Fridge moving guide

How to Move a Fridge

A practical guide to moving a fridge without damaging it, your floors or your back.

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To move a fridge safely, empty and defrost it, take out loose shelves, tape or strap the doors shut, keep it upright on an appliance trolley, and let it stand for a while before switching it back on. Many manufacturers suggest waiting a few hours if it has been tilted, so check your manual. If you would rather not lift it yourself, FLYTTE books two movers with the right gear, and you see the price instantly.

Before moving day: empty, defrost and clean

Use up or pack the food, and keep anything cold in a chilly bin. Take out the shelves, drawers and bins and wrap any glass shelves in a towel.

Turn the fridge off and defrost the freezer the day before, with towels underneath to catch the water. Dry it out so nothing leaks while it moves. Leaving the doors slightly open overnight helps stop it smelling.

If it has an ice maker or water dispenser, turn off the water and disconnect the line. Measure the fridge and every doorway on the way out and the way in.

On the day: secure it and keep it upright

Tape or strap the doors shut, and tape the power cord to the back so it does not get caught. Protect the sides with a blanket.

Keep the fridge upright wherever possible. Tip it back just far enough to slide an appliance trolley underneath, strap it to the trolley, and roll it out with one person guiding. On stairs, one person goes below to take the weight. Large double-door fridges are too heavy for one person.

In the vehicle, stand it up against the front wall and strap it so it can not tip or slide.

At the new place, or let FLYTTE do it

Stand the fridge where it will live, leave a gap behind it for air as the manufacturer recommends, and let it settle before switching it on. Many manufacturers suggest waiting a few hours, longer if it has been on its side, so check your manual. Give it time to cool down before putting food back in.

Rather not do the lifting? Pick your fridge in the item list on FLYTTE, enter both addresses, and you see an instant price. Two movers bring blankets, straps and a trolley. A small deposit secures the booking and the rest is paid on the day. Reschedule free with 24 hours notice.

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Frequently asked questions

Can you lay a fridge down to move it?+

It is best kept upright. If it has to go on its side, many manufacturers suggest waiting a few hours before switching it on, so check your manual.

How long should a fridge stand before turning it on?+

It depends on the model and how it was moved. Many manufacturers suggest a few hours, longer if it was laid down. Your manual has the exact advice.

Do I need to defrost a fridge before moving it?+

Yes, ideally the day before, so the freezer does not leak water on the way.

How many people does it take to move a fridge?+

A small fridge can be done by one strong person with a trolley. A full-size or double-door fridge, or any fridge on stairs, needs two.

Can FLYTTE move my fridge for me?+

Yes. Enter both addresses on FLYTTE for an instant price, and a crew with a trolley, blankets and straps moves it for you.

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