How To Transport A Fridge Freezer

Moving a fridge freezer can feel like a daunting task. Whether you’re relocating to a new home or delivering a new appliance, knowing how to transport a fridge freezer safely and efficiently is key to avoiding damage to the appliance or yourself! 

At hirefleet self drive van hire, we’ve got you covered with the right vehicles and expert advice to make the process smooth. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about how to transport a fridge, from preparation to unloading, including tips on lifting and securing. We also provide answers to frequently asked questions such as, “can you lay a fridge down to transport?” or  “can you transport a fridge freezer on its side?”

Disclaimer: The advice provided in this post is for informational purposes only. Always consult your appliance manual and follow local health and safety guidelines when lifting or transporting heavy items, hirefleet is not liable for any injury or damage caused during the process.

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Step 1: Plan and Prepare for Transporting a Fridge Freezer

Before you even think about lifting or moving your fridge freezer, preparation is essential. Here’s how to get started:

• Empty the Fridge Freezer: Remove all food, shelves, and loose parts. This reduces weight and prevents items from shifting during transport.
• Defrost and Clean: Allow 24 hours for defrosting if it’s a frost-free model isn’t in use. Wipe it down to avoid water leakage.
• Secure the Doors: Tape the doors shut with painter’s tape or use bungee cords to keep them closed during transit.
• Measure It: Measure the fridge freezer’s height, width, and depth to ensure it fits through doorways and into your hirefleet van.
• Gather Your Tools: You’ll need a sack trolley (dolly), tie-down straps, moving blankets, and at least two people for safe handling.

Why Two People? According to the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE), lifting heavy objects like a fridge freezer (often weighing 50-100kg) requires teamwork to reduce the risk of injury. More on how to lift a fridge freezer safely later!

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Step 2: How to Lift a Fridge Freezer Safely

Lifting a fridge freezer incorrectly can lead to back strain or damage to the appliance. Here’s how to lift a fridge the right way:

• Assess the Weight: Check the manual for the fridge’s weight. If it’s over 25kg, the HSE recommends using mechanical aids like a sack trolley.
• Use Proper Lifting Technique: Bend at your knees, not your back, keep the load close to your body, and avoid twisting. The HSE’s emphasize this to prevent injury.
• Position Your Team: One person should stabilise the top while the other lifts from the bottom or operates the trolley.
• Use a Sack Trolley: Slide the trolley under the fridge freezer, tilt it back gently, and secure it with straps. This is the safest way to move it to your hirefleet van.

Bonus Tip: Wondering how to lift a fridge into a truck or how to lift a fridge into a van? The sack trolley is your best friend, it reduces strain and makes loading a breeze.

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Step 3: Loading The Fridge Freezer Into Your hirefleet Van

Now that you’ve lifted it, it’s time to load it into your van. Here’s how to transport a fridge freezer into your hirefleet vehicle:

• Choose the Right Van: hirefleet offers a range of vans perfect for transporting a fridge freezer. A medium or large van with a low loading height works best.
• Position the Fridge Freezer: Ideally, keep it upright to protect the compressor. Can you transport a fridge laying down? More on that below!
• Secure It: Use tie-down straps to anchor the fridge to the van’s side or floor hooks. Wrap it in moving blankets to prevent scratches.
• Double-Check: Ensure it won’t shift during transit, loose appliances can be dangerous.

Pro Tip: If you’re wondering how to lift a fridge into a van exactly, use the sack trolley to roll it up a ramp (available with many hirefleet vans) and guide it in with your team mate(s).

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Step 4: Can I Transport A Fridge Freezer On Its Side?

One of the most common questions we get is, "can you lie a fridge down for transport?" or "can I transport a fridge freezer on its side?" The short answer: It depends.

• Check the Manual: Some manufacturers warn against laying a fridge freezer on its side because it can cause oil from the compressor to leak into the cooling lines, potentially damaging the appliance.
• If You Must: If upright transport isn’t possible, lay it on its side (preferably the side opposite the compressor—check the manual) and secure it well. After transport, let it stand upright for 24 hours before plugging it in to allow the oil to settle.
• Hirefleet’s Advice: We recommend keeping it upright whenever possible in our spacious vans to avoid risks.

So, can I transport a fridge freezer on its side? Yes, but only if absolutely necessary and with precautions, please note that hirefleet are not liable for any damage to your appliances if you choose to load your fridge freezer this way.

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Step 5: Driving and Transporting a Fridge Freezer

With your loading complete, how do you transport a fridge freezer safely on the road?

• Drive Carefully: Avoid sharp turns or sudden stops to keep the fridge stable.
• Check Tie-Downs: Stop after 10-15 minutes to ensure straps are still secure.
• Take the Shortest Route: Minimise travel time to reduce jostling.

hirefleet’s reliable vans are designed for smooth handling, making transporting a fridge freezer stress-free.

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Step 6: Unloading and Setting Up Your Fridge Freezer

You’ve arrived, now it’s time to unload. Here’s how:

• Reverse the Process: Use the sack trolley to gently roll the fridge freezer out of the van. Have one person guide it while the other operates the trolley.
• Position It: Move it to its final spot using the trolley, avoiding dragging it across floors.
• Let It Settle: If it was upright, wait 4-6 hours before plugging it in. If laid down, wait 24 hours (per manufacturer guidelines).
• Remove Tape and Straps: Set up shelves and plug it in once settled.

Safety Note: The HSE advises against rushing this step, take your time to avoid injury or appliance damage.

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Why Choose Hirefleet for Transporting a Fridge Freezer?

At hirefleet self drive van hire, we make transporting a fridge freezer simple. Our fleet of well-maintained vans offers ample space, low loading heights, and optional ramps, perfect for moving heavy appliances. Plus, our flexible rental options mean you get the right vehicle for the job, whether it's just the fridge you need to shift or you're tackling a full house move, we’ve got you covered.

Knowing how to transport a fridge freezer doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right preparation, tools like a sack trolley, tie-downs, and a hirefleet van, you can move your appliance safely and efficiently. Always prioritise safety, follow HSE guidelines, work as a team, and consult your manual for the specifics.

We are perfectly located just 3 miles from the A1(M) - J34 Blyth Services, local to Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire!

Ready to get moving? Book your van with hirefleet today and tackle your fridge freezer transport with confidence!