Let’s say you have just bought a new home or you are getting ready for a big move. You look at your fridge freezer and think, “How in the world am I going to move that thing safely?” It looks huge, heavy, and honestly, a little scary to handle on your own.

Moving a fridge freezer can seem like a tough job. It is heavy, awkward, and if you do it wrong, you could hurt yourself or even damage the fridge.

But here is the good news: with the right steps and a little planning, you can move it safely without any stress.

In this easy guide, we’re going to walk you through exactly how to transport a fridge freezer step-by-step with real tips that actually work. By the end, you will feel confident and ready to handle it like a pro.

Let’s get started.

Before You Move: Preparation Steps

So, how do you transport a fridge freezer?

Moving a fridge freezer needs good preparation. Trust us, it saves a lot of trouble later.

Empty the Fridge Freezer: First, take out everything inside. Remove all food, drinks, and ice trays. If you have frozen food you want to save, put it in a cooler box with ice packs. Or ask a neighbour to store it for you. Also, never move a fridge when it is full. It is dangerous and can break the inside parts.
Defrost the Freezer: Next, you need to defrost it. This means melting all the ice inside. Turn off the fridge and leave the doors open. Put towels around the bottom to catch the water.

Tip:

If you want to defrost faster, you can put bowls of hot water inside. Close the doors a little, and the steam will melt the ice quicker. It usually takes about 6 to 24 hours. So, plan ahead.

Here is a small chart for quick planning:

Task	Time Needed
*Emptying food*	*15 to 30 minutes*
*Defrosting*	*6 to 24 hours*
*Cleaning and drying*	*30 to 45 minutes*

Steps on How to Transport a Fridge Freezer

Now, here’s what you’ve to do to move a fridge freezer after taking the above preparation.

Clean and Dry Thoroughly

After defrosting, clean it well. Wipe the inside with a mix of water and baking soda. Dry it completely with towels. This stops bad smells and mould from growing inside while moving.

Secure Shelves and Drawers

Remove any loose shelves or drawers. If you cannot remove them, tape them in place so they do not slide around and break. Use bubble wrap or old towels to cover fragile parts.

Unplug and Secure Cables

Turn off the power and unplug the fridge carefully. Tie up the cable with tape or a zip tie. Stick the cord to the back of the fridge so it does not drag while moving.

Packing and Protecting the Fridge Freezer

Now, it is time to protect the fridge for the journey.

Wrap and Protect

Cover the fridge with moving blankets or thick towels. You can also use bubble wrap for extra protection, especially on corners and handles. Tape the blankets lightly so they stay in place.

Important: Do not tape directly onto the fridge. It can damage the surface.

Use a Suitable Dolly or Hand Truck

A moving dolly is a lifesaver here. Make sure it is strong enough to carry heavy loads. Use strong straps to tie the fridge securely to the dolly. This way, you will move it safely without straining your back.

Lifting and Moving Tips

Teamwork is Crucial: Never try to move a fridge freezer alone. Always have at least one more person helping you. Talk clearly with each other, especially around corners or stairs.
Correct Lifting Technique: Bend your knees and lift with your legs, not your back. Keep the fridge upright all the time. Move slowly and carefully.

Loading Into a Vehicle

Keep the Fridge Upright: It is very important to keep the fridge standing straight. Laying it down can mess up the compressor and the gas inside. If you must tilt it a little, tilt it sideways, not flat on its back or front.

Quick Fact: If a fridge is tilted, you should leave it upright for the same amount of time it was tilted before plugging it back in.

For example: If tilted for 3 hours, let it stand for 3 hours before turning it on.

Secure the Fridge in the Vehicle: Use strong moving straps to tie it tightly to the vehicle walls. Make sure it cannot shift or slide during the trip. You can place soft padding around it to protect it from bumps.

Unloading and Setting It Up at the New Place

Carefully Unload: Use the dolly again to move the fridge into your new place. Take your time. Move slowly, especially through doors and corners.

Placement Tips:

Put the fridge where you want it to stay.
Leave space around it for air to flow.
Usually, you need at least 2 inches of gap on each side.

Wait Before Plugging It In: After placing it, let it stand for a few hours before plugging it in. This allows the oils and fluids inside to settle.

If Transported	Wait Time Before Turning On
*Kept Upright*	*2 to 4 hours*
*Tilted/Laid Down*	*12 to 24 hours*

Aftercare and Final Checks

After you have waited the right amount of time, you can plug the fridge freezer back in. Set the fridge section to about three to five degrees Celsius, and the freezer part to around minus eighteen degrees.

Give it a few hours to cool down properly. While you wait, you can put the shelves and drawers back in carefully. Once everything feels nice and cold inside, you can start restocking your food.

Take your time and make sure everything is working just right.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Fridge Freezer Moving

Let us quickly go through some mistakes people often make:

Moving the fridge without emptying it first.
Skipping defrosting, causing leaks everywhere.
Laying it flat for a long time during transport.
Plugging it in immediately after moving.

Avoid these, and you will be just fine.

Additional Tips on How to Move a Fridge Freezer

If your fridge freezer is very big or heavy, think about hiring professional movers.
Take photos before unplugging wires or removing parts. Makes reassembly much easier.
Use a checklist to stay organised and avoid last-minute stress.

When you choose our Easy Man and Van Removal Service in London, we help you pack, move, and unpack everything safely — even heavy items like your fridge freezer. Our team uses the right tools to protect your things during the move and sets them up carefully at your new place.

Need moving supplies? We have moving kits, strong boxes, bubble wrap, and more, with free next-day delivery when you spend over sixty pounds. No matter if it’s a small move or a big one with bulky items, we have got you covered.

Wondering how to pack and move with Easy Way Removals? Check out our helpful blog today!

Wrapping Up

So, that’s all about how to transport a fridge freezer. Moving a fridge freezer is not so scary when you know what to do. It just needs some time, teamwork, and a little patience. Just remember to empty it, defrost it, protect it, keep it upright and give it time to settle.

Follow these steps and your fridge freezer will stay safe and happy in your new home.

Good luck with your move!

Do you want to learn in detail how to pack electronics for moving? Then, here’s a detailed guide for you.

FAQs

Can you lay a fridge freezer down when moving it?

It is not a good idea to lay a fridge freezer flat during transport. Laying it down can cause the oil inside the compressor to move into the wrong parts. If you must lay it down, always keep it on its side and stand it upright as soon as possible.

How long should I wait before plugging in a moved fridge freezer?

After moving, wait at least four hours before plugging in your fridge freezer. This gives the compressor oil time to settle back where it should be. If it was moved lying down, wait even longer, around eight to twelve hours if possible.

Should I remove the fridge doors when moving it?

If the fridge freezer is too big to fit through doorways or narrow halls, you might need to remove the doors. Check the manual for instructions or get help from a professional. Removing the doors can make moving much easier and safer.

Can I move a fridge freezer by myself?

You can move a fridge freezer by yourself if it is small and you have the right equipment, like a trolley. But for bigger and heavier models, it is much safer to get help from at least one other person. Trying to move it alone can be risky for both you and the appliance.