
How to Get a Refrigerator Upstairs
- Take Your Measurements. Measure the refrigerator's width, depth and height. ...
- Follow Proper Safety Precautions. Wear gloves, long sleeves, pants and boots to protect your hands, feet and skin when moving appliances.
- Use an Appliance Dolly. ...
- Secure the Refrigerator. ...
- Balance the Refrigerator. ...
- Pull the Refrigerator Up the Stairs. ...
What do you need to move a refrigerator upstairs?
An appliance dolly is essential to moving a refrigerator upstairs. Related Articles. Moving is never an easy job, especially if you're moving upstairs and the boxes, the furniture and the appliances must all be moved up one or two flights of stairs. In addition, items such as the refrigerator require at least two people to move up the stairs.
How do you lift a heavy refrigerator up stairs?
Back the dolly up the stairs, one step at a time. On the count of three, pull up on the dolly while your helper on the lower step lifts the bottom edge of the refrigerator. Stop, balance the refrigerator and repeat the process at each step.
How do you move a refrigerator without damaging it?
Rather than risk hurting yourself and damaging your refrigerator, rent an appliance dolly for the day. Appliance dollies are made for this task, with small wheels, straps and a wide base to securely hold the refrigerator in place. Measure the refrigerator's width, depth and height. Go to the new location and measure the space or alcove.
How do you move a refrigerator on a dolly?
Unwind the nylon strap from around the appliance dolly, and hold the strap in one hand. Move the dolly directly up to the side of the refrigerator. Push up on the top edge of the refrigerator to tilt its bottom away from the dolly. Slide the bottom of the dolly forward, underneath the raised refrigerator.

Can one person move a refrigerator up stairs?
Moving a refrigerator upstairs should be done by two people who can handle the large, awkward load. Instead of laying the appliance on its side when you move it, keep it upright to prevent oil from leaking out of the compressor, into the cooling lines.
How can I move my fridge up stairs without a dolly?
Walk the fridge forward: The simplest way to move the fridge away from the wall is to simply grasp it on both sides and gently rock it from side to side, scooting it forward in a step-by-step manner.
Can an appliance dolly go up stairs?
The Appliance Dolly is the easiest choice when moving refrigerators, washers, stoves and other heavy appliances because it has straps to secure your appliance and rub rails to protect the finish. It also makes it easier to take the appliance up and down the stairs.
What is the easiest way to move a fridge?
Follow These Steps to Move a Fridge SafelyClean out and defrost the unit. ... Disconnect fridge according to the user manual. ... Measure fridge and doorways then create a moving plan. ... Remove obstacles like doors as necessary. ... Slide fridge out and strap onto the dolly. ... Tilt fridge back and move with care (slowly).More items...•
How do you get appliances down stairs?
2:293:52How To Use A Dolly Down Stairs-Tutorial - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou are bring the wheel of the dolly to the stair. Okay you're bringing this is where the wheel isMoreYou are bring the wheel of the dolly to the stair. Okay you're bringing this is where the wheel is touching touching the floor. So you're bringing it over the edge.
How much weight is a fridge?
How much does a refrigerator weigh? Full-size residential refrigerators weigh between 100 and 400 pounds, with an average weight of 250 pounds.
How do you lift heavy appliances up stairs?
You can use a hand truck, 4-wheel dolly or appliance dolly. If you're moving heavy furniture upstairs or down, a hand truck will be your best bet. No matter which you use, you want to make sure the item is balanced on the dolly and strapped in using any lifting straps or tie down straps.
Do stair climbing dollies work?
0:041:12Stair Climbing Dolly - Heavy Duty Hand Truck - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's rated for 200 pounds and they handle adjust to four different heights. You have three wheels onMoreIt's rated for 200 pounds and they handle adjust to four different heights. You have three wheels on each side and this will allow you to lift heavy items up and down stairs with great control.
Can uhaul dolly go up stairs?
Appliance dollies are also great to rent when moving with stairs; they are easy to roll up and down stairs.
Why do you have to wait 24 hours to plug in a fridge?
The short answer is to keep your fridge or freezer in proper working order. This is due to an oil which is present in the compressor on your appliance, an oil which, if leaked into the refrigeration system during movement, can cause a blockage once the appliance is turned back on.
How long should you wait before turning on a fridge after moving?
Once your fridge has been safely moved into the kitchen of your new home, it needs some time to settle before you can start using it. You should let it stand unplugged, in an upright position, for at least 4 hours to allow its compressor oil to settle. You can plug your appliance in once 4 hours have passed.
Does it ruin a refrigerator to lay it down?
