It’s tempting to lay a fridge down during a move, especially if you don’t have enough space in your vehicle. You just want to cram everything in and be done with it.
However, laying a fridge down can do more harm than good.
Keep reading to find out what happens when you lay a Samsung fridge down. We also have a few tips to help you transport the appliance safely.
Can you transport a Samsung fridge laying down?
Never lay a Samsung refrigerator down, especially on its back, to prevent the fluids inside from leaking, shifting, and settling in undesirable places.
No matter the size of the fridge, it’s always best to transport it upright to protect its compressor system and cooling lines.
If you have no other choice but to keep the fridge in a horizontal position, lay it on its side or front instead of its back.
Although this won’t keep it free from damage, there are certain measures that you can take to minimize them.
| Refrigerator Type | How to Transport a Samsung Fridge |
| Compact Fridges | Must stay upright at all times. |
| Top Freezer Fridges | Lay it down on the side opposite the hinges. |
| Side-by-Side Fridges | Lay it down on the freezer side to prevent its doors from flinging open. |
| French Door Fridges | Must stay upright at all times. |
| Bottom Fridges | Must stay upright at all times. |
What happens when you lay a Samsung fridge down?
Laying a Samsung fridge on its back will put a lot of weight on the compressor system, which isn’t designed to support any weight. It can cause irreparable damage to the coils.
Even if a fridge is transported on its side, liquids can shift and settle in undesirable areas, leading to costly repairs.
The heart of every refrigerator is its compressor system, which is fueled by refrigeration oil.
Refrigeration oil not only lubricates all the functioning parts of the compressor system but also carries heat away from the components. When you lay a fridge down, the oil can shift from the reservoir to the piping.
If a fridge operates with an empty reservoir, it can destroy the compressor, which regulates the appliance’s temperature. Without a functioning compressor, your fridge can’t reach optimal temperatures for food storage.
How to Protect Samsung Fridge after Laying It Down
To protect a Samsung fridge from damage after laying it down, immediately position it upright and avoid plugging it in right away.
Keep the fridge unplugged for the same amount of time it spent laying down to allow all the liquids to settle.
Follow these steps to protect a fridge after transporting it on its back or side:
- Step 1: Keep it upright after the move.
- Step 2: Let it stay unplugged for a few hours, depending on how long it’s been laying down.
- Step 3: Plug the fridge in.
- Step 4: Let it reach optimal temperatures before adding food.
If the fridge spent 4 hours laying on its back while in transit, keep it upright for 4 hours before plugging it in. However, if it’s been on its back for more than a day, let it stay unplugged for at least 24 hours.
As mentioned, laying a fridge down can cause refrigerator oil to shift from the reservoir to the piping. If you plug a fridge immediately after transport, it will operate with a partially empty reservoir, which can damage the compressor.
How to Transport a Samsung Fridge Safely
To transport a Samsung fridge safely, keep it upright. Wrap it in blankets to cushion accidental impacts, then close its doors shut with heavy-duty rope.
Secure the fridge in the moving van using ratchet straps. One strap goes over the unit, while another goes around the front, holding it in place.
Follow these steps to transport a Samsung fridge safely:
Step 1: Prepare the fridge.
Prepare the fridge days before moving day. Unplug it, empty all of its contents, and transfer them into separate containers.
Ideally, you should consume perishables or give them away. Or, place them inside coolers to prevent spoilage.
Shelves, bins, drawers, and other movable parts must be taken out as well. Wrap them in bubble wrap or blankets, and pack them separately to prevent breakages while in transit.
Then, defrost the fridge and clean it thoroughly to prevent any funky odors, mold, and bacteria from forming.
After a deep cleanse, leave the doors open overnight so the fridge can dry completely before you close it up for transport.
Step 2: Protect the fridge.
Keep the fridge’s power cord in a bundle, and tape it to the unit to prevent it from getting in your way while you’re moving the appliance.
Secure the fridge doors using heavy-duty rope or moving straps so they won’t fling open while in transit. Then, wrap blankets, bubble wrap, or cardboard around the fridge to cushion any accidental impacts.
Step 3: Secure the fridge.
To secure a fridge in your vehicle, tie it down from at least two sides using ratchet straps. One strap must go over the fridge, while the other must go around it, keeping it in place.
After placing the straps, give the fridge a little push to check for any movement. Make the necessary adjustments to lock the appliance in place.
We have another guide that delves into all the steps for transporting a fridge — without a dolly at that.
From prepping the fridge to loading it into the moving truck, we’ll show you some tips and tricks to make your move a breeze.
