Moving a refrigerator safely requires the right tools, technique, and preparation. This complete guide covers everything Ontario homeowners need to know about fridge delivery, transport, and installation.

How To Move A Refrigerator Safely: The Complete Ontario Guide Moving a refrigerator is one of the most physically demanding and technically tricky household tasks. Fridges are heavy (150–400 lbs), awkward to maneuver, and contain components that can be permanently damaged if handled incorrectly. Whether you're relocating, buying a used fridge from Facebook Marketplace, or upgrading to a new model, this guide covers everything you need to know about safe refrigerator moving in Ontario. 
Why Moving a Fridge Is Different From Other Appliances Refrigerators present unique challenges that other appliances don't: 
Compressor oil: The compressor contains oil that can flow into the cooling lines if the fridge is laid on its side. This can permanently damage the appliance. 
Weight distribution: Most of the weight is at the top (compressor and condenser), making fridges top-heavy and prone to tipping.
Fragile components: Glass shelves, water lines, ice makers, and door seals can all be damaged during transport.
Size: Modern fridges, especially French door and side-by-side models, are extremely wide and difficult to navigate through standard doorways. 
Before You Move: Preparation Checklist Proper preparation is the most important step in safe fridge moving. Complete these tasks 24–48 hours before moving day: 
24–48 Hours Before Empty the fridge completely: Remove all food, condiments, and beverages. Donate or consume perishables.
Defrost the freezer: Turn off the freezer and allow ice to melt completely. Place towels to absorb water.
Disconnect the water line: If your fridge has an ice maker or water dispenser, shut off the water supply valve and disconnect the line. Have towels ready for residual water.
Clean the interior: Wipe down shelves and drawers to prevent mold during transport.
Remove glass shelves and drawers: Wrap them separately in bubble wrap or moving blankets. 
Day of the Move Unplug the fridge: Disconnect from the power outlet.
Secure the doors: Use rope, moving straps, or tape (painter's tape to avoid residue) to keep doors closed during transport.
Remove the doors if necessary: For very tight doorways, refrigerator doors can usually be removed by lifting them off the hinges. This can reduce width by 3–5 inches.
Measure your path: Confirm the fridge will fit through every doorway, hallway, and stairwell on its route. 
Tools and Equipment You Need  Moving a fridge safely requires proper equipment: 
 Appliance dolly (hand truck): A heavy-duty appliance dolly with a strap is essential. Standard furniture dollies are not designed for the weight and shape of refrigerators.
Moving straps: Secure the fridge to the dolly and prevent it from shifting.
Furniture sliders: For moving the fridge short distances across floors before loading onto the dolly.
Moving blankets: Protect the fridge exterior and your walls and door frames.
Work gloves: Protect your hands and improve grip.
At least two people: Never attempt to move a full-size refrigerator alone. 
Step-by-Step: How to Move a Refrigerator Step 1: Position the Appliance Dolly Tilt the fridge slightly backward and slide the dolly platform under the bottom edge. Secure the fridge to the dolly with the strap, threading it around the body of the fridge (not the door handles, which can break). 
Step 2: Tilt and Roll With one person stabilizing the top of the fridge and one controlling the dolly, tilt the dolly back to about 45 degrees and roll slowly toward the exit. Keep the fridge as upright as possible, never lay it flat. 
Step 3: Navigate Doorways For standard 32–36 inch doorways, most fridges will need to be turned sideways. Measure in advance. If the fridge won't fit, remove the doors (both the fridge door and the room door if necessary). 
Step 4: Handle Stairs Stairs are the most dangerous part of fridge moving. Use a stair-climbing dolly if available. With a standard dolly: 
One person holds the top of the fridge
One person controls the dolly at the bottom
Move one step at a time, never rushing
Never let the fridge lean forward — always keep it tilted back toward the dolly 
Step 5: Load Into the Vehicle Refrigerators should always be transported upright. If you must tilt the fridge to load it into a vehicle, keep the tilt to less than 45 degrees and return it to upright as quickly as possible. 

If the fridge was transported on its side (which should be avoided), allow it to stand upright for at least the same amount of time it was on its side before plugging it in, ideally 24 hours. 
Step 6: Secure in the Vehicle Use ratchet straps to secure the fridge against the vehicle wall. Never allow it to shift during transport. Place moving blankets between the fridge and vehicle walls to prevent scratches. 
When to Hire Professional Appliance Movers Some situations call for professional help: 
Stairs: Multi-story homes with narrow staircases are high-risk for DIY fridge moves
Large fridges: French door, side-by-side, and counter-depth fridges are particularly challenging
No helpers: Moving a fridge alone is dangerous and not recommended
Buying from Marketplace: If you're picking up a used fridge and don't have a vehicle or helpers
Building with elevator: Condo and apartment moves require coordination and proper equipment 

GoGedit offers professional appliance delivery and moving services across Ontario. Our drivers arrive with appliance dollies, moving blankets, and the experience to handle refrigerators of all sizes, including French door models, side-by-side units, and commercial fridges. 
Fridge Delivery for Facebook Marketplace Purchases Buying a used fridge on Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji is a great way to save money, used fridges in Ontario typically sell for $150–$600, compared to $800–$3,000+ for new models. But arranging pickup is the challenge. 

