How to Move a Refrigerator Safely: Your Ultimate Aussie Guide
Moving house is a mammoth task, but some items on the checklist are bigger and more daunting than others. Right at the top of that list is the refrigerator. It’s heavy, awkward, and surprisingly delicate. One wrong move and you could be looking at a damaged floor, a strained back, or a very expensive, non-chilling metal box.
But don’t panic! With the right preparation and technique, moving your fridge can be a straightforward and safe process. Many moving companies offer specialised services for large appliances, but with the right approach, you can also handle it yourself. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, from defrosting to plugging it back in at your new home.
Before You Start: Gather Your Gear
Success lies in preparation. Trying to wing it with a fridge is a recipe for disaster. Before you even think about moving it, make sure you have the right equipment on hand.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- A Heavy-Duty Appliance Trolley (Dolly): This is non-negotiable. A proper appliance trolley with straps will be your best friend. You can hire one from places like Bunnings or Kennards.
- Moving Blankets or Old Quilts: To protect the fridge from scratches and dings, and to protect your walls.
- Strong Packing Tape or Rope: To secure the doors and the fridge to the trolley.
- A Screwdriver or Wrench: To disconnect water lines if you have an ice maker or water dispenser.
- Cleaning Supplies: Rags, spray cleaner, and a bucket.
- A Mate (or Two): Moving a fridge is not a one-person job. Enlist the help of at least one strong friend.
Step-by-Step Guide to Moving Your Fridge
Follow these steps precisely to ensure a safe and successful move for you, your floors, and your refrigerator.
Step 1: Empty and Defrost (The 24-Hour Rule)
This is the most important prep step and it needs to be done well in advance. Plan to start this process at least 24 hours before moving day.
- Empty Everything: Remove all food, shelves, drawers, and ice trays. This is a great time to have a “clear out the fridge” meal and throw away any old condiments. Pack frozen or cold items in an Esky with ice packs.
- Unplug and Defrost: Turn off the power at the wall and unplug the refrigerator. If your fridge has an ice maker, turn off the water supply and disconnect the line (have a bucket ready for any leftover water). Leave the doors wide open to allow it to defrost completely. Place some old towels on the floor inside and around the fridge to catch any melting ice and water.
Step 2: Clean It Thoroughly
Moving a dirty fridge is not pleasant. Once it’s defrosted, give the entire interior a good clean with warm, soapy water or a food-safe cleaner. Wipe down the exterior and don’t forget the dusty condenser coils on the back. A clean fridge will prevent mould and bad odours from developing during transit.
Step 3: Secure the Doors and Interior
A swinging door can cause serious damage or injury.
- Secure the Doors: Close the doors and secure them tightly. You can use strong packing tape, but be aware it can sometimes damage the finish. A better option is to wrap a rope or moving straps around the entire fridge from top to bottom.
- Pack Shelves Separately: Wrap glass shelves and plastic drawers in packing paper or towels and pack them in a separate box. This prevents them from rattling around and breaking.
Step 4: Protect the Exterior
Wrap the entire refrigerator in moving blankets. This will protect it from scratches and cushion it against bumps into walls and door frames. Secure the blankets with packing tape, making sure the tape doesn’t stick directly to the fridge’s surface.
Step 5: Get it on the Trolley (The Right Way)
This is where your helper is crucial.
- Gently tilt the fridge slightly to one side.
- Slide the base of the appliance trolley underneath the centre of that side.
- Carefully return the fridge to its upright position, so it’s now resting on the trolley’s base plate.
- Fasten the safety straps from the trolley tightly around the middle of the refrigerator. The fridge should feel like a secure extension of the trolley itself.
Step 6: The Move Itself: Navigating Your Home
With one person guiding and pulling the trolley from the back (tilted at about a 45-degree angle) and the other spotting at the front, carefully navigate your way out.
- Communicate: Talk to your helper constantly, especially around corners and doorways.
- Stairs: Take stairs one step at a time. The person at the bottom should act as a guide and lifter, while the person at the top controls the descent or ascent. Always go slowly.
Step 7: Loading and Transporting in the Vehicle
Always, always, always keep the refrigerator upright during transport.
Laying a fridge down, especially on its back or front, can cause the compressor oil to run into the cooling lines. This can permanently damage the unit.
Secure the fridge in an upright position in the moving truck or ute, wedged against a wall and strapped in place so it cannot tip over.
After the Move: The Crucial Final Steps
You’ve made it! But you’re not done yet.
- Unload and Position: Carefully unload the fridge and move it into its new spot.
- Let it Settle: This is critical. Once in place, do not plug it in immediately. You need to let the compressor oil and coolant settle. The standard rule is to wait at least 4 hours. If the fridge was accidentally tilted a lot during the move, wait for 24 hours to be safe.
- Plug it In: After the waiting period, plug it in and turn it on. Wait for it to reach a stable, cool temperature before you start loading your food back in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you lay a refrigerator down to move it?
You should avoid this at all costs. The golden rule is to keep a fridge upright at all times. Laying it down allows oil from the compressor to flow into the refrigerant lines, which can block them and cause permanent damage when you turn it back on. If you have absolutely no other choice, lay it on its side (never the back), and make sure you stand it upright for at least 24 hours before plugging it in.
How long do I really need to wait before plugging in my fridge?
The minimum safe waiting time is 4 hours if it was kept mostly upright. This gives the fluids inside plenty of time to settle back into the compressor where they belong. If you’re unsure or know it was tilted significantly, waiting 24 hours is the safest bet.
Can I move a fridge by myself?
No. Refrigerators are extremely heavy and awkward. Attempting to move one alone is a serious risk for personal injury and for damaging the appliance and your home. Always have at least one strong helper.
Do I have to defrost the fridge before moving?
Yes, absolutely. A fridge that isn’t defrosted can leak water all through the moving truck and into its own electrical components. The trapped moisture can also lead to mould and mildew during transit.
How do I move a fridge without a dolly or trolley?
While highly unadvisable, if you’re in a real bind, you can use furniture sliders under the fridge’s feet to slide it across a flat surface. For lifting, you and a few helpers can use purpose-built lifting straps. However, an appliance trolley is by far the safest and most effective tool for the job.
