Everything You Need to Know About Moving a Fridge

Moving house is stressful enough without having to wrangle one of the heaviest and most awkward appliances in your home. Moving a fridge, however, is one of those tasks that people tend to underestimate until they're standing in the kitchen wondering how on earth it's going to fit through the door. Whether you're shifting to the next suburb or working with a mover interstate, a bit of preparation goes a long way towards keeping your back intact and your appliance in good working order.

Why Fridges Are Trickier Than They Look

On the surface, a fridge is just a big box. In reality, it's a complex appliance with a compressor, refrigerant lines, and internal shelving that can all be damaged if the move isn't handled correctly. Most modern fridges weigh somewhere between 60 and 130 kilograms depending on the size and style, which immediately puts them in a different category from your average piece of furniture.

The compressor is the component that causes the most concern during a move. When a fridge is laid on its side or back, the oil inside the compressor can travel into the refrigerant lines. If you plug it back in before the oil has had a chance to settle, you risk permanently damaging the unit. This is why knowing the right process matters just as much as having the physical help to get it out the door.

Preparing Your Fridge Before Moving Day

Getting your fridge ready well before moving day will save you a lot of headaches. Start by emptying it completely. This sounds obvious, but it's easy to leave condiments and jars behind until the last minute, only to realise on moving day that you've got a fully loaded fridge to contend with.

Once it's empty, switch it off and leave the doors open to defrost and dry out thoroughly. Depending on how much ice has built up in the freezer section, this can take anywhere from a few hours to overnight. Moisture trapped inside can lead to mould growth if the fridge is sealed shut during transit.

Remove any internal shelves, drawers, and trays and pack them separately. These components can shift during transit and crack or shatter if left inside. Wrap glass shelves in packing paper or bubble wrap and keep them flat. Once the interior is clear, use tape or a strap to secure the doors shut so they don't swing open at an inopportune moment.

The Safest Way to Move a Fridge

Ideally, a fridge should be transported upright. This keeps the compressor oil where it belongs and minimises the risk of damage. If you're using a removal truck, load the fridge last so it can be stood upright against the wall of the truck and secured with straps.

If upright transport genuinely isn't possible, lay the fridge on its side rather than on its back, and keep it on the side where the compressor lines run. Check your fridge's manual if you're unsure which side that is, as it varies between models. Once you've arrived at your destination, stand the fridge upright and leave it for at least the same amount of time it spent on its side before plugging it in. Many appliance technicians recommend waiting 24 hours just to be safe.

A furniture dolly or appliance trolley is an absolute must for this job. Trying to slide a fridge across a floor or carry it by hand is how people end up with scratched floorboards and sore backs. Appliance trolleys have straps to secure the fridge and allow you to tilt it slightly to navigate doorways and stairs without losing control.

Getting Through Doorways and Tight Spaces

Before you start manoeuvring the fridge out of the kitchen, measure both the fridge and every doorway it needs to pass through. It's a surprisingly common oversight that causes a lot of wasted effort. Check the width at the widest point of the fridge, and remember to account for the handles, which often add a few extra centimetres.

If the fridge is too wide for a doorway with the doors attached, most fridge doors can be removed by unscrewing the hinges. This is worth doing if it means the difference between a smooth move and having to force the appliance through a gap that's too tight. Forcing it risks damage to both the fridge and your doorframe.

Stairways are where things get genuinely challenging. Two people is an absolute minimum for stairs, and three is much safer. Communicate clearly, move slowly, and keep the fridge tilted slightly back onto the trolley rather than trying to carry it flat. If the stairs are particularly steep or narrow, it may be worth bringing in professional help.

When to Call in the Professionals

For most local moves, a couple of capable adults with the right equipment can manage moving a fridge without too much drama. But there are situations where calling in the professionals is simply the smarter choice.

If you're moving long distance and relying on a mover interstate, it's worth making sure they have experience handling large appliances and that your fridge is properly listed on the inventory. A reputable mover interstate will have the equipment to transport it safely and the insurance to cover any damage that might occur along the way. It pays to check what their appliance policies look like before you book.

Settling In at the New Place

Once the fridge is in position at your new home, resist the urge to plug it straight in. Give it time to settle, especially if it spent any time on its side during the move. While you're waiting, it's a good opportunity to clean the interior with a mild solution of bicarbonate of soda and water, which neutralises any lingering odours and leaves it fresh for a new start.

When you do finally plug it in, give it a few hours to reach temperature before loading it with food. Check that it's sitting level, as an uneven fridge can cause the doors to seal poorly and the compressor to work harder than it needs to.

Moving a fridge takes a bit of patience and planning, but getting it right means your appliance arrives in the same condition it left, ready to keep things cool in your new home.