How to move your refrigerator!
You're moving soon - exciting! Packing furniture is easy, but a bulky refrigerator feels like a final boss. Don't panic: with this guide from team Moving you can safely turn off the refrigerator, prevent dripping melt water in the hallway and roll the appliance to your new kitchen without damage. We share practical examples, smart tricks and a clear checklist. Ready? Make a cup of coffee and let's dive in. This way you don't have to buy a new refrigerator.
Prevent damage to your refrigerator with the right preparation
Preparation when transporting a used refrigerator
Start a few days in advance. Use up your cooled supplies in tasty leftover dishes. Take photos of the outside and inside; this will prove later that scratches were already there. Have a cool box and dry towels ready – your lifeline if the ice melts unexpectedly quickly. Make sure you leave the fridge door and freezer drawer open.
When do you turn off your refrigerator? (≥ 24 hours in advance)
Turn off the thermostat and unplug the power cord at least one day before moving. Do you have a No-Frost model? Count on the same time, because the built-in fan only melts ice during normal cooling. Need it faster? Point a fan at the open door or blow warm air with a hair dryer on low. Keep moving; this prevents a localized hot spot that warps plastic.
Transport the refrigerator correctly: disassembly of individual parts
Remove shelves, vegetable drawers and bottle racks. Wrap them in bubble wrap or tea towels. Label each part, so you won’t have to spend minutes puzzling over which drawer belongs on top. Disconnect ice or water dispensers – close off the hose with masking tape so that no drips escape. It doesn’t matter whether you transport the refrigerator lying down or standing up. During transport, so during the move, it is best to have the refrigerator empty and dry. Again, it doesn’t matter whether you transport the refrigerator lying down or standing up.
Securing the appliance (inside & outside)
Block the door of your old refrigerator with a clamp or heavy-duty tape. Fill the empty space with folded towels to keep parts from rattling. Secure the compressor feet with shipping bolts or foam blocks. Finally, wrap the entire refrigerator in moving blankets; think of a knight putting on armor for battle. This is especially useful for moving the refrigerator.
Step-by-step guide: turning off, defrosting & cleaning the refrigerator
1. Turn off the thermostat and remove the plug
Pull the plug, not the cord; you don't want to create an internal wiring circus. Once the refrigerator is turned off, it's best to leave the refrigerator or freezer alone for a while. Yes, remove food and make sure the refrigerator is completely empty for when you move. So you can empty the refrigerator and fill it up again in your new home. This is very important for transporting your refrigerator.
2. Open doors, collect melt water
Before moving the refrigerator: Place a container under the drain. Place old towels around the base. Ice melts as easily as snow in the sun. Do this a few hours before moving the refrigerator. Note that water can sometimes foam, especially with a freestanding refrigerator or an American refrigerator. A refrigerator does not have to foam, but it can happen.
3. Empty your refrigerator and a thorough cleaning is important
Make a soapy solution of lukewarm water and a tablespoon of soda. Wipe walls and rubbers clean. Stubborn odors? Leave a bowl of coffee grounds inside. Clean the refrigerator at least four hours in advance. When you clean the refrigerator, it is important not to forget the front of the refrigerator.
4. Let your refrigerator dry and ventilate
Rub everything dry. Leave the doors ajar. This way, mold doesn't get a stage. Closing your refrigerator too quickly will cause mold and an unpleasant odor. As you can see, good preparation is half the battle. Do you have a refrigerator to transport? Then you can also hire professionals via Moving.
5. Let the cooling circuit rest
Let the refrigerator sit for at least three hours. The oil in the compressor (coolant) will then sink back into place – just like putting a pack of maple syrup upright for the next round of pancakes. When you have cleaned the refrigerator properly, this is very important. A refrigerator can therefore be quite difficult to transport easily. Properly preparing for the move is very important here.
How do you move the refrigerator to your vehicle?
Lifting technology & aids in the home
You have disconnected the refrigerator and now need to move it. When you want to move your refrigerator, it is important that this is done correctly. Use a furniture piano plan (dog) or record trolley. Tie carrying straps around the refrigerator and work with two people. Bend your knees, keep your back straight, breathe out as you lift. Think of weightlifters – they never lift with a hunched back.
Upright or Tilt? Max Angle & Time
Preferably keep the refrigerator upright. Does it have to be on its side? Do not tilt it more than 45 degrees and do so for less than half an hour. Then put it upright again and wait at least four hours before reconnecting the power. Think of it as jet lag – the appliance needs time to let the oil settle. Transporting the refrigerator as upright as possible is very important.
