The hum of a new fridge settling into its corner, the gentle clink of shelves being arranged, or the satisfaction of an empty space cleared as an old fridge moves out—these moments capture the essence of transition. Moving home or upgrading your kitchen is as exciting as it is challenging, especially when it comes to tackling one of the heaviest and most delicate appliances: the fridge.
Picture this—sunlight streaming through an open doorway, a trolley loaded with a sleek stainless-steel fridge, and a team (or just you, with gloves on) carefully manoeuvring it down the hallway.
Done right, moving a fridge can be a rewarding task, saving you from repairs and headaches while preserving your appliance’s longevity. This guide takes you through every step, from preparation to reinstallation, with practical tips to ensure your fridge stays safe, sound, and fully functional. Whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, or starting afresh, let’s make moving your fridge a seamless and satisfying experience.
Let’s dive into the art (and science) of moving a fridge safely and efficiently.
A fridge isn’t just another piece of furniture. It’s a complex appliance that relies on a delicate balance of components to function properly. Mishandling it can lead to a damaged compressor, leaks, or worse—having to replace it entirely. Taking the time to do it right can save you from costly repairs or even the heartbreak of shopping for a new one.
Follow these steps to protect your fridge and your sanity, whether you’re moving around the corner or across the country.
Appliance dolly
Moving straps
Packing tape or duct tape
Moving blankets
Cardboard sheets
Furniture sliders
Towels or absorbent cloths
Cooler bags (for temporarily storing food)
An esky (also for temporarily storing food)
Like most things in life, moving a fridge is all about preparation. The steps below will help you protect your fridge and also make it lighter and easier to handle. And let’s be honest—no one wants to deal with cleaning up spilled milk after a long moving day.
Clear it out: Emptying your fridge might seem like a no-brainer, but in the chaos of moving day, it’s surprisingly easy to forget. Remove all food, drinks, and condiments. Anything left inside can shift during transit, leading to spills or even damage to the interior.
Defrost and clean: If your fridge has a freezer, defrost it overnight to avoid messy drips on moving day. Use warm, soapy water to give the fridge a good clean. Not only will this prevent odours from developing, but it also ensures your fridge is fresh and ready to use once it’s reinstalled.
Secure loose parts: Shelves, drawers, and compartments can rattle around and break during the move. Remove or tape them securely in place to prevent any surprises when you open the fridge at your new place.
When it comes to moving a fridge, the right tools are your best friends. Here’s what you’ll need to get the job done:
Appliance dolly (or trolley): Look for one with straps to keep the fridge stable.
Moving blankets or padding: These protect both your fridge and walls from scratches.
Measuring tape: Essential for checking doorways and pathways.
Gloves: They give you a better grip and protect your hands from sharp edges.
Bungee cords or tape: Use these to secure the fridge during transit.
Pro tip: Investing in the right tools might seem like overkill, but it’s cheaper than replacing a damaged fridge—or repairing your walls. Removalists booked through Upmove come prepared with the right tools to move your fridge safely. Plus, you can easily get and compare quotes from movers who know how to handle your most expensive kitchen appliance with care.
Imagine manoeuvring a fridge only to get stuck in a doorway or scratch up your floors. A little planning now can save you a world of trouble.
Measure twice, move once: Measure the dimensions of your fridge and the doorways, hallways, or staircases it needs to pass through. Knowing the fridge will fit ahead of time saves you from mid-move frustration.
Clear the way: Remove any clutter, such as boxes or furniture, that could block your path. Moving day can get chaotic, so ensuring a clear route is key.
Protect your space: Lay down old towels, cardboard, or mats to prevent damage to floors and walls. It’s a small step that can make a big difference.
Here’s where the heavy lifting begins—literally. Moving a fridge requires care, teamwork, and a bit of patience. Here’s how to do it right.
Keep it upright: Fridges are designed to stay upright. Tilting one too much can cause compressor oil to leak into areas it shouldn’t, potentially damaging your precious cooler.
Use the dolly: Slide the dolly under the fridge, strap it securely, and tilt it back slightly. If the fridge is large, grab a friend to help—it’s definitely not a one-person job.
Take it slow: As you move the fridge, keep it balanced and steady. Slow and steady wins the race. Remember, the goal isn’t just to move it—it’s to move it without breaking anything.
