How to move a refrigerator

Are you worried about property damage during a relocation job or thinking of rearranging the appliances and furniture in your kitchen for a fresh look? Seeking professional help is the usual route. However, learning how to move a refrigerator—and other skills like how to pack kitchen items and tableware—can save you both time and money. 

If you’re up for a DIY project, read this guide on efficiently and safely moving a fridge.

How do you prepare to move a fridge?

Before moving a fridge on your own, you must have the right refrigerator moving tools for the job, such as:

• A measuring tape;

• Floor protectors like cardboard or furniture sliders; 

• Padding or blankets; 

• Rope, straps, and tape; 

• A pry bar or crowbar; and

• A dolly.

Besides knowing what to use to move a refrigerator, you should prep correctly by following these steps:

1. Measure the appliance’s width, length, and height, as well as the size of the doors it will pass through, to ensure it will fit them.

2. Empty the unit to prevent spills and spoiled items. You can move a fridge with food in it, but it is not advisable to do so since storing perishable items in an unplugged refrigerator is a recipe for disaster.

3. Remove the fridge’s drawers and shelves to prevent rattles and broken components.

4. Turn off the fridge, then unplug and secure its power cord and water line.

5. Defrost the unit if necessary.

6. Clean and dry it.

7. Tape the fridge’s doors and wrap it in a moving blanket and rope.

Since your goal is to relocate a refrigerator—and not have an unplanned visit to the hospital—you also need to ready yourself for the physically demanding task by:

• Performing strength-training exercises like squats and modified push-ups;

• Reading up on lifting safety tips; and

• Stretching your muscles adequately right before moving the fridge to avoid injuries.

Other things to remember include the following:

• Reading your fridge’s manual for specific instructions; and

• Wearing comfy clothes that allow you to move freely.

How do you move a refrigerator by yourself?

Can one person move a refrigerator alone? Typically, no. Two or more people usually accomplish this task; you should not force yourself to move a refrigerator by yourself, especially if you are not confident you can avoid accidents and do a fine job. However, if you can move a fridge on your own, it is better to use a two- or four-wheel dolly to make the task more manageable.

Utilizing a dolly to move your fridge involves these steps:

1. Put the dolly’s bottom plate under the refrigerator.

2. Secure the unit by tightly binding it to the dolly using straps or cords.

3. Tilt the dolly backward to begin moving it. Do it slowly, as the weight you’ll be bearing is quite substantial.

4. If stairs or ramps are involved, make sure to do it carefully. Move backward one step at a time—whether upstairs or downstairs—with the fridge facing you. 

5. Gently park the unit once it’s in the intended location.

But what should you do if you have limited equipment and have to move a refrigerator without a dolly on your own? This is possible if you only have to move a fridge very short distances, like within a room or on the same floor. To do so, you need to:

1. Lift the feet or corners of your fridge by tilting it or using a pry bar or crowbar;

2. Place cardboard, furniture wheels, or slider pads under the corners for less friction and floor protection;

3. Slide the refrigerator until it’s in its proper location; and

4. Remove the floor protection you used by repeating the first step.

What’s the easiest way to move a refrigerator elsewhere?

Probably the easiest way to move a refrigerator—especially if it involves long distances—is to leave the job to professional movers. Hiring someone to move a fridge for you means paying for convenience and saved time, not just a service provider’s assistance and moving equipment.

Various factors come into play if you want to know how much it costs to relocate a refrigerator. Airtasker lets you choose a professional mover from various Taskers based on your budget and availability.