How to Move a Refrigerator
Fact Checked by: Quick steps: How to move a refrigerator
Refrigerators are awkward, heavy, and easy to damage if you rush. Use this quick checklist to plan a safe, efficient move before you dive into the detailed steps below.
- Measure everything: Measure the refrigerator and every doorway, hallway, staircase, and turn on your path at both homes to prevent last-minute surprises.
- Gather moving tools: Use an appliance dolly (with straps), moving blankets, stretch wrap, ratchet straps, and sturdy work gloves for safety.
- Empty, clean, and defrost: Remove all food and shelves, unplug the unit at least 24 hours in advance, and dry up water so it doesn’t drip during transport.
- Disconnect power and water: Unplug the cord and turn off and detach water lines to ice makers or dispensers, catching residual water in a small pan.
- Secure doors and loose parts: Tape the cord and hoses to the cabinet, wrap shelves and drawers separately, and use moving tape or stretch wrap to keep doors closed.
- Protect your home: Lay down cardboard or sliders to shield floors and pad tight corners and door frames with towels or foam.
- Move with help: You need two people minimum. Position the dolly correctly, communicate clearly, and never rush stairs or tight angles.
- Keep the fridge upright: Transport it upright to protect the compressor and internal oil lines whenever possible.
- Wait before plugging in: Let the refrigerator sit upright for 4–24 hours so oil and refrigerant settle before powering on.
Moving a refrigerator is one of the trickiest parts of a relocation. The right prep prevents injuries, floor damage, and avoidable appliance repairs.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
How to move a refrigerator: Why it’s different (and why it matters)
Refrigerators aren’t just heavy boxes. They have delicate lines, a compressor full of oil, and tight clearances that can turn a simple move into a costly headache. Treating your fridge like any other cabinet is a common (and expensive) mistake.
We help thousands of readers navigate appliance moves every year with fewer surprises and better outcomes. Follow the steps below to keep your budget intact and your fridge running when it gets to your new place.
For broader planning help, compare prices with our guides to the best moving companies and best moving truck rentals.
Preparation before moving your fridge
Measure twice, move once
Accurate measurements eliminate the “it doesn’t fit” panic on move day. Confirm sizes at your current home and your new address.
- Fridge size: Note height, width, and depth with and without doors (if you may remove them). Include handles and water line attachments in your measurements.
- Moving path: Measure doorways, halls, stairs, and tight turns from the kitchen to the truck. Identify where you’ll need door removal or extra padding.
- New location: Confirm the refrigerator space at your destination, ventilation clearance, and outlet/water access, especially in older homes with narrower doors.
Historic homes and older apartments can have surprisingly tight spaces. For long-distance moves, ask a friend or building manager to verify the destination measurements in advance.
Gather your moving tools
The right gear prevents wall dings, crushed toes, and compressor damage. Set this up before you unplug anything.
- Appliance dolly: Use a strap-equipped appliance dolly rather than a standard hand truck. The wider base and strap points keep the unit stable on stairs.
- Moving straps: Ratchet straps secure the fridge to the dolly and the truck’s anchor points so it can’t shift in transit.
- Blankets and wrap: Moving blankets or thick towels plus stretch wrap protect stainless panels and walls.
- Floor protection: Cardboard runners, sliders, or plywood save hardwoods and tile from scrapes.
- Work gloves: Improve grip and reduce pinch risks on door handles and dolly rails.
- Basic tools: A screwdriver, hex bits, and adjustable wrench help remove doors and disconnect water lines as needed.
Always recruit at least one helper. For extra how-tos on gear, see our guides to using a dolly and moving blankets.
Steps to prepare your refrigerator for moving
Proper prep prevents leaks, odors, and “why won’t it cool?” issues after delivery. Build in time for a full defrost and thorough dry-out.
- Empty and remove: Take out all food, drinks, shelves, and drawers. Label and wrap shelves in blankets to avoid cracks.
- Defrost and clean: Unplug at least 24 hours before moving. Let ice melt, soak up water with towels, wipe all surfaces dry, and prop doors open for airflow.
- Disconnect water line/ice maker: Turn off the supply, depressurize the line, then detach hoses and let them drain into a small bucket.
- Secure doors and parts: Tape the power cord and water line to the cabinet. Use stretch wrap to keep doors closed. Pack shelves and bins separately.
Need more kitchen-specific packing tips? Check out our step-by-step guides for packing kitchen items and moving a dishwasher.
Protecting your floors, walls, and fridge
Most fridge moves go wrong at corners, thresholds, and stair landings. Build a padded path and slow down.
- Shield your path: Run cardboard or rug runners the entire route. Pad stainless panels with blankets and wrap so straps don’t mar the finish.
- Use sliders for short moves: For cleaning or repositioning, place sliders under each corner and “walk” the fridge out with gentle side-to-side rocking.
