How to Move a Refrigerator

Sometimes, you need to lug your refrigerator out of its current place. For example, maybe you need to replace the one that broke in your garage. Or you want to upgrade the one that’s located in your kitchen. Whatever the reason for moving your fridge, it’s important to know how to properly move it from one place to the next. 

We’ve listed all the steps so you can discover the easiest way to move a refrigerator without professional help.

Preparing for the Move

Before tackling the move, you’ll want to prep your refrigerator. It’s best to consult the owner’s manual to determine if there are any special instructions for moving and packing up your fridge. For example, if your model has a water dispenser or ice maker, you may need to turn off the water supply and disconnect the line. 

Next, unplug the refrigerator and let any frost melt. At this point, you can remove all your food items and place them in a cooler or ice box so they remain chilled during your move. Then, using a tape measure, determine the dimensions of your fridge.

Step 1: Determine Your Game Plan

Once you know how big your fridge is, you can begin mapping out how you’ll move it. Measure your hallways and doorways to ensure there’s enough clearance for your fridge to pass through it. 

This is a good time to move any furniture or things on the walls that might get bumped during the move. Also, clear the floor of anything you could trip over, like cords or rugs, and keep any pets or children out of the way. 

Step 2: Stock up on Supplies

The best way to move a refrigerator involves having the right supplies to help ensure it gets to its new destination in one piece. 

First, you’ll want to grab some towels to mop up any water or melted ice. You can also use these to wipe down the inside of your fridge, ensuring it’s completely dry before closing the doors.  

To make your fridge even lighter during the move, you may want to remove the drawers and glass shelves and transport them separately. Then, you can secure the doors with packing tape or bungee cords.

If you’re wondering how to move a refrigerator without scratching the floor, we recommend getting some moving blankets. You can place the fridge on the moving blanket and gently drag it across the floor or wrap the blanket around the fridge to prevent it from scratching or dinging your floors and walls. 

If you plan to move a refrigerator into a vehicle, the easiest way is to use a dolly with moving straps and a ramp.

Step 3: Ask for Help 

Now that you have mapped out your game plan and gathered the appropriate supplies, you’ll want to ask for some help. While you might want to know how to move a fridge by yourself, you shouldn’t go at it alone. Moving your fridge with a few friends and relatives can make it a much easier endeavor. 

Step 4: Move the Fridge 

You’re all set to start making moves! 

If you end up grabbing moving blankets, you can wrap them around your fridge. With the help of your volunteer movers, gently tilt the fridge and slide it onto the dolly. Remember to lift with your legs and communicate with each other so everyone understands their roles. 

Go slowly and make sure that the fridge is evenly balanced on the dolly to prevent it from tipping over. Once it’s situated on the dolly, use the moving straps to attach it to the dolly. If you’re moving the fridge into a truck, steer the dolly over to the vehicle and use the ramp to carefully roll it in. 

Alternatively, if you’re simply moving your fridge to another spot in the same room or on the same level, you could place it on the moving blankets and gently drag it across the floor. 

Learn More About Stor-It

Did you know Stor-It is the oldest and largest storage company in Idaho? It’s true! We have storage facilities all over Treasure Valley, and we’re here to help you during all your moving and packing adventures. Whether you’re looking for advice on moving heavy furniture or want to rent a storage unit in Boise, you’ve come to the right place! Contact us today to learn more.