Unplug the refrigerator at least two hours before you move it to give it time to defrost.
Moving a fridge lying down.
A good rule of thumb is to leave the refrigerator upright and unplugged for the same amount of time that it was lying on its side.
If this dilemma wasn t confusing enough there is also what to do once you move the refrigerator to its new home.
If the coils are heavily frosted unplug the unit several hours or even a day before moving it.
If it is unavoidable to transport a refrigerator upright lay the unit down on its side on the freezer side for side by side models or else opposite the hinges instead of the back.
For the others if you plan on transporting your fridge in a moving truck van or other means you can carry them that way but ensure the doors are properly closed.
Also always move down stairs one step at a time.
If it was delivered on its side or was sideways for more than a day then give it a full 24 hours before plugging it in.
If you have a side by side fridge freezer lie it down on the freezer side the side with the smaller door.
Some insist when moving your refrigerator to lay the refrigerator down while others swear you should only ever transport upright.
Lie your fridge on its side and never on its back lie it on the side opposite the hinges so the door is not straining to open.
If you must lay the fridge down because of lack of transport space avoid laying it 100 flat.
If it was on its side for two hours leave it upright and unplugged for two hours.
Don t you have to leave the appliance standing for a few hours before switching it back on.
The answer is yes you can except for the monogram refrigerators that should always remain upright.
Remove everything from inside including any trays or racks.
Be sure the cooling and discharge lines on the compressor are facing upward.
Refrigerator by laying it down even though it s not the preferred method of transport it s ok to lay a refrig down for moving even a r134a system if you pay close attention to the refrigerant lines.
Upright or lying down.
If laying the refrigerator down cannot be avoided here are some thing to consider depending on the type of refrigerator.
Determine where the suction line runs up into the freezer.
Stand the unit upright at the new location and allow it to sit unplugged for the same amount of time that it was on its side to allow the oil to drain back down.