How Long After Moving A Refrigerator Can I Turn It On?

Some items can be trickier than others when moving and the refrigerator is one of them. Many people don’t know how to correctly move their refrigerators and end up breaking them. Whether you’re moving your refrigerator into your new home or straight into storage this is the article for you.  Moving a refrigerator can be one of the most challenging tasks when relocating to a new home or putting it into storage. It’s easy to underestimate how tricky it can be, and unfortunately, many people end up damaging their fridges due to improper handling.

How long after moving should you wait to turn a refrigerator on?

If you have moved your refrigerator to the upright position you can turn your refrigerator on right away. However, if you have put your refrigerator on its side (which is something you should never do) then you will have to wait the same amount of time that you have had it on its side before turning it on.

If the refrigerator has been on its side for 30 minutes then you will need to stand the refrigerator up for 30 minutes and then turn it on. If the refrigerator has been on its side for 24 hours then you will need to stand it up for 24 hours before switching it on.

Laying your refrigerator on its side is dangerous and can break it as oil in the refrigerator will move around into the coolant tube which will damage it. Not all moving vans are big enough to move a refrigerator correctly so we can understand why refrigerators are put onto their sides.  This waiting period is crucial because when a fridge is placed on its side, the compressor oil can leak into the coolant lines. If you turn the fridge on too soon, the oil can block the system, potentially causing a breakdown.

Why Is It Dangerous to Lay Your Refrigerator on Its Side?

Moving large appliances like a refrigerator requires more than just basic muscle, it’s about strategy, proper technique, and safety. To ensure your fridge arrives at its destination without issue, it’s important to use the correct method.

If you don’t have the tools or expertise to handle the job, it’s highly recommended to hire professional movers. Moving a refrigerator involves more than simply carrying it from point A to point B. The size and weight of the appliance can make it difficult to maneuver, and improper handling could result in injury or damage to the fridge itself.

Professional movers have the necessary equipment, like specialized dollies and straps, to safely transport your fridge. They also know how to protect your appliance during transit, minimizing the risk of damage. While hiring movers might seem like an added expense, it can save you time, effort, and potential repair costs, making it a wise investment.

How to Prepare Your Refrigerator for the Move

Before moving your refrigerator, it’s important to prepare it properly to avoid problems during transit. Start by emptying the fridge and freezer, removing all food, and wiping down the interior. If needed, defrost the freezer to prevent moisture from freezing and causing damage. Unplug the fridge and let it sit for a few hours to ensure it’s dry inside, which helps avoid water leakage during the move. Remove any shelves and drawers to prevent them from shifting and breaking. Finally, secure the doors with tape or a moving strap to keep them from opening unexpectedly.

The best way to move your fridge

Moving bulky items such as your fridge can be difficult anyway without having to worry about transporting them vertically.

If you don’t have the ability to do this yourself our best advice would be to hire a professional mover to do this for you. Moving bulky items can cause injury and in general, can be difficult to deal with. The price of a moving company can be affordable if you shop around and hiring one can take a lot of stress off you when it comes to moving day.

Why do you need to let your fridge settle?

When the compressor oil leaks into the coolant it will block the system and break it. Firstly you don’t want that to happen but another problem with rushing to turn your fridge on is that you will void the warranty by doing so.

It’s highly unlikely that an insurance company could tell you that a fridge was turned on too soon when moving but an expert would be able to tell very quickly that there is oil in the coolant tubes. This would then void your warranty and would leave you out of pocket requiring a replacement refrigerator.

Moving a fridge DIY

What to Do If Your Refrigerator Isn’t Cooling Properly After Moving

If your refrigerator isn’t cooling properly after moving, start by checking if it’s level. An uneven fridge can cause the doors to not close properly, which affects cooling. If the fridge was moved on its side, make sure it’s had enough time to settle so the compressor oil can return to its proper place. Double-check the temperature settings, as they might have been accidentally changed during the move. If none of these steps fix the issue, contact a technician to inspect the fridge, as internal damage from improper transport could be the cause.