How to Move a Fridge by Yourself - A Step by Step Guide

Moving a refrigerator by yourself may seem like an impossible task but our moving professionals swear that it can be done! As with moving any heavy or bulky furniture items, the process does require careful planning and preparation to ensure safety and prevent injury to yourself or damage to the fridge or property.

Our moving experts have prepared this invaluable step-by-step guide to help you move a refrigerator without a helping hand.

Prepare for the Move

1. Measure Doorways and Corridors: Before actually moving the fridge, measure all doorways, hallways, and paths the fridge will need to pass through to make sure it will fit. This needs to be done at destination property as well.
2. Gather necessary moving equipment: You will need moving straps, a sack trolley, moving blankets, tape, and a screwdriver

Prepare the Refrigerator

1. Empty the fridge of all its contents.
2. Defrost the freezer if necessary, which might require unplugging the fridge 24-48 hours before moving.
3. Clean and dry the interior to prevent mildew.
4. Remove all shelves, drawers, and loose components, or secure them in place with tape.
5. Secure the doors with a strap or rope to prevent them from opening during the move.

Move the Fridge

4. Slide the Fridge Forward: Carefully slide or 'walk' the fridge forwards to gain access to the back. It's a good idea to lay down moving blankets to protect the floor.
5. Disconnect and Secure Cords: Unplug the fridge and secure the power cable to the back of the fridge using tape to prevent tripping.
6. Protect the Fridge: Wrap moving blankets around the fridge with tape to ptotect it from scracthing
7. Tilt and Load onto a Sack Trolley: Carefully tilt the fridge back slightly and slide the sack trolley underneath it. Make sure the fridge is centered on the dolly for stability. Secure the fridge to the trolley with straps. Tilt the fridge and trolley back towards you, balancing the weight on the wheels.
8. Start moving: Using the trolley, move the fridge slowly and carefully through the planned route. Try Keep the fridge as upright as possible to avoid oil from the compressor flowing into the cooling tubes. Navigate corners and doorways carefully.

Load onto the Moving Vehicle

1. Approach the back of the moving vehicle and turn the trolley 90 degrees so that the side of the fridge is facing the loading edge.
2. Pull the trolley away and place a double folded blanket on the loading edge to form a soft platform for the fridge to be tilted onto.
3. Carefully tilt fridge over 45 degrees so that the fridge is able comfortably rest on the blanket on the loading edge.
4. You can now easily lift and push from the bottom of the fridge until you are able to slide it along the blanket until the fridge is fully inside the vehicle.
5. Lift the top of the fridge until the fridge is standing fully upright.
6. Secure the fridge for transport by strapping it to the side of the vehicle using ties, ropes or moving straps.

Unload off the Moving Truck

1. Assess the Unloading Area: Before opening the back of the vehicle, ensure the path is clear of any obstacles.
2. Prepare for Unloading: Open the back of the vehicle and carefully unfasten the straps or tir ropes.
   1. Make sure you have a solid grip on the fridge to prevent it from moving unexpectedly.
   2. Lay down doubled blankets on the floor of the vehicle and gently tilt the fridge so that it is laying on its side on the blanket.
3. Tilt and Transfer the Fridge to the Trolley: Push the fridge until nearly half the length is overhanging off the loading edge.
   1. Jump off the vehicle and whilst maintaining grip, carefully push the bottom of the refrigerator down so that it tilts until the bottom is touching the floor, and then tilt again until it is standing fully upright on the ground.
   2. Slide the trolley under the fridge, ensuring it is centered for stability. Gently lower it so that the trolley bears the weight. Make sure the fridge is balanced before you start moving.‍
4. Move the Fridge from the Vehicle: Slowly wheel the fridge along the preplanned route to its final destination.

Install at the new property or Storage Unit

10. Unload and Move into new property: Repeat the moving process in reverse to get the fridge into the new property. Again, move slowly and carefully, keeping the fridge upright.
11. Position and Set Up: Once in the desired spot, let the fridge stand upright for a few hours before plugging it in. This allows the oil to settle back into the compressor.
12. Plug In and Monitor: After the waiting period, plug in the fridge, set it to the correct temperature, and monitor it for a few hours to ensure it's working correctly.

Manual Handling Safety Tips

• Wear Proper Protective Clothing: Ensure you wear toe capped shoes and gloves for protection and grip.
• Lifting Technique: Always lift with your legs and keep your back straight to avoid injury.
• Ask for Help: if you're unsure or uncomfortable with moving a fridge on your own, it's best to hire professional man with a van who has the experience and equipment to do it safely.