How to move the refrigerator? (transport phase)
Placement and securing in the moving van
Have you finished emptying the fridge? Has it been standing still for a few hours? Place the fridge close to the cabin wall and secure it well. Slide a non-slip mat under the feet. Tighten two ratchet straps crosswise. This way it cannot slide, not even on the Belgian cobblestones. Does your fridge have legs? Unscrew the legs because this makes moving it much easier.
Reduce vibrations and temperature fluctuations
Place a moving blanket between the refrigerator and the side wall. Ventilate the loading space, especially in the summer heat. Your refrigerator likes it cool, but not saunas. During a move, your refrigerator will move and this is not good. Therefore, make sure that you do not move the refrigerator lying down. This has to do with the coolant. On the day of the move, let the coolant settle (at least 4 hours), but preferably about 12 hours.
Insurance & liability tips
Check your home contents insurance. Many policies only cover damage if a certified mover takes care of the transport. Note down serial numbers and take a handful of photos before you leave. Evidence in your pocket feels great. If your refrigerator breaks, it's nice to know that the purchase of a new thing is insured. For the best tips, Moving is the right place to go. Want more information? Then you can find information about moving in our other blogs.
Can you transport a refrigerator in your car?
Yes, as long as it fits and you secure it properly. Use a hand truck to move the fridge. Fold down the back seat of your station wagon or SUV. Put down a sturdy plank to keep the weight evenly distributed. Place cushions around the corners and tighten a strap through the lashing eyes. Drive slowly – no F1 bends. Is the fridge lying down? Keep journeys short and wait extra long after arrival before connecting the power. Make sure you check this the day before.
Your refrigerator after moving: reinstalling & reactivating
How long to wait before plugging in?
Avoid turning the refrigerator on too quickly. Turning the refrigerator on too quickly can cause problems. For example, waiting about 4 hours should be enough. Place the refrigerator upright in its new location and wait four to six hours. This will allow all the oil to flow back to the compressor. In a hurry? We know, but you will save on repair costs in the long run.
First tests: sound, temperature, leaks
Plug it in, thermostat at 4 °C. Do you hear a soft hum? Good sign. No strange ticking or bubbling sounds? Even better. After two hours, check the temperature with a simple refrigerator thermometer. Is the refrigerator clean and dry? Is there water in the freezer compartment? In this case, let the drain hose run through thoroughly. This can take an hour.
Energy-saving restart settings
Set the eco mode and check the door seals for closing force. A sheet of paper that hangs loosely indicates a leak. Replace the rubber strip or apply a thin layer of Vaseline for extra grip.
Special refrigerator types & additional points of attention
- Side-by-side models – Remove the water filter and store it upright. Remove the ice tray, otherwise melt water will slosh out. Secure the door with adhesive tape.
- Built-in refrigerators – Unscrew front panels and label the screws.
- Fridge freezers – Turn off both sections at the same time; the freezer melts more slowly, so allow extra time.
- Old energy guzzlers – Consider disposal and replace with an A-label. Sometimes that saves more energy costs in the long run than the move.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How far in advance should I turn off the refrigerator?
Twelve to twenty-four hours; a freezer preferably twenty-four hours.
2. Can I transport the refrigerator on its side?
Preferably not; if necessary, a maximum of half an hour and compressor side up.
3. Do I need to drain the coolant?
No. The cooling circuit is closed and maintenance-free.
4. How do I remove unpleasant odors?
Place a container of baking soda or coffee grounds in the empty refrigerator and leave the door ajar. Also use dish soap or baking soda.
5. Can I take the refrigerator in a small car?
Only compact models under 150 cm high, provided they are properly secured and the tailgate can remain closed.
Cost, energy & environmental aspects
By unplugging the power a day earlier, you save a few kilowatt hours. That may not seem like much, but every euro saved is welcome on the way to your new home. Are you emptying the freezer and eating the supplies? Then you throw away less food – good for your wallet and the planet. After the move, choose an energy-efficient setting; that way you will quickly earn back the moving coffee.
Complete checklist “turning off the refrigerator before moving”
- 3 days – Plan meals, work out freezer
- 24 hours – Pull the plug, open the door
- 18 hours – Remove shelves and drawers, install drip trays
- 12 hours – Check condensation tray, place extra towels
- 6 hours – Dry everything, block door
- 0 – Move and secure in car
- + 4 hours – Stand upright in new kitchen
- + 6 hours – Plug in, thermostat at 4 °C, check temperature
Hang this list on the refrigerator door and check off each step; it will give you peace of mind.
Moving is happy to help you
Now you know exactly how to turn off, dry, clean and safely move your refrigerator. Follow the checklist, take your time and listen to the little signals from your appliance. Want even more moving tips? Download our free PDF or read the guide Resetting the refrigerator after moving. Good luck with your move – the Moving team is always here for you!
