Suitable For Small Items
GST WILL BE CHARGED AT 10% OF THE FINAL BILL
Suitable For 1 bedroom
GST WILL BE CHARGED AT 10% OF THE FINAL BILL
Suitable For 2 bedroom
GST WILL BE CHARGED AT 10% OF THE FINAL BILL
Suitable For 2-3 Bedroom
GST WILL BE CHARGED AT 10% OF THE FINAL BILL
Suitable For 3-4 bedroom
GST WILL BE CHARGED AT 10% OF THE FINAL BILL
Suitable For 4-5 Bedroom
GST WILL BE CHARGED AT 10% OF THE FINAL BILL
Moving house brings a long list of tasks. Packing boxes, organising transport, cleaning rooms, and then there’s the fridge.
One thing many homeowners are not sure about is when to turn off the fridge before moving. The timing matters more than most people realise. Turning it off at the right time helps protect the compressor, reduces the risk of water leaks, and makes the move far easier to manage.
To help you prepare properly, we will explain when to turn off your fridge and what needs to be done before moving it. If you’re working through your wider moving day list at the same time, our moving supplies guide and house moving checklist cover everything else you’ll need.
Unplugging a running fridge right before the move and transporting it immediately can send water and compressor oil into places they shouldn’t be. A fridge contains several parts that work together to keep it cool, including:
When the fridge is running, these systems are constantly working. The thing is, if you unplug the fridge just before the move and transport it immediately, it creates several problems, such as:
None of these are fun to deal with on moving day. That’s why our professional removalists Sydney always recommend turning the fridge off early.
The safest and most widely recommended approach is to turn off the fridge the night before your move, allowing at least 8-12 hours for the freezer to defrost naturally and internal fluids to settle.
By the time moving day arrives, the fridge will be easier to handle and less likely to leak water.
People also ask whether the timing changes depending on the distance of the move. The reality is that the preparation process remains the same whether you are moving across the street or across the city.
The waiting period is not about travel distance. It is about allowing the internal components to stabilise before the appliance is transported.
Start preparing the fridge one or two days before moving day. Begin using up the remaining food in the refrigerator so that there is as little left as possible when it is time to unplug the appliance.
Perishable foods should either be consumed or disposed of before the move. Transporting them inside a warm fridge can create hygiene problems and bad smells. Non-perishable items can be packed separately with your kitchen boxes.
Once the food has been removed, wipe down any spills and crumbs so the interior stays clean.
After the fridge has been emptied, the next step is to unplug it. Switch off the appliance at the power outlet and remove the plug from the socket at the recommended time mentioned in the previous section.
Leaving the fridge door slightly open during this time allows air to circulate inside the unit. This helps prevent mould growth and reduces the risk of bad odours forming overnight.
If the freezer contains a noticeable amount of frost, placing towels around the base of the appliance will help absorb melting water.
Once the fridge is unplugged, the freezer will begin defrosting. The ice inside will slowly melt, and the water will drain through the internal channel or collect inside the compartment, which is why towels should be placed around the base of the appliance.
This process is important because transporting a freezer full of ice can cause water to leak during the move.
If your fridge includes an automatic ice maker or water dispenser, make sure the water line is disconnected and the ice tray is emptied.
A simple mixture of water and mild dish soap works well for wiping down shelves and interior surfaces. Baking soda can also help remove stubborn odours. Once the cleaning is finished, dry the interior thoroughly with a cloth or towel.
Refrigerators contain removable glass shelves, plastic drawers, and door compartments. These parts can easily shift or break during transport if they are left inside the appliance.
Take them out carefully and wrap them individually with packing paper or bubble wrap. Packing them separately protects them from vibration and impact while the fridge is being moved.
Label the wrapped pieces so they are easy to reinstall later.
Fridge doors should always be secured before transport. If they swing open while the appliance is being moved, they can damage surrounding furniture.
Moving straps, rope, or stretch wrap can be used to hold the doors closed during transport. Keeping the doors closed also protects the internal seals and hinges.
Refrigerators are large and heavy, which means they are vulnerable to dents and scratches during a move.
Wrap the appliance in furniture blankets or padded covers before loading it onto the truck. You can also use thick cloth coverings to achieve a similar level of protection. These protective layers absorb impacts and prevent cosmetic damage.
Secure the coverings with straps so they remain in place during transport.
One of the most important rules when moving a refrigerator is to keep it upright. Laying the fridge on its side can cause compressor oil to move into the cooling lines. If this happens, the appliance will not function properly when it is turned back on.
Keeping the fridge upright ensures that the internal components remain in the correct position.
An appliance trolley makes this much easier. These trolleys support the weight of the fridge and allow it to be moved safely through hallways, doorways, and ramps. If you’re also moving other large appliances, our guide on how to prepare for removalists covers the rest of the household prep list.
Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. A fridge that’s still running when moved risks water leaking inside the truck and compressor oil settling in the wrong place, which can damage the appliance.
Leave it standing upright for at least 1-4 hours after it arrives at the new home before plugging it in, giving any oil or refrigerant that shifted during transport time to settle back into place.
Yes. Any built-up ice will melt during transport regardless, and doing it beforehand with towels in place means the water is controlled and contained rather than leaking inside the moving truck.
No. Fridges should always be transported upright. Laying one on its side or back can cause compressor oil to flow into the cooling lines, which may stop the appliance from cooling properly afterwards.
The compressor may struggle to run properly and could be damaged if oil hasn’t had time to return to the correct position. This is the main reason removalists recommend waiting a few hours before switching it back on.
Moving a fridge isn’t complicated, but timing does matter. If there’s one thing to remember, it’s this: turn off your fridge the night before moving. This simple step gives the appliance enough time to defrost, stabilise, and prepare for safe transport.
At We Move Group, we’ve helped thousands of Australians relocate, and large appliances like refrigerators are always handled with care.
If you’re planning a move and want help from an experienced appliance and furniture removalist Sydney, our team is available to assist. Call us on 1300 017 159 to speak with a member of our team, or submit ouronline form to get started.