- Pad impact points: Tape towels or foam to door frames, cabinet edges, and island corners where bumps are likely.
Check the dolly wheels for grit before you roll. Add extra pads at stair turns and exterior thresholds where snags are likely to happen.
Step-by-step: How to move a refrigerator safely
1. Position and tilt the fridge on the dolly
Stability is everything. A correctly positioned fridge is easier to steer and far less likely to tip.
- Load from the side: Slide the dolly’s toe plate under a side panel (not the front or back) to keep weight centered over the wheels.
- Strap it tight: Add two straps, one above the center of gravity and one lower, so doors can’t shift while turning.
- Stay upright: Keep the cabinet as vertical as possible to protect the compressor and internal oil lines.
2. Safe lifting and communication
Two strong helpers who communicate beat four people guessing. Call out moves and confirm your footing before you start moving.
- Assign roles: The dolly operator pushes and sets the pace; the helper scouts hazards and clears the path.
- Use simple commands: “Stop,” “step,” “tilt,” and “pivot” keep everyone aligned, especially on stairs and ramps.
- Lift with legs: Avoid twisting under the load, and reset if you lose your balance rather than muscling through.
3. Navigating corners, tight spaces, and doorways
Most clearance problems can be solved with patience and micro-adjustments, not force.
- Move slowly: Check clearance on all sides before you commit to a turn.
- Remove doors as needed: Taking off the refrigerator doors (or a house door) is faster than repairing a dented hinge later.
- Use the wiggle method: Rock gently side-to-side to “walk” through tight spots without scraping the trim.
- Talk through each shift: Count down before tilts and steps to keep the load predictable.
Pro tip: For stubborn thresholds, lay a thick moving pad down and ease the dolly wheels over while your helper stabilizes from the opposite side.
4. Stairs and ramps
Gravity adds risk on stairs. Keep the center of mass above the wheels and take it one riser at a time.
- Positioning on stairs: The dolly operator stands above the fridge; the helper is below to guide and spot. Keep the fridge upright and tight to the stair noses.
- One step at a time: Rest on landings to retighten the straps and check your hand placement.
- Ramps: Go slow, keep both hands on the dolly, and recruit a third person to manage your speed on steep truck ramps.
Should you transport your refrigerator upright or on its side?
Why upright matters
Transport your refrigerator upright whenever it’s possible. Laying the fridge down can push compressor oil into the coolant lines, which starves the compressor of lubrication and can shorten its life.
If you have to move a fridge on its side
Sometimes narrow stairwells or elevators leave you with no alternative. If you have to lay the unit down, minimize risk with these steps:
- Choose the correct side: Lay it on the side opposite the door hinges (you can confirm this in your manual), and pad both the floor and the cabinet to prevent dents.
- Never on the back or front: Coils, lines, and door hardware are most vulnerable in these positions.
- Let it settle: After arrival, keep the fridge upright for 4–24 hours before plugging it in so oil drains back into the compressor.
- Load against a wall: Place the fridge upright against the truck wall with the dolly removed and blankets on all sides.
- Pad and strap: Surround it with moving blankets and use at least two ratchet straps to fixed anchor points at mid-height and low.
- Don’t stack: Never place boxes or furniture on top of the fridge since vibration can damage the doors and hinges.
How to move a refrigerator for cleaning
For quick cleaning or coil access, you can shift the fridge safely without a full-scale move.
- Unplug if possible: Disconnect power and water lines to avoid snags and drips.
- Use sliders or towels: Protect your floors by placing sliders (or folded towels) under each corner before you pull.
- Rock, then pull straight: Gently rock side-to-side to break any suction on the floor, then pull the fridge straight back.
- Clean and maintain: Vacuum condenser coils and wipe the floor before sliding the unit back in place.
If the fridge feels stuck, don’t force it. Grab a helper or switch to an appliance dolly to prevent damage. For more details, see our guide to moving heavy furniture.
Troubleshooting: What to do when your fridge is stuck or too heavy
Don’t risk a herniated back or a dented door to save five minutes. These fixes solve common hang-ups.
- Stuck in the cabinet? Check for screws or trim pieces pinning the unit, cut paint caulk along the edges with a utility knife, and use shims to relieve friction.
- Too heavy to budge? Remove doors, shelves, bins, and even the bottom kick plate to reduce the weight and create handholds. Use an appliance dolly and sliders.
- Oversized for the path? Pop interior doors off the hinges and remove handrails. In extreme cases, you can remove the door frame to avoid damage.
- Still can’t move it? Hire pros — a reputable mover will arrive with stair-rated dollies and extra hands for tight spaces.
Not sure whether to DIY or hire help? Start with our comparison of professional movers vs. DIY.
|
|
|
|
rating
Post-move setup: Getting your refrigerator running again
Once the fridge is in its final spot, get it back up and running the right way.
