How to Move a Refrigerator

U.Santini moving truck going down a New York street

Moving a refrigerator in New York City can be a daunting task, especially when navigating tight hallways, narrow staircases, and bustling urban streets. At U.Santini Moving & Storage, we understand the unique challenges residents face when tackling such a heavy and delicate appliance. Whether you’re in a walk-up apartment or a high-rise building, our expert team is here to take the stress out of the process. With years of experience as a fourth-generation business and a dedication to exceptional service, we handle your refrigerator and all your belongings with the utmost care. Our top priority is to ensure every item arrives in pristine condition, and we’re proud to offer a white-glove moving experience tailored to your needs. You can trust our insight into how to move a refrigerator in New York City and surrounding areas.

Trust U.Santini Moving & Storage for Exceptional Service

As one of NYC’s most trusted local moving professionals, U.Santini Moving & Storage offers comprehensive moving solutions for residents. Our white-glove service experience is the product of generations of movers working with families and individuals to move furniture, artwork, hot tubs, boxes, and exercise equipment around the five boroughs and beyond. We’re based out of Brooklyn and know the ins and outs of loading, transporting, and unloading all possessions quickly and carefully. Your valued belongings deserve outstanding care like we’re handling our own. Since 1930, New York City locals have trusted our moving and storage solutions, including professional insight into how to move a refrigerator out of the house. Our team also offers disposal services to make the moving process more convenient.

Essential Steps for Moving a Refrigerator

U.Santini Moving & Storage has proudly helped countless NYC residents transport their furniture, electronics, hot tubs, and other belongings from one place to another for generations. When moving a refrigerator, you must take careful measures to avoid damage and injuries and ensure it arrives at your new home in ideal condition. Refrigerators are cumbersome items to move, but with appropriate steps and precautions, you can complete this task without putting knicks in your drywall and bruises on yourself. Below, we’ve described essential steps for moving your refrigerator:

Preparing Before Your Move

Preparation is crucial when moving your fridge out of its current position. We recommend starting the process by completing the following tasks:

Clear Out the Fridge – Take everything out of your fridge before moving it. This reduces weight and prevents items from shifting or breaking during transport.
Defrost the Freezer – If your fridge has a freezer, defrost it at least a full day before the move. This avoids water leaks and makes the appliance easier to handle.
Clean and Dry Thoroughly – Once defrosted, give your fridge a good cleaning and make sure it’s completely dry to avoid odors or mold forming.
Secure Removable Parts – Take out shelves, drawers, and other loose parts. Wrap them in towels or packing materials and transport them separately for safety.
Lock the Doors – Use durable tape or moving straps so the fridge doors stay shut. This helps prevent damage or injuries from doors swinging open in transit.

Disconnecting and Handling Your Fridge

The next phase of this task is disconnecting all cords and other attachments. Please follow the steps below:

Disconnect the Fridge – Safely unplug your refrigerator from the outlet. Wrap the power cord neatly and tape it in place to keep it secure.
Shut Off the Water Line – For fridges with ice makers or water dispensers, make sure to turn off the water supply and detach the water hose.
Move with a Dolly – Always use an appliance dolly to relocate your fridge. It ensures safety and minimizes the chance of damage or injury.

Moving Your Refrigerator

We advise you to be cautious and be aware of your surroundings during this phase. Below is a vital insight into moving your fridge:

Keep It Standing – Always keep your refrigerator standing upright when it’s not being moved on a dolly. Tilting it may damage the cooling system.
Prepare for Tight Spaces – Clear your moving route ahead of time by removing furniture or obstacles. Measure hallways and doorways to verify the fridge can pass through.
Lift Safely – Use your legs, not your back, when lifting. If you need to angle the fridge to get through a doorway, do it slowly and with caution.

Securing Your Fridge in the Moving Truck

After loading the fridge onto the vehicle, fasten it with straps to keep it stable and prevent movement while in transit. U.Santini Moving & Storage understands how valuable this appliance is and urges you to handle this step with as much thought and care as the others.

Setting Up Your Fridge in Your New Home

After the moving truck arrives at your new home, it’s time to unload, move, and set up your fridge. The following recommendations will help you carry out these tasks for the best results:

Let It Sit – After moving your fridge, allow it to remain upright and unplugged for a few hours before turning it on. This helps the compressor oil settle properly.
Skip Extension Cords – Always plug your fridge directly into a wall outlet. Using extension cords can be unsafe and might impact its performance.
Power Up and Load – Plug in the fridge, reconnect the water line if needed, and let it cool to the ideal temperature before adding food back in.
Check and Verify – Once running, check for any visible damage and make sure all features, like the freezer, lights, and controls, work correctly.

Trust Our Professional Movers for a Safe & Successful Move

While moving might seem like a reasonable do-it-yourself project, U.Santini Moving & Storage recommends hiring professional movers like us. Our team’s training and experience ensure your belongings arrive at your new home in the best possible condition. You also avoid the risk of injuring yourself or damaging your old and new home. Let us keep your fridge, furniture, and other possessions safe during loading and transit. Contact us today to discuss your upcoming move and arrange our services.