Key takeaways
- Empty, unplug and defrost the fridge a day before the move.
- Move it upright whenever possible; lay it on its side only if you must.
- If it was on its side, wait before plugging it in; check your manual.
- Level the fridge and check the water line for leaks after the move.
Before Moving Day
- Measure everything. Check the fridge, doorways, hallways and the new spot. Removing the doors often adds a few needed inches.
- Empty it a day or two ahead. Use up perishables or move them to a cooler.
- Unplug it about 24 hours before the move so the freezer can defrost. Leave doors open with towels down.
- Turn off the water supply and disconnect the water line if you have an ice maker. Drain the line into a bucket.
- Remove shelves and drawers, or tape them in place.
- Empty the drain pan under the fridge, if your model has one you can reach.
- Tape the doors shut with painter’s tape, and coil and tape the power cord to the back.
Keep It Upright if You Can
The safest way to move a refrigerator is standing up, strapped to an appliance dolly. Lay it down only if you have to.
Why does it matter? The compressor holds oil. When a fridge lies on its side, oil can flow into the cooling lines. If you plug it in too soon, the compressor may run without enough oil, and the lines may not work right.
If you must lay it down:
- Lay it on its side, not on its back or front. Some makers say which side, so check your manual.
- Pad it well, and never stack heavy items on it.
How Long to Wait Before Plugging It In
| How it was moved | Common guidance |
|---|---|
| Upright the whole time | Usually fine to plug in right away |
| On its side for a short time | Many makers suggest waiting a few hours |
| On its side for a long move | Wait longer; some suggest as long as it was lying down |
| Not sure | Wait several hours and check your manual |
Rules vary by brand and model, so your owner’s manual is the best guide. Waiting a bit too long never hurts the fridge.
Setting It Up in the New Spot
- Leave airflow space at the back and top, as your manual suggests.
- Level the fridge. Set it level side to side, and tilt it slightly back so the doors swing shut.
- Reconnect the water line carefully. Do not kink it when you push the fridge back.
- Turn the water on and check for drips for a few minutes.
- Flush the water system. See our water filter guide for how.
- Plug it in to a dedicated, grounded outlet.
- Wait about 24 hours before loading it fully. Check with a thermometer.
Common Problems After a Move
| Problem | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Water on the floor | Loose or kinked water line, cracked fitting | Shut off the water and check the line |
| Not cooling after 24 hours | Plugged in too soon, or moving damage | Unplug, wait, try again; then call |
| Doors won’t close | Fridge not level | Adjust the front feet |
| Ice maker not working | Water off, air in line, kinked line | Check supply and flush |
| Loud rattling | Loose drain pan or fridge touching the wall | Reseat the pan, move it out an inch |
Fridge acting up after a move?
We fix crushed water lines, leaks, leveling problems and cooling issues after moves, often the same day.
When to Hire Help
Refrigerators are heavy and awkward. Built-in units are bolted to cabinets and need special care. If you have a built-in, a long staircase or a tight doorway, hire movers who handle appliances, and let a tech handle disconnecting and reconnecting built-in units. See built-in refrigerator repair.