How to Move a Refrigerator Safely: Step-by-Step Moving Guide
Learn how to move a refrigerator safely without damaging the appliance or your floors. Follow these steps for preparation, lifting, transportation, and setup.
APPLIANCE CARE
9/13/20265 min read
Moving a refrigerator is more complicated than moving most household appliances. Refrigerators are heavy, awkward to handle, and contain delicate components that can be damaged by improper lifting or excessive tilting.
Whether you're moving the refrigerator to another room or transporting it to a new home, proper preparation can help prevent damage to the appliance, your floors, and your home.
Before Moving the Refrigerator
Don't start pulling the refrigerator away from the wall immediately. Prepare the appliance first.
You'll typically need:
Appliance dolly
Moving straps
Moving blankets
Tape
Cleaning cloths
Towels
A second person to help
Wrench or appropriate tools if water connections need to be disconnected
For particularly large or heavy refrigerators, professional movers may be the safest option.
1. Empty the Refrigerator
Remove all food, drinks, ice, and removable containers.
Don't attempt to move a refrigerator while it's fully loaded. The extra weight makes the appliance harder to control and increases the chance of shelves or containers moving inside.
Keep perishable food in a cooler with ice if the refrigerator will be disconnected for an extended period.
2. Remove Shelves and Drawers
Take out removable shelves, drawers, bins, and other loose components.
Wrap fragile glass shelves separately with moving blankets or other protective material.
Leaving loose components inside can allow them to slide around during transportation and potentially damage the refrigerator interior.
3. Turn Off the Ice Maker
If your refrigerator has an automatic ice maker, turn it off before moving the appliance.
If the refrigerator is connected to a water supply, follow the manufacturer's instructions for shutting off and disconnecting the water line.
Don't pull on the tubing or force fittings.
4. Disconnect the Water Supply
For refrigerators with a water dispenser or ice maker:
Shut off the water supply.
Disconnect the water line according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Allow remaining water to drain into a suitable container.
Secure the tubing so it doesn't drag across the floor.
If you're uncomfortable disconnecting plumbing, have a qualified professional handle the connection.
5. Unplug the Refrigerator
Disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical outlet.
Coil and secure the power cord so it won't become caught under the appliance or drag across the floor.
Never pull the refrigerator by its power cord.
6. Protect the Floor
Refrigerators can scratch tile, wood, vinyl, and other flooring when moved incorrectly.
Place an appropriate protective material along the route you'll use.
Don't drag the refrigerator directly across the floor.
7. Move the Refrigerator Away From the Wall
With another person helping, carefully pull or roll the refrigerator away from the wall.
Some refrigerators have wheels or rollers that make this easier.
Move slowly and watch for:
Water tubing
Power cords
Cabinet edges
Door handles
Nearby appliances
Don't yank or twist the refrigerator.
8. Secure the Refrigerator Doors
Refrigerator doors can swing open while the appliance is being moved.
Secure them according to the manufacturer's recommendations. If using moving tape, avoid placing adhesive directly on painted or finished surfaces because it can leave residue or damage the finish.
Never rely on the doors themselves as handles for moving the appliance.
9. Use an Appliance Dolly
A heavy refrigerator should ideally be moved using a properly rated appliance dolly.
Position the dolly according to its instructions and secure the refrigerator firmly with moving straps.
Keep the refrigerator balanced and move slowly.
Never try to carry a large refrigerator by hand without appropriate equipment and enough people.
10. Keep the Refrigerator Upright
The safest approach is to transport a refrigerator in an upright position whenever possible.
Avoid laying it on its side or back unless the manufacturer specifically provides instructions that allow it.
A refrigerator contains a compressor and refrigeration system that can be affected by transportation position.
If the appliance must be tilted substantially or transported horizontally, consult the manufacturer's instructions regarding the appropriate procedure and how long to allow it to stand upright before powering it on.
11. Navigate Doorways Carefully
Measure doorways and the refrigerator before moving it through tight spaces.
Remove doors from the home or refrigerator only if necessary and only if you know how to do so safely.
Watch for:
Door frames
Walls
Cabinet corners
Stairways
Low ceilings
Narrow hallways
Use moving blankets to protect both the refrigerator and surrounding surfaces.
12. Be Extra Careful on Stairs
Moving a refrigerator down or up stairs is particularly dangerous because of its weight and high center of gravity.
Don't attempt this without appropriate equipment and sufficient assistance.
For difficult stairways, professional appliance movers are strongly recommended.
13. Position the Refrigerator at Its New Location
Once you've reached the destination, place the refrigerator in its intended location.
Before plugging it in:
Remove transportation materials.
Reconnect the water line if applicable.
Check for water leaks.
Position the refrigerator correctly.
Level the appliance according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Make sure adequate ventilation clearance is available.
Check that the doors can open fully.
14. Wait Before Turning It Back On
How long you should wait before plugging in the refrigerator depends on how it was transported.
If it remained upright throughout the move, the manufacturer's instructions may permit relatively prompt startup.
If it was transported on its side or tilted significantly, it may need to remain upright for several hours or longer before being powered on.
There is no single waiting period that applies to every refrigerator. Check the owner's manual for the specific model.
What Happens if You Lay a Refrigerator Down?
Transporting a refrigerator horizontally can allow compressor oil to move away from its normal position.
That is one reason manufacturers often recommend transporting refrigerators upright whenever possible.
If your refrigerator had to be laid down, don't immediately turn it on when you arrive. Put it upright and follow the manufacturer's instructions for the required waiting period.
Common Refrigerator Moving Mistakes
Dragging the Refrigerator
Dragging can damage floors, rollers, or the refrigerator's lower components.
Moving It While Full
Food and loose items add unnecessary weight and can shift during transportation.
Forgetting the Water Line
A connected water line can be pulled or damaged when the refrigerator is moved.
Using the Door Handles to Lift It
Door handles aren't generally designed to support the weight of the appliance.
Transporting It Without Securing It
An unsecured refrigerator can shift or tip during transportation.
Plugging It In Immediately After Being Laid Down
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions after horizontal transportation or significant tilting.
After the Move: Check Everything
Once the refrigerator is running again, inspect it for:
Proper cooling
Water leaks
Unusual noises
Door alignment
Proper door sealing
Excessive vibration
Ice-maker operation
Give the refrigerator enough time to return to its normal operating temperature before loading it with perishable food.
When to Hire Professional Movers
Professional help is a good idea if the refrigerator is:
Extremely large or heavy
A built-in model
A French-door or multi-door model with unusual dimensions
Being moved up or down stairs
Being transported a long distance
Difficult to access through your home
Connected to complicated plumbing
The cost of professional moving assistance can be worthwhile compared with the risk of personal injury or appliance damage.
Final Thoughts
Moving a refrigerator safely requires preparation, proper equipment, and patience. Empty the appliance, disconnect power and water supplies, remove loose components, protect the floor, and use an appropriately rated appliance dolly.
Whenever possible, keep the refrigerator upright during transportation. If it has to be tilted significantly or laid on its side, follow the manufacturer's instructions about positioning and startup before reconnecting power.
If the move involves stairs, tight spaces, or a particularly heavy refrigerator, professional appliance movers can make the job considerably safer.