Cost to move a fridge: How much to budget for a safe relocation

Need to move your fridge but don’t know what to budget for? Many homeowners think they can tackle this job themselves, only to discover that fridges are trickier to move than expected. Research shows improper transport can permanently damage cooling systems and compressors, turning a simple move into an expensive replacement.

The good news? Professional fridge moving is more affordable than most people expect. With costs ranging from £100 to £400, depending on truck size and job complexity, hiring experienced removalists often costs less than repairing a damaged fridge. This guide will explain exactly what you can expect to pay and what factors influence your final quote before hiring 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 the UK for different truck sizes.

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 covering protective wrapping, straps, and cardboard corner guards typically add £20 or more 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 £45 to £290 to your moving costs due to the extra time and equipment needed. 

Labour

Removalists charge an average of £45 to £320 per hour and per crew member. These are usually added to a fixed price for the services. 

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 £50 to £270 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 £50 - £200.

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 the UK

It is normal to want to get rid of certain items when moving. You can hire furniture removalists to properly dispose of whatever you won’t take, and the same can be done for your fridge.

Collection companies charge an average of £15 - £65 to collect and dispose of your fridge responsibly. This also depends on the size and weight of your fridge. You can expect to pay around £35 for a single-door fridge, while a double-door fridge costs up to £75. 

You can consult your local councils because they might offer free fridge disposal. It might take longer, but it does help you save money. Remember that not all local councils offer free services; you must set a collection date with them. 

Ready to move your fridge?

Now that you know how much it costs to move a refrigerator, it’s time to work with a professional. Post a task on Airtasker to receive price quotes from professional removalists near you. To get the best quotes, always include as many details as possible, including:

• Your fridge type and dimensions
• Pick-up and drop-off addresses
• Access details
• Special features (if your fridge has water dispensers, ice makers, or glass shelves that need extra care)

The more information you provide upfront, the more accurate your quotes will be. Ready to get your fridge moved safely and affordably? Post your task now!