- Let it stand upright: Wait 4–24 hours before plugging it in so oil returns to the compressor. Follow your manufacturer’s guidance for your model.
- Reconnect the water line: Reattach hoses securely, turn the valve on, and check for drips at both ends.
- Plug it in: Listen for the compressor and fans. Modern units may delay fan operation briefly. That’s normal.
- Reinstall shelves and drawers: Wipe everything dry before reinstalling so you don’t have to deal with odors and mold.
- Wait to restock: Give it 3–24 hours for temperatures to stabilize before loading your groceries in.
If you hear grinding, see error codes, or notice leaks, unplug the unit and call a technician. For related hookups, see our guide on how to hook up appliances.
Safety warnings and common mistakes to avoid
- Never move a fridge alone: The combination of weight and height makes solo moves risky for both you and the appliance.
- Keep it upright: Protect the compressor and lines by staying vertical whenever possible; if you have to lay it down, follow the “settle” rule above.
- Don’t rush tight spaces or stairs: Remove doors and add padding rather than forcing it and causing damage.
- Secure doors and shelves: Unsecured parts shift, scratch finishes, and can shatter during turns or bumps.
- Use proper lifting technique: Bend your knees, keep the load close, and avoid twisting while you’re under the load.
- Inspect your path: Clear nails, gravel, and loose rugs that can stop the dolly wheels and tip the load.
- Wait to power up: Waiting prevents a dry start that can ruin the compressor, especially if you moved the fridge on its side.
A few preventive steps here can mean the difference between a smooth move and a costly repair.
FAQs: How to move a refrigerator
Can you move a refrigerator by yourself?
Technically, yes — but it’s not recommended. The weight, height, and awkward center of gravity make solo moves a top cause of back injuries and damaged flooring. At minimum, recruit a helper and use a strap-equipped appliance dolly.
If you’re navigating multiple stairs or a tight turn, hiring pros is usually cheaper than repairing a dented door and patched drywall later. For help choosing, see our guide to choosing a moving company.
Can you lay a fridge down to move it?
Upright transport is best. Laying a fridge down can send compressor oil into the refrigerant lines, which starves the compressor at startup. If you have to lay it down, place it on the side opposite the hinges, pad the cabinet, and keep it upright at the destination for 4–24 hours before plugging in. When in doubt, check your manual for model-specific guidance from the manufacturer.
How do you move a refrigerator up stairs?
Use an appliance dolly with two straps and assign roles: the dolly operator stands above the unit controlling the tilt while a helper spots from below. Take one step at a time and rest on landings to retighten straps and reset your grip. Keep the fridge vertical, announce each tilt, and clear tripping hazards before you start the climb.
Related resources
Comparing options for getting your whole home moved? Our research on PODS cost and other container services can help you budget confidently.
Plan your move with confidence
Whether you’re navigating one stairwell or three flights and a tight turn, having the right plan makes moving a refrigerator way less intimidating. Get personalized pricing and timelines for your entire move in minutes with our calculator below.
How Much do Movers Cost?
Get instant ballpark pricing. No email or phone required. It's fast, free, and easy.
How we chose the best moving companies
The moveBuddha team has spent nearly 10 years evaluating moving companies using a rigorous review system to identify the best moving companies. Our thorough methodology evaluates each moving company's services, cost, customer service, and reputation:
Moving services (35%):
We verify operating authority, insurance, and service scope against FMCSA/SAFER and state databases. We confirm availability via standardized mystery-shopping calls (packing tiers, storage type, specialty handling, delivery windows, valuation), and then review contracts alongside complaint and claims patterns over time.
Customer feedback (28%):
We run structured post-move surveys through our Better Moves Project with verifiable documentation. We emphasize on-time performance, care of goods, and estimates’ accuracy, and we investigate outliers before they influence scores.
Online reviews (7%):
We aggregate ratings across multiple third-party sites to reduce platform bias, analyze overall trends and company response behavior, and discount obvious spam/fake signals such as sudden bursts, duplicate language, and low-history profiles.
State availability (12%):
We confirm USDOT numbers, broker vs. carrier status, and any required state permits, then score a state-by-state service matrix that accounts for coverage gaps, seasonal limits, and lane strength. We award additional credit for documented cross-border or specialty lanes.
Additional services (12%):
We verify whether add-ons are performed in-house or subcontracted, look for crew training/certifications for high-value or oversized items, count only documented offerings (tariffs, photos, written service descriptions) confirmed via mystery shopping, and reward robust pre-move planning (virtual surveys, itemized crating).
Quotes/Payment options (6%):
We test standardized move profiles to assess estimate type (binding, not-to-exceed, non-binding), line-item transparency, and disclosed surcharges, require clear written policies for deposits, refunds, and cancellations, and award points for secure, flexible payment methods and customer portals.
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
