Fridges are big, awkward and annoying to move. But we all need one, if not two! So how can you move a fridge without damaging it or causing complications? Take a look at our how-to-guide on how to move a fridge. 

How to Move a Fridge: What You’ll Need

• Moving straps or rope

• Towels or blankets

• Plastic bags

• Tape

• Cleaning supplies

• Dolly for transport 

Steps to move a fridge

Empty the Fridge: Remove all food, shelves, and drawers. Clean the interior thoroughly to prevent any unpleasant odours. Allow the fridge to air dry.

Defrost the Fridge: If your fridge is a freezer model, defrost it 24-48 hours before the move to avoid water leakage. Empty any ice trays and remove ice from the freezer. It’s important to do this step well in advance as you don’t want your fridge getting the rest of your items wet in the moving truck. 

Disconnect and Secure the Doors: Unplug the fridge and secure the doors with tape or moving straps. Wrap the fridge in moving blankets or towels for extra protection.

Position the Fridge Upright: When moving, always keep the fridge in an upright position. Laying it flat could damage the compressor or coolant lines.

Use a Dolly for Transport: Use a moving dolly to lift the fridge and load it onto the truck. Strap it securely so it doesn’t shift during the journey. When you are moving the fridge onto the truck, we recommend always having a partner on hand to help you with steering and keeping the fridge steady. 

Where should you put the fridge when moving? If you are using a container to move, you may not want to place it at the very back even though it is going to be one of your heaviest items. The reason is because you’ll probably want to unload your fridge as one of the first items in order to ensure you have cold food in your new home. 

Don’t Replug the Fridge Straight Away: Once you arrive at your new home, give the fridge a few hours to stabilize before plugging it back in. 

You can also use these tips above when moving all heavy appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and dryers. 

Additional How to Guides for Moving 

At Best Rated Transport we aim to provide you with the best rates possible from interstate removalists or container transport. Regardless of where you’re moving or how much you need to move, we offer free quote comparison. Start your search for the best removalists quotes at Best Rated Transport and check out our other How To Guides when moving house. 

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• How to Pack a Shipping Container