Moving a heavy refrigerator alone is physically demanding, but completely doable. The safest method requires emptying the unit, securing it with an appliance dolly, and strictly pushing rather than pulling. Never lay the fridge on its back; keep it upright to prevent the compressor oil from leaking into the coolant lines.
Standard moving dollies are designed to hold around 100 pounds. Appliance dollies, on the other hand, can hold 600-800 pounds. Their reinforced frame also provides a convenient anchor for cargo straps. Some even have special wheels, designed to assist you when moving up and down stairs.
Don'ts for moving your fridge and freezer
No, you should not turn your fridge on straight away. Moving it causes compressor oil and refrigerant to mix and shift. Turning it on immediately can force oil into the cooling lines, starving the compressor of lubrication and causing permanent damage.
How Long Should The Fridge Be Off Before Moving? After turning off the fridge and freezer, it's crucial to give them sufficient time to settle. We recommend waiting at least 24 hours before moving.
Moving a heavy fridge requires a few key steps: empty the contents, disconnect power and water, and use an appliance dolly to keep the fridge upright to avoid damaging the compressor. Enlist at least one strong helper, as refrigerators often weigh over 300300300 lbs.
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.
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Moving a Fridge
Avoid these common fridge-moving mistakes: Moving alone: Attempting to move a fridge by yourself is dangerous and can lead to personal injury or damage to the appliance. Always have at least one helper.
The average weight of a standard household refrigerator is between 200 and 400 pounds (90 to 180 kg). However, weight varies heavily depending on the style and dimensions of the unit.
You can transport a refrigerator on its side for the entire duration of your trip, provided it is properly secured. However, doing so requires you to leave the appliance standing completely upright and unplugged for at least 24 hours before turning it on to prevent permanent compressor damage.
Use an appliance dolly with security straps to load and transport heavy fridges. You'll need at least two strong people to safely lift and guide the appliance. If moving into a tight space, consider renting a pickup truck or moving truck with a ramp to move the fridge forward at a 45-degree angle.
If your fridge or upright freezer was transported standing up, Ashley says you can turn it on straight away. But if it took a trip on its back or side, you need to give it time to stand up and let the refrigerant settle. If you don't do this, you risk damaging your fridge.
Moving a standard refrigerator safely requires at least two adults. Because fridges are heavy—often weighing between 200 and 400 pounds—and unwieldy, one person steers while the other pushes and stabilizes. If you are navigating stairs, a three-person crew is highly recommended.
No. Refrigerators are heavy and should never be moved alone. You'll need another person as well as a dolly and straps to move and transport it safely. If you are simply moving it away from the wall or to another room, it's still recommended to have assistance.
To move a refrigerator easily and protect your floors, use plastic appliance moving mats (or "appliance sliders") with pull straps, felt furniture sliders, or extendable appliance rollers. These distribute the immense weight, allowing you to glide the unit smoothly across tile, hardwood, or carpeted floors.
To move a fridge without a dolly, secure the doors and power cords. Slide furniture sliders or a moving blanket underneath, and have at least one helper guide and pull the fridge while distributing the heavy lifting to your legs.
An empty refrigerator typically weighs between 150 and 400 pounds, heavily depending on the style and dimensions.
The easiest way to move a fridge is to use an appliance dolly and a helper. Clear a wide path, empty and unplug the fridge, tape the doors and cords shut, and always transport it upright to prevent fluid leaks and permanent compressor damage.
Before moving, ruthlessly purge items you haven't used in a year, duplicates, and expired products. To save money on moving costs and time on unpacking, prioritize throwing away unessential clutter, broken goods, and heavy items that cost more to move than to replace.
Reliable movers rarely ask for big deposits, especially in cash. So, if you read negative reviews mentioning movers demanding full payment before the move even begins, or insisting on cash or wire transfers, be cautious. Both are red flags.
How long you need to let a fridge settle depends on how it was transported. Always check your Appliance Manuals to verify the manufacturer's exact guidelines.
Step 1: Let It Settle
If you power it up too soon, that oil may not have returned to its correct place, which could impact performance, or worse, damage the appliance. At Hotpoint our recommendation is to wait 2 hours before plugging in your new fridge freezer.
When laid on its side, ensure that the process tubes (the ones that pipe the refrigerant around) are on the upside when laying down. This will ensure that the oil does not "leave" the compressor. Do NOT transport or lay a fridge or freezer on its back. This will likely damage the parts even if they are not visible.