With our years of experience, the Firefighting’s Finest Moving & Storage team is qualified to discuss how to transport a refrigerator safely when moving in the Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, or Austin, TX area. One thing we can guarantee is that it’s no small feat. Whether moving to a new home or just moving it to another location in your house, these heavy, bulky appliances are among the most challenging items to relocate. We share some helpful tips on how to do this safely, and if, after reading this, you don’t feel up to the challenge, you can always count on us to help you move.
Why Moving a Refrigerator Can Be Challenging
Of all the things you own, a fridge might be the hardest thing to move unless you also have a piano. Proper preparation and techniques are essential; even then, there are significant risks, often making hiring specialty movers a better decision. Here are the main challenges of trying to move your appliance:
- Weight and Size – Refrigerators are awkwardly shaped, heavy, and difficult to maneuver through doorways or tight spaces.
- Risk of Injury – Without the right equipment or techniques, lifting and moving a refrigerator can cause serious injuries or strains.
- Compressor Damage – Improper handling, such as laying the refrigerator on its side, can damage its compressor, potentially leading to expensive repairs.
- Potential for Property Damage – Tight corners, narrow hallways, and stairs increase the risk of damaging walls, floors, and even the fridge itself.
Understanding those risks and having at least two people for this project is your starting point. For the actual move, follow these best practices.
Step 1: Empty and Defrost the Refrigerator
Never try to move a refrigerator while it’s full. Begin by removing all food and contents from the appliance. For optimal safety, plan ahead and unplug the refrigerator at least 24 hours before moving to allow it to defrost completely. This step prevents leaks, odors, and mess during the move.
Not defrosting may also cause frozen water to melt mid-move, creating slippery conditions and increasing the risk of accidents.
Step 2: Disconnect and Secure Loose Parts
After defrosting, unplug the refrigerator and neatly wrap or secure the power cord to prevent it from dragging, snagging, or tripping over it during the move. Also, remove or secure any loose parts inside the fridge, such as shelves, drawers, or bins, as these can shift and break during transportation. Use painter’s tape to secure the doors closed so they don’t swing open.
If your refrigerator features an ice maker or water dispenser, disconnect the water supply properly and drain any residual water from the system.
Step 3: Measure Doorways and Plan Your Route
Measure the dimensions of your refrigerator and all doorways, hallways, and staircases it will need to pass through when you’re moving. This helps ensure it will fit and reduces unnecessary headaches. Additionally, plan the exact route you’ll take to move the fridge, identifying any potential obstacles like furniture or stairs.
Without advanced planning, you risk getting stuck halfway through a narrow hallway or doorframe—which can damage both the fridge and your home.
Step 4: Protect and Wrap the Refrigerator
Wrap your refrigerator with thick moving blankets to protect it during the move. These blankets will cushion the appliance and help prevent scratches, dents, or other damage to the fridge or your walls. Secure the blankets firmly with straps to ensure they stay in place.
This protective step is essential, especially if your path involves tight spaces or staircases.
Step 5: Use a Dolly for Safe Moving
Homeowners often wonder how to move a heavy refrigerator, but guess what? They’re all heavy, which makes using a high-quality dolly a must. Moving a refrigerator without the help of proper equipment is extremely risky.
Tilt the refrigerator slightly back, slide the dolly underneath, and set the fridge gently down on the dolly. Secure it to the dolly with strong straps or moving rope.
Step 6: Navigate Slowly and Carefully
With the refrigerator secured to the dolly, carefully maneuver it along the planned path. Be sure to move slowly, avoiding bumps, uneven floors, or sharp turns that might destabilize the load. If stairs or inclines are involved, take extra precautions to ensure safety.
Patience is key in this step. Trying to rush can lead to damage or accidents that could have been avoided.
Step 7: Hauling a Fridge; Keep It Upright
When loading the refrigerator onto a moving truck, always keep it upright. Laying it on its side can cause the internal liquids in the compressor to shift, damaging the refrigerator’s cooling system. Knowing how to strap a fridge in a truck eliminates tipping or sliding during transit. Ratchet tie-downs are an excellent option to secure the fridge.
A tilted or improperly positioned fridge during transport can lead to costly repairs or replacement. It may also void any applicable warranty.
Step 8: Reassemble and Allow to Settle
Once at the destination, place the refrigerator in its new location, following the steps taken to move it from the previous one. Allow it to sit upright for four to six hours before plugging it back in. This allows any displaced compressor oil to settle, ensuring the appliance operates correctly.
Rushing to plug it in too soon can compromise its functionality and cooling efficiency.
Will Firefighting’s Finest Moving & Storage Move My Fridge?
Of course! While these steps provide a detailed guide for moving a refrigerator, executing them is no small task. Even the most prepared DIY movers may struggle with the challenges of weight, size, and navigating tight spaces.
Our experienced and professional team has the skills, equipment, and expertise to move refrigerators and other bulky items easily. Hiring us means you don’t have to risk injury, property damage, or mechanical issues with your appliance. Plus, you’ll enjoy complete peace of mind knowing experts are handling it safely and efficiently.
Leave the Heavy Lifting to Us
Now that you know how to move a refrigerator, it’s common for homeowners to conclude they’d rather have a team like Firefiighting’s Finest Moving & Storage handle jobs like this in the Fort Worth, Dallas, Houston, and Austin, TX area. If you want to save yourself the hassle and potential risks, contact us today to discuss your move and get a free quote. Whether you need us for one or two specialty items or to coordinate and handle an entire residential move, you can count on our team.