If you do lay your fridge down to move it, you can lay it on its front or side, but it's not recommended that you lay it on its back – the weight of the fridge's body on its working parts could damage them, even if they're not exposed.
How do you move without a dolly?
Yes, You Can Move Without Movers. Here's How.Moving Boxes. A sturdy box is an obvious must-have for moving, but the way you pack the box can also impact how secure your items are inside. ... Packing Paper. Unprinted Newsprint Bulk sold by/LB. ... Moving Pads and Blankets. ... Mattress Bag. ... Shrink Wrap. ... Dollies and Hand Trucks.
Do you need a dolly to move a fridge?
Step 6: Do NOT tilt the loaded and strapped fridge at an angle greater than 45 degrees or you'll risk losing the right balance. An appliance dolly is a must when moving and loading a refrigerator in a moving truck.
How do you move a refrigerator not on wheels?
0:512:49How to safely move your Samsung refrigerator | Samsung US - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWork great even leftover linoleum works tilt the fridge slightly away from you just high enough toMoreWork great even leftover linoleum works tilt the fridge slightly away from you just high enough to slide the floor protector underneath.
How do you move a heavy fridge without scratching the floor?
0:202:12How to Move Heavy Appliances without Scratching Floor - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe glides interlock together. So you can make a long track to move the appliance along the tracksMoreThe glides interlock together. So you can make a long track to move the appliance along the tracks are only about 1/8 of an inch thick. So it's easy to tilt the appliance.
How to transport a refrigerator?
Step 1. Remove all the food from the refrigerator interior . Apply tape on the inside of the refrigerator to secure loose items such as drawers, ice pans and shelves. Unplug the refrigerator, and hang or tape the cord up on the back of the appliance, to avoid tripping while you transport it.
How to get a refrigerator up?
Walk backwards, pulling the dolly towards the stairs, as the assistant pushes the refrigerator from the opposite side. Watch out for any obstacles or items on the floor, between you and the stairs. Stop and lift the dolly up onto the first step, as your helper pushes the refrigerator up.
How to put a dolly on a refrigerator?
Wrap the dolly's strap around the refrigerator, about halfway up the appliance. Secure the strap. Often, you loop the end of the strap over one of the strap rings, and through the second ring. Pull the strap tight, but not so tight that it pulls the refrigerator doors out of alignment.
Why do you keep an appliance dolly upright?
Instead of laying the appliance on its side when you move it, keep it upright to prevent oil from leaking out of the compressor, into the cooling lines. If you do not already have an appliance dolly, you can rent one from a local moving or storage company.
How to move a refrigerator on a dolly?
On the count of three, pull up on the dolly while your helper on the lower step lifts the bottom edge of the refrigerator. Stop, balance the refrigerator and repeat the process at each step. Rest at any landings before continuing up the stairs. Don't drop or bounce the refrigerator any more than necessary in moving it.
How to keep refrigerator door in place?
Slide an appliance dolly under the side of the refrigerator, according to the manufacturer's instructions. If possible, place the dolly on the opposite side of the door hinges. This helps keep the doors in place as you tip the dolly back.
How long does it take for a refrigerator to cool down before plugging in?
Unstrap and remove the dolly and push the refrigerator into its alcove. Allow the refrigerator to rest for 24 hours before plugging it in. This allows the coolant to settle back into the compressor, preventing compressor failure.
How to secure a refrigerator?
Secure the Refrigerator. Wrap the appliance dolly straps around the refrigerator and tighten them until the refrigerator is securely attached to the dolly, instructs Home Depot. If possible, place the straps under the refrigerator's handles to avoid bending or damaging the doors and handles.
How to keep refrigerator from bending?
Wrap the appliance dolly straps around the refrigerator and tighten them until the refrigerator is securely attached to the dolly, instructs Home Depot. If possible, place the straps under the refrigerator's handles to avoid bending or damaging the doors and handles. Don't over-tighten the straps; it could bend or warp the door and frame.
How to get a refrigerator to work?
Back the dolly up the stairs, one step at a time. On the count of three, pull up on the dolly while your helper on the lower step lifts the bottom edge of the refrigerator. Stop, balance the refrigerator and repeat the process at each step. Rest at any landings before continuing up the stairs.
How many people do you need to move up stairs?
In addition, items such as the refrigerator require at least two people to move up the stairs.
How to get a refrigerator to stand upright?
Have your appliance dolly and your helper with you, and carefully slide the unit out so you can get around it on all sides. Slide the dolly under the refrigerator from the side, being sure not to snag it on any part of the moving blanket. Then slowly maneuver it up onto the base of the dolly until it’s standing upright.
