Can You Lay a Fridge Down to Transport?

Moving to a new house can be stressful, especially if you have to move big appliances. Many homeowners want to know if they can lay a fridge down to move it. This procedure is a big deal because refrigerators have fragile parts inside that can break if they are not handled properly.

You need to know how to move your fridge the right way if you want to do it in a pickup truck, van or trailer. This guide will tell you if you can lay a fridge down to move it, the risks, how to do it safely, and what to do after. This article gives you clear, useful tips on how to keep your appliance safe and avoid costly repairs.

Why the Position of a Refrigerator Matters When Moving

It’s important to know how a refrigerator works before you answer the main question. The compressor, condenser coils, refrigerant lines, and oil in a fridge keep it running smoothly. There is oil in the compressor that keeps the parts inside it moving smoothly.

The oil stays in the compressor when the refrigerator is turned off. If you tilt or lay it flat, though, the oil could move into the cooling lines. When you plug the fridge back in, the contamination can cause problems. The cooling system might not work properly if oil gets into the refrigerant lines. It can sometimes break the compressor for good.

People often ask, “Can you lay a fridge down to move it?” Yes, but only if you take the right safety precautions.

Can You Move a Fridge by Lying It Down?

You can lay a fridge down to move it, but you should only do it when you have to. Moving a refrigerator while it is standing up is the safest way to do it. Refrigerators are made to work and move around while standing up.

But sometimes the height of a vehicle makes it impossible to transport it upright. In that case, you should lay it down carefully. If you have to do this, you should follow professional moving rules to lower the risk.

So, if you’re still not sure, can you put a fridge on its side to move it? It depends on how carefully you do it.

What Happens When You Put a Refrigerator on Its Side?

When you lay a fridge down, the weight of the oil in the compressor pulls it into the refrigerant tubing. If you plug in the refrigerator right away after moving it, the oil may not have gone back to the compressor yet. That can lead to:

• Not good at cooling
• Weird sounds
• The compressor broke down.
• Damage that lasts forever inside

Because of these risks, it’s important to wait the right amount of time after transport. You can lower these risks a lot if you handle it correctly.

What Side Should You Put the Refrigerator On?

If you have to lay the appliance down, make sure you pick the right side. On one side of most refrigerators, there are compressor lines. You should put the fridge on the other side of those lines.

You can see where the compressor tubing goes into the fridge by looking at the back. Put it down so that the tubes are pointing up. That keeps oil from going deeper into the cooling system.

Unless the maker says it’s safe, you should never lay a fridge flat on its back. Putting it on its back can hurt the condenser coils and other parts.

How to put a fridge down safely to move it

If laying the fridge down is your only option, follow these steps.

Unplug the fridge at least 24 hours before you move it. Take out all the food and shelves. To keep mold and odours from growing, make sure the inside is completely clean and dry.

Next, use strong tape or moving straps to hold the doors shut so they don’t open while you’re moving. Use blankets or padding to protect the outside. That stops scratches and dents from happening.

As we discussed earlier, please ensure the fridge is placed correctly in the car. Make sure it is on a soft surface. Use straps to hold it down tightly so it doesn’t move while you drive.

Don’t stop suddenly or make sharp turns; drive slowly. Rough handling makes it more likely that something inside will break.

How long should you wait before plugging it in?

This is one of the most important things to do. You need to stand the fridge up straight before plugging it in after moving it on its side.

It should be upright for the same amount of time as it was on its side. If it is lying down for eight hours, it should stand up for at least eight hours. To be safe, a lot of experts say to wait 12 to 24 hours.

This time, let’s let the oil go back to the compressor. If you skip this step, you could do a lot of damage.

If you’re asking again, can you put a fridge on its side to move it? Keep in mind that the time you spend waiting is just as important as the moving process.

When Is It Okay to Put a Refrigerator on Its Side?

