A fridge and washing machine are the most expensive and most vulnerable appliances during a move. Wrong transport costs you a repair bill of 3,000–15,000 UAH or a full replacement. This article gives you specific rules, not vague advice.
Preparing the Refrigerator for the Move
Defrost 12–24 hours before moving day
Switch off the fridge and leave both doors open. After 12 hours all ice has melted and condensation has drained into the drip tray. Dry the interior with a clean cloth — residual moisture during transport settles on the door seals and promotes mould.
Remove all shelves, drawers and containers
Glass shelves and plastic drawers cannot take road vibration — they break even at moderate speed. Wrap each shelf individually in packing paper or bubble wrap. Pack containers in a cardboard box with padding.
Secure the doors with tape or rope
This matters more than it sounds: doors with magnetic seals open during tilting and acceleration. An open door swings against the van wall or another item → bent handle, broken hinge, damaged seal. Wrap tape around the perimeter of the door or tie a rope across the body.
Protect the exterior from scratches
Wrap the fridge in a moving blanket or 2–3 layers of stretch wrap. Pay extra attention to corners and handles. When loaded next to furniture → without protection the surface gets scratched even during a smooth ride.
Which Orientation Is Safe When Transporting a Fridge
This is the number-one question people ask before a move. Short answer: upright — always fine, on its side — acceptable with conditions, on its back or face-down — never.
How Long to Wait Before Switching On After the Move
Compressor oil migrates into the refrigerant lines when the unit is tilted or laid on its side. Switching on immediately causes a hydraulic lock that can seize the compressor. The rule is simple:
Washing Machine Transit Bolts — the Most Important Thing
The washing machine drum is suspended on springs and shock absorbers. During a wash cycle it moves slightly — that is normal. But during transport, even on smooth roads, the drum slams against the cabinet with tremendous force → shock absorbers and springs break. Repair cost: 2,000–6,000 UAH.
Transit bolts (usually 3 or 4) insert into dedicated holes in the back panel and rigidly lock the drum to the frame. During transport the drum does not move at all.
- Bolts are included in the box when you buy the machine
- Keep them with the machine's documents or tape them to the back panel
- If lost — buy a replacement set by part number (available at most service centres and on rozetka.ua)
- After inserting the bolts, cover the holes with the plastic caps (also included)
Preparing the Washing Machine for the Move
Drain all residual water
Even after a spin cycle the pump and hoses hold 0.5–2 litres of water. Two options: run another spin programme, or open the emergency filter at the bottom front (small cover), pull the plug and let the water drain into a bowl. Screw the filter back in afterwards.
Insert the transit bolts
Locate the 3–4 holes in the rear panel (usually at the top or middle). Insert the bolts and finger-tighten — no need to torque them with a spanner, just enough so the drum does not move. Remove the plastic plug from each hole before inserting the bolt (it usually sits there as a cover).
Disconnect hoses and dry the drum
Unscrew the inlet hose from the tap and from the machine. Drain any water in the hose. Disconnect the drain hose and drain that too. Wipe the drum interior with a dry cloth — residual moisture during transport soaks into the door gasket and accelerates its wear.
Secure the door and detergent drawer
Tape or stretch-wrap the porthole door closed. Pull out the detergent drawer and pack it separately, or tape it shut. Top-loaders: close the lid and tape all around the perimeter.
Which Vehicle to Choose for a Fridge and Washing Machine
You do not need a large lorry for just these two appliances. Here is a practical guide using VantageOK's tariff grid:
Top 7 Mistakes That Damage Appliances During a Move
- Switch on the fridge immediately after delivery
- Transport the fridge on its back or face-down
- Forget to drain water from the washing machine
- Not fitting the transit bolts
- Leave shelves and drawers inside the fridge
- Not securing the doors
- Start the washer without removing the transit bolts
- Defrost 12–24 h in advance and wait after transport
- Transport upright or on the left side only
- Drain water via the emergency filter
- Fit transit bolts and remove them after the move
- Pack shelves separately in bubble wrap
- Secure all doors with tape or rope
- Confirm bolts are removed — only then switch on
We'll move your appliances carefully and on time
VantageOK movers know the rules for transporting large appliances — upright, protected, no jolts. Call us and we'll find the right vehicle and time slot for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you move a refrigerator on its side?
Yes, but only on its left side (where the compressor sits at the bottom). After delivery wait 8–12 hours before switching on. Compressor oil migrates into the lines and needs time to drain back. Transporting on the back or face-down is never acceptable.
How long should you wait before turning on a fridge after moving?
If transported upright — 30–60 minutes. If on its side for less than 2 hours — 4–8 hours. If on its side for longer, or if you are unsure — 12–24 hours. It is better to be safe than to pay for a compressor repair (1,500–5,000 UAH).
Where are the transit bolts on a washing machine?
On the rear panel — usually 3 or 4 round holes with plastic caps. The bolts are supplied in the box when you buy the machine. If you have lost them, find the part number in the documentation or on the manufacturer's website for your model. A replacement set costs 150–400 UAH.
What happens if you move a washing machine without transit bolts?
The drum slams against the cabinet at every bump. Shock absorbers, suspension springs and even the shaft can break. Repair: 2,000–6,000 UAH. New machine: from 8,000 UAH. Bolts: from 150 UAH. The choice is obvious.
Which vehicle should I book for just a fridge and washing machine?
A MiniBus (5 m³, from 750 UAH) is enough for appliances up to 170 cm tall. For a taller fridge or when moving additional items — a Van (9 m³, from 1,050 UAH). Full tariff details at our tariff page.
Do I need to remove the levelling feet from the washing machine?
No, leave them on. But before moving, check that none of the feet are extended too far — if the machine tips during loading it can fall. Turn all four feet to the same height.