Updated
It is best not to. Keep a fridge upright whenever you can, on an appliance trolley and strapped in the vehicle. If it has to lie down, check the manual for which side it can go on, never stand anything on top of it, and let it stand upright for a while before switching it on. Many manufacturers suggest waiting a few hours after a move, and longer if it was laid down.
Why upright is better
The usual reason given is that the compressor at the bottom holds oil, and when a fridge lies down that oil can run into the cooling lines. Standing it upright again before switching on gives the oil time to drain back.
Lying down also puts weight on the side panels and the door hinges, which are not built to carry it, and loose shelves can break. Keep the tilt small when you roll it onto a trolley.
If it has to go on its side
Check the manual or the maker's website first, as some say which side it can lie on. Empty it, take out the shelves, tape the doors shut and lay it on blankets so nothing presses into the panels.
Stand it upright as soon as you arrive, let it settle and only then switch it on. Many manufacturers suggest letting a fridge stand for a few hours before switching it on after a move, and longer if it has been laid down, so check your manual.
Or have it moved upright
FLYTTE crews move fridges as upright as possible on an appliance trolley and strap them standing in the vehicle. Pick the fridge in the item list and enter both addresses for an instant price.
Fridge-only bookings on FLYTTE had a median price of $104, and the middle half cost $68 to $135, based on 11 FLYTTE bookings from August to October 2026.
A small deposit secures the booking online, and the rest is paid on the day once the job is done. Plans change? Reschedule free with 24 hours notice.
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Get your price nowFrequently asked questions
Can you transport a fridge lying down?+
It is best not to. If you must, follow the manual on which side it can lie on, and let it stand upright for longer before switching it on.
What happens if you lay a fridge down?+
The usual concern is compressor oil running into the cooling lines. It needs time standing upright to drain back before the fridge is switched on.
How long should a fridge stand after being laid down?+
Longer than one moved upright. Many manufacturers suggest a few hours after an upright move and more after it has been laid down. Your manual has the exact time.
Can a double-door fridge go on its side?+
It is best kept upright. It is heavy and wide, and the doors and hinges are not built to carry its weight on its side.
Do movers keep fridges upright?+
FLYTTE crews keep fridges as upright as possible on an appliance trolley and strap them standing in the vehicle.
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