How do I move a large appliance like a fridge?

How to Move a Large Appliance like a Fridge

Moving a large appliance, such as a fridge or fridge-freezer, requires careful planning and execution to prevent damage to the appliance, the property, and the individuals involved. This process is broken down into preparation, moving, and reinstallation phases.

Preparing a Fridge for Transport

Thorough preparation is key to a smooth move. This process should ideally begin a few days before the moving day.

• Empty and Defrost: Two to three days prior to moving, empty the fridge-freezer completely. For any freezer compartments, a thorough defrosting is essential. Place towels around the base to catch meltwater and leave the doors ajar to air it out, preventing mould or unpleasant odours. Perishable food should be consumed, given to neighbours, or disposed of responsibly. Guidance on rubbish left over after moving, including food waste, is available.
• Clean Thoroughly: Once defrosted and empty, clean the interior and exterior surfaces. This includes removing any spills or food residue. A clean appliance is easier to handle and ensures it arrives ready for its new home.
• Disconnect Utilities: Unplug the fridge from the mains power socket. For American-style fridge-freezers with a plumbed-in ice maker or water dispenser, disconnect the water supply line. Ensure the line is drained completely to prevent leaks during transit.
• Remove & Secure Internal Components: Take out all removable shelves, drawers, and trays. These items are best packed separately in moving boxes, wrapped in protective materials like bubble wrap or packing paper, to prevent them from shifting and causing damage. Non-removable parts or any remaining loose elements should be secured with painter's tape or string. The doors of the fridge and freezer should also be secured shut with rope, moving straps, or strong packing tape – ensuring the tape does not leave residue on the appliance surface.

Essential Moving Equipment

Having the correct equipment makes moving heavy appliances significantly safer and more efficient. For a fridge, the following tools are generally recommended:

• Appliance Trolley (Sack Truck): This heavy-duty trolley features straps to secure the appliance and a sturdy base plate, designed to carry significant weight with minimal effort. It is far more effective than attempting to manually carry the appliance.
• Moving Straps or Furniture Dollies: For very wide fridges or to navigate tight spaces, furniture dollies can be useful. Moving straps that go over the shoulders can also assist with lifting and distributing weight, reducing strain on the back.
• Protective Blankets & Shrink Wrap: Protect the exterior of the fridge from scratches, dents, and scuffs by wrapping it in thick moving blankets or specialist appliance covers, secured with shrink wrap or packing tape.
• Floor Protection: Use old blankets, cardboard, or specialist floor runners to protect flooring from scratches or marks, especially when manoeuvring the appliance through rooms and hallways.

Moving the Fridge

The physical act of moving requires careful technique and often, more than one person. Safety should always be the top priority.

• Assess the Route: Before attempting to move the fridge, plan the exact route from its current location to the removal lorry. This includes measuring doorways, hallways, and stairwells to ensure the fridge will fit. Clear any obstacles, such as rugs, small furniture, or clutter.
• Proper Lifting and Positioning: If using an appliance trolley, carefully tilt the fridge back and slide the trolley's base plate underneath. Secure the fridge to the trolley with the built-in straps. When navigating steps or stairs, professional movers often use two or more people, with one person guiding from the front (downstairs) or top (upstairs) and others controlling the trolley from the rear, ensuring the weight is distributed evenly and the appliance remains balanced. For a detailed guide on transporting a fridge freezer, further information is available.
• Loading onto the Lorry: Use a ramp if available. If not, carefully lift and slide the fridge into the lorry, keeping it as upright as possible. Secure it firmly against a wall or other heavy items using moving straps to prevent it from shifting during transit.

Transportation and Reinstallation

Once on the lorry, the fridge needs to be transported and then correctly reinstalled at the new property.

• Upright is Best: Fridges should ideally be transported in an upright position. If it must be laid on its side (e.g., due to vehicle height restrictions), lay it on its non-hinge side (the side opposite the door hinges) and ensure it is never laid on its back.
• Allow to Settle: After arrival and positioning in the new property, it is crucial to allow the fridge to stand upright for a minimum of 4 hours, and preferably 24 hours, before plugging it in. This allows the compressor oils and refrigerants to settle properly. Plugging it in too soon can cause damage to the compressor. This is one of the most common mistakes made by those new to moving appliances.
• Final Steps: Once the settling period has passed, plug in the fridge, reconnect the water line if applicable, and allow it to cool to the desired temperature before restocking it. Consider how to organise a new kitchen as you place items back inside.

For a comprehensive guide covering all aspects of moving, consult the URemovals Moving Checklist.