How to Move a Fridge

Moving and transporting a fridge involves a great deal more than some heavy lifting. Fortunately, this task can be made a lot easier if you know what to do beforehand. As professional fridge movers who have worked on countless moving jobs, Transcorp Removals & Storage can tell you how to move a fridge correctly and safely, making the overall process as seamless as possible.

What to Do Before Moving a Fridge

Turn Off the Fridge

Turn off the fridge the day before you plan on moving it. This gives your refrigerator enough time to defrost and for the oils and fluids inside its compressor to settle.

Empty & Clean the Fridge

Take all foods and drinks out of the refrigerator and remove shelves, drawers and other loose parts to make the overall unit lighter to move. You should also thoroughly clean the inside of the fridge, as unclean fridges can omit unpleasant smells when being moved.

Wrap the Fridge & its Parts

You should wrap your refrigerator with two layers of protective bubble wrap or paper packaging wrap, as well as using moving blankets on top of the wrapping. This will stop the fridge from getting scratched, dented or otherwise damaged during the move. Any refrigerator shelves, drawers and other loose parts should be individually wrapped up in either bubble wrap or packaging paper to prevent damage.

What to Do When Lifting a Fridge

Place the Trolley Under the Fridge

A moving trolley is a must for safely transporting a fridge to a vehicle and eventually to its final destination. One person must tilt the unit slightly back, while a second person can slide the trolley underneath the unit.

Secure the Fridge

Apply straps to secure the refrigerator onto the trolley. Make sure the straps are on tight enough to keep the refrigerator in position, but not to the point where they might damage it.

What to Do When Moving a Fridge

Move Slowly

Move the trolley the refrigerator is on slowly with yourself and another person bracing it on either side. Making sudden movements or not being careful around corners may cause the fridge to become unbalanced and fall off the trolley.

Clear the Path

Before moving a fridge, you should make sure that the path ahead is clear of as many obstacles as possible. Anyone who is there helping you can guide you to avoid hitting such obstacles.

Be Extra Careful on Stairs

If there are any stairs that you need to go down when moving a fridge, make sure to move very slowly and take extra caution. Only move the trolley and fridge onto one step at a time. One person should guide the trolley from the front while the other person holds it to keep it stable.

Moving a Fridge onto a Vehicle

Use a Ramp

Place a ramp in front of the vehicle you’ll be using to transport the refrigerator. We recommend hiring a moving truck, van, ute or trailer with a built-in ramp, or hiring a ramp separately to make transporting a fridge from one location to another easy.

Secure the Fridge for Transit

Once the fridge has been moved onto the moving vehicle, it should be placed into a corner and secured with additional straps or ropes to keep it in an upright position. This will stop it from moving around during the journey.

Common Questions About Moving a Fridge

How Many People Are Needed to Move a Fridge?

There should be between one to three people involved with lifting, moving and transporting a fridge.

Can You Lay a Fridge Down to Transport It?

No. A refrigerator must be kept in an upright position when being moved. Refrigerators that are laid down are prone to being damaged during the move.

What Supplies Are Needed When Moving a Fridge?

• Trolley
• Bubble wrap or packaging paper
• Moving blankets
• Straps or ropes
• Vehicle ramp

Contact Us Today

If you need more information on how to transport a fridge, or if you would prefer to hire professional fridge movers to do the job for you, contact Transcorp Removals & Storage today. Call us on 1300 466 838 or contact us online.