Can you lay a fridge down?

• March 15, 2023
• Bill Chen

Last updated on October 30, 2023

Moving to a new home can be a stressful process. One of the biggest challenges is transporting large appliances such as your refrigerator. If you’re wondering whether or not it’s safe to lay a fridge down when moving houses, the answer is yes and no.

While there are benefits and potential risks involved, it is possible to safely lay down a refrigerator for moving.

Bills Removalists Sydney has years of experience safely moving our customer’s furniture and fridges. Read here for more info on this.

Benefits of moving a refrigerator laying down vs moving a refrigerator upright

One of the main benefits of laying down a fridge when moving is that it helps reduce the amount of physical carrying and lifting you have to do. Fridges are big and bulky, so it’s usually easier to roll them on their side than to carry them upright. This can make the moving process much smoother and less strenuous.

Laying down a fridge can also help reduce the chance of damage. The larger surface area of the fridge, when laid down, can help distribute its weight more evenly over the floorboards, which may reduce the risk of cracks and other damage.

In addition, laying down a fridge can help prevent the appliance from shifting during transport. When a fridge is standing upright, it can move around more easily, which can cause it to become unbalanced and potentially cause damage.

Laying it down can help keep it in place and reduce the risk of any accidents.

It is not always safe to transport a fridge on its side; it’s best to refer to the user manual.

How to safely lay a fridge down

It’s important to take the proper safety precautions when laying down a fridge. Before beginning, make sure to empty out the fridge completely and clean it thoroughly to prevent any spills or messes while moving.

Next, use an appropriate moving trolley to help you move the fridge. This will help ensure that it is secure and stable during transport. It’s also important to secure the doors in place to prevent them from swinging open. If possible, use foam padding or bubble wrap to protect the corners and edges of the fridge.

When laying the fridge down, make sure to do so on a flat, even surface. This will help to prevent any damage to the fridge or the floor.

Always have at least two people to help you move the fridge, as it can be quite heavy and difficult to maneuver.

Potential risks of laying a fridge down

The biggest risk of laying down a fridge is that it can cause damage to the unit itself. When a fridge is laid down, its internal components are shifted around and can become misaligned, which can cause permanent damage to the appliance.

It’s also possible that the pressure of being on its side can cause leaks or other problems with the cooling sealed system.

In addition, there’s also a risk of damaging floorboards or doorways while moving the fridge. If you’re using a trolley, be sure to measure doorways beforehand so that you know whether or not they are wide enough for the fridge.

It’s also important to be extra careful when maneuvering around tight corners or narrow stairwells.

When laying down a fridge, it is important to ensure that the unit is properly secured. If the fridge is not properly secured, it can slide around and cause damage.

Also, make sure that the fridge is not placed on an uneven surface, as this can cause the unit to become unbalanced and potentially cause further damage.

Moving a fridge in an upright position

If you’re concerned about the potential risks of laying down a refrigerator for transport, there are other alternatives. One option is for your fridge to remain upright and use an appliance dolly or hand truck to move it instead. This will help ensure that it remains stable and upright during transport.

Another option is to hire professional movers who are experienced in handling large appliances.

They will be able to assess the situation and determine the most appropriate and safe method for transporting your refrigerator.

Can you transport a fridge laying down? In most cases, it is safer to move a fridge upright unless trained professionals are able to assist and have the experience to do so safely.

Tips for moving a refrigerator

When moving a refrigerator, it’s important to take extra precautions to ensure that it remains safe and secure during transport. Here are some tips for making sure your refrigerator arrives safely at its new home:

• Measure doorways and stairwells beforehand to make sure there’s enough clearance for your fridge.
• Use an appropriate trolley or dolly to keep your refrigerator stable during transport.
• Secure any loose parts on your refrigerator with tape.
• Secure the doors in place with packing tape.
• If possible, use foam padding or bubble wrap around any sharp edges or corners.

Preparing your refrigerator for moving

Before moving your refrigerator, it’s important to take some steps in order to prepare it for transport. Make sure you have cleaned and emptied out the fridge as per the above steps.

Next, it’s important to unplug the refrigerator several hours before moving it, as this gives time for its internal components to cool down.

Considerations when choosing a moving company

If you’re considering hiring professional movers to handle your refrigerator, it’s important to choose a company that has experience in moving fragile appliances such as refrigerators  At Bills Removalists Sydney we have the experience you need to safely have your fridge moved.

Be sure to visit our website to get your quotation ahead of time, and feel free to read our reviews before making a decision.

Common mistakes to avoid when moving a refrigerator

When moving a refrigerator, it’s important to be aware of some common mistakes that can cause damage or injury. Here are some tips for avoiding these common mistakes:

• Do not lift your refrigerator by yourself – make sure you have help from at least one other person.
• Do not try to move your refrigerator through narrow doorways – measure before moving.
• Do not rely solely on straps or ropes – make sure your appliance is securely placed on an appropriate trolley or dolly.
• Do not underestimate the weight of your refrigerator – make sure you use proper lifting techniques.
• Do not attempt to move your refrigerator up or down stairs without professional help.
• Secure fridge glass shelves and remove the ice storage bucket before moving.
• Secure refrigerator doors to prevent them from opening during the move.

Moving a refrigerator can be a daunting task, but following these tips will help ensure that your appliance arrives safely at its new home. If you have any doubts about how best to move your refrigerator, it’s always best to hire professional movers.

FAQ

Have some more questions about moving fridges? Our helpful FAQ section can answer them:

Can I damage my fridge by moving it on its side?

You can damage your fridge by moving it on its side. If the fridge is not properly secured, the oil and coolant inside the cooling system can leak out, damaging the cooling system and the refrigerator. Additionally, the weight of the fridge can cause damage to the seals and gaskets, which can lead to refrigerant leaks and cooling system malfunctions.

How long can a fridge be lying down?

A fridge should not be left lying on its side for more than a day. It is recommended to stand the fridge upright and let it rest for 24 hours before plugging it in and using it.

What happens if you lay a refrigerator on its side?

It is not generally recommended to lay a refrigerator on its side as it can cause the compressor sump, coolant lines and other components to malfunction. Laying a refrigerator on its side can also cause the coolant to leak out, which can damage the refrigerator and create a potential safety hazard.