How to Move a KitchenAid Refrigerator Without Damaging It

Moving a KitchenAid refrigerator safely requires three steps: prepare the unit by emptying and securing internal parts, disconnect it from power and water lines, and transport it upright with proper equipment

A KitchenAid refrigerator is heavy—most models weigh between 700 and 900 pounds—and the compressor and sealed refrigerant lines inside are fragile. Moving it the wrong way can crack the coils, bend the tubing, or damage the compressor, leaving you with an expensive repair or a unit that will not cool. The good news is that you can move it yourself if you follow the manufacturer's steps in order and use the right tools.

This guide walks you through the entire process: what to do inside the refrigerator before you move it, how to disconnect it safely, the equipment you need to transport it, and how to position it afterward. Most moves take two to three hours from start to finish.

Key Takeaways

• Empty the refrigerator completely and remove or secure all shelves, drawers, and ice maker components before moving to prevent internal damage.
• Turn off the ice maker and water supply at least 24 hours before moving, and let the refrigerant settle for the same period before tilting or transporting.
• Always move the refrigerator upright on a dolly—never lay it on its side or back, because doing so can damage the compressor and refrigerant lines.
• Disconnect the water line from the back by turning the shut-off valve clockwise, and unplug the power cord only after the refrigerant has settled.
• After moving, wait at least four hours before plugging the unit back in to allow the refrigerant to resettle in the compressor.

Empty and Secure Everything Inside the Refrigerator

Start by removing all food, beverages, and ice from the refrigerator and freezer compartments. Wipe down the interior with a damp cloth to remove spills or residue that could freeze or smell during transport. This step takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on how full the unit is.

Next, remove or secure all removable parts. Take out the shelves, crisper drawers, and any other components that slide or lift out. If your KitchenAid model has an ice maker, remove the ice bucket and any ice inside it. Wrap each shelf and drawer in moving blankets or towels and tape them securely so they do not slide around during transport. If the shelves are fixed and do not come out, use painter's tape to secure them to the frame so they do not rattle.

Check the back of the refrigerator for any exposed tubing or wiring. If you see a water line running to an ice maker or water dispenser, note where it connects—you will need to disconnect it before moving. Take a photo with your phone so you remember the layout when you reconnect it later.

Turn Off the Ice Maker and Water Supply

Locate the water shut-off valve behind the refrigerator. It is usually a small knob or lever on the wall or on the copper or plastic line running to the back of the unit. Turn it clockwise until it stops—do not force it. This prevents water from leaking out of the line during the move.

If your model has an ice maker, turn it off using the control panel or the switch on the ice maker itself. Most KitchenAid refrigerators have an on/off switch on the ice maker arm or a setting in the digital display. Turning it off now prevents water from flowing into the ice maker during transport.

Wait at least 24 hours after turning off the water supply before you move the refrigerator. This allows any water remaining in the line to drain and gives the refrigerant inside the sealed system time to settle. Skipping this step increases the risk of water leaks and refrigerant damage during the move.

Disconnect the Water Line from the Back

After the 24-hour wait, you are ready to disconnect the water line. Place a towel or shallow pan under the connection point at the back of the refrigerator to catch any remaining water. Using an adjustable wrench, turn the compression nut (the fitting where the line connects to the refrigerator) counterclockwise. Turn slowly—water may still be in the line even after the shut-off valve is closed.

Once the nut is loose enough to turn by hand, unscrew it the rest of the way and gently pull the water line away from the refrigerator. If water drips out, let it drain into the towel. Plug the end of the water line with a cork, rubber stopper, or electrical tape to prevent dirt from entering it during the move. Do the same for the connection point on the back of the refrigerator if it is exposed.

Coil the water line loosely and secure it to the back of the refrigerator with painter's tape or a soft tie. Do not kink or crimp the line—you will need to reconnect it later, and a damaged line will leak.

Unplug the Power Cord and Prepare for Transport

Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet. Do this only after the water line is disconnected and the refrigerant has had time to settle (at least 24 hours after turning off the ice maker and water supply). Wrapping the power cord around the back of the refrigerator and securing it with tape keeps it from dragging on the floor or getting caught during the move.

