Moving a refrigerator safely comes down to prep and posture: empty it, unplug it, shut off and disconnect the water line, secure the doors, and keep it upright on an appliance dolly with at least two people. Plan it whenever you're moving house, renovating the kitchen or pulling the fridge out for cleaning.
Time: about 1 to 2 hours · Difficulty: Moderate · You'll need: an appliance dolly with straps, a helper, painter's tape or moving straps for the doors, a tape measure, floor protection (cardboard or a sheet of hardboard), towels, a small bucket
Before you start
- •Get at least one helper. Refrigerators are top-heavy and can tip or crush fingers.
- •Turn off the water supply valve before you disconnect the ice maker line.
- •Measure the fridge and every doorway, hall and stair turn on the route.
- •Never lift by the door handles.
Steps
Step 1 — Empty and prep the inside
Remove all food, then take out or tape down shelves and drawers so they can't shift and crack. Empty the ice bin.
Step 2 — Unplug and disconnect the water
Unplug the fridge. Shut off the supply valve, then disconnect the water line at the back over a towel and bucket. Cap or tape the line ends.
Step 3 — Secure the doors
Tape or strap the doors closed. If the fridge won't fit through a doorway, many models allow door removal, but follow the manual, since door wiring and water lines run through some hinges.
Step 4 — Protect the floor
Lay cardboard or hardboard along the path. Raise the front leveling legs if your manual shows how, so they don't drag.
Step 5 — Dolly it upright
Slide the dolly under the side of the fridge, not the front, strap it tight, and tilt it back only as far as needed. Take stairs one step at a time, with one person below guiding.
Step 6 — Transport it standing
Keep the fridge upright in the vehicle and strap it in place. If it must lie down, many manufacturers say to let it stand upright for several hours before plugging in, so oil can settle back into the compressor. Check your manual for your model's guidance.
Step 7 — Set up and restart
Reconnect and check the water line for leaks, level the fridge, plug it in, and give it several hours to reach temperature before loading food.
Didn't fix it?
If the fridge doesn't cool within about a day after the move, or it clicks on and off without running, have it checked rather than waiting. While it's pulled out, take the chance to clean the coils; see how to clean refrigerator condenser coils.
New Jersey tip
Many older homes in Essex and Hudson counties have narrow staircases, tight turns and doorways sized for smaller appliances. Measure carefully, check whether the doors come off, and be ready to remove a storm door or railing. For setup or cooling problems after the move, our Essex County technicians can help.
From Kevin: Most moving damage I see comes from rushing: a fridge dragged across a floor, a water line yanked off, or a unit plugged in straight off the truck after riding on its side.
Moving soon? Call ProFix NJ at (973) 718-9373.