Moving a fridge takes more than muscle – it requires careful planning, the right equipment, and careful handling. These large appliances are heavy, awkwardly shaped, and often very fragile inside, so a careless move can lead to costly repairs, injuries, or even a need for a new fridge.
A tough question – how to move a refrigerator yourself? Moving a refrigerator by yourself is not recommended. Unless we talk about a very small and rather light portable fridge. Because otherwise these appliances are often large, heavy, and awkward to handle alone. Even shifting it within the same room should be done with help. So how to move a fridge? To move it safely, you’ll need at least one other person, along with proper tools like a dolly and securing straps. If you do that just yourself, you can hurt your back, or even make the fridge fall and damage itself or surroundings. For the safest experience, always ask for assistance – or better yet, consider professional movers for the job.
If you’re planning to move a refrigerator yourself, having the right gear is non-negotiable, for your own safety, and safety of your property. Here’s a list of essential items that will make the job safer and more manageable:
Now that you’ve got all the tools ready, it’s time to focus on how to move your refrigerator as safely and correctly as possible. This isn’t a task you want to rush or do carelessly – refrigerators are bulky, heavy, and often fragile in certain areas. So following the proper steps will help you avoid damage to the appliance, your floors, or even yourself. Let’s walk through the process so you can handle the move properly, without relying on professional refrigerator movers.
Before you start actually moving the fridge, take time to plan the exact path you’ll follow. Measure doorways, hallways, and tight corners to make sure the refrigerator can fit through without issues. Remove any obstacles along the way, like rugs, furniture, or low-hanging items. If necessary, take doors off their hinges or remove the fridge doors (if possible) for extra space. Having a clear and planned route is way more important than you think.
To begin preparing your fridge for the move, unplug it from the outlet and allow it to fully defrost. You need to defrost it 24 hours before the move. Let the appliance sit unplugged for several hours – or overnight if needed – to make sure all frost melts away. After that, wipe it dry. Don’t forget to secure the power cord with tape or wrap it around the back of the unit so it doesn’t drag or get caught while moving fridge.
Before you move your refrigerator, it’s important to remove everything inside and clean it. Take out all food, drinks, and frozen goods, and decide whether you’ll pack them in coolers or donate them. Once emptied, check for any ice build-up. Wipe down the inside of the fridge to eliminate any moisture, spills, or odors. A clean and dry fridge will be easier to transport.
Before you move your refrigerator, be sure to remove any loose interior parts like shelves, drawers, and bins. These pieces – especially if made of glass or plastic – can shift around during transport and break or cause damage inside the fridge. Taking them out makes things easier. You can wrap these parts separately in towels or bubble wrap to keep them safe until it’s time to reinstall them in your new home.
Carefully pull the fridge away from the wall. Once it’s clear, wrap the appliance using protective materials like moving blankets, bubble wrap, or stretch wrap. Make sure the covering is secure and fully covers the surface to protect it from scratches or dents during transport. It will help prevent any surface damage.
When it’s time to move the fridge, use slow, steady movements with one person guiding and another helping from behind. Always keep the appliance upright while rolling it to avoid internal damage. Use a ramp to roll it into the moving truck.
Once the fridge is in the moving truck, make sure it stays upright and tightly secured. Use strong ratchet straps, ropes, or bungee cords to fasten it against the truck wall or inside a corner. This prevents it from tipping over or sliding while the truck is moving. Even small shifts can cause serious damage to the appliance or surrounding items. Keeping the fridge locked in place protects both your appliance and surrounding belongings from damage.
Laying a refrigerator on its side is not recommended. Doing so can damage the cooling system, especially the compressor and internal coils. This is why most manufacturers clearly state in the user manual – and often even mark it on the box – that the fridge must stay upright during transport. Tilting or laying it down can cause refrigerant to flow improperly, leading to cooling issues or long-term malfunction. It can even render your appliance non-function.
Moving a fridge without a dolly is very risky and should only be done for very short distances, like shifting it out of a cabinet space. If absolutely necessary, have at least two strong people lift and guide the fridge carefully, keeping it upright at all times. Place furniture sliders or thick blankets underneath to help it glide on the floor without scratching it. Still, using a dolly is strongly recommended.
Choosing RiverHills Moving means less stress and more moving! Our professional movers handle everything from planning to furniture packing, so you can focus on what’s next. Our cross country movers and local moving service teams are equipped to make your move smooth and efficient.
We take special care with furniture moving, apartment moves, and provide genuine support for seniors through our senior movers. Let our fridge movers handle all the heavy lifting so you can focus on more important things. Contact RiverHills Moving today and schedule your move with trusted local professionals.
It’s best to book a moving company at least 4–8 weeks in advance, especially during peak moving seasons like summer. Early booking ensures better availability, lower prices, and time to compare multiple movers to find the best option.
Avoid any company that won’t provide a written estimate. Legitimate movers offer either binding or non-binding estimates in writing. Without one, you risk unexpected charges. Always insist on a detailed estimate before signing any contract.
For interstate moves, moving companies must have a U.S. DOT number registered with the FMCSA. Local movers are typically licensed at the state level. Always verify their credentials and ask for proof of insurance to protect your belongings.
Read customer reviews on platforms like Google and Yelp, check for complaints with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and confirm their licensing and insurance. You can also ask for references from past customers to get direct feedback on their service.
Audrey Williams is the co-owner of RiverHills Moving, alongside her husband, Jackson Williams. With four years of marketing experience, Audrey specializes in promoting their company and building its presence. She is passionate about working for their family business and finds great fulfillment in seeing its growth positively impact others. Audrey’s dedication and drive come from her commitment to helping their business thrive and serve the community.
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