--- title: How to Move a Refrigerator: Defrost, Clean, Secure url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-refrigerator/ business: O'Brien's Moving & Storage address: 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 phone: 775-359-6683 (toll-free 1-800-253-7814) hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm licenses: U.S. DOT No. 30611, MC-109375, Nevada CPCN 1070; interstate agent for Bekins Van Lines since 1955 type: Moving and storage company, family owned since 1941 --- - [Home](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/) - [Moving resources: guides, checklists, tools and data](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/resources/) - [Moving guides](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/) - How to move a refrigerator # How to move a refrigerator A refrigerator is emptied, defrosted and dried a day or two before the move, its doors and shelves are secured, and it travels upright on an appliance dolly. After delivery, let it stand before plugging it in. or call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 [U.S. DOT No. 30611](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/about/licenses-and-authority/) Refrigerators weigh a lot, hide water in odd places and hold the contents of a week of groceries. The preparation is simple, and it protects the floors, the compressor and the food. The work starts at least a day before the truck arrives. ## Empty and defrost Eat down or donate food in the days before the move; [what to do with food and the pantry](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-a-pantry/) explains how. Unplug the refrigerator at least a day ahead, and open the doors so the ice melts. Place towels on the floor and a shallow pan under the freezer. An ice maker line should be shut off at the wall and the water line disconnected. - Empty the refrigerator and freezer. - Unplug it and leave the doors open to defrost. - Shut off and disconnect the water line to the ice maker. - Wipe the interior and leave it to dry with the doors open. - Tape or remove shelves, bins and drawers, and tape the doors shut. ## Clean and dry the inside Wipe the inside with a mild solution of baking soda and water to keep odors from growing in a closed box. Leave the doors propped open for a few hours until the inside is dry. A dry interior stops mold, which grows fast in a sealed fridge. A box of baking soda or coffee grounds helps in the days before delivery. ## Secure the doors, shelves and cord Remove glass shelves, wrap them in paper and pack them in a carton. Secure loose bins with tape, and wrap the power cord around the back of the unit. Use strips of masking tape or a strap around the unit to hold the doors closed. Avoid tape that leaves residue on stainless steel; a moving strap works. ## Keep it upright and measure the path A refrigerator travels upright on an appliance dolly with a strap. If it must tip, the compressor oil can move, so most manufacturers advise leaving the unit standing for several hours before plugging it in. Check the doorways and the turns against the width of the unit. Doors can be removed from some refrigerators to fit a tight frame. ## At the new home Place the unit, level it with the feet and wait before plugging in; check the owner's manual for the time. Reconnect the water line, and allow a day for the fridge to reach temperature before restocking. See [household appliance moving](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/specialty-moving/appliances/) and [how to move a washer and dryer](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-washer-and-dryer/). ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [FoodSafety.gov, Cold Food Storage Chart](https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/cold-food-storage-charts) - [FMCSA, Protect Your Move](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move) ### Free in-home estimate - An O'Brien's estimator walks through your home - A written, itemized estimate - 10 free heavy-duty boxes, yours to keep [How our estimates work](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/how-our-estimates-work/) ### Visit or call the office 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) | Monday to Friday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm | | --- | --- | | Saturday and Sunday | Closed | [Get my free estimate](#estimate) ### Related - [Household appliance moving](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/specialty-moving/appliances/) - [How to move a washer and dryer](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-washer-and-dryer/) - [What to do with food and the pantry](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-a-pantry/) Moving guides ## Read next - [How to move a washer and dryer](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-washer-and-dryer/) - [How to move a grandfather clock](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-grandfather-clock/) - [How to move a chandelier](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-chandelier/) - [Moving antiques safely](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-antiques/) - [How gun safes are moved (and what to ask)](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-gun-safe/) - [Shipping a car when you move](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/shipping-a-car-when-you-move/) - [Moving a wine collection](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-wine/) - [Moving with plants (and state plant rules)](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-plants/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683), Mon-Fri 8-5, or see the [moving FAQ](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/). ### How long should a refrigerator sit before I plug it in? Many manufacturers suggest waiting several hours after moving, particularly when it was tipped. Check the manual for your model. ### Do I need to defrost the freezer? Yes. Meltwater can leak in transit and damage the floor. Unplug the unit a day ahead. ### Can movers disconnect the ice maker line? Ask at your estimate. The water line is best shut off and disconnected before moving day, often by a plumber. ## 4.3 stars from 71 Google reviews What customers say about O'Brien's [Read more reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/)[See them on Google](https://maps.google.com/maps?cid=17335326057105140938) M Michelle C. August 28, 2024 Extremely happy with the moving experience. The moving team showed up on time, friendly and polite. They did a wonderful job moving our boxes and furniture to the new location. We moved a three bedroom home and I could not be more pleased with the employees who assisted with the move. Highly recommend O'Brien moving for your move. ### Owner's reply Michelle, thank you so much for taking the time to write this review. We are so happy to hear about the move experience you had with our company and glad to know we met your expectations! It means a lot to us to know that. Thank you for choosing us as your moving partner. S Sonia P. August 4, 2023 Talk about organized people. I peeked in the truck about an hour into the job and was amazed at how well organized it was and how many of my things had protective coverings. Our bed is a mechanical one and a nightmare to us, but these guys had no issue with it at all. Although I have no desire to ever move again--but if I did, I would be calling these guys for sure!!! J Jennifer C. August 3, 2023 Customer service, packers, and loaders were very responsive, professional, and did an overall great job. ## Get your free, in-home moving estimate An estimator visits, walks through everything and gives you a written, itemized estimate. Rather talk? [Call 775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Our estimators: Sean, Luke, Christa and Janet. 2277 Glendale Ave Sparks, NV 89431 [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 U.S. DOT No. 30611 · MC-109375 · Nevada CPCN 1070