How to Move a Refrigerator 🧊

🧊 How to Move a Refrigerator Safely and Without Damage

Moving a refrigerator might seem straightforward — until you try lifting one.

These bulky appliances are heavy, awkward, and fragile in their own way.

Damaging your floors, straining your back, or wrecking the cooling system are just a few risks if you don’t know what you’re doing.

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At Packhorse Moving, we’ve moved hundreds of refrigerators, and we know what it takes to do it right.

Here’s your complete guide to moving a fridge without the hassle, injury, or repair bills.

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🧼 Step 1: Prepare the Refrigerator for Moving

Start prepping your fridge at least 24–48 hours before moving day.

Rushing this step can cause leaks, mold, or even damage during transit.

✅ Empty Everything

• Remove all food, drinks, and ice.

• Transfer perishables into a cooler with ice packs.

  
  

🧊 Defrost the Freezer

• Unplug your fridge at least 24 hours before moving.

• Let it defrost naturally and dry it thoroughly to prevent leaks.

🧽 Remove and Wrap Shelves

• Take out shelves, drawers, and bins.

• Wrap them in towels, bubble wrap, or moving blankets.

🔐 Secure the Doors

• Use bungee cords, rope, or moving tape to keep doors shut.

• Some movers recommend stretching plastic wrap around the entire appliance.

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🧰 Step 2: Gather the Right Moving Tools

Moving a refrigerator without the right tools is asking for disaster.

• Appliance Dolly: A must-have for safe, back-saving transport.

• Moving Straps: Help stabilize the load and reduce strain.

• Moving Blankets or Padding: Prevent dents, scratches, and dings.

• Floor Protectors or Runners: Avoid damage to hardwood or tile.

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📏 Step 3: Measure and Plan Your Route

Before you lift anything, walk the route from kitchen to truck.

• Measure doorways and hallways to ensure clearance.

• Remove doors if needed—for the fridge or the house!

• Protect walls and floors with cardboard, blankets, or corner guards.

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🚚 Step 4: Moving the Refrigerator

Time to move — but carefully.

💪 Lift with Care

• Tilt the fridge slightly and slide the dolly underneath.

• Strap the fridge tightly to the dolly.

📏 Keep It Upright!

• Always keep the refrigerator standing upright.

• Tilting it on its side can cause oil to enter the cooling tubes, damaging the compressor.

🧗 Navigate Stairs and Tight Spaces

• Use a ramp if possible.

• Communicate with your helper—every step of the way.

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🚛 Step 5: Load It Onto the Truck

Once you're at the truck:

• Keep it upright against the sidewall.

• Strap it down securely to prevent tipping.

• Use padding around the unit to protect it from shifting or bumping.

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🏡 Step 6: Reinstall at Your New Home

You're almost done — but don’t plug it in just yet.

⏳ Let It Sit

• Allow the fridge to stand upright for at least 4–24 hours before plugging it in. This helps the oil settle back into the compressor.

🔌 Plug It In and Monitor

• After plugging it in, wait for it to cool before restocking.

• Listen for strange noises or check for leaks.

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🧠 Pro Tip: Don’t Move It Alone

Even with the right tools, refrigerators are one of the top causes of DIY moving injuries.

If in doubt, hire a professional moving company.

At Packhorse Moving, we specialize in moving heavy items like refrigerators safely and efficiently — without breaking a sweat (or your fridge).

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📦 Final Thoughts

Moving a refrigerator requires planning, patience, and muscle.

With the right prep and tools, you can avoid damage and stress.

But if you’d rather leave it to the pros, the Packhorse Moving team is always here to help.

📞 Need help moving a fridge in PA, NJ, or DE? Contact us today!