A refrigerator is heavy, awkward and full of components that don't like being tipped — get the steps wrong and you can kill the compressor. Done right, it's straightforward. Here's how.
Empty the fridge and freezer, unplug it, and let it defrost for at least 24 hours before move day so it doesn't leak water in transit. Wipe it dry, and clean it while it's empty — a closed-up dirty fridge gets moldy fast.
Remove or tape down glass shelves and drawers so they don't shift and shatter. Tape the doors closed (or use a moving strap), and tape the power cord up out of the way so no one trips on it or rolls over it.
Move a refrigerator upright, never on its side or back. The compressor holds oil that can run into the cooling lines if the unit is tipped, and that can damage the system. If it absolutely must be tilted to fit through a door, keep the tilt brief and minimal, and stand it upright again immediately.
After the move, let the fridge stand upright for several hours before plugging it in (longer if it was tilted at all) so the compressor oil settles back. Plugging in too soon is a common way to damage a fridge that survived the move fine.
Use an appliance dolly with a strap, and take stairs slowly with two people — the weight stays downhill and one person guides. LA walk-ups and tight kitchens make this the part worth having a crew for. Our movers handle fridges and large appliances as part of a standard move, padded and upright — see our appliance moving and washer & dryer guide.
No — move it upright. Tipping can let compressor oil run into the cooling lines and damage the system. If you must tilt it briefly to clear a doorway, stand it upright again right away.
Let it stand upright for several hours before plugging in — longer if it was tilted at all — so the compressor oil settles back into place.
Use an appliance dolly with a strap and two people, keeping the weight downhill while the second person guides. Go slowly and clear the path first.
Yes — empty it and let it defrost unplugged for at least 24 hours so it doesn't leak water in the truck, then wipe it dry.
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