The fridge (or refrigerator) is one of the most bulky, heavy and delicate appliances in any removal. Inside it is a sealed system of refrigerant gases and lubricating oil that, if transported incorrectly, can be rendered useless upon arrival at its destination. This guide explains the correct steps for transporting a fridge without damaging it, with a special focus on removals to the Canary Islands.
The 3 mistakes that kill a fridge in a removal
- Laying it on its side: the compressor oil migrates into the refrigerant pipes. If you plug it in too soon after arrival, that oil does not return and the compressor burns out
- Plugging it in immediately upon arrival: even if you have kept it upright throughout, it is advisable to wait so that the internal gases can stabilise
- Not defrosting it beforehand: the ice in the freezer melts during transport, the water gets into the motor and the electrical circuits, causing short circuits
Preparation 48 hours before
Day -2: empty the contents
Start consuming or giving away everything you have inside the fridge and freezer. It is not a good idea to have 8 kilos of meat in the freezer the night before the removal. If you are moving to a nearby destination (same building or city), you can transfer essentials in a portable cool box with ice.
Day -1: unplug and defrost
Unplug the fridge the night before (at least 12 hours beforehand). Open the doors so that warm air enters and melts the ice in the freezer. Place towels or absorbent cloths at the base to collect the defrost water.
Day -1 (afterwards): clean the interior and shelves
Once defrosted, clean the interior and shelves with water and bicarbonate of soda (to prevent odours). Remove the drip tray at the base where defrost water collects and empty it. Dry everything thoroughly with a cotton cloth.
Day -1 (final): secure doors and drawers
Hold the doors shut with strong gaffer tape (do not use thin packing tape, it will not hold). Remove the interior shelves and drawers and pack them separately in a box labelled with their name so you do not lose them.
Transport: UPRIGHT position MANDATORY
All modern refrigerators must be transported in an upright position, NEVER on their side. Occasional exceptions:
- If it is impossible to keep it upright on a staircase or in a lift (a very rare situation), it can be laid on its side for a maximum of 30 minutes on the side opposite the motor
- After laying it on its side, leave it upright for 24 hours before plugging in
Professional equipment
A 1.80 m fridge weighs between 70 and 130 kg. Moving it without the right tools is dangerous for the person and for the appliance. The correct approach:
- Hydraulic appliance trolley (not a standard furniture trolley)
- Harness-type carrying straps for 2 people
- Padded blankets + bubble wrap on the corners
- Aluminium ramps for stairs and uneven surfaces
Particularities of transport to the Canary Islands
Maritime transit of 5–10 days
The fridge spends 1–2 weeks in a maritime container. Upright ALWAYS (containers are fitted with wall anchors to secure appliances in a standing position). The Horizont Atlantic team takes care of correct securing.
Container temperature
In summer it can exceed 50°C. The fridge withstands those temperatures perfectly when switched off — the problem arises if it is switched on immediately upon arrival after a hot crossing. It must be left to acclimatise for 24–48h in the new home before being plugged in.
Is it worth transporting an old fridge to the Canary Islands?
Economic analysis:
- Transport of a large fridge in a shared removal: ~120–200 € (proportional share)
- Equivalent new fridge in the Canary Islands: 700–1,500 € (prices similar to the mainland, with IGIC of 9.5% instead of VAT at 21%)
- If your fridge is >7 years old or consumes a lot of electricity (class C or worse): it probably makes more sense to buy a new, more efficient one
- If your fridge is <5 years old and is Class A or above: it is worth transporting
Upon arrival at the new home
Step 1: Wait
Place the fridge in its permanent position and leave it to rest, unplugged, for a minimum of:
- 4–6 hours if the journey was short and always upright
- 12–24 hours if it was long (national removal to the Canary Islands)
- 24–48 hours if it was on its side at any point
Step 2: Final clean
While you wait, clean the interior and exterior. Clean the rear filter (if fitted) with a gentle vacuum cleaner to remove dust accumulated during transport.
Step 3: Switch on
Plug it in EMPTY. That is: without filling it. Leave it to cool down empty for 4–6 hours, until it reaches temperature. If it has a thermometer, it should read between 2–5°C in the fridge section and -18°C in the freezer.
Step 4: Gradual loading
Once at temperature, start putting food in — beginning with the least perishable items (bottles, tinned goods). During the first 24h things may feel slightly warmer than expected. After 1–2 days, the fridge will be running at its normal level.
Other kitchen appliances: similar protocol
If you are transporting other appliances in the same removal, also consult:
- How to transport a washing machine (transit bolts are essential)
- Dishwasher: similar to the washing machine — disconnect the water, secure the drum
- Microwave: original box or reinforced box with bubble wrap
- Electric oven: clean interior grease, secure the glass door with tape
Insurance and claims
The removal company's public liability insurance covers accidental damage during transport. If your fridge arrives damaged:
- Do NOT plug it in (if there is obvious physical damage)
- Photograph the damage before moving anything else
- Note it on the delivery note BEFORE signing acceptance
- Notify the removal company within the following 24 hours
- Keep the original purchase documentation (invoice, warranty) for the claim
Summary: fridge checklist for a removal to the Canary Islands
- 2 days before: empty contents
- 1 day before: unplug, defrost, clean, dry
- Removal day: UPRIGHT position MANDATORY
- Equipment: hydraulic trolley + straps + blankets
- In maritime container: secured to the wall
- On arrival: 24–48h acclimatisation WITHOUT PLUGGING IN
- Switch on empty until it reaches temperature
- Progressive loading of food
At Horizont Atlantic we pack and transport appliances with a certified professional protocol. If you are making a removal to the Canary Islands and have questions about which appliances are worth transporting, request a quote from us indicating the most bulky ones: we will advise you with no obligation.
Frequently asked questions about transporting fridges
How do I prepare the fridge before a removal?
5 days before: plan meals to use up the contents. 24h before: disconnect and empty completely. 12–24h: leave to defrost with doors open and a tray to collect water. 2–4h before: clean the interior with water and vinegar (removes odours), dry thoroughly. The fridge MUST travel completely empty and dry to avoid spills and odours inside the removal vehicle.
Can a fridge be transported on its side?
NO. Fridges must ALWAYS be transported upright. The compressor oil can pass into the refrigerant circuit if you lay it on its side, permanently damaging it. If it unavoidably had to be laid on its side, leave the fridge standing upright for 24–48 hours before plugging in (the oil returns to the compressor by gravity).
When can I plug in the fridge after arriving at the destination?
A minimum of 4–6 hours after unloading it, ideally 12–24h if it was on its side or had been disconnected for several days. This allows: the compressor oil to settle, any internal moisture to evaporate, and ambient temperature conditions to stabilise. Plugging in immediately after a long journey can damage the motor.
How do I pack a fridge to protect it from knocks?
Professional padded blankets all around (not plastic, which causes condensation), secure the doors with tape or elastic bands to prevent them opening during transport, cardboard corner protectors on top and bottom edges, stretch wrap around the blankets to keep them in place, clear label reading "FRAGILE – UPRIGHT". Always move with 2 people and a hydraulic trolley for large models.
Does a new or expensive fridge need specific insurance?
For large American-style fridges (>2,000 €), Sub-Zero, wine fridges, yes — an additional declared-value insurance policy is recommended. The basic public liability insurance covers accidental breakage up to a certain limit per item. Keep the invoice and warranty as proof of value. More on packing appliances: transporting a washing machine.
