How to Transport a Refrigerator
To safely move a fridge in your truck or moving van, you’ll need an appliance dolly, at least two friends to help lift, and a strong set of ratchet straps.
Written by Pat Roache
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
When you have to move a refrigerator, you’re going to need a dolly, some friends, and a solid pickup truck, trailer, or van with a good set of ratchet straps.
Moving a fridge may seem like a tedious and excruciating task, but the good news is it is doable with a little bit of planning. As long as you follow these simple steps, you should be able to move your fridge in your truck or a moving van without having to hire extra help.
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Step #1: Prepare your fridge for transportation
Empty your fridge before you tackle any moving. Transport your cold goods in coolers or other insulated packaging, then remove and box up any loose shelves and hardware. Find and close the water valve if your fridge has a built-in ice machine.
Once your fridge is empty, you can unplug your appliance and pull it away from the wall. Secure the doors shut with packing tape or furniture straps, and consider wrapping your fridge in a moving blanket to prevent scratches
Pro Tip Let your fridge defrost for at least 8 hours before moving, or at the very least try to chip away any built-up ice in the freezer. That way, you can reduce water leakage that could damage your appliance’s electronics during transit.
Step #2: Move the fridge to your vehicle
An appliance dolly is the best way to transport your fridge to and from your vehicle.
You can usually rent one from a moving company or hardware store. Make sure your dolly has a large enough base and weight capacity for your refrigerator.
Have someone help you tip the fridge back, then slide the dolly underneath the base of the appliance. Use straps to fully secure your fridge to the dolly so it won’t move when you’re turning or going over bumps and stairs.
How to properly move your fridge
Always avoid laying your fridge on its side during your move. In this position, oil from your refrigerator’s compressor can leak into your coolant lines and clog them. Try not to tilt your dolly past a 45-degree angle to help this cause.
If you have to lay your fridge on its side, minimize any leaking or clogging by laying it on the opposite side of the condenser pipe. To find this, look for the pipe that connects the compressor at the bottom of your fridge to the zigzagging pipes along the back harness.
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How to drive a U-Haul
Step #3: Load the fridge in your vehicle
You’ll need a pickup truck or moving vehicle that can fit the vertical height of your refrigerator. Moving trucks or vans equipped with a built-in ramp or elevator lift can make the process a lot easier. However, if you’re using a pickup truck or other vehicle that lacks this luxury, you’ll need at least two extra helpers and some careful planning.
Prepping your vehicle
Plan to transport your fridge upright against the back of the driver’s cab by making a clear space and path to get there.
Back the vehicle as close as possible to the door so you won’t have to move the refrigerator as far. If you have to back up to a curb, make sure your back wheels are touching the curb drop. This can even make your refrigerator loading easier since it shortens the bed’s distance from the ground.
Lifting your fridge
If you don’t have a ramp, open the doors or tailgate of your truck, van, or trailer, and back the fridge dolly up until it’s flush with the vehicle. Have two people ready to help you.
One person should get in the vehicle, and the other two should position themselves on either side of the fridge on the ground. With a coordinated “One-Two-Lift,” the person in the vehicle will lift straight up and back by the handle of the dolly while the other two lift from below the dolly.
Be careful and work together, as this is where most injuries and damages occur when people are moving a fridge.
Pro Tip Even with a ramp, it’s good to have at least one helper. Have them support the fridge by pushing from the bottom while you pull the dolly backward up the incline.
Securing your fridge
Once your fridge is in your vehicle’s cargo or truck bed, move it to the back of the driver’s cab, making sure to keep the refrigerator straight up and on the dolly if possible.
Skip the bungee cords and go for some heavy-duty ratchet straps to lock your refrigerator into place. Locate anchor points in your truck bed or cargo hold to anchor your ratchet straps, then take one strap over the top of your fridge and another strap across the front of your fridge. Pull those ratchets taught, and you are ready to hit the road!
MORE: How to get cheap truck insurance for your pickup truck
Step #4: Unload your fridge
Once you get where you need to go, you’ll simply need to reverse these steps to get your fridge off your vehicle and into its new home. Position your fridge where you want it, but wait at least three hours before plugging it in to allow the fridge’s fluids and oils to settle properly.
Pro Tip If you had to tilt your fridge on its side for an extended period, let it stand upright and unplugged for at least the same amount of time that it was sideways.
MORE: How to settle into a new house
Going upstairs with your fridge
If you have to go upstairs with your fridge, have one person pull the dolly up one step at a time from the top while the other two push from the bottom. Find a nice pace to move at and work together to make sure the operation goes smoothly and safely.
Pro Tip: Place cardboard down on any flat surfaces that you’ll be moving your fridge over to prevent scratches and carpet damage.
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Reviewed on 5/28/2023
FAQs
Can I move my refrigerator on its side?
Avoid placing your fridge on its side as much as possible. Laying a fridge sideways allows oils and fluids to leak into components that they’re not supposed to, which can clog them. If you have to move your fridge on its side, make sure to let it stand upright for the same amount of time before plugging it in again.
What is the best way to transport a refrigerator?
You’ll need an appliance dolly, ratchet straps, one to two helpers, and a vehicle with a cargo space that is tall enough to fit your refrigerator standing upright. If you have a pickup truck or a van with this height, then you are good to go, but if not, you can always rent a moving truck, van, or trailer.
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