When you’re putting together your moving checklist, make sure you don’t forget to include your fridge – it’s really important! However, moving a fridge isn’t just about flexing those muscles; it’s a whole strategy!
This guide on relocating your fridge has your back with step-by-step directions and some awesome tips to ensure a smooth move. We cover everything from prepping and packing to safely unloading and setting up in your new spot. Say goodbye to fridge-moving stress and hello to a worry-free transition!
Preparing for the Move When Moving a Fridge
Moving a fridge is a bit more involved than handling more minor stuff. Before you dive in, take some time to get all set up. Here’s a thorough moving checklist for your fridge to get you started:
Emptying the refrigerator and thawing the ice
Clearing out the fridge and letting it defrost is a crucial step. Start this about a week before your move. Finish up any perishables you won’t take along, remove all rubbish, and figure out storage for what’s left.
Defrosting might not always be needed, especially for short local moves in cooler weather. However, defrosting becomes important if you’re opting for storage or if the move takes longer, especially in warmer temperatures. Plan enough time to defrost it properly before moving day.
Collecting essential tools and materials
Before you begin moving the fridge, gather these necessary tools and materials:
- Trash bags or a trash can
- Moving blankets
- Tape measure
- Moving dolly
- Moving straps
- Cleaning supplies (such as sponges, paper towels, baking soda, a spray bottle, and water)
Taking measurements of doorways and pathways to ensure a smooth removal
Use a measuring tape among your must-have tools for the move to measure doorways and pathways. Accurate measurements of the fridge and passages are essential for comparison before the relocation.
Unplugging water lines and wiring
First, prioritise safety and defrosting by disconnecting the fridge’s water lines and wiring. Securely coil the power cord and use strong tape to keep it in place during the move. For fridges with advanced features like in-door screens or dispensers, it’s crucial to disconnect their water lines and wiring.
Be cautious, especially with the water line, as handling these connections can be tricky. Improperly shutting off the water might lead to potential damage, and you might need a plumber’s help to ensure it’s done correctly.
Take out the interior glass shelves and pack them individually
Ensuring a safe fridge move is all about minimising risks. A typical slip-up is forgetting to remove the glass shelves from inside the fridge.
Once you’ve cleaned and disinfected those shelves, wrap them up carefully in packing paper or bubble wrap. Keep them separate from the fridge, but label them well for moving.
If you leave those shelves inside, they might jostle around and break while you move. Then you’d be stuck cleaning up broken glass and possibly needing new shelves.
Also, don’t forget to remove everything else: glass shelves, trays, counters, storage pans, covers, ice trays, and water dispensers. Taking everything out ensures they’re safe during the move and avoids accidents.
Safe Removal Procedures When Moving a Fridge
Ensuring your fridge survives the move without a scratch requires serious attention. Our guide covers all the crucial steps and valuable fridge-moving tips for a smooth relocation.
Tips for disconnecting and unplugging the refrigerator
Ensuring your fridge doesn’t cause a watery mess during or after the move is a must-do. Since it uses water and electricity, shutting off these connections is crucial.
- First, pull the fridge away from the wall to unplug it from the electrical outlet. If it’s moving immediately, strap the cord to the fridge using duct tape. And don’t forget to switch off the ice maker.
- Then, find and shut off the water valve connected to the fridge. If you’re unsure where it is, just follow that water line. Once you locate it, use a flathead screwdriver to loosen the compression nut on the copper tube at the back of the fridge. Drain any water into a bucket. If your fridge has an ice maker on the door, you’ll need to remove the door to access the water connection, disconnect the tubing, and drain that water.
- For safety, tape those fridge doors wide open using contractor’s tape to ensure no curious kids or pets get stuck. Lastly, mop up water lingering on the floor or inside the fridge with trusty towels.
Perform a cleaning session before you move out
Getting things spick and span before the big move? Smart move. Moving can be a total energy drain, so getting ahead on the cleaning can be a real game-changer. Opting for professional vacate cleaning services can be a total energy saver, ensuring your old place is in top-notch condition without draining your energy. Tackling that tidying in advance with vacate cleaning means you dodge the extra fatigue of cleaning up after settling into your new home.
Remove any obstacles or blockages in the path
Creating wiggle room in the hallway is crucial for safely transporting the fridge. Sometimes, you’ll even need to remove doors or fixtures in your place, so plan things out carefully when you’re gearing up for the move.
When should you turn it off before moving?
If you’re asking when to turn off fridge before moving? Then you’ll find your answer here.
The fridge can thaw pretty quickly, depending on its size. Planning is critical to avoiding any surprise leaks that could ruin your stuff in the truck. If you’re moving the fridge to a new spot, it’s best to turn it off a good 24 hours. That’s how long to turn off fridge before moving.
Giving it that time lets the oils and fluids inside settle down, stopping them from moving around through the compressor. But if you’re stashing it away, it’s wiser to shut it off a week before. That extra time helps it dry out completely, especially with a thorough clean, so you don’t find mouldy surprises later.
Moving a Fridge: Transporting and Loading
Transporting a fridge isn’t exactly a cakewalk—it needs careful attention. Ideally, you’d have pros on the job, but if not, calling in some friends with a knack for heavy lifting can be a game-changer. They can help heave, clear paths, and tackle those tricky spots like stairs or wonky ground. Here’s a few moving tips on how to transport a fridge:
If needed, take off the doors
After defrosting and drying the inside, you might face a door dilemma—either the fridge’s or your home’s. Modern fridges are getting bigger, some even larger than standard doorways. If squeezing it out through the door seems like Mission Impossible, removing those doors might just be the ticket.
