Moving larger kitchen appliances can feel like an impossible task sometimes. Do you need to relocate your refrigerator but don't know if it has wheels you can roll it on, or if you're going to need to lift it? Well, we've done plenty of digging and have the answer waiting here for you. Let's get into it.
Luckily, most refrigerators will have wheels on their back that you can use to move them. These wheels will be towards the bottom of your fridge and should be adjustable, which can help with relocating/positioning it.Â
That said, not all refrigerators will have built-in wheels, so it's a good idea to check your appliance before trying to move it.
As we begin, we will cover all things refrigerators and discuss how to find the wheels on yours. Whether it's time for a new appliance or you're planning to move, we've got your back. With that said, let's jump right into this post!
How Do I Know If My Refrigerator Has Wheels?
A good way to tell if your fridge has wheels is to slide it out of its current spot and tilt it. If your refrigerator has wheels, you will see them at the lower back of your appliance and should be able to roll it back and forth.
One thing to keep in mind, your refrigerator needs to be at an angle for its wheels to work, so try not to push it while it's flat on the ground. Doing this can damage your flooring and hurt your back, so always start by tilting your fridge before rolling it.
How Many Wheels Does A Refrigerator Have?
Typically, a refrigerator will have two wheels. These will be on each side of the back of your appliance and should be visible once you tilt your fridge.
Refrigerators will also commonly have front-end levelers, which you can adjust once you're ready to move them, so that's another helpful feature to look out for.
How Do You Move A Refrigerator?
For those ready to move their refrigerator, there is a proper way to do this. To start:
- Empty your fridge.
- Disconnect all water lines and wiring.
- Defrost your refrigerator if necessary.
- Remove the doors or secure them in place.
- Wrap/protect your fridge and the surrounding area.
- Tilt your fridge and move it to its new location using a dolly.
You might also want to have a friend or mover assist you with this if your refrigerator doesn't have wheels or is too heavy, so don't be afraid to ask for help.
When You Move A Fridge Can You Lay It Down?
In general, it's not the best idea to lay down a fridge while moving it. Although this can ease the pressure off of you, it can damage the back parts of your appliance and even break them.
Ideally, you want to tilt your fridge and roll it using its wheels or dolly, so try to start with that. If you need to lay it down, make sure to place it on its front or side to avoid any back-end damage.
Can One Person Move A Fridge?
Depending on the size of your refrigerator, it's certainly possible you will be able to move it yourself. Typically, as long as your fridge isn't super heavy, you can try and move it alone, although we recommend having a partner help if something happens.
Especially with bigger appliances, you want to have two or three people help because if your fridge falls or you get stuck under it, this can seriously injure you, which nobody wants.
How Much Does It Cost To Move A Refrigerator?
If you don't feel comfortable relocating your fridge yourself, hiring a mover shouldn't cost more than a few hundred dollars. Moving companies will often charge between $75-$100 per hour, so if you need your fridge relocated, expect to pay around $200.
With that said, every company is different, so you may end up paying much less, or closer to $300, depending on the job's difficulty.
How Much Does A Refrigerator Weigh?
A refrigerator will usually weigh between 200 and 400 pounds. Although this will vary based on the size of your appliance, plan for at least 200-300 pounds of weight you'll need to transport.
Like we said above, it's a good idea to have a partner help you move your fridge to prevent it from hurting you, Â especially considering how heavy they can be.
Do I Need To Empty My Fridge Before Moving It?
Yes! Before moving it, you need to make sure everything is out of your refrigerator. Not only is moving a full fridge extremely difficult, but it will also put anything inside at risk of spoiling, which you want to avoid.
On top of that, food can be very heavy and add extra weight to your appliance, only making transporting it more challenging.
Do Refrigerators Have Adjustable Feet?
Yes, many refrigerators will have adjustable feet. Like the wheels, you can also check to see if your appliance has these by tilting it back and taking a look underneath.
The feet on a refrigerator can come in handy when it's time to move, so you want to make sure you know how to adjust them. To do this, you want to rotate the legs using either your hand or a wrench, which will make your refrigerator taller or shorter.
Are Refrigerator Wheels Adjustable?
Yes, the wheels on a refrigerator will usually be adjustable. You can turn them clockwise/counterclockwise to make your appliance taller or shorter, which you should do before moving it.
Ideally, you want to wait to adjust the wheels on your fridge until it is in a secure location or on a dolly, so it doesn't become uneven and fall on top of you. That said, the wheels may not be adjustable on every refrigerator, so if nothing happens after trying to turn them, you might want to try the legs.
How Do You Level A Refrigerator With Wheels?
When it comes to leveling a refrigerator, doing this shouldn't be too tricky. To start:
- Remove the grille/kick plate from the bottom of your fridge.
- Locate your fridge's wheels/legs [or both].
- Using a level, determine how much height your refrigerator needs.
- Grab a wrench and turn it left to raise your fridge or right to lower it.
- Check to make sure your appliance is level, attach its grille/kick plate, and you're done!
Should A Refrigerator Be Level Front To Back?
Although a fridge should be level from left to right, many manufacturers recommend the front of your fridge be about 0.25-0.5 inches higher than the back. Giving your refrigerator a slight angle will prevent its doors from becoming loose/swinging open and even keep it from toppling over.
Doing this will also help your appliance's coolant drain better, which in turn will keep your refrigerator working efficiently. So although you don't want to overdo it with the angling, it's a good idea to shoot for at least 0.25 inches.
How Long Should A Refrigerator Be Off Before Moving?
Ideally, you want to turn off your fridge for an hour or two before moving it. Doing this will give your refrigerator enough time to settle, making transporting and turning it back on later a bit easier.
As we covered earlier, you have to disconnect your fridge's wiring and water line before trying to move it as well, so make sure it is off during this time.
How Long Do I Need To Wait Before Plugging My Fridge In After Moving?
In general, you want to wait about 24 hours before plugging your newly moved refrigerator into its new location. Even if the trip was short, chances are, your fridge's gas and liquids moved around quite a bit and need time to settle.
We recommend giving your appliance a deep clean while you wait, which will save you some time when you're ready to load your food inside.
To Wrap It All Up
Whether it's time to move or you need a new refrigerator, figuring out how to transport your existing appliance can be tricky. From what we found, most refrigerators will have wheels, which you can use to move them if needed.
These wheels will be on the back end of your refrigerator and should also be adjustable. Your fridge might also have adjustable legs that you can use to level it, which will be at the bottom front of your appliance.
Regardless, make sure to let your fridge sit turned off for 1-2 hours before moving it, and don't be afraid to ask a friend for help!
Made it to the end? Check out these helpful related kitchen posts down below!
Can You Place A Refrigerator In The Corner Of The Kitchen?
How To Adjust The Temperature On A Danby Refrigerator?
Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Making Ice - What Could Be Wrong?
