How to Move a Refrigerator

When you’re moving to a new home or doing renovations, the refrigerator is often the biggest and heaviest item to handle. Because of its large size and weight, moving it can be quite a challenge. At STI Moving & Storage, we specialize in carefully moving heavy appliances. We’ve put together a clear and simple guide to help you move your refrigerator the right way.

This guide will show you the steps you need to follow to move your refrigerator safely and correctly.

What You Need

Dolly

A dolly is very useful when moving a refrigerator. Its strong frame and wheels are designed to handle heavy items, making it easier to roll the fridge instead of lifting it. This helps prevent injuries and keeps both the appliance and your floors safe from damage.

Straps

Straps are important for keeping the refrigerator firmly tied to the dolly. They prevent it from sliding or tipping over while you move it.

Moving Blankets

Moving blankets help protect your refrigerator from scratches, dents and marks. Since the fridge has smooth surfaces that can get damaged easily, wrapping it in blankets creates a soft barrier that shields it from bumps and rubbing while it’s being moved.

Tape

Use tape to keep the refrigerator doors shut while moving. It also comes in handy for holding the moving blankets in place around the fridge.

Cooler(s)

If you have perishable food items in your refrigerator when it’s time to move, use coolers to keep those items fresh until the move is finished.

Gloves

Wearing gloves during the move gives you a stronger grip and also protects your hands from scratches or minor injuries.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Empty the Refrigerator

The first thing you should do when moving your refrigerator is to take out everything inside the appliance. This makes it lighter and easier to handle and it also keeps your items from shifting or spilling during the move.

Step 2

Unplug From the Power Source

Before moving your refrigerator, make sure to unplug it from the power source. Once it’s unplugged, secure the power cord so it doesn’t hang loose while you move the refrigerator.

Step 3

Defrost and Clean

After you empty the refrigerator, check if there is any ice build-up. If there is, defrost it at least one day before the move. Once it’s fully defrosted, clean the interior of the refrigerator to avoid bad odors later.

Step 4

Measure the Refrigerator

Measure your refrigerator to make sure it can pass through the doorways, stairways and hallways along the way. After taking the measurements, plan the easiest route for the move and decide the best spot where the refrigerator will be placed.

Step 5

Secure the Doors

Make sure the refrigerator doors are secured so they don’t swing open while moving. You can use strong tape, bungee cords or straps to keep the doors firmly in place.

Step 6

Secure the Refrigerator

For this step, it’s best to have someone help you. Ask a friend or neighbor to assist in tilting the refrigerator carefully while you slide the dolly underneath. Make sure the appliance is centered and balanced on the dolly, then fasten it with straps. Always keep the refrigerator upright on the dolly, because laying it on its side can cause oil from the compressor to leak into the cooling lines and create serious problems.

Step 7

Move It

Carefully move the refrigerator with one person guiding the dolly in front and another pushing from behind. Keep a steady pace and avoid rushing, since the appliance is very heavy.

Step 8

Load Into the Truck

Keep the refrigerator upright as you take it off the dolly and place it in the moving truck. Use a loading ramp to roll it in safely. Once the refrigerator is inside the truck, secure it firmly with ratchet straps to keep it stable and prevent it from moving while the truck is on the road.

Step 9

Setup at Your Home

After moving the refrigerator to your new home, let it remain upright for at least 3 hours before plugging it in. This gives the oil time to settle back into the compressor, allowing you to use the refrigerator without any issues.

THINKING OF MOVING YOURSELF?

THINK AGAIN!

While moving yourself may seem less expensive… the costs add up.

Call STI Moving & Storage

We can handle your move—whether it’s just a few things or a full house—while working around your schedule and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my packages have arrived at STI Moving & Storage and are ready for pick-up?

STI Moving & Storage has a tracking system that will email you as soon as your packages are ready for pick-up or delivery. You’ll get the notification only when all your scheduled packages have been received.

Should I hire movers or move myself?

That depends on your situation. If you hire professionals like STI Moving & Storage, our team will handle the whole move for you. If you decide to move yourself, you’ll need to do the heavy lifting, rent a truck, find help and manage everything on your own. You can also check more details about the differences between moving yourself and hiring professional movers.

Why should I choose STI Moving & Storage as my movers?

With over 21+ years of experience in the moving industry, STI Moving & Storage is fully prepared to handle any type of move. Whether it’s local or long-distance, business or in-home moving, packing services, or storage solutions—we work to make your move stress-free and get you where you need to be. We also have a 96 percent customer referral rate, showing the trust and satisfaction of our customers.