The move is just around the corner and you are wondering what to look out for when moving your refrigerator? Can the appliance be transported upright and lying down? When you arrive at your new home, the refrigerator should of course be like new - but what if the refrigerator smells?

With these handy tips you are well prepared for the transport of your refrigerator and you have an appliance that looks like new again. Of course, every model is different, some don't mind being transported lying down and others have to rest for 24 hours afterwards. In most cases, however, you can rely on these tips to take no chances and have a smooth move:

What happens if you transport a refrigerator on its side?
It is always better for a refrigerator to be transported standing up, or tilted as little as possible. The reason is the suspension of the compressor. This is designed to absorb vibrations of the compressor during operation; if it is loaded from the side, this can occasionally cause damage. But don't worry, if you need to transport your refrigerator horizontally because of space, in most cases it will not be damaged. You just cannot put it back into operation immediately after transport.

How long do you have to leave a refrigerator standing after transport?
If you transported your refrigerator horizontally, you should wait at least twelve hours before using it again. For older refrigerators, 24 hours is recommended. When the transport is upright, 2 hours of rest is sufficient. This allows the coolant to flow back into the container provided for it.

What can I do if my fridge smells?
If you encounter an unpleasant smell when you open the refrigerator door or if your device stinks even when it is closed, you should act urgently. These two tips are effective and use products that can be found in most households:

1. Put a bowl of coffee in the refrigerator. This may absorb the bad smell. Do not use concentrated detergents.

2. Place a shallow bowl open in the refrigerator with a few tablespoons of baking powder or baking soda (both work equally well).

Checklist: This is how the move works with the refrigerator
Moving can be stressful. Moving your appliance doesn't have to be. You can find out more in our checklist “Fridge set-up. How to transport your appliance.

The free practical checklist for worry-free refrigeration transport.

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And what about the destination? Where is the right location for a fridge / freezer? What should you watch out for when setting up and can you possibly reduce energy consumption by choosing the right location? All this and more in our handy guide!