There are times when you have to lay a fridge down. For instance:

• The truck for moving is too short.
• You are moving it in a pickup truck.
• Stairways and doorways make it hard to move up and down.

In these situations, being well-prepared makes things safer. If you have access to a taller truck or professional movers, though, the best way to move the fridge is still upright.

What Could Go Wrong When Moving a Refrigerator?

Bad transport can cause costly repairs. The cost of replacing a compressor can be high. In many cases, the cost of repairs is almost the same as the cost of a new fridge.

Refrigerant leaks, broken shelves, broken doors, and electrical problems are some of the other risks. Even small mistakes made while moving the appliance can shorten its life.

That’s why a lot of people look online for, “Can you lay a fridge down to move?” They want to make sure that moving is safe and doesn’t cost a lot of money.

Moving with professionals vs doing it yourself

Professional movers know how to move heavy appliances safely. They use straps, dollies, and other protective gear. Most professional movers always move refrigerators upright, if possible.

Make sure you have enough help if you decide to move it yourself. If you don’t handle them right, refrigerators can be heavy and hurt you. Always be careful when you lift and use the right tools.

Moving Different Kinds of Refrigerators

There may be different rules for different types of refrigerators. For instance, the designs of side-by-side models, French door refrigerators, and small mini fridges may be different.

Mini fridges are easier to move and lighter. But the rules for oil and compressors are still the same. You still have to let them sit up before you plug them in.

The systems in big smart fridges are more complicated. In these situations, it is very helpful to read the manufacturer’s manual.

How to Keep Your Refrigerator Safe While Moving

Planning lowers the chance of something going wrong. Before moving day, measure the doorways, staircases, and parking spaces. Remove all removable parts and pack them separately.

Whenever you can, keep the fridge upright, and make sure you adhere to all safety precautions if you must lay it down.

Observe the fridge closely for the first 24 hours after moving it. Make sure it cools down the right way and doesn’t make any strange sounds.

Mistakes that people often make

Many people plug in their fridge right after they move, which is a mistake. This is one of the main reasons why compressors break down.

Putting the fridge on the wrong side is another common mistake. If the oil isn’t put in the right place, it may get into sensitive parts of the cooling system.

Additionally, some individuals neglect to ensure the safety of the appliance during its movement. Moving around inside the car can damage the internal components.

Final Decision: Is It Okay to Lay a Fridge Down?

Can a fridge be laid down to move it? Yes, but only if there is no other choice. The safest way to move appliances is to keep them upright.

If you have to put it down, make sure you do it right: put it on the right side, secure it well, and wait long enough before plugging it in.

These steps will keep your appliance safe and make sure it works well in your new home.

Questions and Answers (FAQs)

1. Is it possible to lay a fridge down in a pickup truck?

If the fridge can’t stand up, you can lay it down to move it in a pickup truck. Make sure you put it on the right side and wait long enough before plugging it in.

2. After being laid down, how long should a fridge stay upright?

Let it stand up for at least as long as it was on its side. It is usually best to wait 12 to 24 hours.

3. Will putting a refrigerator on its side break it?

If you don’t do it right, it can hurt. But if you take the right safety precautions and give it enough time to settle, the risk goes down a lot.

4. Is it possible to move a mini fridge on its side?

Yes, but the same rules still apply. Before you turn it on, let it stand up.

5. Should you hire professional movers?

If you’re not sure or the fridge is big and expensive, hiring professionals can help you aavoid problems and stress.

The end

You need to plan and handle a refrigerator carefully when you move it. The answer to the question, “Can you lay a fridge down to move it?” is not a simple yes or no. It is possible, but you should only do it with the right safety measures.

Always try to keep your fridge upright. If you have to lay it down, make sure to follow the advice of professionals, secure the unit properly, and wait before plugging it in. This way, you protect your investment and make sure it works well for a long time.

Moving safely will help you avoid expensive repairs and give you peace of mind in your new home.