Moving a refrigerator can be a difficult task due to the size and weight of the appliance. This is why the moving process for a refrigerator is important to get right.
There are really only two ways to move a refrigerator: upright or laying it on its side. The moving method you use will determine the amount of time you will need to wait before turning on your fridge.
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My Refrigerator Was Moved In An Upright Position
Refrigerators that are moved upright during transport can be plugged in after 30 minutes. Regardless of what position you move your fridge in, it should be left unplugged for 30 minutes.
Fill it with your fresh and frozen favorites whenever your fridge is cool inside.
Moving a fridge upright is the best way to ensure that all of the components of the refrigerator have stayed safe and secure.
My refrigerator was moved on its side
Experts never recommend moving a refrigerator on its side. The weight of the refrigerator itself can compress its own components in transport.
Moving a fridge on its side may also cause oil from the compressor tubes to flow into the coolant lines. Both of these events may cause damage to your refrigerator and may prevent it from being able to do its job.
DIY moving tip: Work as a team
Moving a refrigerator is no easy task, which is why it is a two-person job.
Using a dolly is helpful with transport. If you or someone you know does not have access to a dolly for your move, fear not. Home Depot and Uhaul offer dolly rentals for as low as $20 a day.
Be sure to check out our tips for how to use a dolly to best assist you during your move.
As we know, life happens. Your refrigerator may have been placed on its side. Don’t panic. It may still be okay, but you will need to wait longer before plugging it in.
It is recommended to wait the same amount of time to plug in your refrigerator as the appliance was kept resting on its side. Your fridge needs to be resting in an upright position for this duration.
For example, if your refrigerator was laid on its side for three hours during your move, you will need to place your fridge in an upright position and wait three hours before plugging it in.
This wait time will allow for any oil that has moved into the coolant lines to move back into the compressor where it belongs.
DIY moving tip: Place it upright
Turn your refrigerator upright as soon as possible. This will relieve the weight of the refrigerator from pressing down onto the internal components as soon as possible. This will also decrease the amount of time you will have to wait before turning it on.
Movers recommend that refrigerators only be placed on their sides as a last resort.
If you are planning a DIY move, and know that you may need to move your refrigerator onto its side, there are some things to keep in mind in order to reduce the risk of damage. Rest your refrigerator on the side opposite from where the compressor lines run out of the compressor.
For example, if the compressor lines stick out on the left side of the unit, rest the refrigerator on its right side.
DIY moving tip: Test your refrigerator
After you have moved your refrigerator into your new home, test it out before filling it with groceries.
Allow your fridge to run for about two hours while it is still empty. This will help ensure that everything is working properly. If your fridge feels nice and cool, then you’re ready to restock.
DIY moving tip: Cleaning your refrigerator
Cleaning (and cleaning out) your refrigerator is very important during the moving process. Make sure all drawers are empty. Ensure that the fridge’s inside has fully dried from cleaning products before preparing it for moving.
After you’ve cleaned your refrigerator, place an open box of baking soda inside to keep it smelling fresh. This will help deodorize your fridge even further and make it fresh for restocking.
Make sure to remove the baking soda box before moving the fridge to prevent spills during transport.
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Check out UniMovers and save 30-50% on your move as compared with traditional moving!
DIY moving tip: Clean the coils
The coils of your refrigerator are located either at the back or at the bottom of the appliance. They are responsible for cooling and condensing the refrigerant inside the appliance.
The coils are able to release less heat when they are dirty. This may affect how cool the groceries in your fridge stay. The coils should be cleaned when the fridge is unplugged.
Seize the opportunity to clean the coils as soon as you have moved into your new home. This is a good way to make sure your fridge is running at its best.
You’re Ready To Use Your Fridge
Once you’ve let your fridge settle after standing it up or simply moved it inside if it was already upright, you’re ready to start using it again. Hopefully, one difficult task going smoothly will help you feel ready to conquer the rest of the move!
FAQ’s
Worst case scenario, you will have to replace your fridge. However, you may just have to replace a piece of the fridge. Some parts may have gotten blocked due to not settling and being turned on.
The recommended time limit is 24 hours. This gives the fridge plenty of time to settle and start properly once hooked up.
Maura De Cicco attends the University of Iowa as a Journalism and Anthropology student. She plans to pursue a strategic communications track when it comes to writing, and an archaeology track when it comes to Anthropology.
