Moving a refrigerator, washer, or dryer seems simple—until you actually try it. These appliances are bulky, awkward to lift, and surprisingly fragile. One wrong tilt or bump can turn your brand-new fridge into a costly repair project or even injure your back.

Yet every day, homeowners attempt DIY appliance moves with a borrowed dolly and a few friends—only to find out that safely moving a refrigerator or washer requires the right tools, technique, and teamwork.

That’s where professionals like Lugg come in. Whether you’re moving a single appliance or setting up a full kitchen, Lugg makes it easy to schedule help instantly—even same-day appliance delivery when timing matters most.

Why you shouldn’t move your refrigerator alone, and what to do instead

Refrigerators are among the most challenging household items to move. They’re tall, top-heavy, and filled with delicate internal components. Tight spaces, stairs, and slippery floors all add risk of back strain or crushed fingers. A moment’s misstep can result in a trip to the emergency room.

Tilting them too far can cause oil to shift, which can affect cooling performance if plugged in too soon afterward. Sometimes, laying a refrigerator on its side is unavoidable—especially if a smaller vehicle is used. That’s perfectly fine as long as it’s handled correctly and allowed to rest upright before use.

Pro tip: If you’ve moved a refrigerator on its side, wait at least 24 hours before plugging it in to let the compressor oil settle. This simple step can prevent major performance issues or internal damage.

That’s exactly the kind of detail professional movers understand instinctively. Lugg’s local movers know how to secure your refrigerator safely, whether upright or on its side, and ensure it arrives ready for use without the risk or guesswork. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about safety and peace of mind.

A refrigerator boxed and strapped against the box truck wall, secured by Luggers for safe transportation.
A boxed refrigerator securely strapped inside a moving box truck by Luggers to prevent shifting during transit.

From Home Depot to your home in hours: How same-day appliance delivery works

Picture this: you just bought a new washer and dryer set at Home Depot. The associate says standard delivery will take three to five days—maybe longer during the busy season. But you need it now.

That’s where same-day appliance delivery changes everything. With on-demand moving platforms like Lugg, you can book a local truck and crew in minutes, track your movers in real time, and get your appliances home within the hour.

Behind the scenes, smart logistics technology connects nearby Luggers with your pickup location, optimizing routes for speed and efficiency. That’s how your refrigerator, washer, or stove can be moved from store checkout to your room of choice faster than traditional scheduling ever allowed.

The complete guide to appliance moving and delivery

Even with professional help, good preparation ensures a smoother move. Here’s a step-by-step look at how a proper appliance delivery should work:

Before pickup:

    • Disconnect and clean the old appliance if you’re replacing one.
    • Measure doorways, hallways, and staircases to confirm clearance.
    • Protect floors with cardboard or padding.

From the store or seller:

    • Confirm that your purchase is ready for pickup.
    • Keep receipts or order numbers handy for your movers.
    • If you’re buying from Facebook Marketplace, message the seller to confirm access.

During transport:

    • Whenever possible, refrigerators should be moved upright to protect the compressor. 
    • If a smaller vehicle is used, it’s safe to transport the fridge on its side, as long as it’s properly secured and allowed to rest upright for at least 24 hours before plugging in.
    • Secure the appliance with straps and moving blankets to prevent vibration damage.

At delivery:

    • Movers should place the appliance in its final location, whether that’s in your kitchen, basement, garage, or somewhere else.
    • Allow refrigerators to sit upright for a few hours before plugging them in.

Installation handoff:

    • Movers will safely position your appliance, but plumbing or electrical hookups should always be handled by a licensed technician.

Once your new appliance is in place, it’s time to think about what to do with the old one. Many donation centers accept working appliances, and certain recycling programs will take non-functional ones. Contact your local center to confirm they can accept your used appliance. Lugg can handle pickup, delivery, and haul-away in the same trip—saving you time and helping keep old appliances out of landfills.

A stainless-steel oven strapped and padded inside a moving truck as Luggers prepare it for safe transport to a donation center.
A heavy stainless-steel oven strapped securely by Luggers for safe transport on its way to donation.

How the pros move heavy appliances the right way

Professional appliance movers make complex logistics look effortless—but there’s more happening behind the scenes:

  • Training: Movers learn proper lifting techniques and how to protect delicate components.
  • Equipment: Commercial-grade dollies, moving blankets, straps, and ramps ensure control on every turn.
  • Teamwork: Two-person crews balance and guide appliances through tight spaces without scuffs or dings.
  • Protection: Each delivery is backed by damage protection and safety policies.

This is exactly why many people choose to hire a professional appliance moving company, like Lugg.

A Lugger in a Lugg shirt transports a large boxed refrigerator using a red appliance dolly inside a warehouse.
A Lugger safely moves a boxed refrigerator using a professional-grade appliance dolly.

DIY tips for moving heavy appliances safely

If you’re determined to move an appliance yourself, it’s possible to do it safely with careful planning and the right gear. Here’s what to keep in mind:

  1. Clear your path first. Measure every doorway and staircase, and remove rugs or obstacles that could catch wheels or cords.
  2. Protect your floors and walls. Use cardboard, plywood sheets, or moving blankets to prevent scratches and dents.
  3. Use proper lifting tools. A sturdy appliance dolly, lifting straps, and work gloves are essential—never rely on strength alone.
  4. Tape cords and accessories securely to the appliance.
  5. Work with a partner. Heavy items shift unexpectedly; two people can guide and stabilize the load. Lift with two people for anything over 100 lbs.
  6. Take your time. Slow, steady movements are safer than quick lifts or sharp turns.

Of course, even with the right preparation, appliance moving is physically demanding and often unpredictable. If at any point it feels unsafe or you hit a snag (tight stairwell, narrow door, uneven surface), it’s worth calling in professionals.

A new Best Buy refrigerator secure wrapped and loaded into a moving van.
A new Best Buy refrigerator secure wrapped and loaded into a moving van.

Why professional help saves time, money, and stress

Many people assume professional movers are expensive—but when you factor in the risk of injury, truck rental fees, and potential appliance damage, hiring experts is often cheaper.

A cracked refrigerator door or broken washer hose can cost hundreds to replace. Add in the time spent renting equipment, recruiting help, and making multiple trips, and the difference becomes clear.

Thousands of homeowners trust Lugg to move and deliver appliances every day. Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen, replacing an old washer from Lowe's, or picking up a new fridge from Best Buy, Lugg makes appliance moving fast, safe, and effortless. Book your appliance move in minutes, get same-day delivery, and enjoy professional service from start to finish.