Cost to move a fridge: Smart budgeting for safe relocation

Moving your fridge and worried about damaging it? You’re definitely thinking ahead. Refrigerators contain delicate cooling systems with refrigerant fluids and compressors that can be permanently damaged if tilted or laid on their side during transport. That’s exactly why your fridge needs special handling, and professional movers are worth the investment.

Professional movers know exactly how to handle your fridge safely. They’ve got the right equipment, techniques, and experience to navigate tight doorways, stairs, and tricky corners without damaging your appliance or your walls. Today, most Aussie homeowners can expect to pay between $80 and $350 for professional fridge moving, though this varies by distance and complexity. In this post, we’ll break down all the costs and key factors to consider before you hire a removalist.

Fridge moving price list 

The cost comes down to truck size and how long the job takes. Most removalists charge by the half-hour and include two experienced movers with each truck. The good news is that fridge moves are typically quick jobs, so you won’t be paying for hours of labour. Here’s what you can expect to pay across Australia for different truck sizes.

A professional carefully moving a fridge (Source: iStock)

Factors affecting fridge transportation costs

While the base truck rate gives you a starting point, several factors can bump your final quote up or down. Some are within your control (like timing and prep work), while others depend on your specific situation. Here’s what professional movers consider when pricing your fridge relocation job.

Materials and equipment

Proper packing materials aren’t optional when moving fridges. Professional movers use moving blankets, plastic wrap, zip ties, and specialised dollies to protect your appliance and make transport safer. Basic materials, which cover protective wrapping, straps, and cardboard corner guards, typically add $25 to $50 to your quote. 

If your fridge has delicate features like water dispensers or glass shelves, expect to pay more for extra protection materials.

Size of the refrigerator

Bigger fridges mean bigger challenges and higher costs. A standard single-door fridge is straightforward to move, while French door models, side-by-sides, and commercial units require more manpower and care. Large or unusually shaped fridges can add $50 to $150 to your moving costs due to the extra time and equipment needed. 

Distance of the move

The further you’re going, the more you’ll pay. Local moves within 20km typically stick to the base hourly rate, but longer distances can shift to fixed pricing or include travel time charges. Moves over 50km often include fuel surcharges of 10% of the total moving costs. Interstate moves are a whole different ballgame and usually require specialised long-distance moving services.

Access challenges

Ground-floor moves with clear access are always the cheapest and simplest option. When removalists need cranes for high-rise apartments or tricky access situations, you're looking at additional costs of $170 to $1,000 per hour, depending on crane size and location.

Professionals moving a fridge using a dolly (Source: iStock)

Preparing for refrigerator moving

A lot of planning is involved when transporting your fridge. It shouldn’t have food or leftovers, so plan days or weeks ahead and store your perishables in a different place. You can also use this opportunity to clean the inside of your fridge and prevent foul smells after the move. 

Also, before you have removalists take your fridge, make sure that these things are ready in the new location: 

Electrical outlets 

A fridge needs to be plugged in. It’s important to have a socket available near its new location. It might be dangerous to rely on extension cords for power. Fortunately, you can hire a professional to install a new socket or rewire some electrical cables if necessary. This can cost $80 - $135, depending on the state you live in.

Plumbing

Certain fridges have built-in ice makers and water dispensers, which need to be attached to a water line. You can have a new water line installed for your fridge to make the moving process easier. 

Fridge disposal in AU

If you end up upgrading your fridge in your new living space, you still need to dispose of the old one. Remember that leaving your fridge on the kerbside for collection isn’t acceptable. Call your local council and ask if they pick up old freezers or refrigerators for recycling. For example, ACT offers its residents a Fridge Buyback Program with free removal and recycling of old appliances.

Ready to move your fridge safely?

Moving your fridge is one of those jobs that’s worth getting right the first time. With professional rates starting from just $80 per half hour, you’re getting experienced hands who know exactly how to handle delicate cooling systems without turning your appliance into an expensive repair bill. Plus, calling in the pros makes sense when you factor in the time, stress, and potential drama of doing it yourself.

Why wrestle with a heavy fridge when you can have it appropriately sorted? Post your fridge moving task and get quotes from local removalists who’ve done this hundreds of times before.