Moving the refrigerator is a task that seems simple only at first glance. When we are talking about a massive unit weighing 50–120 kgpressed against the wall, even a slight displacement can result in scratches on the floor, damage to the compressor or a back injury. It is especially difficult to cope alone: without an assistant, the refrigerator can “move” to the side, get caught on the baseboard or become skewed on the legs.
In this article - unique techniques for moving a refrigerator alonethat you will not find in standard instructions. We will look at how to prepare the space, what available tools to use instead of a cart, and why some models (for example, Samsung RB37J5230 with a system No Frost) require special care when moving. And also - a table of the weight of popular refrigerators and a checklist for checking safety before starting work.
1. Why can’t you just pull the refrigerator by the handle?
The main mistake is trying to move the unit “right off the bat” by grabbing the door or the top edge. This is fraught with:
- 🔧 Damage to the hinges — if you pull on an open door, the fasteners may become deformed (especially in models with a French door, for example, LG GC-B247JLV).
- 🧲 Displacement of the magnetic seal —a sudden movement breaks the tightness, which later leads to icing of the walls.
- ⚡ Breakage of the wire —in refrigerators with a display (for example, Bosch KAN92VI30R), the power cable often comes without a length reserve.
In addition, the compressor - the heaviest part of the refrigerator - is located at the bottom rear part. If you pull the unit by the top, it can tip back, damaging condenser grille or the refrigerant tubes. Minimum safe effort to move the refrigerator - 20–30 kgf, but it must be distributed evenly over the lower part of the case.
2. Preparation: what to do before moving the refrigerator
First step - free up space around the refrigerator. Remove all objects within a radius of 1.5 m: chairs, laundry baskets, floor scales. If there is a rug on the floor, roll it up - it can cling to the legs. take the following:
- 🔌 Socket —turn off the refrigerator 2-3 hours before moving so that the compressor cools down. For models with
inverter motor(for example, Hitachi R-BG410PUC6) 30 minutes is enough. - 🧊 Products — remove all heavy cans and bottles from the door (they will shift the center of gravity) leave only the trays on the shelves.
- 📏 Gap —measure the distance from the wall to the back. walls of the refrigerator. If it is less than 5 cm, you will need levers (more on this in section 4).
Carry out visual inspection:
- Check whether the legs plinth are blocking or cable channel.
- Make sure that adjusting screws on the front legs are not unscrewed all the way (this will increase the backlash).
- If the refrigerator is standing on wheels (like Liebherr ICP 3314), lock them before moving.
☑️ Preparation for moving
3. Tools and available means: what to use instead of a cart
The ideal option is furniture trolley with belts, but if you don’t have one, suitable:
| Handy tool | For which refrigerators it is suitable | How to use |
|---|---|---|
| Thick cardboard (from boxes) | Light models up to 60 kg (Birusa 101, Pozytyv KShD-120) | Put under the front legs, slide along the cardboard |
| Plastic covers (from cans) | Refrigerators on a flat laminate/tile | Put them face down under the legs, slide like on a sled |
| Belts or ropes (length 2–3 m) | All models except Side-by-Side |
Tie the body crosswise, pull the loop |
| Wooden blocks (50×50 mm) | Heavy refrigerators (>80 kg) | Place under the back, use as a lever |
For models with No Frost system (for example, Samsung RB-30 J3200) blowing fan is prohibited use sliding materials (ice, wet cloth) - this can damage blower fan. Belts or a trolley are best suited.
4. Displacement technique: 3 methods for different situations
The choice of method depends on the weight of the refrigerator and distance to walls:
Method 1: “Lever” (for a gap < 5 cm)
You will need a strong stick (handle from a shovel) or mount:
1. Place a wooden block under the front leg 2. Insert the lever between the wall and the back wall of the refrigerator (at the level). compressor). height of 3-4 cm
2. Insert the lever between the wall and the back of the refrigerator (at the level of the compressor).
3. Gently press the lever, lifting the back.
4. As soon as a gap appears, place it under the legs cardboard or lids and move the refrigerator.
What to do if the lever has slipped?
If the lever has slipped, do not try to repeat the movement right away - let the refrigerator stabilize (wait 1-2 minutes). Then check if it has deformed. rear grille (for models Indesit BIAA 13 it is plastic and fragile).