How to get a refrigerator off a truck?
This part should actually be pretty easy. Using a ramp, guide your refrigerator—dolly and all—either up into the moving truck or down off the truck as needed. Don’t try to lift the fridge on or off the truck, since even a small slip up can result in you dropping it.
How to pack a refrigerator with power cords?
To pack it correctly, start by carefully coiling any power cords and/or lines and securing them close to the fridge with packing tape. If you don’t want to put tape directly on the cords themselves, wrap them in a layer of plastic wrap first and then apply the tape.
How long to wait to reconnect a refrigerator?
Once you’ve unloaded your refrigerator into your new home the hard part is over! Now you’ll just want to be sure to set it back up properly. Look in your owner’s manual to see if there are any guidelines around how long you have to wait to reconnect the fridge, as you may have to hold off for a few hours, especially if you transported the fridge on its side. Look up as well how long you have to wait between reconnecting your fridge and storing food in it—usually there’s about a one to three day lag before it’s able to safely store perishable food products.
How to get rid of odors in refrigerator?
If there are any unruly odors, clean surfaces with baking soda and vinegar, which should help remove them. Finally, defrost the fridge. Look in your owner’s manual for exact directions on how to do this. If you don’t have the manual on hand, you should be able to find it online. Generally, defrosting a refrigerator requires ...
Can you keep a refrigerator on a dolly?
If you can, keep the fridge on the dolly for the entirety of transport. Just double check first to ensure that the moving straps securing the refrigerator to the dolly are still in place and that they’re nice and tight.
Can you unplug a refrigerator?
Unlike many other appliances, you can’t just unplug your fridge and go. Refrigerators need to adequately defrost first, otherwise you’re going to end up with a slippery disaster. Likewise, you’ll want to make sure that it’s completely cleaned out—both of food and of and any food-related messes—since once the power is off there’s a potential for things to start rotting.
How to move a refrigerator down stairs?
To move the refrigerator down a flight of stairs, move it down one step at a time, your assistant easing it down onto each successive step. It would be ideal to have two people in front of the dolly and another at the back, holding the handles and letting it down slowly. Communicate loudly and don't go too fast.
What equipment do you need to move a refrigerator?
Use a moving dolly . One of the best pieces of equipment to use would be a refrigerator dolly , which can handle the weight of the refrigerator, and provide ease during moving, especially if the refrigerator needs to be transported downstairs. [7]
How to keep refrigerator upright?
If it is unavoidable to lay the refrigerator on its side, make sure to do it at an upright angle if possible. Place a box or a big piece of furniture under the top of the fridge to help keep it relatively upright .
How long does it take to defrost a refrigerator before moving?
If a considerable amount of frost has built up in the freezer, you'll need to defrost it before going forward with the move. This would normally take 6 to 8 hours to complete, so make sure you have ample time before the move. It is best to do this the night before the move so there would be enough time to defrost overnight, and you can wipe the inside of the refrigerator in the morning.
How to prevent scratches on refrigerator?
Slide the dolly in under either of the sides to prevent damage from scratches or dents in the front. It is highly advisable to place a towel or blanket between the dolly upright rails and side of the refrigerator to help reduce the chance of scratching finished surfaces.
How to get rid of a refrigerator?
If you are getting rid of the refrigerator, you should just unplug and move it out of your home. It will defrost itself.
Why shouldn't you lay down a refrigerator?
Staff Answer. You shouldn’t lay down a refrigerator because it causes the fluids to get mixed up, when the compressor oil flows into the cooling tubes. If this is not corrected, the refrigerator won’t cool properly.
Measure the Refrigerator and Make a Plan
Before moving a refrigerator, consider the size of your refrigerator to make sure you’ll be able to remove it from the kitchen, out of the home and into the new house.
Empty and Unplug the Refrigerator
Make sure you leave several days before your move to empty and clean the refrigerator. It will be essential for the refrigerator to be dry, clean and at room temperature before the actual move.
Protect Your Floors
Knowing how to move a fridge without scratching the floor will help make your move go more smoothly.
Prepare the Refrigerator for Moving
When the refrigerator is away from walls, prepare the unit for moving.
Plan for Transporting the Refrigerator
Some DIY movers ask, can you lay a refrigerator on its back? The answer is no. A refrigerator should never be transported on its back; the weight of the fridge can damage internal parts, and the internal fluids such as the oil inside the motor; or the refrigerant may shift and settle in undesirable places in the machine’s system.
Move the Refrigerator
With the helper’s assistance, tilt the refrigerator back and ensure that the unit is evenly balanced on the dolly.