If the refrigerator has a grounding pin (a round or U-shaped prong on the plug), make sure it is not bent or damaged. If it is, do not plug the unit back in after the move—contact a KitchenAid service center first.

Move the Refrigerator Upright on a Dolly

This is the most important step. A KitchenAid refrigerator must stay upright during the entire move. Tilting it, laying it on its side, or placing it on its back can damage the compressor and refrigerant lines, and these repairs are expensive and often not worth the cost.

Use a four-wheel furniture dolly rated for at least 1,000 pounds. Place the dolly against the front of the refrigerator and tilt the unit slightly backward (no more than 45 degrees) to slide the dolly underneath. Once the dolly is under the front feet, lower the refrigerator back onto it slowly. Secure the refrigerator to the dolly with ratchet straps or heavy-duty moving straps, wrapping them around the unit at the top and middle to prevent it from tipping or sliding during transport.

Move the dolly slowly and avoid bumps, ramps, and stairs. If you must go up or down a single step, tilt the dolly back slightly and roll it over the step carefully. For stairs, you will need a second person and a furniture dolly with stair-climbing wheels, or you may need to hire professional movers. Dropping or tipping the refrigerator can crack the sealed system and make it unrepairable.

Position the Refrigerator in Its New Location

Once you have moved the refrigerator to its new spot, remove the straps and carefully lower it off the dolly. Position it so the back is at least 1 inch away from the wall—this allows air to circulate around the condenser coils and prevents the compressor from overheating. If the floor is uneven, use adjustable leveling feet (usually located at the bottom front corners) to tilt the refrigerator slightly backward so the doors close smoothly and do not swing open on their own.

Do not plug the refrigerator back in immediately. Wait at least four hours—some manufacturers recommend up to 24 hours—to allow the refrigerant to resettle in the compressor. Plugging it in too soon can damage the compressor because the oil and refrigerant may not be in the right position yet.

Reconnect the Water Line and Power

After the waiting period, reconnect the water line. Remove the plugs or tape from both ends of the line and the connection point on the refrigerator. Using an adjustable wrench, hand-tighten the compression nut onto the refrigerator connection, then tighten it an additional quarter turn with the wrench. Do not over-tighten—this can crack the fitting and cause a leak.

Turn the water shut-off valve counterclockwise to restore water flow. Check the connection point for leaks by looking for water dripping or pooling. If you see a leak, turn the shut-off valve back off, tighten the nut slightly more, and check again. Once the connection is secure and dry, turn the ice maker back on using the control panel or the switch on the ice maker itself.

Plug the refrigerator back into the wall outlet. The compressor should start running within a few minutes. Listen for the normal humming sound of the compressor and check that the interior lights come on when you open the door. The refrigerator may take 2 to 4 hours to reach the correct temperature, so do not load food into it right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I lay the refrigerator on its side during the move?

No. Laying a KitchenAid refrigerator on its side can damage the compressor and refrigerant lines, and these repairs are often too expensive to justify. Always keep the refrigerator upright during transport, even if it takes longer or requires hiring professional movers.

How long should I wait before plugging the refrigerator back in after moving?

Wait at least four hours, though some KitchenAid models recommend 24 hours. Check your user manual for the specific waiting time for your model. This allows the refrigerant and oil to resettle in the compressor before it starts running.

What if water leaks from the connection after I reconnect the water line?

Turn off the water shut-off valve immediately and place a towel under the leak. Tighten the compression nut slightly more using an adjustable wrench, then turn the water back on and check again. If the leak continues, the fitting may be damaged—contact a KitchenAid service center or a licensed plumber.

Do I need to remove the doors before moving the refrigerator?

No. Removing the doors is not necessary and can make the unit harder to move. Secure the doors with painter's tape or soft ties to keep them from swinging open during transport, and make sure the refrigerator stays upright.

What should I do if the refrigerator does not cool after I move it?

Wait 4 to 6 hours for the unit to reach temperature. If it still is not cooling, check that the water line is not kinked or blocked, the condenser coils are not covered with dust, and the thermostat is set to the correct temperature. If none of these fixes work, contact a KitchenAid service center—the compressor or refrigerant system may have been damaged during the move.