To move a refrigerator safely without damaging your floors, locate the front leveling legs at the base of the fridge. Use a wrench or screwdriver to raise these legs so the fridge's weight rests on its rollers. Grip the appliance on both sides (never the door handles) and pull straight forward.
Yes, you can move your fridge to clean behind it. It is recommended to do this every few months to clear dust from the condenser coils and prevent fire hazards or appliance breakdowns.
Clean behind and under your refrigerator without moving it by using a long, flat tool—like a Retractable Gap Dust Cleaner or a yardstick with a microfiber cloth wrapped around it. Slide it into narrow crevices to gather dust and debris.
Don'ts for moving your fridge and freezer
Moving a fridge by yourself without a dolly is risky and generally not recommended. However, if you must do it alone, use heavy-duty furniture sliders and a heavy-duty moving strap (like a Forearm Forklift). Place the strap around the fridge and your shoulders to lift from the legs, place sliders under the front feet, and scoot it carefully.
The 20-minute rule in cleaning (often combined with the 10-minute break as the 20/10 Rule) is a productivity method where you set a timer and clean as quickly and intensely as possible for 20 minutes. When the timer goes off, you immediately stop cleaning and take a mandatory 10-minute break.
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.
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.
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.
You should clean behind your fridge once every 3 to 6 months. If you own pets or cook frequently, a quarterly cleaning (every 3 months) is highly recommended to prevent dust and hair from clogging the coils and overworking the appliance.
If your model has wheels/rollers, raise the leveling legs using the Installation Instructions for your specific model as a guide. Pull the Refrigerator straight out. Do not move the Refrigerator in a sideways direction. The wheels/rollers are intended to move forward and backward.
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.
To clean behind and under your fridge without moving it, use a long-handled Microfiber Gap Cleaning Tool or attach a cloth to a yardstick with rubber bands. Vacuum up loose debris first, then use your long tool with a damp cloth to scrub away grime.
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.
No, not all refrigerators have wheels. While most full-sized freestanding fridges have rollers or wheels to help move them, many compact, built-in, or specific luxury models rely on stationary leveling legs instead.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Refrigerators typically last between 10 to 15 years, with most models averaging around 12 years of life. However, lifespan varies significantly depending on the style, brand build quality, and routine maintenance.
Fridge moving services in the US typically cost an average of $220. Some ways to bring costs down are moving during non-peak season, handling the packing yourself, and comparing price quotes before settling on a service provider.
To move a fridge for cleaning, unplug it, lower the front leveling legs to access the rollers, and pull the unit straight forward. Take care not to pinch the power cord or stretch the water line. Slide it straight back in when finished, ensuring it is level.
It takes at least two people to safely move a standard refrigerator. Because fridges are heavy (usually 200–400 pounds) and top-heavy, attempting to move one alone risks severe back injury, property damage, or ruining the appliance.