How to Move a Fridge Safely: The Complete Guide
In this guide, you'll find out how to move a fridge — new or old, upright or on its side — along with best practices for avoiding the most common mistakes.
Moving a fridge is a tricky part of any house move. Get it wrong, and you can end up with a damaged compressor, a refrigerant leak, or an appliance that stops working altogether.
In this guide, you'll find out how to move a fridge — new or old, upright or on its side — along with best practices for avoiding the most common mistakes.
Getting your fridge ready for the move
Before you even think about the move itself, preparing the fridge properly is an essential step to reduce the risks.
Unplugging and defrosting at the right time
Unplug the fridge around 24 hours before the move. This gives it time to fully defrost and avoids any water leaking out during transport.
Cleaning and drying the inside
Once it's empty, clean the fridge thoroughly and dry it well. This step matters — it helps prevent bad smells and mould forming while it's in transit or storage.
Removing the internal parts
Take out the shelves, drawers and bins before moving it, to avoid breakage and rattling during the journey.
How to move a fridge safely
Fridges need careful handling, as the cooling system is particularly sensitive to knocks and to being in the wrong position.
The ideal position: upright whenever possible
A fridge should always be transported standing upright wherever possible. This protects the compressor and the cooling circuit.
Securing and protecting it during the move
To avoid damage, the fridge should be:
- Wrapped in moving blankets
- Held in place with straps
- Stabilised inside a van or a suitable vehicle
Moving a fridge on its side: risks and precautions
Transporting a fridge on its side should really be a last resort. Lying flat, the compressor oil can shift and disrupt how the appliance runs.
If you do need to lay it down, lay it on the side opposite the compressor pipes, and let it rest for a while before switching it back on.
How to move a fridge in a car
Transporting a fridge in a car is only practical for small models or mini-fridges.
To keep it secure, fold the seats down to create a flat, stable surface, then strap the appliance in place. Wrapping it in blankets also helps cushion it from knocks along the way.
Moving a fridge in a van or on the stairs
In a moving van
Inside a moving van, the fridge should stand upright and be stabilised against a wall or wedged between other furniture to stop it tipping over.
On the stairs
Moving a fridge up or down stairs is a delicate job that should ideally be done by at least two people. Using a sack truck or hand trolley makes it much easier to control the weight and movement of the appliance.
After the move: when to plug the fridge back in
Once it's in place, don't plug the fridge back in straight away. How long you should wait depends on how it was transported.
- 4 to 6 hours if it stayed upright
- Up to 24 hours if it was transported on its side
This waiting period lets the refrigerant settle and stops the compressor being damaged when it starts up again.
Quick summary: how to move a fridge
Storing a fridge: solutions and best practice
Sometimes, after a move, a fridge can't be installed straight away. When that happens, the right storage set-up makes all the difference.
Ideal storage conditions
Good fridge storage should meet several conditions:
- A dry environment
- A stable temperature
- Good ventilation
- A clean, dry appliance
Why to avoid damp cellars and garages
Damp spaces can cause corrosion and damage a fridge's internal components, even while it's switched off and not in use.
Self-storage: a simple, flexible solution
Self-storage is an ideal way to keep a fridge safe during a transition period.
Modern storage facilities typically offer:
- Clean, dry units
- Easy access (often at ground level)
- Wide aisles for trolleys
- Handling equipment available on site
- Conditions suited to household appliances
Zebrabox: a storage solution built for fridges
Zebrabox offers suitable storage solutions for your fridge, whether you're moving, short on space, or between two homes. There are suitable spaces for both private customers and businesses, with different unit sizes to match your needs.
Useful additional services
To protect your appliance during the move or while it's in storage, you can use additional services such as:
- Protective covers
- Bubble wrap
- Moving equipment
Which Zebrabox location should you choose?
Whether you're in the middle of a move, short on space, or simply looking for temporary storage, it's worth choosing a location that's easy for you to reach. Zebrabox has several self-storage locations suited to both private customers and businesses.
Getting the most out of your storage budget
The cost of a storage unit can vary depending on its size and rental length. To help manage your budget, it's worth comparing the options available and taking advantage of Zebrabox's price guarantee to get a rate that suits your needs.
How to dispose of or recycle a fridge
A fridge should never be thrown out with regular household waste. It contains components that need specialist treatment.
Options include taking it to a recycling centre, trading it in when you buy a new appliance, or using a bulky-waste collection service run by some local councils.
Recycling recovers usable materials and ensures refrigerant gases are dealt with responsibly.
FAQ: moving a fridge
Yes, around 24 hours beforehand.
Yes, but only as a last resort.
Between 4 and 24 hours, depending on how it was transported.
The side opposite the compressor pipes.
Yes, in a dry space or a suitable self-storage unit.
Conclusion
Preparing and moving a fridge properly helps you avoid costly breakdowns and extends its lifespan. By following best practice and choosing the right storage solution — like self-storage — you can handle your appliance with total peace of mind during a move or a transition.