If you're out of options and your fridge needs to get horizontal to make a move happen, you can do it. Generally, though, the answer is, "It's not a great idea."
Transporting your fridge on its side comes with the risk of damaging the internal components and impacting its cooling functions. You'll need to take some precautions to ensure you end up with a working fridge after your move.
When you're moving to a new home, knowing how to safely relocate the fridge is as important as packing your pantry, fridge, and freezer items the right way. Keep reading to learn why laying a refrigerator on its side is a risky move and what leading fridge manufacturers recommend if you don't have other options.
Melanie Morris is an editor, writer, and one of the sharpest moving experts at HireAHelper. Seven years spent answering readers' toughest questions and demystifying a process most people dread has made her an authority on what movers actually need to know — and how to explain it without the jargon. Her own relocations around the Southwest and up and down the West Coast give her the firsthand experience to back it up. Whether you're crossing the country or just moving down the block, Melanie makes sure the advice you get is accurate, trustworthy, and easy to act on.
Can you lay a refrigerator on its side to transport it without risk? Not 100%. Reasons to avoid moving a fridge on its side include:
However, manufacturers' recommendations for transporting refrigerators can vary widely depending on the model and design. Some brands allow specific units to be laid on their sides, while others warn against it entirely.
"Mini fridges are lighter and easier to maneuver, but they have the same internal systems as full-sized models. The same rules apply..."
Before you move your fridge, it’s best to consult your owner’s manual or check the brand’s official guidance. We've summarized some guidelines from major brands below.
| Brand | Refrigerator Moving Guidance |
|---|---|
| GE | Top-freezer and side-by-side models can be laid on their sides for transport. Lay side-by-side models down on the freezer side. French-door, bottom-freezer, compact, and built-in models must always be transported upright. If you transport the fridge on its side, stand it upright for an equal amount of time as it was on its side before plugging it in. |
| LG | Move the refrigerator in as much of an upright position as possible. If you have to transport it on its side, leave the fridge upright for 24 hours before plugging it back in. |
| Whirlpool | Strap a refrigerator upright in the moving truck. If you must lay the fridge down, only do so on the left or right side (not the front or back). Stand the fridge upright for at least 8 hours before restarting it after transporting. |
| Samsung | Keep fridges upright when transporting if possible. If not, stand them upright for at least 4 hours before plugging them in. |
| Frigidaire | Move refrigerators upright if possible. If you have to lay them down, stand them up in their new location for at least 24 hours before plugging them in. |
| Bosch | Keep the fridge upright during a move. If you can only transport it laying down, ensure it stands upright for at least 3 hours before you plug it in. |
| KitchenAid | Transport refrigerators upright unless it's not possible to do so. If you moved a fridge on its side, leave it standing upright for 24 hours before plugging it in. |
Sometimes, it's not a matter of can you lay a fridge down, but how can you do it with the least risk. When tight doorways or limited space require tilting a refrigerator all the way down, follow these best practices:
Knowing how to move a refrigerator goes a long way toward a new home kitchen that's functional. And since you didn't go through all the work of packing pots and pans to avoid cooking because your fridge was damaged during the move, following the steps above is a good idea. Here are a few more tips related to special fridge transport cases:
Yes, but you still need to follow the same precautions. Even a short trip can shift compressor oil or refrigerant. That is why the same precautions still apply: lay it on its side, secure all internal components, and stand it upright as soon as possible. Once it's upright again, let the fridge rest unplugged for at least as long as it was on its side or for the length of time recommended by the manufacturer.
Mini fridges are lighter and easier to maneuver, but they have the same internal systems as full-sized models. The same rules apply, so avoid laying one on its side unless you have to.
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