Method 2: “Sliding” (for flat floors)
Suitable for refrigerators on wheels or with smooth legs:
1. Place under the front legs plastic covers (2-3 pieces for each).
2. Tilt the refrigerator toward you (angle no more than 15°) so that the rear legs come off the floor.
3. Smoothly pull the upper corners of the body without jerking.
4. As soon as the refrigerator moves 10–15 cm, place the covers under the rear legs and repeat.
Method 3: “Tie” (for heavy models > 80 kg)
Use belts or ropes:
1. Tie the body of the refrigerator crosswise (as shown in the diagram below), fixing the knot on the front wall.
2. Pull the loop at an angle of 45° up - this will distribute the load evenly.
3. Place cardboard or towelunder the legs to reduce friction.
4. Move the refrigerator with short movements (5–7 cm), constantly checking stability.
5. Features for different types of refrigerators
The design of the refrigerator dictates the nuances of movement:
- 🧊 No Frost: Do not tilt more than 15° - it may be damaged
fanorevaporator. Example model: Beko GNE 114620 X. - ❄️ Drip: You can tilt up to 30°, but after moving you need to let it stand for 2-3 hours before turning it on (to
oil in the compressorglass down). - 🚪 Side-by-Side: Require two points of support (pull only by the side walls). Example: Samsung RS68A8840S9.
- 🔄 With
inverter compressor: After moving, you cannot turn it on immediately - wait 1 hour (for models LG GA-B489YGQZ, Haier C2F636CWM).
For refrigerators with display on the door (for example, Samsung Family Hub) before moving, turn off touch panel (if there is such an option in the menu). This will prevent accidental pressing of buttons during movement.
6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced craftsmen make mistakes when moving refrigerators. Here are top 5 mistakes and their consequences:
- Distortion of the body → deformation hinges or cracks in
polyurethane foam insulation. - Sharp lowering after tilting → damage
door shock absorbers. - Ignoring wheel locking → the refrigerator will "move" to the side (relevant for Electrolux ENN 2853).
- Moving with full shelves → shifting the center of gravity and tipping over.
- Starting up immediately after moving → failure of the compressor (especially in old models ZIL and Minsk).
To avoid mistakes, follow the rule of "three checks":
⚠️ Attention: After moving the refrigerator, be sure to check:1. Level (use bubble level or application on a smartphone).
2. Tightness of the seal (place a sheet of paper between the door and the body - if it falls out, adjustment is needed).
3. Compressor noise (extraneous sounds in the first 10 minutes of operation - a sign damage).
7. After moving: what to do in the first hours
Even if the refrigerator has stood up straight, do not turn it on immediately.Wait:
- 🕒 1 hour — for models with
inverter compressor. - 🕒 2–3 hours —for conventional compressors (for example, Atlant MXM 1705-80).
- 🕒 4–6 hours — if the refrigerator was transported lying down (time is required for the oil to drain).
After switching on:
- Check temperature in the chambers after 2 hours (should be +4...+6°C in the refrigerator and −18°C in the freezer).
- Inspect rear wall for refrigerant leaks (sign - oily spots).
- If the refrigerator hums louder than usualunplug it and check if the compressor is touching the wall.
If you moved the refrigerator for cleaning the condenser, do not forget: dust on the grill increases energy consumption by 15-20%. Clean it with a vacuum cleaner with a narrow nozzle (not with a metal brush!).
FAQ: Answers for frequently asked questions
Is it possible to move the refrigerator without disconnecting it from the power supply?
Technically it is possible, but risky: if the tilt is more than 15°, oil from the compressor can get into refrigerant circuit, which will lead to jamming of the motor. In addition, for models with a display (for example Samsung RF23A9671SG), the firmware may fail during sudden movement. Always turn off the power 2-3 hours before moving.
How to move the refrigerator Side-by-Side by one?
For such models (for example, LG GC-B247SLUV) use two levers:
1. Place wooden blocks under the front legs wooden blocks.
2. Insert the levers (mounts) with both sides (on level of the middle of the body).
3. Press the levers one by one, lifting the refrigerator by 1-2 cm.
4. Place it under the legs plastic covers and move the unit.
Important: do not apply force to the doors - they may become deformed.
What to do if the refrigerator does not turn on after moving?
The reasons may be different:
- The compressor protection has tripped (wait 10-15 minutes and try again).
- The power cord is damaged (check for kinks).
- The starting relay has moved do not disassemble it yourself (knock on the compressor body with a wooden stick - sometimes this helps).
If the refrigerator still does not turn on, don't disassemble it yourself - call a technician (especially for models with
electronic control, for example, Bosch KGE39AW2AR).
How often should you move the refrigerator to cleaning?
Recommended frequency:
- once every 6 months — for cleaning the condenser and checking the seal.
- once every 3 months — if there are animals in the house (wool clogs the grille).
- Immediately after moving - to make sure there are no transport bolts (they block the compressor!).
Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment i wet microfiber for the back wall. Do not use abrasive detergents - they will damage
anti-corrosion coating.
Is it possible to move the refrigerator on laminate?
It is possible, but with caution:
- Place a a soft rug or felt (thickness of at least 5 mm) under the legs.
- Do not use plastic covers - they can scratch the coating.
- For heavy models (>80 kg) it is better to invite an assistant or use furniture sliders (for example, IKEA TJUSIG).
If there are dents on the laminate, treat them with a wax pencil for wood.