Knowing how to move refrigerator is a satisfying way to redecorate your kitchen, especially with the right tools and techniques, it can be done safely and efficiently.
Whether you’re moving to a new home or just rearranging your kitchen, it’s important to know how to move your fridge without damaging it or injuring yourself.
In this article, we’ll provide you with some tips and tricks for moving your refrigerator with ease.
Before you start moving your refrigerator, it’s important to prepare it properly.
This means removing all the food and shelving from the inside, unplugging it from the wall socket, and securing the doors shut with a strong rope or bungee cord.
Once you’ve done this, you can start the actual moving process.
One of the most important tools you’ll need is an appliance dolly, which will make it much easier to move your fridge without straining your back.
Moving a refrigerator can be a challenging task, but with the right preparation and equipment, it can be done safely and smoothly.
In the following sections, we’ll guide you through the steps you need to take to move your fridge like a pro.
Whether you’re moving it across the room or across town, these tips will help you get the job done with minimal stress and hassle.
How To Move Refrigerator: Preparation
Moving a refrigerator can be a daunting task, but with proper preparation, it can be done safely and efficiently.

Before you start moving your refrigerator, there are a few things you need to do to prepare.
Unplug and Defrost
The first step in preparing your refrigerator for moving is to unplug it from the wall and defrost it.
This is important because if you don’t, the water from the melting ice can leak and damage your floors or other items during the move.
To defrost your refrigerator, turn it off and remove all the food and shelves.
Then, leave the doors open and let the ice melt naturally.
You can speed up the process by placing towels or a pan under the fridge to catch the water.
Cleaning and Drying
Once your refrigerator is defrosted, it’s time to clean and dry it.
Start by wiping down the interior with a mixture of warm water and mild soap.
Be sure to clean all the shelves, drawers, and walls.
Then, rinse with clean water and dry with a towel.
Next, clean the exterior of your refrigerator.
Use a mild cleaner and a soft cloth to remove any dirt or grime.
Be sure to dry the exterior thoroughly to prevent any water damage during the move.
Securing Internal Parts
Before you move your refrigerator, it’s important to secure any internal parts.
Start by removing all the shelves and drawers and packing them separately.
You can use bubble wrap or towels to protect them during the move.
Next, secure the doors of your refrigerator.
Use bungee cords or moving straps to keep them closed during the move.
This will prevent the doors from swinging open and causing damage to your fridge or other items.
By following these simple steps, you can prepare your refrigerator for a safe and successful move.
Tools and Materials Needed
Moving a refrigerator requires a few essential tools and materials to make the process safer and easier.

Here are the necessary items you’ll need to move your refrigerator:
Moving Dolly
A moving dolly is a must-have tool for moving a refrigerator.
It is a two-wheeled cart designed to transport heavy items.
A dolly will help you move your refrigerator without straining your back or damaging your floors.
Make sure the dolly you choose has a weight capacity that can handle the weight of your refrigerator.
Straps and Ropes
You will need straps or ropes to secure your refrigerator to the moving dolly.
These items will prevent the refrigerator from falling off the dolly during transport.
Use ratchet straps or bungee cords to secure the refrigerator tightly to the dolly.
Make sure the straps or ropes are in good condition and have no signs of wear and tear.
Blankets and Padding
Blankets and padding are essential for protecting your refrigerator during the move.
Wrap your refrigerator with moving blankets or padding to prevent scratches, dents, and other damages.
Use tape to secure the blankets or padding in place.
In summary, a moving dolly, straps or ropes, and blankets or padding are the essential tools and materials you need to move a refrigerator safely and easily.
Make sure you have all the necessary items before you start moving your refrigerator.
Safety Measures
Moving a refrigerator can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be dangerous.
By following these safety measures, you can ensure that the process is both safe and successful.
Proper Lifting Techniques
When lifting a refrigerator, it is essential to use proper lifting techniques to avoid injury.
Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Use your legs, not your back, to lift the refrigerator.
- Keep your back straight and bend your knees.
- Lift with your legs, not your back.
- Keep the refrigerator close to your body.
- Use a dolly or hand truck to move the refrigerator.
Avoid Damage To Floor
Moving a heavy refrigerator can also cause damage to your floors.
Here are some tips to avoid damaging your floors:
- Use furniture sliders to move the refrigerator across hardwood or tile floors.
- Lay down cardboard or a moving blanket to protect your floors.
- Avoid dragging the refrigerator, as this can cause scratches and damage to your floors.
- Be careful when moving the refrigerator over thresholds and doorways.
By following these safety measures, you can ensure that your refrigerator is moved safely and without damage to your floors.
Moving The Refrigerator
Moving a refrigerator can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done safely and efficiently.

