India
Published 16 October 2026 · By the Digital Five Star relocation team
Start 24 hours before moving day
Switch the fridge off and empty it a full day before shifting. A frost-free fridge still holds water in the drip tray, and a direct-cool fridge needs time for the ice in the freezer to melt. Packing a fridge that is still wet leads to bad smells and water leaking onto your other goods in the truck.
Finish or give away perishable food, and keep a cool bag for anything you need on moving day.
Clean, dry and secure the inside
- Wipe the inside with a mild soap or baking-soda solution and leave the doors open to dry completely.
- Remove glass shelves, trays and boxes, wrap each one in bubble wrap and pack them separately in a carton marked 'Fridge parts - Fragile'.
- Empty the drip tray at the back or bottom.
- Tape the power cord to the back of the fridge so it does not drag or get caught.
Wrap the body
Close the doors and tape them shut with removable tape (not on the paint directly if possible - use a layer of stretch film first). Cover the whole body in foam sheet or a moving blanket, then stretch-wrap it so the padding stays in place. Pay extra attention to corners and the door handles.
Always move it upright
Keep the fridge standing while loading and in the truck. Laying it flat can push compressor oil into the cooling pipes. If it had to be tilted, let it stand upright for at least as long as it was tilted (ideally 4-6 hours) before switching it on in your new home.
In the truck the fridge is loaded against the cabin wall and strapped so it cannot slide or tip during braking.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I wait before switching on the fridge after shifting?
If it stayed upright, 2-3 hours is usually enough. If it was tilted or laid down, wait 4-6 hours (or as long as it was tilted) so the compressor oil settles back.
Can I keep food in the fridge while shifting?
No. Empty and defrost it a day before. Food adds weight, spoils without power and can leak onto other goods.
Do packers and movers pack the fridge?
Yes. Our team wraps the fridge in foam and stretch film, packs the shelves separately and loads it upright and strapped.