Summary: Moving a refrigerator may seem simple, but it is heavy, cumbersome, and can quickly cause damage to both the appliance and your home. It is important to empty the refrigerator, unplug it, protect it properly, and always transport it upright to prevent malfunctions. After transport, the refrigerator must stand upright for several hours before being reconnected, especially in the case of large models. Challenging situations such as narrow staircases or temporary storage can be safely resolved with tools such as a moving lift or professional storage. By hiring a specialized moving company, the transport will be efficient, safe, and stress-free for both you and your refrigerator.


Are you moving to a new home soon and want to transport your refrigerator safely and without any problems? Moving a refrigerator may seem simple, but there are a number of important things you need to keep in mind. From preparing and transporting it to reconnecting it properly: a good approach prevents damage, leaks, and technical problems. In this article, you’ll find a step-by-step guide on what to keep in mind when moving your refrigerator, so it works perfectly again in your new home.

Moving a Refrigerator Yourself: Should You or Shouldn’t You?

At first glance, moving a refrigerator might seem simple. You might quickly think, “I can do that myself, right?” However, it’s important to realize that moving a refrigerator isn’t as easy as it seems. It would be a shame if your refrigerator were damaged during the move.

Especially when the refrigerator has to be carried down a flight of stairs, moving it becomes even more difficult and can even be dangerous for your own safety. Refrigerators are heavy, bulky, and, on top of that, fragile: internal parts can easily be damaged if they aren’t moved properly.

Oomen Verhuizers specializes in the safe and professional relocation of major appliances, including refrigerators. With the right tools, experience, and expertise, we ensure that your refrigerator arrives at its new location undamaged. If you’d rather not take any risks, we’d be happy to assist you with this, of course.

But if you do decide to move your refrigerator yourself, it’s important to be well prepared and keep a few things in mind. Below, we’ve listed the most important tips for you so that you can minimize damage and risks as much as possible.

Step-by-Step Guide to Moving a Refrigerator

1. Unplug the refrigerator:

    • Turn off the refrigerator and unplug it from the outlet.
    • Turn off the water supply if the refrigerator is connected to a water line.

2. Cleaning:

    • Empty the refrigerator and freezer completely.
    • Defrost the freezer if necessary by turning off the refrigerator a few hours before the move.
    • Thoroughly clean and dry the inside of the refrigerator to prevent mold and unpleasant odors.

3. Remove loose parts:

    • Remove all loose parts, such as shelves, drawers, and door compartments.
    • Pack these parts separately to prevent damage during shipping.

4. Packaging and Protection:

    • Secure the refrigerator door(s) firmly with tape to prevent them from opening during transport.
    • Wrap the refrigerator in moving blankets to prevent scratches and dents.
    • Use straps to secure the moving blankets and provide extra protection for the refrigerator

5. Use a hand truck:

    • Carefully place the refrigerator on a hand truck, with the help of a second person if necessary.
    • Make sure the refrigerator is properly balanced on the hand truck to prevent accidents.

6. Transporting in an upright position:

    • Always move the refrigerator in an upright position to prevent damage to the compressor and the refrigeration system.
    • Secure the refrigerator firmly in the moving truck to prevent it from shifting during transport.

By carefully following these steps, you can ensure that your refrigerator arrives at its new location safely and without damage.

After all, a refrigerator isn’t exactly light, it often weighs well over a hundred kilograms. So, while a refrigerator is often a valuable item, above all, it’s one of the first appliances you’ll want to use. Do you have questions about how Oomen Movers can help you with this? Feel free to contact us. We therefore recommend that you don’t do this yourself, but instead hire professional movers.

Is it okay to transport a refrigerator on its side?

A common question when moving a refrigerator is whether you can transport it on its side. The answer is: preferably not. When a refrigerator is laid on its side, oil from the compressor can enter the cooling system. This can lead to malfunctions or even permanent damage to the refrigerator. In addition, the refrigerant may not circulate properly, causing the refrigerator to fail to cool adequately after it is plugged in. Therefore, always move the refrigerator in an upright position, both during transport and during temporary storage.

How long should a refrigerator stand upright before you plug it back in?

After moving a refrigerator, it is important to be patient before turning it back on. It is recommended to let the refrigerator stand upright for at least 2 to 6 hours. During this time, the refrigerant in the system can flow back to the compressor, which prevents the appliance from being damaged or malfunctioning. For extra-large or American-style refrigerators, it may be wise to wait up to 12 hours. By following this step, you’ll ensure that your refrigerator cools properly right away and that costly repairs are avoided.

What are some common mistakes people make when moving a refrigerator?

When moving a refrigerator, the same mistakes are often made. One of the most common is failing to secure the doors properly, which can cause them to open during transport and become damaged. Insufficient protection of the exterior can also lead to scratches or dents, especially with heavy models or on narrow staircases. In addition, the refrigerator is sometimes plugged in immediately upon arrival without being allowed to stand upright, which can cause malfunctions.

Moving a Refrigerator with a Moving Lift

Refrigerators are large, heavy, and difficult to move. In many homes, they barely fit through the stairwell, or not at all. This makes moving them down the stairs difficult and increases the risk of damage to both the refrigerator and the home.

A moving lift can be a practical solution in such situations. With a moving lift, the refrigerator is lowered or raised through a window or balcony, eliminating the need to carry it down narrow staircases. This reduces physical strain and significantly lowers the risk of damage. Thanks to the use of a moving lift and the right tools, the move can proceed in a controlled and safe manner.

Using a moving lift also makes the move more efficient and organized. The refrigerator doesn’t need to be moved as often, which saves time and effort. In addition, your belongings are insured by Oomen Verhuizers during the move, which provides extra peace of mind when transporting valuable items.

Moving a Refrigerator with Storage

In some situations, it’s not possible to move your refrigerator directly to your new home. For example, if the move-in dates don’t align or if you temporarily have limited space. In that case, storage can be a practical solution. When storing a refrigerator, it’s important to prepare it properly: the refrigerator must be empty, clean, and completely dry to prevent mold and unpleasant odors.

A professional storage facility is dry, clean, and well-ventilated, which helps preserve the refrigerator during the storage period. Transporting and storing the refrigerator in an upright position helps keep the cooling system in good condition. When you take the refrigerator out of storage, it’s recommended that you let it stand upright for a few hours before plugging it back in.

How much does it cost to move a refrigerator?

The costs depend on several factors:

  • Moving on your own vs. professional movers: Moving on your own saves on labor costs, but carries risks such as damage to the refrigerator, walls, or floors. Professional movers ensure safety and efficiency, but this naturally comes at a cost.
  • Distance and location: Will the refrigerator be moved a long distance, or will the move involve many stairs, narrow passageways, or the use of a moving elevator? This can increase the price.
  • Equipment: Using equipment such as a hand truck, moving blankets, straps, or a moving lift can affect the cost, but it does ensure a safer move.

For a complete and accurate overview of the costs for your specific situation, we recommend requesting a no-obligation quote from Oomen Verhuizers. That way, you’ll know exactly what to expect and won’t be faced with any surprises.

Let us move your refrigerator safely

Moving a refrigerator can be difficult and risky, especially with heavy or large models. With the right preparation, upright transport, and enough time after arrival, your refrigerator will remain in top condition. Want to make sure your refrigerator arrives at its new location undamaged? Contact Oomen Verhuizers today and let our experienced movers handle the job for you. That way, the move will go smoothly, safely, and stress-free.