Can you lay a refrigerator down to transport it? Never lay a refrigerator on its front or back as it could cause damage. It is advised to strap it standing upright to the side of a moving truck or other tall truck. If the refrigerator must be laid down, only do so on the left or right side.
A refrigerator should really only be transported in an upright position. If you are deciding how to transport a refrigerator in a pickup truck, trailer or moving truck, remember that it's best to keep the refrigerator upright, and rent or borrow a vehicle that will allow for that positioning.
After Transporting Your Refrigerator
If it was on its side for more than a day, leave it standing upright for 24 hours before running the refrigerator. If laying on its side just briefly to service, clean or adjust, just a few minutes of stand time will be enough.
It's not recommended to transport a refrigerator on its side. Doing so can cause damage to the compressor and result in refrigerant leaks that can damage or destroy your fridge.
It is always best to keep a fridge or freezer upright when moving, but you can transport a fridge on its side too. Just remember that before it is plugged in and switched on, it should be left upright for a minimum of 3 hours.
While moving, it is best not to tilt your fridge back more than a 45-degree angle to prevent damage to the internal components and coolant from leaking.
Ideally, it is recommended not to move a fridge lying down. Transporting a refrigerator in an upright position is the safest method as it helps prevent potential damage to the internal components. However, if it becomes absolutely necessary to move a fridge horizontally, ensure it is laid on its back.
15-Foot Truck
The included loading ramp makes it a lot easier to load other items like a mattress, washer and dryer, fridge, dressers, and a three-seat sofa. As for the Mom's Attic, the truck's additional space allows you to safely load boxes with fragile items like picture frames and vases for a gentle ride.
“The average weight of a refrigerator is 250 pounds. A mini fridge may weigh only about 60 to 70 pounds, while a French-door refrigerator can weigh as much as 300 pounds.”
Keep the fridge upright during transport. If you must lay it down, only do so on its side, and never on the front or back. Secure it well in the moving vehicle to prevent any shifts during the drive. Once at your new place, don't rush to plug it in.
You can lay a mini fridge on its side during transport, but it's best to keep it upright if possible.
If you've ever moved a fridge freezer, or even bought one brand new, you'll know that you are meant to give them time to settle once they've been put back down again. Waiting 24 hours before plugging in your fridge prevents compressor damage and ensures proper oil circulation.
It might seem that laying it down is the safer option to prevent damage. However, putting a fridge in a horizontal position can permanently damage its ability to cool. Even just tilting it at an angle for a short period of time runs the risk of introducing unwanted chemicals and oils into your cooling system.
Essential Waiting Period for Optimal Performance
Many people wonder how long to leave fridge after moving. It's important to plan ahead and consult your user manual for specific guidance. After moving a fridge, it's best to let it stand upright and stand unplugged for at least four hours before turning it on.
If you're moving a refrigerator, there's no reason to lay it down. It's best to keep your fridge upright during its journey so that nothing gets damaged or broken inside. If you are not careful, you could damage the refrigerator and cause injury to yourself.
Use ratchet straps or nylon rope to secure the refrigerator in your truck. If it's a moving truck, use the rub rails. If it's a trailer or pickup truck, find a secure piece of steel to fasten your steps.
Never lay a refrigerator on its front or back as it could cause damage. It is advised to strap it standing upright to the side of a moving truck or other tall truck. If the refrigerator must be laid down, only do so on the left or right side.
Though not preferable, you can move your refrigerator laying on its side. Remember, your fridge needs to stand still for hours after the move. If transported on its side, this wait time goes up to twice the time that the appliance has laid on its side.
It is important to leave your fridge to settle after moving to protect the appliance's internal parts and to ensure that the fridge continues to work to maximum efficiency. When moving a fridge, the compressor oil can leak into the refrigeration system, causing a blockage if the appliance is turned on too quickly.
If transporting it in an upright position is not possible, lay it down on the compressor side of the unit. Be careful to secure the door to prevent it from opening. Set it upright in its final location and allow the freezer to sit for the same amount of time that it was on its side (24 hours maximum).
If it is transported upright, wait at least two to three hours before plugging it in. If transported on its side, turn it upright and let it stand for at least four hours.