How to Move a Fridge

Karen Bodkin Written By Karen Bodkin
  • Published on August 15, 2025
    • Movers wrapping a refrigerator for a move.

    There’s a lot to think about when you’re getting ready for a move, and somewhere in the middle of it all sits your refrigerator: a heavy, awkward appliance that doesn’t exactly roll out the front door on its own. Whether you’re taking it across the country or just across town, figuring out how to move it safely (without damaging the fridge itself, your home, or straining your back) takes a little packing and moving planning.

    The good news is, you don’t have to guess your way through it. With a few practical steps, some basic supplies, and a bit of teamwork, you can move your fridge with confidence. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to check before moving day, when to ask for help, how to prep and protect your appliance, and a few simple ways to stay safe while you do it.

    Author

    Karen Bodkin

    Karen is a writer at MovingPlace who’s passionate about helping people navigate their moves with less stress and more confidence. She empowers readers by turning the many overwhelming parts of moving into clear, actionable guidance, drawing from a broad writing portfolio that includes home improvement, health, and travel. Her work reflects a deep understanding of life’s transitions and a genuine drive to make moving feel more manageable for everyone.

    What to Know Before Moving Your Fridge

    Before you start measuring doorways or wrapping your fridge in moving blankets, there are a few important details worth checking off your list. These early steps can help you avoid damage, prevent last-minute stress, and ensure everything lines up with your rental or home sale agreement.

    Appliances Typically Stay With The House When You Move

    Before you go through the trouble of planning your fridge move, double-check whether you actually need to move it. In many home sales, major appliances like the refrigerator are expected to stay with the property. If you’re renting, your landlord most likely owns the appliances, which means taking them with you could be a problem.

    If you’re unsure, review your lease or sale agreement, or reach out to your landlord or real estate agent. It’s much easier to clarify now than to deal with surprises on moving day.

    Can You Lay a Fridge on Its Side?

    Ideally, no. Laying a fridge on its side can damage the compressor or cause oil to leak into areas of the cooling system where it doesn’t belong. That’s why keeping it upright is the safest option during transport.

    But sometimes you don’t have a choice. If your space or situation demands it, here’s what to keep in mind:

    • Always lay it on its side – not the front or back. The best option is the side opposite the hinges to avoid door warping.
    • Once upright again, wait before plugging it in. Give the internal fluids time to settle back into place. As a rule of thumb, wait at least as many hours as the fridge spent on its side, and when in doubt, 24 hours is the safest buffer.

    Following these precautions can help protect your appliance and improve the odds it runs properly in your new home.

    Moving a Fridge Requires More Than One Person

    Refrigerators are heavy, bulky, and often top-heavy, too. Even smaller models can weigh over 200 pounds, and trying to move one alone increases your risk of injury. Plus, there’s also a good chance of dinging a wall or scratching the floor if the appliance tips or slips.

    In short, this isn’t a one-person job. At minimum, you’ll need a second set of hands and the right tools to move your fridge safely. If you’re doing a self-move, it may be worth hiring moving help just for this part, especially if stairs or tight corners are involved. (If you’re curious about what a self-managed move actually looks like, our guide on How to Self-Move breaks it down step by step.)

    Leave Time to Defrost Before You Move

    This step often gets skipped, but it’s essential. If your fridge still has moisture inside when you move it, you risk water damage, mold, and odors once it’s set up in your new home.

    To defrost properly, unplug your fridge at least 24 to 48 hours before moving day. Leave the doors open to air it out completely, wipe up any water inside, and lay down a towel to catch drips. If your freezer has a buildup of ice, give it time to melt on its own. Don’t try to chip it off, since this could damage the lining.

    Taking care of this ahead of time makes your fridge easier to move, safer to transport, and ready for a fresh start once you arrive.

    Think Seriously Before DIYing a Fridge Move

    There’s no sugarcoating it: moving a refrigerator is one of the most physically demanding parts of relocating. These appliances are not only heavy but also unwieldy and full of delicate internal components that can easily be damaged by bumps or tilts. Trying to handle the move alone, even with a dolly, puts both you and your fridge at risk.

    That’s why it’s worth considering professional help when it comes time to move your refrigerator. Whether you’re relocating across town or across the country, experienced movers know how to protect your floors, guide the appliance through tight spaces, and secure it safely inside a truck.

    If you’re arranging your own transportation and need help with loading or unloading, the MovingPlace platform makes it easy to book trusted labor support. You’ll have access to vetted professionals and flexible service options that fit within a self-managed move. It’s a smart way to safeguard your appliance, protect your back, and feel confident that this part of the move is fully covered. If you’re moving more appliances than just your fridge, check out our guide on How to Move a Washer and Dryer.

