Q&A for How to Move a Refrigerator

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Question

Can you lay a refrigerator down to move it?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Most refrigerators need to be transported upright and not on their sides. If the fridge has been transported on its back or side, it can cause the compressor oil to flow into the cooling tubes, which can stop the refrigerator from cooling down properly. However, some of the latest model refrigerators are able to tolerate being transported on their sides; you’ll need to check the manufacturer’s instructions to be sure. If you’ve accidentally transported a fridge on its side or back, let it stand for as long as it was transported this way, or for 24 hours just to be safe, to allow enough time for the fluids to return to their right placement before you use the fridge again.

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Question

Why can’t you lay a refrigerator down?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

You shouldn’t lay down a refrigerator because it causes the fluids to get mixed up, when the compressor oil flows into the cooling tubes. If this is not corrected, the refrigerator won’t cool properly. You can try to fix it by letting the refrigerator stand for 24 hours before connecting it to the power again but if this doesn’t help, call a refrigerator mechanic in to fix it for you.

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Question

Can you lay a fridge freezer down to move it?

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Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

It is always better to transport your refrigerator the right way up, to avoid causing the compressor oil to flow into the cooling tubes, which can prevent the mechanisms from cooling properly. However, always read the manual for your refrigerator because some of the more recent models may be suitable for laying sideways for transportation.

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Question

How long do you need to leave a fridge to settle?

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Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

To be on the safe side, give the refrigerator 24 hours of standing, without power, to allow the gas to settle. It is also important to check the manufacturer’s instructions in case your refrigerator has special requirements. if you're concerned about it after transportation, get a refrigeration mechanic or repairer to check it for you first.

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Question

Can I transport the refrigerator in a laying down position? Or must it be upright?

Community Answer

It really shouldn't be transported that way. However, if you have already done so, then let it stand for a long time before use (24 hours at least).

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Question

When on a van, can a refrigerator be face down?

Community Answer

If you must lay a fridge down, it is best to lay it on its side. Either side will do. After putting it in its new location, let it stand for 24 hours before plugging it in.

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Question

Do I need to unplug and defrost a freezer/refrigerator before giving it to a friend? Will water run all over my kitchen?

Community Answer

If you are getting rid of the refrigerator, you should just unplug and move it out of your home. It will defrost itself.

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Question

If a refrigerator is put into storage, is it necessary for the door to be open?

Community Answer

Leaving the doors open would be a good idea. If you have to keep it closed, put some activated charcoal in each compartment to absorb odors--even one of those activated charcoal vent filters should do the trick. Make sure the fridge is perfectly dry and clean before putting it into storage.

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Question

Moved older refrigerator on its side. Before unloading I sprayed off very dusty coils on the bottom. I let refrigerator sit several days plugged in. It seems to be cooling but at the top on the outside, it seems very hot. Is that normal?

Community Answer

It is normal for a fridge to have hot spots. As long as the inside is cold, you are fine.

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Question

Why should the fridge be moved away from the wall?

Community Answer

To allow air to circulate through the refrigerator coils. The refrigerator is essentially an air conditioner, pulling heat away from the space inside and moving it outside of the refrigerator. If there is enough space for the air to carry the heat away, the refrigerator can operate efficiently.

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Question

How long before moving should I unplug the refrigerator and clean?

Community Answer

A few hours before moving is fine. Just remember to leave the doors open and place baking soda or a charcoal pack in each side to keep smells away.

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Question

How can I keep the refrigerator from moving away from the wall?

Community Answer

Create friction between the refrigerator and the floor. If your floor is hardwood, put pieces of cardboard on the corners. If the floor is tile, try sandpaper with a thin layer of plastic on the corners.

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Question

I moved my refrigerator laying down and plugged it in right away. It's cool but not cold. What do I do?

Community Answer

Unplug it and let it stand for at least a day. This may help fix the problem but it should never have been moved laying down, so you may need to purchase a replacement.

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Question

How soon can I plug in my old fridge after moving to new house?

Community Answer

If you have kept the fridge upright, or only tilted it a little, 4 hours is fine. If you lay the fridge down (on its side) 24 hours is better.

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Question

Can I turn a fridge off and move it right away?

Community Answer

Yes. The seal around the freezer and fridge it will be fine for about an hour or two with no power. After that, you'd want to plug the fridge in to ensure the cold can keep the foods and beverages fresh.

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Question

Will bouncing in a pickup truck damage a freezer?

Community Answer

Yes. Drive slower on bumpy roads. Bouncing it around may cause damage to internal and external parts.

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Question

How do I move a small refrigerator?

Community Answer

Unplug it 2 hours prior to moving it. Then place it in the car sideways. One you get it to your destination, stand it up, leave it for 24 hours, then plug it back in.

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Question

If I move a refrigerator to the other side of the room, do I still have to wait a few hours before turning it back on again?

Community Answer

As long as it’s kept upright, it should be fine for use without waiting any time at all.

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Question

My fridge is too big to get up the stairs to my kitchen? Do you have any suggestions for me?

Community Answer

Take the fridge doors off, this way will fit any door and its much lighter to carry even for one person with a dolly.

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