Moving House? How to Safely Transport Your Refrigerator

Moving house is stressful enough without worrying about damaging your expensive refrigerator. Improper handling during transport can harm the compressor, damage the cooling system, or void your warranty. Whether you're hiring professional movers or tackling the job yourself, this comprehensive guide will ensure your fridge arrives at its new home ready to work properly for years to come.

Planning Your Refrigerator Move

Check Your New Space First

Before moving day, verify that your refrigerator will fit in its new location:

• Measure the designated space (width, depth, and height)
• Ensure adequate clearance for door swing
• Verify 50-100mm ventilation space on sides and back
• Check that doorways and hallways can accommodate the fridge
• Confirm water line access if you have a water dispenser or ice maker
• Locate the nearest power point

Gather Necessary Supplies

Prepare these items before you begin:

• Moving straps or rope
• Furniture dolly or appliance trolley
• Moving blankets or padding
• Packing tape
• Zip ties or cord ties
• Cleaning supplies
• Cooler with ice for perishables
• Towels (for any water that may drip)

Preparation: 24-48 Hours Before Moving

Empty and Defrost

Begin preparing your refrigerator at least 24 hours before the move:

1. Use up perishables: In the days before your move, try to consume or give away items that can't be transported
2. Remove all food: Pack remaining items in coolers with ice packs for transport
3. Turn off the refrigerator: Unplug it 24 hours before moving to allow for defrosting
4. Remove ice trays: Empty and remove any ice maker trays or bins
5. Place towels inside: Absorb any melting ice or condensation
6. Leave doors ajar: Prevents mould and odour buildup during defrosting

Clean the Interior

Use this opportunity to thoroughly clean your refrigerator:

1. Remove all shelves, drawers, and removable components
2. Wash removable parts with warm soapy water
3. Wipe interior surfaces with bicarbonate of soda solution (2 tablespoons per litre of water)
4. Clean door seals with mild detergent
5. Dry all surfaces thoroughly to prevent mould

Moving Day: Preparing the Refrigerator

Secure Loose Components

Before moving the refrigerator:

• Shelves and drawers: Either pack separately in a box with padding, or tape securely in place with moving tape
• Doors: Use moving straps or rope to secure doors closed—don't rely on door magnets during transport
• Power cord: Tape or tie the cord to the back of the unit so it doesn't drag or get caught
• Water line: Disconnect, drain, and cap any water supply lines
• Levelling legs: If adjustable legs are extended, consider raising them to prevent damage

Protect the Exterior

• Wrap the entire unit in moving blankets
• Secure blankets with tape or straps
• Pay special attention to corners and the front panel
• Protect the compressor area at the back from impacts

Moving the Refrigerator

Using an Appliance Dolly

An appliance dolly (also called a fridge trolley) is the safest tool for moving refrigerators:

1. Slide the dolly under the side of the refrigerator
2. Secure the fridge to the dolly with straps
3. Tilt the dolly back carefully while a second person steadies the top
4. Move slowly and deliberately, especially around corners
5. On stairs, always have one person above and one below for safety

Loading Into the Vehicle

• Position the refrigerator upright against the wall of the moving truck
• Use ratchet straps to secure it to the truck wall or tie-down points
• Place padding between the fridge and truck walls
• Don't stack items on top of the refrigerator
• Ensure it can't slide or tip during transport

Special Considerations: Transporting on its Side

While upright transport is strongly preferred, sometimes space constraints make this impossible. If you must transport a refrigerator on its side:

Which Side Is Safe?

• Best option: Transport upright
• Acceptable if necessary: Lay on the side opposite to where the compressor lines exit (check your manual)
• Never: Lay flat on the back or front, or on the compressor-line side

Extended Settling Time Required

If the refrigerator was transported on its side:

• Leave it upright and unplugged for at least the same duration it was on its side
• For extended journeys (over an hour on its side), wait 24 hours before plugging in
• This allows compressor oil to settle back into proper position

Setting Up at Your New Home

Positioning and Levelling

1. Move the refrigerator to its designated spot
2. Ensure adequate ventilation clearance on all sides
3. Use a spirit level to check the unit is level front-to-back and side-to-side
4. Adjust levelling legs as needed (most turn clockwise to raise, counter-clockwise to lower)
5. Slightly tilting the back lower than the front helps doors close automatically

Waiting Before Power-On

Even if transported upright, wait before plugging in:

• Transported upright: Wait 2-4 hours minimum
• Tilted during handling: Wait 4-6 hours
• Transported on its side: Wait 24 hours

This waiting period allows compressor oil and refrigerant to settle, preventing system damage when the compressor starts.

Reconnecting Water Lines

If your refrigerator has a water dispenser or ice maker:

1. Connect the water supply line to the household valve
2. Check all connections for leaks
3. Turn on the water supply slowly
4. After power-on, allow 24 hours for the ice maker to produce ice
5. Discard the first batch or two of ice (may contain impurities from sitting)

After Power-On

Initial Cooling Period

• Allow 24 hours for the refrigerator to reach optimal temperature
• Don't load food until the interior is properly cooled (below 5°C)
• Keep doors closed as much as possible during initial cooling
• Verify temperature with a thermometer before storing perishables

Post-Move Checklist

1. Verify all shelves and drawers are properly installed
2. Check that doors seal properly
3. Ensure the unit is running quietly without unusual noises
4. Confirm temperature settings are correct (3-4°C for fridge, -18°C for freezer)
5. Check for any water leaks from water line connections

When to Hire Professionals

Consider professional appliance movers if:

• You're moving a high-end or commercial refrigerator
• There are stairs or tight corners in the moving path
• You don't have appropriate equipment (dolly, straps, adequate helpers)
• The refrigerator is extremely heavy (large French door or American-style units)
• You're concerned about maintaining warranty coverage

Professional appliance movers have insurance coverage and expertise that can save you from costly damage. The peace of mind is often worth the additional expense, especially for premium refrigerators.