    Our Step-by-Step Guide to Moving Your Fridge

    Ready to get hands-on? Here’s how to move your refrigerator safely and confidently, from prep to final placement. This guide assumes you’ve already confirmed that your fridge is coming with you and you’ve given it time to fully defrost.

    1. Empty and clean the fridge

    Take everything out of your refrigerator, including drawers, shelves, and food. Then, wipe down all interior surfaces with a gentle cleaner or a mix of baking soda and water. A clean, dry fridge is lighter and far less likely to develop odors during transport.

    2. Unplug the appliance and secure the cord

    Once everything is out and cleaned, unplug the fridge and coil the power cord. Secure the cord to the back of the fridge with packing tape so it doesn’t dangle or get caught during the move.

    3. Leave the doors open to air it out

    After unplugging, prop the doors open for several hours (or overnight, if possible) to allow any remaining moisture to evaporate. This helps prevent mildew and lingering smells once the fridge is sealed up for the move.

    4. Remove or secure interior parts

    If possible, take out any remaining bins or glass shelves and pack them separately. If you’re keeping drawers and shelves in place, secure them with painter’s tape or stretch wrap so they don’t shift or break during the move.

    5. Protect the exterior with moving blankets or stretch wrap

    Wrap the refrigerator in a thick moving blanket, stretch wrap, or both. This protects the finish from scratches and shields the appliance (and your walls!) from dings as it’s maneuvered through the house or onto a dolly.

    6. Measure doorways, hallways, and stairs

    Before you try to move anything, measure the fridge and all the paths it needs to travel—from the kitchen to the moving truck. If needed, remove doors from hinges or take off the fridge doors and handles to create a little extra clearance.

    7. Use a heavy-duty appliance dolly

    Slide the fridge gently onto a dolly designed for appliances, making sure the fridge stays upright. Secure it with the dolly strap, tilt it back carefully, and move slowly through each space with at least one person guiding the path ahead.

    8. Load the fridge into the moving truck upright

    With help, guide the fridge up the truck ramp using the dolly. Position it upright against one of the truck’s walls. Never lay it flat or on its back. If possible, place it between other large, sturdy items (like a dresser or washer) to help it stay in place.

    9. Secure the fridge with ratchet straps

    Once inside the truck, use ratchet straps to tie the fridge to the side rails or anchor points. This prevents shifting during transit, especially if the ride includes stops or bumpy roads. If needed, add a moving blanket between the fridge and the straps to avoid pressure marks on the finish. (If you’re new to protective materials, here’s How to Use Moving Blankets effectively.)

    10. Let it rest before plugging it back in

    After you arrive at your new place, wait a few hours before plugging the fridge in. This gives any displaced coolant time to settle and reduces the risk of damage to the compressor. Check your fridge manual for specific guidance. Some manufacturers recommend waiting up to 24 hours.

    Taking your time with these steps not only helps your fridge arrive in one piece, it also protects your home and the people helping you move. With the right prep and a bit of teamwork, this is one major item you can check off your list with confidence.

    Staying Safe While Moving a Fridge

    Even with good planning, moving a refrigerator comes with real risk for injury. Here are a few safety tips to help protect you, your helpers, and your home during the process:

    Don’t tilt the fridge too far

    While a slight tilt is necessary to get it onto a dolly, tipping the fridge more than 45 degrees can damage its internal parts. Try to keep it as upright as possible at every stage of the move.

    Avoid moving a fridge downstairs without professionals

    Carrying a fridge downstairs is not only difficult, it’s one of the riskiest parts of any appliance move. Even with a dolly, the weight distribution can shift suddenly, especially on steep or narrow steps. If your move includes stairs, it’s worth bringing in experienced movers who have the right equipment and know-how to handle it safely. Plus, it may cost less than you think. (If you’re curious what movers typically charge for help like this, we break it down in our guide How do Moving Companies Charge.)

    Wear sturdy shoes with a good grip

    Closed-toe shoes with solid traction can help prevent slips, especially when moving on ramps or uneven surfaces. Avoid sandals, slides, or anything that could make it harder to control your footing.

    Keep children and pets out of the area

    During a fridge move, especially when lifting or loading, it’s important to keep small children and pets in another room. This avoids accidental bumps or distractions that could lead to injury.

    Take breaks if you’re feeling strained

    Refrigerators are heavy, and even with a dolly, they require a lot of control and coordination. If you feel off balance or too tired to continue, pause and reassess your setup. It’s always better to ask for help or wait a moment than to push through and risk getting hurt.