Moving a Refrigerator Down Narrow Stairs

Defrost your refrigerator and freezer, and remove all the food items before your move. Throw away items you no longer need, and store the rest in a cooler. Unplug the appliance.

Take out drawers, shelves, and other movable parts. Store these in a safe, accessible location for easy replacement once your fridge is in its new location.

Tape down your refrigerator and freezer doors to keep them from swinging open during the move. If the fridge is too wide to fit down the narrow stairwell, remove the fridge and freezer doors as a space-saving technique. Take a photo of the fridge before you take it apart, and additional ones during each stage of the dismantling process; use these for visual reference when putting the appliance back together. Keep all screws, tools and parts together in an easily accessible location.

Wrap the fridge with a large furniture pad to keep the appliance from getting scratched or damaged during the move.

Have someone help you rock the fridge back gently, and slide the dolly underneath. Tilt the fridge back on the dolly so that it can be rolled to the top of the stairwell. Be careful not to tip the refrigerator so that it lays on its side; tipping a refrigerator too severely on its sides can cause compressor fluid to run into the cooling tubes.

Map out the route before moving the fridge, to prevent surprises along the way. Take note of the height of each step, as well as any half-steps, cracks or irregularities. Also pay attention to turns in the stairwell and the location of banisters.

Move the fridge by putting one person behind the dolly to push, and one person in front to guide. Move slowly, taking one step at a time; keep in constant communication with your movers and coordinate your movements. Wear boots and gloves to protect your hands and feet.