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.
Don't leave it laid down longer than you needs to, ideally less than 24 hours. When you get it where it needs to be, leave it turned off, standing upright, for at least 24 hours. Longer if possible. There's a tiny chance you've broken your fridge.
When a refrigerator is horizontal, the oil from the compressor will start to move out and into the coolant lines, clogging them.
Secure the fridge with straps or ropes to prevent it from shifting during transit. Place the fridge on a flat surface in the car, ideally in the trunk, front passenger seat, or backseat, to keep it stable.
You should not transport the refrigerator on its side or back. Refrigerators should only be transported upright. If you transport the unit laying down, the refrigeration oil inside the compressor can work its way up the heat exchanger and cause a restriction.
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.
After the Move
After you have moved the refrigerator to its new location, let it stand upright for 24 hours before plugging it in to allow all the fluids to settle. While you are waiting, place the shelves and drawers back in their original positions.
No, do not lay a mini fridge on its back during transport. Doing so can cause irreparable damage to its internal mechanisms and fluids.
Transport the freezer in an upright position. If it has been necessary to transport the freezer on its side, it should be stood upright for an equal amount of time as it was on its side before plugging it in. If on its side for more than a day, leave standing for 24 hours before running.
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.
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.
During transport, the fridge might be tilted, causing the oil to move. If you plug it in right away, the oil might not be in the right place, and there's a risk it could leak into the refrigerant lines and cause blockages.
It is generally not recommended to transfer a refrigerator on its side because doing so can cause the compressor oil to flow into the cooling lines, which can lead to operational issues once the refrigerator is upright again.
How Long After Plug-in Can I Add Foods in a New Fridge? Right after plugin, in order to ensure normal operation and storage effect of the machine, you need to wait at least another 2 hours before putting food or drink inside.
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.
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 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.
Plugging in and turning on the fridge immediately can cause the compressor to run dry, leading to damage. Waiting gives the oil enough time to settle, ensuring proper lubrication and protecting the compressor from damage. Additionally, waiting allows the compressor to settle into its correct position.
The simplest way to power your portable fridge is by using the 12V connector that typically accompanies most car refrigerators. Just plug the 12V fridge into your vehicle's cigarette lighter socket, and you're set for chilled refreshments on the go.
Unless you live in a climate with consistent year-round temperatures and they fall within the manufacturer-recommended range of temperatures for running the appliance, using a regular fridge in the garage is a bad idea.
The unit should rest on the side that is opposite from where the compressor lines are installed. For example, if the compressor lines are attached to the compressor on the left side of the refrigerator, then it can be transported laying on its right side.