Here's how to use GoGedit for Marketplace fridge pickup: 
Find your fridge: Browse Marketplace and confirm dimensions, condition, and pickup address
Book GoGedit: Enter the seller's address as pickup and your home as drop-off
Coordinate with the seller: Confirm the GoGedit driver's arrival time
Receive your fridge: The driver delivers and helps position the fridge in your home 

GoGedit drivers are equipped for appliance delivery, including proper dollies and straps for safe fridge transport. 
After the Move: Setting Up Your Refrigerator Once your fridge is in its new location: 
Allow it to stand upright: If the fridge was tilted during transport, wait at least 2–4 hours (ideally 24 hours) before plugging it in. This allows compressor oil to settle.
Level the fridge: Use a spirit level and adjust the feet until the fridge is perfectly level. This ensures proper door sealing and efficient operation.
Reconnect the water line: If applicable, reconnect and check for leaks.
Plug in and test: Turn on the fridge and check that it reaches temperature within 2–4 hours.
Restock gradually: Allow the fridge to reach operating temperature before loading it with food. 
Common Mistakes to Avoid Laying the fridge flat: Causes compressor oil to flow into cooling lines, potentially ruining the appliance
Moving without an appliance dolly: Risks injury and floor damage
Not securing the doors: Doors swinging open during transport can cause serious injury
Rushing on stairs: The most common cause of fridge damage and mover injuries
Plugging in immediately after transport: Always allow settling time
Not measuring doorways: Discovering the fridge doesn't fit mid-move is a costly mistake 
Fridge Moving Costs in Ontario 
Method Estimated CostNotes 
DIY with friends$0–$50 (dolly rental + gas)Requires 2+ people, proper equipment
GoGedit appliance delivery$60–$120Same-day, equipped drivers
Full-service movers$150–$400Includes packing, insurance
Appliance delivery from retailer$50–$150New purchases only, long lead times

Frequently Asked Questions Can you lay a refrigerator on its side to move it? It's best to keep a refrigerator upright during transport. If you must tilt it, keep the tilt under 45 degrees and allow the fridge to stand upright for at least 24 hours before plugging it in. 
 How many people does it take to move a refrigerator? At minimum, two people are required to move a full-size refrigerator safely. For large models (French door, side-by-side) or stairwell moves, three people is recommended. 
How long after moving a fridge can you plug it in? If the fridge was kept upright throughout transport, you can plug it in immediately. If it was tilted or laid on its side, wait at least 2–4 hours, ideally 24 hours. 
 Does GoGedit move refrigerators in Ontario? Yes. GoGedit offers appliance delivery and moving services for refrigerators across Ontario, including Brampton, Mississauga, Toronto, Hamilton, Guelph, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Oakville, Burlington, and Caledon. 
How much does fridge delivery cost in Ontario? GoGedit fridge delivery typically costs $60–$120 within a city, depending on distance and item size. Same-day availability is offered across Ontario. 
 Book Your Fridge Delivery in Ontario Don't risk injury or appliance damage with a DIY fridge move. GoGedit's appliance delivery service provides equipped, experienced drivers for safe refrigerator transport across Ontario. 

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How To Move A Refrigerator Safely

How To Move A Refrigerator Safely: The Complete Ontario Guide

Why Moving a Fridge Is Different From Other Appliances

Before You Move: Preparation Checklist

24–48 Hours Before

Day of the Move

Tools and Equipment You Need

Step-by-Step: How to Move a Refrigerator

Step 1: Position the Appliance Dolly

Step 2: Tilt and Roll

Step 3: Navigate Doorways

Step 4: Handle Stairs

Step 5: Load Into the Vehicle

Step 6: Secure in the Vehicle

When to Hire Professional Appliance Movers

Fridge Delivery for Facebook Marketplace Purchases

After the Move: Setting Up Your Refrigerator

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Fridge Moving Costs in Ontario

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you lay a refrigerator on its side to move it?

How many people does it take to move a refrigerator?

How long after moving a fridge can you plug it in?

Does GoGedit move refrigerators in Ontario?

How much does fridge delivery cost in Ontario?

Book Your Fridge Delivery in Ontario

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Method	Estimated Cost	Notes
DIY with friends	$0–$50 (dolly rental + gas)	Requires 2+ people, proper equipment
GoGedit appliance delivery	$60–$120	Same-day, equipped drivers
Full-service movers	$150–$400	Includes packing, insurance
Appliance delivery from retailer	$50–$150	New purchases only, long lead times