How to move a fridge safely to avoid damage or injury.
Fridges are sensitive to jostling and knocks, so you need to know how to move a fridge safely.
Some fridges are extremely heavy and bulky. This can lead to strained muscles or injuries. Follow our expert advice for transporting a fridge safely.
Preparing a fridge for transport
Preparing your fridge for transport will help ensure it’s still in working order when it gets to its destination. To prepare a fridge, follow these steps.
- empty the fridge before thoroughly cleaning and defrosting it
- ensure the inside is completely dry
- remove loose shelves and transport separately
- secure the doors with webbing straps or a low tack tape such as masking tape
- protect feet and edges with bubble wrap or aerothene
- don’t fully wrap your fridge in plastic to avoid moisture build-up
- make sure the cord and plug are secure
- to prevent scratches, wrap your fridge in a furniture blanket while in transit.
If you’re moving a fridge into storage, remember to open the fridge doors once it’s securely in place. This will help prevent moisture build-up and mould.
Guidelines for moving a fridge safely
Fridges are second only to washing machines when it comes to awkward, heavy and sensitive appliances to move.
These guidelines will help you move your fridge with care and caution, so it doesn’t get damaged and no-one gets injured.
- always have at least two people available to help move a fridge
- ideally, use a dolly and straps to move a fridge; if you don’t have a dolly, use lifting straps that go under the fridge and over the shoulders for easier lifting
- if you have to lift the fridge, bend your knees and keep your back straight
- make sure the pathway is clear before you start moving the fridge
- measure doorways to make sure the fridge will fit through
- make sure the fridge doors are secure, so they can’t fly open and get damaged or hurt someone.
How to move a fridge up or down stairs
The best way to move a fridge up or down stairs is with two people using a dolly. Make sure the fridge is strapped to the dolly so it can’t shift or tip off.
One person should hold the dolly handles while the other person steadies and guides the fridge up or down the stairs.
Tilt the dolly backwards at a 45° angle to that the weight is evenly distributed and wheels can be eased over the edge of the steps.
Don’t try to lift the dolly. Only push or pull gently. Take it one step at a time. Pause to rest at landings if you’re tackling a lot of stairs.
Can you transport a fridge on its side?
Ideally, you should never transport a fridge on its side, especially older models. Newer fridges are a little more tolerant but it’s still not a good idea.
If you have no choice, only transport a fridge on its side for very short distances. Lay it on its side – never its back. Get it upright as soon as possible.
How long to leave a fridge or freezer before turning it back on after moving
It’s recommended that you leave your fridge off for about four hours after moving it to allow the compressor oil to settle.
Once it’s back on, give the fridge time to reach a cold interior temperature before you start loading food.
If you were forced to transport your fridge on its side, leave it off for at least four hours.
If you left it on its side for longer than a day, leave it off for at least 24 hours. If in doubt, consult your fridge’s user manual or contact the manufacturer.
Storing a fridge at XtraSpace
Fridges do well in long-term storage as long as they’ve been moved safely and you’ve followed the advice for transporting and storing a fridge. Without proper preparation, they can get rusty and mouldy.
At XtraSpace, we offer clean, secure self-storage units that are ideal for storing fridges. Contact us for more information or browse to find a branch near you.