10 Easy Steps to Move a Refrigerator on Your Own

How to Move a Refrigerator Without Hiring Movers: 10 Essential Steps

If you’ve hired top-tier professional movers to handle your bulky furniture and heavy household appliances, you can breathe easy. Their expertise in maneuvering large, cumbersome items ensures that your prized possessions reach your new home safely.

However, if you’re moving locally and need to take your refrigerator with you—perhaps because it’s relatively new, functions perfectly, and your new place lacks one—then get ready for a challenging task. Moving a refrigerator is no easy feat, but with the right approach, you can do it yourself without professional help.

Follow these 10 crucial steps to move your refrigerator safely and efficiently.

Step 1: Decide if Moving Your Fridge Is Worth the Effort

Before you begin, ask yourself: Is moving your fridge the best option?

Refrigerators are heavy—older models can weigh around 250 lbs., while newer ones are slightly lighter at about 170 lbs. Despite their sturdy appearance, they are delicate due to their cooling systems. Transporting one can be costly and complicated.

On the other hand, if your fridge is in excellent condition and your new place doesn’t have one, moving it might be the right call.

Step 2: Gather Essential Moving Supplies

You can’t simply lift and carry a refrigerator out the door. You’ll need the right tools and materials:

Appliance dolly – The easiest way to transport a refrigerator. Rent or buy one at a home improvement store.
Helping hands – At least one strong friend or family member to assist you.
Furniture sliders – To smoothly move the fridge away from the wall.
Furniture blankets – To protect the appliance from dents and scratches.
Straps or rope – To secure the fridge onto the dolly.
Packing tape – To hold the blankets in place.

Step 3: Prepare Your Refrigerator for Moving

Proper preparation is key:

Empty the fridge at least a few days before moving. Consume or donate perishables.
Unplug and defrost the fridge. This can take up to 8 hours, so plan ahead.
Remove all shelves, drawers, and trays. Wrap them in packing paper or bubble wrap and store them safely.
Clean the interior with a mix of water and baking soda. Leave the doors slightly open overnight to prevent odors.

Step 4: Plan Your Exit Route

Before moving the fridge, ensure it fits through all doorways and hallways:

Measure the fridge’s height, width, and depth.
Measure all doorways and hallways along the exit path.
If necessary, remove doors from their hinges to create extra space.
Clear any obstacles in the way.

Step 5: Protect Your Floors

Refrigerators can easily scratch or damage floors. Prevent this by:

Using an appliance dolly, which keeps the fridge’s legs off the floor.
Placing furniture sliders under each leg to move it smoothly.
Laying down plywood panels to prevent dents and scratches.

Step 6: Secure the Refrigerator for Transport

To avoid damage:

Attach furniture sliders and carefully move the fridge away from the wall.
Close and secure the fridge doors with rope.
Wrap the appliance in furniture blankets to protect it from bumps and scratches.
Use packing tape to keep the blankets in place (never apply tape directly to the fridge’s surface).

Step 7: Load the Refrigerator onto the Dolly

A dolly is your best friend when moving a fridge:

Tilt the fridge slightly and slide the dolly underneath.
Carefully tip the dolly back until the fridge is balanced.
Secure the appliance with moving straps or rope.
Never tilt the fridge more than 45 degrees, as this could damage its compressor.

Step 8: Move the Refrigerator Out of the House

With the fridge on the dolly, carefully wheel it toward the exit:

Keep the fridge as upright as possible to prevent oil from leaking into the cooling lines.
Move slowly and cautiously, especially through narrow doorways and down stairs.
Work with a partner to guide and stabilize the fridge.
If moving downstairs, go one step at a time and keep the fridge at a slight tilt.

Step 9: Load the Refrigerator into the Moving Truck

This is the most critical step:

Load the fridge first, along with other heavy appliances.
Use the truck’s loading ramp to wheel the fridge inside.
Secure it to the truck’s sidewalls with straps to prevent movement during transit.
Keep the fridge upright at all times.

Step 10: Install the Refrigerator in Your New Home

Once you arrive at your new place:

Carefully unload and wheel the fridge into your kitchen.
Position it in its designated spot.
Wait at least 3 hours before plugging it in to allow the oil in the compressor to settle.
It may take a few days for the fridge to reach optimal cooling efficiency.

Final Thoughts

Moving a refrigerator without professional help is possible, but it’s risky. A single mistake could lead to damaged floors, walls, or—worse—injuries. If you’re unsure, hiring experienced movers could save you time, effort, and potential repair costs.

Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have your fridge safely installed in your new home in no time!