How to Move a Refrigerator Safely in St. George

Moving a refrigerator isn’t just a matter of muscle, it’s a careful process that protects both a high-value appliance and your home. Refrigerators are bulky, heavy, and loaded with delicate parts. Whether you’re swapping kitchens in St. George or coordinating a whole household’s move, following the right steps ensures your fridge arrives safely, ready for years of reliable service. Little Man Moves brings professional expertise to every appliance project, making each move easy, organized, and stress-free.

Why Proper Refrigerator Moving Matters

Refrigerators are major investments. They are fragile in unexpected ways, compressors, coolant lines, and doors can be damaged with a single wrong move. A fridge packed and shipped incorrectly may break down or flooding your new kitchen with leaks, condensation, or worse. That’s why our team always stresses the importance of packing and handling with care.

Step 1: Measure and Plan Your Moving Path

Begin by measuring the fridge’s dimensions, height, width, and depth. Then measure all doorways, hallways, and tight areas on your planned route. Mapping the path in advance ensures your fridge fits through each space. Remove rugs, furniture, and any obstacles. If your St. George home is older or has small doorways, you may need to temporarily remove refrigerator doors or handles.

Step 2: Clean Out the Contents

Empty every shelf and drawer. Pack food items into coolers with ice packs. Clean the interior with a mild cleaner or baking soda, this prevents odors during the move. Remove any loose items, condiments, and trays.

Step 3: Defrost and Dry

Unplug your refrigerator and, depending on the model, defrost the freezer for 24 hours. This avoids water leaks, mold, or sticky residue. Wipe down all surfaces and ensure the fridge is totally dry before moving.

Step 4: Remove and Pack Shelves and Drawers

Carefully take out all removable shelves, drawers, and bins. Wrap each in bubble wrap or packing paper and box them separately for safe transport. This step prevents shattering and allows safer lifting.

Step 5: Disconnect Power and Water Lines

Safely unplug the fridge and disconnect any ice maker or water line. Secure the power cord to the back of the appliance so it stays out of the way. If you’re unsure how to disconnect water lines, consult the owner’s manual or call an expert for safe removal.

Step 6: Protect the Appliance and Home

Wrap the fridge in moving blankets, towels, or bubble wrap to prevent scratches and dings. Secure the doors closed with bungee cords, stretch tape, or rope. Pad corners and edges, especially in tight hallways or where the fridge might bump walls.

Step 7: Slide, Lift, and Use an Appliance Dolly

With strong helpers, never attempt to move a fridge solo, tilt the fridge slightly backward and slide furniture sliders or cardboard underneath each corner. Gently “walk” the fridge forward using controlled, side-to-side motions. Once it’s clear, slide an appliance dolly underneath the fridge’s base. Secure the fridge to the dolly with straps or bungee cords. Tilt back gently and keep the angle below 45 degrees (never flat or lying on its front/back).

Step 8: Move and Load

Rolling the fridge along your carefully planned path, navigate doorways slowly. Use ramps or lift gates if moving to or from a truck. On stairs, one person should be guiding at the top, two at the bottom, maintain balance and communication the entire time. Load upright and ensure it’s braced or supported so it cannot tip during transit.

Step 9: After the Move, Unpack and Settle

Carefully unload your refrigerator at your new St. George destination. Move it into place and remove all wrappings and tape. Reinstall shelves and drawers, but don’t plug in yet.

Crucially, let your fridge settle for at least 8 to 24 hours before plugging in. Moving disturbs internal fluids (oil and refrigerant), and plugging in too soon can cause major breakdowns. Give your fridge time to stabilize before reactivating.

Mistakes to Avoid

Overloading the fridge on a dolly, risking tip-overs
Leaning too far, which damages the compressor
Ignoring defrost, leading to leaks and mold
Forgetting to secure shelves and loose interior items
Not waiting long enough after moving before plugging in

Every refrigerator move with Little Man Moves avoids these common pitfalls by following strict, professional standards.

Special Tips for St. George Homeowners

St. George’s terrain can feature tiled floors, stairs, and outdoor transitions. Protect flooring with cardboard sheets. If moving across heat or desert dust, wrap the fridge carefully and avoid prolonged outdoor exposure. If your refrigerator is part of a long-distance move, make sure it remains upright and properly secured to prevent compressor damage. Always pre-plan moves during cooler hours to avoid heat-related appliance damage.

Why Trust Little Man Moves

As local experts in St. George, Little Man Moves offers full appliance moving services, including packing, lifting, and reinstallation. Our team is licensed, insured, and trained for every major brand and fridge type — including specialty moving services like piano moving. We bring the right gear, friendly crews, and step-by-step guidance from start to finish.

For appliance support, moving help, or specialty packing, call Little Man Moves at (435) 218-7870 or email littlemanmoves@gmail.com. We’re ready to help!

Frequently Asked Questions on Moving a Refrigerator

How long should I wait before plugging in my refrigerator after a move?
It’s best to wait at least 8 to 24 hours before plugging in your refrigerator after moving. This allows fluid and coolant to resettle, preventing damage to the compressor and ensuring safe cooling performance in your new home.

Can I lay my refrigerator on its side during the move?
If you must lay the refrigerator down, always choose its side, not its front or back. Never keep it laid down longer than necessary, and let it stand upright for at least 8 hours before plugging in. Upright transport is always safest.

What equipment is most important for safely moving a refrigerator?
An appliance dolly rated for heavy loads, moving straps, adequate padding, and work gloves are essential. Furniture sliders or plywood sheets protect flooring. It’s also critical to have two or more strong helpers for safety and proper control.

Make your next move in St. George smart and easy by trusting Little Man Moves to handle every detail. Your appliances, big or small, are safe in our hands.

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