Moving a Refrigerator: How Long Before You Start Using It Again?

A new refrigerator can be moved from room to room without being plugged in, but the new owner should wait a couple days after moving it before plugging it back in so that any parts left over from manufacturing have time to settle and adhere properly inside of the appliance. Before your local movers come to move the appliance, it should be completely defrosted.

The most important thing when moving into or out of a home is that the refrigerator has been unplugged for at least 24 hours before transporting it.

Moving a refrigerator is seen by many as a daunting, stressful task. If you’re like many people, though, it’s something that needs to be done eventually because your old fridge has died and a new one needs to be installed. When this happens, there are steps that need to be taken before you start using the fridge again. The first thing that needs to happen after moving a refrigerator is waiting an appropriate amount of time for it to cool down completely, and defrost before turning it back on again. In this article, we will explore how long you should wait before starting up your new appliance or what experts say about when you can use it again!

Need local movers to help move your heavy appliances? Treasure Moving Company is here to assist you with moving labor help. Click here to get a free moving quote.

What is the Best Way to Move a Refrigerator, and How Do You Know When it’s Safe to Use Again?

It is important to move a refrigerator slowly and carefully, so that the compressor does not get damaged. The best way to do this is with two people who have experience moving appliances safely. If you’re going from one room in your home to another, there’s usually no reason for it to be moved very quickly or much at all.

When you plan to restart the refrigerator after moving it, wait at least twelve hours before plugging in to ensure that any lubricant or coolant is settled into place and isn’t going to gush out or damage the function of your refrigerator when plugged back in. After this waiting period it is usually safe to plug it in and start it back up, then you can return to using your appliance normally.

How Long Should I Wait Before Using My New Refrigerator After It Has Been Moved Into My Home?

If your refrigerator has been moved within the same room, you can probably use it right away. However, if it’s been moved to another part of your home or building (or even an entirely different house), wait at least twelve hours before using it again. This is because moving a fridge out in the cold air for too long causes the oil in the compressor to congeal. Especially if the refrigerator has been moved on its side, the delicate internal parts and fluids will need time to settle before resuming operations.

By waiting at least twelve hours before plugging your fridge back in, you aren’t exposing it to any unnecessary danger of malfunctioning and wasting energy—and saving yourself money on potential repairs! If you’re unsure about whether or not your refrigerator is safe to turn back on in a given time frame, double check your owner’s manual for further instructions.

Why Do Refrigerators Need to be Turned Off Before Moving Them?

Refrigerators contain freon, which is a highly pressurized chemical. When you move them or turn it on for the first time after moving, the pressure in the system increases rapidly to compensate for any change in location. This can cause oil separator valves and seals to fail if they are not fully opened at this point. If that happens, oil can leak into the compressor. This will cause it to stop working and your refrigerator won’t work until this has been repaired by a professional.

What is the Best Way to Prepare and Pack Up your Fridge for Moving Day?

Moving a refrigerator is no easy task and should be done carefully. There are many things to consider before you pack up your fridge for moving day.

The best way to go about packing the appliance depends on what kind of movers you used and where they need to take it. If you’re moving the fridge yourself, then it’s up to your personal preference when you start using it again. 

Most moving companies have rules against moving food items and liquids, so it’s important you check with your moving coordinator about how to handle this part. Usually, any leftover food items should be disposed of prior to move day.

If you hired the services of a moving company, your refrigerator should not be turned on as soon as they put it in place. Most movers will wait until their work is done and complete before plugging any appliances back in to ensure safety for both parties involved—the mover and yourself.

Moving day should be focused on getting everything else in place, not worrying about whether or not your refrigerator will function properly again after the movers unpack it—even if you are eager to get started with all of your favorite frozen foods once more.

In this blog post, we’ve explored how long you should wait before starting up your fridge again as well as what other things might need attention when moving a refrigerator. We hope our tips help streamline this process. In the end, it’s important to remember that moving is a stressful job. The more you can do before and after moving your fridge will help make the process easier on yourself. 

Call the Treasure Moving Company today at 855-715-6683 for free moving services quotes. 

