How to Move a Refrigerator

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

Rate: (7 Ratings)

Whether it's time to clean out behind the fridge or move it to a new home, you need to know how to move it safely.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • Used Carpets Scraps
  • Vanilla Extract
  • Refrigerators
  • Paper Towels
  • Bungee Cords

Step1
Take all of the trays, shelves and other moveable parts out of the fridge.
Step2
Unplug the refrigerator.
Step3
Defrost the fridge, if necessary.
Step4
Disconnect the icemaker if you have one.
Step5
Fasten the freezer and fridge doors shut with rope or bungee cords. (Tape may damage the finish.)
Step6
Tilt the unit backward and slide a piece of carpet (pile side down) under the feet if you are moving it on linoleum or tile. Use smooth plastic lids if the kitchen is carpeted.
Step7
Move the unit upright, never on its side or back.

Tips & Warnings

  • For storing the fridge, tie the doors shut on an object such as a cup or empty can. This will keep the door secure without allowing mildew to grow inside.
  • Be sure to wipe the unit out with warm, soapy water before storing.
  • Leave a paper towel with some vanilla extract on it in the unit if it will be sitting for awhile or has a bad smell.
  • Enlist the help of another person to move a refrigerator ' it's too heavy and bulky for one person to move safely.
  • If you are discarding the fridge, be sure to remove the doors to ensure that curious children or pets won't get trapped inside.

Comments

| View All Comments
Flag This Comment

on 11/13/2007 What's the vanilla extract for?

Nowatzki

Nowatzki said

Flag This Comment

on 4/5/2007 I can't find anything on the internet about how to lift a fridge into a pickup truck safely.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 9/23/2006 Newer refrigerators have made an extra precaution, the larger tube out from the motor is shaped in a rectangular spiral route before connected to the radiator (at the bottom). This can protect it either when it is laid on its back or the sides. Laying on the back seems to be a safer presumption by the manufacturer.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 8/8/2006 You can move a fridge on its side if you obey one rule: the suction line from the motor (the larger tube) must be on the high side of the smaller tube (furtherest from the floor). If in doubt, don't do it. If a removalist is doing it for you, ask him whether he is aware of this - a good one should be. You still need to let the unit rest for up to 8 hours. The same theory applies if you are using a trolley to move the fridge. Keep the large tube higher than the small one. The reason is so that the oil doesn't get in to the filter and especially saturate it. If it does it needs to be replaced by a qualified person.

View All

Post a Comment

POST A COMMENT

Request a New How-To Article

Looking for more How To information? Chances are there’s an eHow member who knows how to do what you’re looking to do. Submit an article request now!

eHow Article: How to Move a Refrigerator

eHow Home & Garden Editor

eHow Home & Garden Editor

Category: Home & Garden

Articles: See my other articles

Related Ads

Home & Garden

Willi
Meet Willi Galloway eHow’s Home & Garden Expert.