You have arrived at your new home, the fridge freezer is in place and the first thing you want to do is plug it in and fill it with shopping. Wait. Switching it on too soon can damage the compressor. If you are asking how long to wait to turn on fridge after moving, the answer depends on how it travelled and on your manufacturer’s guidance. This guide explains the reasons and the safe way to move one.
Why You Have to Wait
A fridge freezer cools using a compressor that contains oil and refrigerant. When the appliance is moved, tilted or laid down, some of that oil can drain out of the compressor into the cooling pipes. If you switch it on before the oil has drained back, the compressor may run without enough lubrication, which can shorten its life or stop it working altogether. Standing the appliance upright for a while gives the oil time to settle.
How Long to Wait
Guidance varies between manufacturers, so always check your appliance’s manual or the manufacturer’s website first. As a general guide, based on published manufacturer advice:
| How It Travelled | General Guidance |
| Upright the whole time | Bosch advises at least 3 hours; Beko advises at least 4 hours for American style models |
| On its side for a short time | Bosch advises at least 3 hours upright before switching on |
| On its side for more than a day | Bosch advises waiting 24 hours |
| On its back | Bosch advises never transporting or laying a fridge on its back |
If you are unsure, waiting longer is the safer choice. A few extra hours of waiting does no harm, while a damaged compressor can mean replacing the appliance.
Upright Is Always Best
The safest way to move a fridge freezer is upright, secured so it cannot tip. If it has to go on its side, Bosch advises positioning it so the refrigerant pipes are on the upper side, which helps keep the oil in the compressor. Check your manual for the right side, as appliances differ.
Preparing a Fridge Freezer for Moving Day
- Run down the food in the week or two before you move, so there is little left to throw away.
- Switch off and defrost the day before, leaving the doors open and towels down to catch the water.
- Clean and dry inside thoroughly, as damp left in a closed fridge quickly smells.
- Remove or secure loose shelves and drawers, wrapping glass shelves separately.
- Tape the doors closed with tape that will not damage the finish, or tie them with a soft strap.
- Disconnect any water supply for ice makers and water dispensers, following the manual.
Chest Freezers and Integrated Fridges
Chest freezers follow the same principle: empty, defrost and dry them, keep them in their normal position during the move and let them stand before switching on. Integrated fridges built into kitchen units usually stay with the property, so check your sale paperwork before removing one, and use a qualified fitter if it needs taking out of the housing.
On Moving Day
Fridge freezers are heavy, tall and easy to damage on stairs and in doorways. Use a sack truck where possible, protect the sides with blankets and keep the appliance upright throughout. Make sure it is strapped securely in the vehicle so it cannot move or tip during the journey.
Setting It Up in Your New Home
Once the fridge is in position, leave a gap at the back and sides for airflow, as recommended in your manual. Level it using the adjustable feet so the doors close properly. When the waiting time has passed, switch it on and let it reach the correct temperature before loading food. This can take several hours, so plan your first shop accordingly.
What to Eat While You Wait
Plan simple meals for your first evening that do not need a fridge, or use a cool box with ice packs for milk and a few essentials. A takeaway on the first night is a moving day tradition for a reason.
Signs Something Is Wrong
If the fridge has not started cooling after several hours, makes unusual knocking or buzzing noises, or the compressor repeatedly starts and stops, switch it off and contact the manufacturer or a qualified appliance engineer. Do not keep running an appliance that seems to be struggling.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long should a fridge stand before switching on after a move?
It depends on the model and how it travelled. Bosch advises at least 3 hours upright, and 24 hours if it was on its side for more than a day. Check your manual.
2. Can I lay a fridge freezer down to move it?
Upright is best. Some manufacturers allow it on its side with the right side up, but never on its back.
3. Do I need to defrost a freezer before moving?
Yes. Switch it off and defrost it the day before, then clean and dry it.
4. How long does a fridge take to get cold?
Usually several hours. Wait until it reaches the right temperature before adding food.
5. What if my fridge does not work after moving?
Switch it off and contact the manufacturer or a qualified appliance engineer.
Move Your Appliances With Shaheen Express Removals
Shaheen Express Removals has been moving homes across St Albans, Hertfordshire, Luton and London for more than 20 years. Our fully insured, DBS-checked team uses the right equipment to move heavy appliances and furniture upright, protected and secured. We are rated 5.0 from 444 Google reviews. Find out more about our furniture removals and full house removal service. Call +44 7903 494502 or email shaheenexpressremovals@gmail.com to talk through your move.