RELATED POST: Can movers move appliances? Which ones and how to prepare them

Request A Quote

Our Treasure Moving Promise

Experienced, Professional Crews

Our trained, clean-cut and hardworking team will respect you, your belongings, and your needs.

Upfront & Honest Pricing

We have an hourly based pricing structure. We charge work time plus travel time, and packing materials.

Same Day Rockville MD Moving Service

Thousands of Americans find themselves in a moving emergency each year. Treasure Moving can help.

No Move Too Big or Small

Only need to move a few items around Rockville Maryland? Call now for special discounted pricing!

What Our Clients Say

Barbara McCall
Barbara McCall
2023-11-27
I wish I had more time to tell you just how wonderful Fedor and his Treasures crew were with my recent move. I just started a new job in a new state. I had trouble with towing my car with my moving truck. I had to concentrate on that problem when Treasures was taking my items from moving truck to new apartment. They got everything done nicely and affordably. They were my “knights (movers) in shining armor “! The most dependable and capable moving group I’ve ever had! Update: Nov 2023: I used Treasure Moving again, and they did a great job again! I had them put some boxes and tubs of items in my new storage room. Melvin and Moises did a quick and efficient moving of items from apartment to storage. They organized my boxes in storage to where I’ll be able to walk in the room and get to any box, They were fantastic! I’ll use Treasure again and again!
Shradha Mani
Shradha Mani
2023-11-22
This was the smoothest moving experience we had ! Highly recommend. We moved from Arlington VA to Clarksburg MD. Marlon and Carlos were on time, packed everything carefully, moved everything to our new place in just a few hours! Here's the kicker, the freight elevator in our building could not be reserved due to construction. But they moved everything anyway! If the elevator was available, we are sure these guys would have completed the task in under an hour. They are super considerate, kind and efficient. Could not recommend them more. Treasure moving company is a treasure and Marlon and Carlos were excellent !
Lynda Nguyen
Lynda Nguyen
2023-11-15
Had a great experience with Treasure Moving! They made a very stressful move go as smoothly as possible. Was very appreciative of their level of professionalism. Would use again!
Yi Fong Cheng
Yi Fong Cheng
2023-11-15
Marlon and Melvin are the best! They were so fast and took good care of my stuff, and very friendly. I had a great experience. If you are looking for moves, I definitely recommend these 2 gentlemen to everyone. Very efficient and nice!
Alexander Herrera (Alex)
Alexander Herrera (Alex)
2023-11-14
I used many movers in Baltimore (>4. I lost count). I used Treasure once and I was so impressed with their fair pricing, careful handling, speed, and professionalism at the time. They provided the best moving experience that I remember in this City. So, I moved again today and used their services to pack my pod. I had Marlon and Carlos who were spectacular. The woman reserving my move was available nearly daily to answer questions and was super attentive leading to the move. I was not disappointed. I highly recommend them for your next move, whether you a need hand with a pod or request full service moves. After talking to the workers, I learned that they have >15 years of experience in the moving industry. *Be careful when you looking for moving companies here. Some of them are not professional movers. I had a mover cause major damage… that they had to return to make repairs (Charm City Movers). Another left the job within 30 minutes of the move and left my all my items/boxes on the side walk! More than likely, Treasure will do a good job!
Scott Archer
Scott Archer
2023-11-09
Treasure Moving is great! Awesome small business that keeps it real and stays on top of it, highly recommend!!
Art Grau
Art Grau
2023-11-08
Dennys and Rony did a great job moving 3 large display cabinets and many heavy boxes from Taneytown back to Columbia. They wasted no time and took care of everything like they were their own, and fees were much less than expected. Treasure Moving should be proud to have both of them as representatives. Kudos to a great team!!!
Oleksandr Turuk
Oleksandr Turuk
2023-11-03
The crew was courteous, careful and cheerful. Prices were reasonable as well. Definitely recommend!
Tom
Tom
2023-11-03
Dennis and Rony arrived just before they were scheduled, wrapped and moved the requested furniture, moved it, and set it up at the destination, quickly and politely, all for a very reasonable price.
Meredith Marcum
Meredith Marcum
2023-11-01
Dan and Melvin were amazing. They were fast, efficient, and packed everything up really well. I will definitely be using them again in the future!