Use professional packing wrap to wrap your refrigerator before covering it with blankets
When moving your valuable fridge, safeguarding it with top-notch packing materials is key. Here’s the plan:
- Start by wrapping it in professional packing wrap for the first protective layer.
- Cover it snugly with moving blankets, ensuring they’re firmly secured with packing tape.
- Remember, don’t let that tape touch the fridge’s surface directly—it might leave some unwanted marks!
➜ 7 Packing Tips to Get You Sorted
Place a moving dolly beneath the fridge and secure it using a strap
Once your fridge is all wrapped up, it’s time to get it moving! Here’s the game plan: Slide a moving trolley under the fridge and strap it securely in place. This part is a two-person job—one tilts the trolley back while the other pushes the fridge ahead. If it’s going into a truck, the person with the trolley should move backward, ensuring no tipping while the other guides it forward. Teamwork at its finest!
Ensure it’s properly secured within the truck
Once the fridge is safely in the truck, it’s time to lock it down. Use ropes or ratchet straps to secure it tightly against the truck wall. Those fridge wheels may not move much, but you don’t want them rolling and causing chaos during the ride.
Handle and transport your fridge with caution
Moving a fridge isn’t a race; it’s more like a careful stroll. Keep things slow and steady during transit to protect the fridge’s insides. Always keep it upright—no leaning allowed! Rushing around corners or over bumps might just give your fridge a tumble it won’t appreciate.
Can you lay a fridge down for transport?
Moving a fridge lying flat isn’t the ideal choice, but sometimes it’s the only option. Keeping it upright is like giving it a VIP treatment for the refrigerant inside. However, extra care is necessary at your destination if you have to lay it down. Many padding and tight straps will keep it in place during the journey.
The best orientation—back or side—depends on the fridge model. If it’s on its side, hinge-side-up is the way to prevent surprise door openings. In some cases, laying it on its side might work, especially if there’s a heat exchanger at the back. But if it’s a big one, laying it flat might not be the most brilliant move—it could get wobbly, or its doors might decide to swing open!
Moving Fridge: Unloading and Installation
When moving hefty appliances like refrigerators, getting the unloading and installation right is key. Let’s discuss the necessary steps and safety measures to ensure your fridge’s move is smooth sailing.

Ensure safe unloading of the refrigerator at the new location
When you’re getting that fridge off the truck and into its new home, here are some safety steps to stick to:
- Clear the Path: Make sure the path from the door to the kitchen is expansive and obstacle-free for smooth movement of the fridge.
- Lift Right: Remember to use your legs, not your back, when lifting. If it’s heavy, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Tools like straps or a dolly can make things easier.
- Keep It Upright: Avoid tilting the fridge too much; this helps protect its internal workings, especially the cooling system.
- Stable Grounding: Find a level and steady spot to place the fridge to prevent wobbling or potential damage.
- Let It Settle: Allow the fridge to sit in its new spot for a few hours before plugging it in. This allows any coolant that might have shifted during the move to settle back.
- Check the Connections: Before switching it on, make sure all parts you detach during fridge transport (doors, shelves, etc.) are securely reattached.
- Patience Pays Off: Wait a couple of hours after the move before powering up the fridge. This allows the fluids inside to settle correctly.
How long to wait to turn on fridge after moving?
If your refrigerator travelled in an upright position during the move, you’re good to go; you can switch it on right away.
But if it took a journey on its back or side, giving it time to stand upright is crucial. This lets the refrigerant settle back in place and avoids any risks of harming the fridge.
The time before starting up your fridge again varies from model to model. Your best bet is to check the manual or contact the manufacturer for the right timing on when to turn fridge on after moving.
And don’t forget to consult the manual to know when it’s safe to refill your fridge with food after moving. Usually, it’s about a day, but sticking to the specifics in your appliance’s manual is essential for the proper instructions.
Moving a Fridge: Post-Move Maintenance
Explore these crucial steps for maintaining and optimising your items post-move. When arranging your refrigerator in its new location, adhere to these guidelines:
- Positioning: Place the fridge flat in its new home to keep the cooling steady without annoying vibrations.
- Give It Time: Let the fridge stand up straight for a few hours after the move. It’s like giving it a moment to breathe before plugging it in.
- Plug-In Safely: Once it’s settled, plug it into a proper outlet. Try avoiding those extension cords to dodge any electrical hiccups.
- Cool It Down: Set the temperature to what the manufacturer suggests for the best cooling. Usually, it’s just a quick tweak on the dial or digital display.
- Test It Out: Fire it up and listen in for weird noises. Monitor the temperature inside; it should start chilling within an hour.
- Give It Some Time: Let the fridge settle for a few hours before loading it up with groceries. This will allow it to find its balance, so to speak before you get back to work.
- Check the Works: Inspect the door seals, hinges, lights, and shelves to ensure everything works. You want the refrigerator to be at its best for your food storage game, right?
Moving a Fridge Made Easier—Contact Moving Mates
Congrats on pulling off that fridge move like a champ! Following these moving fridge tips was brilliant—it got your trusty fridge to its new spot safe and sound. A well-organised move protects your fridge and sets you up for a smooth entry into your new digs. Now that your fridge is chilling in its new place, it’s time to kick back and enjoy your new spot!
With Moving Mates, you can access expert guidance and specialised equipment tailored to moving bulky items, making your fridge relocation smooth and stress-free. Our dedicated furniture removalists ensure the utmost care for your belongings, giving you peace of mind.
Moreover, we provide comprehensive services, including packing, transportation, and unloading, ensuring a seamless transition to your new home. When it comes to moving a fridge and other heavy stuff, it’s all about playing it safe. Count on Moving Mates for a reliable, efficient, and trusted moving experience tailored to your fridge and all your relocation needs. Get a quote now!