With helpers: Assign roles—one person guides from below, the other from above. Use a dolly with stair wheels for easier control, and take one step at a time.
Solo strategy: Use a stair-climbing dolly and ensure there’s something to stabilise the fridge at every step, such as temporary platforms or securing straps.
Using leverage: If you’re moving solo, use furniture sliders to help push the fridge across floors without scratching them. Place sliders under the front and back edges to reduce friction.
Securing the doors: Duct tape the fridge doors shut to prevent them from swinging open during the move.
Extra caution: Avoid sharp tilts or overexerting yourself. Always lift with your legs, not your back, to prevent injury.
Once the fridge is out the door, the next challenge is getting it into the moving vehicle.
Position it upright: Don’t lay it flat. Keep the fridge standing upright to avoid damage to its internal components.
Secure it: Use straps or bungee cords to secure the fridge to the side of the truck. This keeps it from shifting during the drive.
Add padding: Place moving blankets or foam around the fridge to absorb shocks during transport. Your fridge will thank you.
Now that your fridge has arrived at its new home, here’s how to get it running smoothly again:
Let it settle: Allow the fridge to sit upright for a few hours before plugging it in. This lets the compressor oil stabilise.
Reconnect lines: If your fridge has a water or ice maker, hook these back up carefully.
Level it: Use a spirit level to ensure the fridge is sitting evenly. A tilted fridge can lead to cooling issues.
Wipe it down: Give it one last clean to remove any dust or debris from the move.
Restock: Once it’s cooled, you’re good to start loading your food back in.
Inspect the exterior: Look for dents, scratches, or misaligned doors that might affect the fridge’s seal or operation.
Check the compressor: After letting the fridge settle upright for a few hours, listen for normal operation noises when you plug it in.
Test the cooling: Place a thermometer inside and monitor the temperature over the first 24 hours to ensure it’s cooling properly.
Even with the best intentions, mistakes happen. Here are the most common ones—and how to sidestep them:
Forgetting to measure pathways: Always double-check measurements to avoid frustrating surprises.
Plugging it in too soon: Let it settle for at least two hours before turning it on.
Skipping the straps: A loose fridge during transport is a recipe for disaster.
Uneven cooling: Check if the fridge is level, as uneven placement can lead to poor cooling performance. And this can mean it misses the mark for safe temperature ranges, which can put your food at risk.
Strange noises: Ensure the fridge isn’t leaning against a wall or object causing vibrations. If noises persist, consult the manual or a technician.
Leaks: Inspect water or ice maker connections to ensure they’re tightly secured. Replace worn or damaged seals if necessary.
If your fridge is oversized or you’re facing tricky stairs or narrow hallways, professional moving companies can be a lifesaver. They have the tools, experience, and muscle to get the job done safely.
Using platforms like Upmove makes finding experienced fridge removalists super simple. Just enter the details of your move once and you’ll receive multiple quotes. All that’s left to do is compare them and book your removalist all on the same platform.
Moving a fridge takes careful planning, the right gear, and a step-by-step approach to get it done safely and smoothly. From emptying and securing the appliance to mapping out your path and using the right equipment, every step matters in protecting your fridge and your home. Skipping details like measuring doorways or keeping the fridge upright can lead to headaches you’d rather avoid.
If the task feels a bit too much, Upmove makes it easy by connecting you with skilled removalists who know how to handle fridges with care. Take the stress out of moving and let Upmove do the heavy lifting while you focus on settling in.
It's free and easy to create a request on Upmove.
Describe, add photos and the dimensions of your shipment in your listing — anything that you think will make a difference, will make a difference.
Our platform will reach out to moving companies relevant to your delivery specification in your area.
Movers may ask you a few more details about your delivery before giving you a quote.
Compare prices and get to know movers before accepting their quote by reading previous customer feedback on our platform.
Pick your preferred moving company and arrange collection and delivery.
Prepare your package for collection or if you are moving home, get ready for moving day.
Meet and greet your chosen moving company on your collection day.
Sit back and relax while your moving company takes care of your booking.
Upmove acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
Please notify us of any violations. This information will be kept confidential and shared only with Upmove.