Here are some tips to help you move your refrigerator without damaging it or your home.
Tilting and Sliding
Before moving the refrigerator, make sure to empty its contents, including any shelves or drawers.
Then, unplug the refrigerator and remove any loose parts, such as the doors or shelves.
To tilt the refrigerator, place a sturdy piece of cardboard or a moving blanket on the floor in front of it.
Then, tilt the refrigerator back towards you, making sure to keep it balanced.
Once it is tilted, slide the cardboard or blanket underneath the front of the refrigerator.
This will make it easier to slide the refrigerator across the floor without damaging it.
Navigating Through Doors and Stairs
When moving the refrigerator through doors or up or down stairs, it is important to measure the dimensions of the doorways and staircases beforehand.
This will help you determine whether the refrigerator will fit through the space or if you need to take it apart.
If the refrigerator is too wide to fit through a doorway or down a staircase, you may need to remove the doors or other parts to make it smaller.
Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for guidance on how to do this properly.
When navigating through doorways or up or down stairs, it is important to use a dolly or hand truck to help support the weight of the refrigerator.
This will help prevent injury and damage to the refrigerator or your home.
By following these tips, you can move your refrigerator safely and efficiently without causing damage or injury.
Setting Up At The New Location
Moving a refrigerator can be a daunting task, but with proper planning and execution, it can be done smoothly.

Once you have successfully moved your refrigerator to the new location, it is time to set it up.
Here are some steps to follow:
Positioning
First, decide where you want to position your refrigerator.
Make sure that the area is well-ventilated and has enough space for the refrigerator to fit comfortably.
Check the floor for level and stability.
If the floor is not level, adjust the legs of the refrigerator until it is level.
Reconnecting and Testing
Before plugging in the refrigerator, reconnect the water supply line if your refrigerator has an ice maker or water dispenser.
Make sure that the water supply line is securely fastened.
Once you have reconnected the water supply line, plug in the refrigerator and turn it on.
Wait for a few hours for the refrigerator to cool down before putting any food inside.
Check the temperature of the refrigerator to ensure that it is cooling properly.
The temperature should be between 35°F and 38°F.
If the temperature is too high or too low, adjust the temperature control accordingly.
In conclusion, setting up a refrigerator at a new location requires careful planning and execution.
Follow these steps to ensure that your refrigerator is positioned correctly and is functioning properly.
Key Takeaways
Moving a refrigerator can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and preparation, it can be done safely and efficiently.
Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind when moving your refrigerator:
- Clean and defrost your refrigerator before moving it to prevent any water damage or odors.
- Use a dolly and moving straps to safely transport the refrigerator, and make sure it remains in an upright position throughout the move.
- Protect your floors and walls by using moving blankets or cardboard to cover any surfaces that the refrigerator may come into contact with.
- Be sure to measure all doorways and hallways to ensure that the refrigerator will fit through them before attempting to move it.
- If possible, enlist the help of friends or professional movers to assist with the move to prevent injury or damage to the refrigerator or your home.
By following these key takeaways, you can ensure that your refrigerator is moved safely and efficiently, without any damage to your home or appliance.