If this dilemma wasn t confusing enough there is also what to do once you move the refrigerator to its new home.
Moving a fridge on its side.
When you move the refrigerator and plug it in right away you risk damaging the compressor.
A a fridge can be moved on it s side but you run the risk of some of the oil coming out of the compressor and running up the lines to places where it can cause a restriction.
Lay it down on the freezer side so that door would remain firmly in place.
Moving a freezer or a fridge freezer is the same process and obviously you should make sure that the freezer is empty and defrosted before you attempt to move it.
You could have a leaving party and invite the neighbours round to eat up the contents of the fridge freezer and say goodbye in style.
Don t you have to leave the appliance standing for a few hours before switching it back on.
The oil in the compressor may flow into the cooling tubes.
Keep the fridge compressor upright to avoid compressor oil from leaking into cooling lines.
Lay it down with the side opposite the hinges facing on the ground while on transit to keep the door firmly.
When using a dolly or hand truck always truck from the side.
How to move laying down.
Although moving a refrigerator on its side doesn t mean it s 100 going to break there s just no sense in risking the chance if you re able to move it upright.
The best thing to do really is to not lay the refrigerator on its side at all.
Unplug and empty a day before transporting it on its side.
Some insist when moving your refrigerator to lay the refrigerator down while others swear you should only ever transport upright.
Possible damage could occur if trucked from the front or rear.
If it has been necessary to transport the refrigerator on its side ex.
If you absolutely cannot avoid moving a fridge lying down then it s possible to try and minimize oil leakage by placing the refrigerator on a side so that the compressor tube is facing upwards in other words if the compressor lines run out of its right side lay the fridge on its left.
After a refrigerator has been moved on its side it must sit upright for the same amount of time it was on its side so that any oil that may have flowed into the coolant lines will have enough time to return to the compressor and clear the coolant lines.
Top freezer and sxs models it should stand upright for an equal amount of time as it was on its side before plugging it in.
Moving a fridge freezer or freezer.
When moving your refrigerator keep it in the upright position.
Never move the refrigerator on its side or back for any reason.
If you must lay the fridge down because of lack of transport space avoid laying it 100 flat.