Due to the supply-chain issues and less supply of workforce, the cost of odd jobs has gone through the roof. If you hire professional movers, they will charge you hundreds of dollars just to transport a refrigerator over a very short distance. It is far more feasible if you transport the refrigerator yourself. And the first question that comes to mind is, can you transport a refrigerator laying down? The simple answer is yes, however, there are few things that you will need to comprehend first.
In this article, we have explained everything you need to know regarding transporting a refrigerator.
How to Transport a Refrigerator Laying Down?
Yes, you can transport a refrigerator laying down. However, just make sure that you aren’t laying it on its back. Laying it on its sides or front will be the best approach.
First, let’s talk about what kind of refrigerator you have. If it’s a compact model, you can lay it down on its side and it will fit in your vehicle just fine. If your fridge is a side-by-side model, you might have to lay it on its front.
Following are a few tricks that will help you in transporting your refrigerator.
Empty the refrigerator and strap it to the vehicle:
Yes, you can transport a refrigerator laying down as long as you take proper precautions to ensure that you don’t damage the appliance or yourself. Laying a refrigerator down on its side during transport helps to distribute the weight evenly and prevents it from tipping over. Additionally, be sure to secure the fridge with straps or rope to keep it in place during transport. And finally, make sure the fridge is empty before trying to move it, lighter appliances are always easier to handle!
This is the best way to transport a refrigerator if you need to move it a long distance. Make sure the straps are tight so the fridge doesn’t shift during transport. Laying the fridge on its side will also help prevent any damage to the door seal. This can only be done if you have a large van or truck, otherwise, you will need to take it apart and put it in two or three separate containers.
Loading the refrigerator:
Loading the fridge to the truck will be the most energy-consuming task. So, be prepared! It is never a bad idea to get an extra pair of hands to support you. You can ask your friend to lend you a hand, especially if you have a heavy fridge. Lighting a 300-pound fridge a couple of meters up the ground isn’t a one-man’s job.
Pulling the fridge out of your house is going to be a tiresome job in itself, especially if you have stairs. We will recommend you get a dolly and strap your fridge on it. It will be the easier way, or the only way if you have to move the fridge downstairs. Most dollies have tires, you will only need the help of someone else only when there is some lifting involved.
Once you have your fridge in front of the loading vehicle, you should be mentally prepared for a few minutes of excruciating physical stress. However, if you have a forklift, loading your refrigerator in the vehicle will be a walk in the park.
The best way to do so is to ensure that you have someone who knows how to use a forklift and knows what they’re doing. If you’re unsure of your ability to load the fridge, then it’s best not to try it yourself. You want to make sure that your fridge is secure and stable before moving it.
You should also be careful not to drop your fridge because it could damage the unit or cause it to malfunction while in transit.
Placing your fridge in the vehicle:
There are several options for vehicles when you are moving a refrigerator, but the most common method involves using a truck or trailer. One person can load the fridge in the vehicle if they have a dolly, although two people will be better.
The weight of the refrigerator should be evenly distributed across all four wheels of the trailer so that it does not tip over when being transported. Another option for safely moving a refrigerator by yourself is using a dolly or rolling cart with casters.
If you want to add another layer of safety, put the fridge in a large box or corrugated cardboard box with at least three inches of padding on all sides (including the bottom). This will make sure that it doesn’t damage itself or its contents during transit.
Once you’ve got your refrigerator safely packed up and ready to go, make sure that your vehicle has plenty of space underneath for air circulation. You don’t want any parts getting too hot or smushed together because that’s when things start breaking down!
Use a blanket or a sheet:
Drape a blanket or sheet over it to protect it from scratches and other damage. Be careful not to hit any bumps while transporting it, as this could jar the fridge and cause damage. However, with blankets and sheets, your fridge will be able to survive a few bumps without getting scrapped.
However, the best course of action will still be to put your fridge in a cardboard box.
Drive carefully:
You must drive slowly and carefully to your destination. Make sure that the route you choose doesn’t have too many bumps or jerks. Other than being heavy, fridges are usually delicate too. Sometimes, with the smallest of jerks, coolant can start leaking which is extremely deadly for your fridges.
If you’re looking to move your refrigerator, there are a few things you should know first.
First off, you should never transport a refrigerator standing upright without support. This is because if you do, and it falls over, the result could be disastrous. The appliance could become damaged or need to be replaced. Both of these outcomes could make moving your fridge a huge hassle that will take up more of your time and money than it should.
Another thing to keep in mind when moving a refrigerator is to make sure that it’s not overfilled with food or other items that could leak out and stain the floor of your vehicle. If this happens, there’s no way for anyone on board (including yourself) to clean it up without causing additional damage to what was already there. That’s why defrosting your fridge is a pretty good idea. You don’t want your ice to melt midway and make a huge mess that will pile additional work. Moving the refrigerator is already enough of a hassle.
Also, don’t turn on the fridge the moment you unload it from your vehicle. Keep in mind that the oil from the compressor can easily leak into your refrigerant’s tube in some cases if the appliance is kept laying down for some time. That’s why, we recommend that you should let your appliances stay upright for at least 6 to 7 hours so the liquids could flow back. If you plug the power back on when there is still some liquid in the tube, you risk permanently damaging your refrigerator.
Some Additional Tips:
As long as you secure the fridge properly, there’s no harm in transporting it lying down. It’s actually preferable to keep the fridge level during transport so that the coolant doesn’t leak out. You also want to avoid jostling the fridge too much, since that can cause damage to the compressor. All in all, it’s really not a big deal if you have to transport your fridge lying down, just make sure you do it carefully!
The following tips will help you immensely when transporting your refrigerator.
Be sure the refrigerator is properly supported and that its weight is evenly distributed throughout the entire load area. The load area should be at least as wide as the depth of the refrigerator, including any drawers or shelves.
Fridge is completely empty and defrosted. You should turn the fridge off a few hours back before you start moving.
A refrigerator must have a dedicated trailer or flatbed that’s appropriate for carrying refrigerators and other heavy loads such as furniture, tools and appliances.
Transporting something heavy is already a daunting task, make it delicate and you will have a MISSION IMPOSSIBLE. However, you don’t need to be Tom Cruise to transport your refrigerator. If you don’t have enough head space in your vehicle, you can commute with your refrigerator laying down. However, you need to be a bit cautious because a slight mistake could damage your appliance permanently. But with this article, we hope that you can easily transport your refrigerator without even scratching it. If you have any more queries, comment them down below. Happy moving
Robert Smith is a technology lover and loves to write about laptops, monitors, printers, tablets, Apple products and anything that's related to computers and games. He is passionate enough that he maintains this blog regarding tech updates on a daily basis.
Robert Smith is a technology lover and loves to write about laptops, monitors, printers, tablets, Apple products and anything that's related to computers and games. He is passionate enough that he maintains this blog regarding tech updates on a daily basis.
