disable automatic ice makers to avoid water valve damage
- Avoid laying refrigerators flat – keep upright
Monitor during transit stops and adjust tie-downs or padding as needed. Keep the truck climate controlled.
Set Up the Refrigerator in the New Location
You’re almost done – just a few more steps to get your refrigerator functioning again:
- Roll into place, leaving a few inches of clearance behind
- Reinstall doors, panels, and hardware removed earlier
- Level the fridge using the adjustable feet
- Reconnect water lines, cords, and digital controls
- Give time to re-chill before loading food and drinks
- Check for leaks, odd sounds, or other problems
Refer to manuals as needed for proper installation procedures. Let the compressor fully cool off before plugging back in if recently transported.
Clean Up and Dispose of Used Materials
As a final move-out task, take time to:
- Discard used packing supplies, being sure to recycle
- Wipe down interior and exterior fridge surfaces
- Sweep up surrounding floors of dust and debris
- Confirm doors seal tightly and alignments are correct
- Double check energy settings after powering back on
Proper cleanup protects your refrigerator and ensures it’s ready to use in the new location. Report any musty odors that could indicate leaks.
Celebrate a Successful Fridge Moving Process!
Moving a refrigerator takes planning, patience, and hard work. Pat yourself on the back when the fridge is securely up and running at the new location.
Avoid future moving hassles by measuring doorways and routes carefully whenever purchasing new refrigerators. Select compact models and be ready to detach doors if space is limited.
With these 10 easy steps, your refrigerator relocation can go smoothly. Proper preparation prevents damage and makes transporting large appliances much simpler. Just take it slow and get help when moving heavy refrigerators. Soon you’ll be enjoying chilled food and beverages again with a fully functioning and leveled fridge in its new home!
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving Refrigerators
Relocating refrigerators, especially to new homes, is a common task that generates lots of questions. Here are helpful answers to some frequently asked questions about moving fridges.
How should I prepare a refrigerator for moving day?
- Empty the fridge completely, discarding expired foods. Give away other perishables you won’t use.
- Remove any removable bins, drawers, or glass shelves, packing them securely.
- Clean interior surfaces thoroughly after removing food.
- Securely tape down any loose wires or utility lines.
- Pad and tape the doors, sides, and top to protect the exterior.
What’s the easiest way to move a refrigerator?
Using an appliance hand truck or furniture dolly makes moving refrigerators much easier, allowing you to strap them in an upright position and then wheel them like a cart. Just be sure to have help steadying larger models.
Should I lay a refrigerator down when moving it?
No, it’s best to keep refrigerators upright whenever possible. Laying them horizontally can damage compressor lines. Only lay fridges down if essential to get them through tight spaces, using ample padding.
How do I properly anchor a refrigerator in a moving truck?
Use furniture tie-down straps to securely anchor fridges to the truck walls or other immobile surfaces. Wrap the fridge in padding before strapping to prevent dents or scratches during transit. Disable automatic ice makers.
What’s the easiest technique for moving a fridge through tight spaces?
Removing the doors on refrigerators makes them narrower and easier to angle through narrow halls or doorways. Just be sure to label and safely reattach doors at the destination using manufacturer’s guidelines.
Should I wait before plugging in and turning on my refrigerator after a move?
Yes, give time for refrigerant lines to settle after transport before restoring power. Most experts recommend waiting at least a few hours after arriving at the new location before energizing refrigerators.
Is it safe to move a refrigerator on its side?
No, laying refrigerators horizontally can damage refrigerant lines and compressors. Only tilt fridges onto their backs or sides as an absolute last resort if they can’t fit through spaces upright. Even then, use padding for protection.
How can I tell if my refrigerator was damaged during a move?
Carefully inspect for any new dents, gouges, or exterior damage after transporting refrigerators. When powered on, listen for unusual rattling or compressor noises. Also watch for leaking from ice makers or chilled air leaks when doors are closed.
What should I do if my refrigerator stops cooling after being moved?
If a refrigerator fails to cool properly after transport, first ensure it is level and plugged into the outlet completely. Let it run for a few hours since it may take time for coolants to stabilize after being shaken up. If problems persist, contact an appliance repair technician.
Conclusion
Moving a refrigerator requires careful preparation and execution, but these 10 easy steps make the process smooth and hassle-free. By emptying and protecting the fridge, utilizing proper moving equipment, disassembling components if required, and safely transporting and reinstalling the appliance, you can avoid damage during relocation. Just be sure to get any necessary assistance when maneuvering large refrigerators, and take time to prepare and pad the appliance properly before attempting to move it. Follow these tips for a successful fridge moving experience.
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Learn how to safely move a refrigerator to a new home or location with this simple 10 step guide. Get tips on preparing, protecting, disassembling, transporting, and reinstalling refrigerators during relocation.