Short answer: move a used fridge upright where possible, secure both the door and appliance against tipping, and plan the carrying route and vehicle before collection. If the appliance had to travel on its side, stand it upright at the destination and follow the manual for that exact model before switching it on. AEG says to leave it upright for around 24 hours after unavoidable side transport; Bosch gives shorter or longer times depending on the situation. A generic number of hours is therefore not a replacement for the manufacturer’s instructions.
That matters especially for marketplace collections: the purchase is agreed, but the hallway reveals whether the appliance fits through doors, who can move it over the step and whether it can stand safely in the van.
Check first: does the fridge fit through the whole route?
Measure the fridge including its packaging or protective blanket, not just the door front. Note height, width, depth and approximate weight. Then measure the narrowest points: building entrance, hallway, lift, stair landing and the vehicle loading opening.
| Question | Why it matters before booking |
|---|---|
| Can the appliance stay upright through every door? | A horizontal trip should not become the improvised answer to a loading opening that is too low. |
| Are there steps, a tight turn or no lift? | This determines equipment, a second person and the realistic carrying route. |
| Where can the van stop? | A long route over pavement or through a courtyard increases tipping and waiting risk. |
| Is the fridge empty and defrosted? | Loose shelves, water and an unsecured door add avoidable risk at handover. |
At Maxmove, the current selection in the booking flow is authoritative. The public vehicle guide lists a Compact Van up to 160 × 120 × 120 cm and 400 kg as guidance, including washing machines; for a tall fridge, its own dimensions and the loading opening decide. Add the real measurements, access notes and photos rather than writing only “fridge”. Details can be checked before assignment; changed consignment details can affect price and assignment.
Upright is the safer plan, not just a habit
AEG recommends moving fridges upright at all times. Bosch also recommends keeping the appliance upright where possible. This is not about appearance: operating fluids can shift in the cooling system when the appliance lies on its side. How long a particular appliance must rest before it is switched on therefore depends on the model and its actual position.
Plan the move as follows:
- Switch the appliance off early enough, empty it and defrost it.
- Remove loose glass shelves, drawers and compartments, or secure them separately.
- Close the door with a strap or suitable restraint; do not stick tape directly to sensitive finishes.
- Move the fridge on a suitable hand truck or appliance dolly and secure it against tipping.
- Stand it upright against a fixed surface in the vehicle, protect it with blankets and secure it to tie-down points so it cannot move.
ADAC recommends loading heavy household appliances last in a van so they can be unloaded first at the destination, and using straps on floor or wall anchor points. The driver remains responsible for the real load restraint and for the vehicle’s permitted gross weight.
If it had to lie down: do not guess, check the manual
Side transport is not permission to switch the appliance on immediately. AEG says that after unavoidable side transport, leave it upright for around 24 hours before use. Bosch UK states a minimum of three hours after side transport, and 24 hours after more than a day on its side. Those differences point to the right process: do not reuse a random internet time; check the model manual and record its actual transport position.
| Situation | Sensible next step |
|---|---|
| Transported upright | Stand it upright at the destination and check that model’s manual before switching it on. |
| Briefly tilted or carried on its side | Do not estimate: find the model-specific manufacturer guidance and note the position. |
| Transported on its side for longer | Keep it upright and follow the manufacturer’s stated waiting period. |
| Housing, cable or door damaged | Do not connect it; involve the seller, manufacturer or a qualified service. |
The waiting period does not solve every second-hand appliance issue. Check the door seal, interior and power cable separately at purchase. Transport and sale-condition are different matters.
Describe carrying help and handover explicitly
A van driver is not automatically a second carrier or an installation service. Put the required service in the order instead of assuming it at the kerb. For a heavy appliance, stairs or a long route to the apartment, clarify in advance whether and what carrying help is required. Connection, installation and old-appliance disposal should not be assumed either.
A usable description could read:
Used fridge, 185 × 60 × 65 cm, empty and defrosted. Pickup on the ground floor, three steps to the entrance. Destination on the second floor without a lift. Upright transport requested. Stopping space outside both addresses; buyer reachable on site.
That lets seller, buyer and driver understand the task before the trip. A photo of the appliance and tightest access point also helps, but it does not replace measurements.
When Maxmove fits the collection
Maxmove fits an individual private appliance transport that is too large for a parcel and too small for a full move. Enter the pickup, destination, item, vehicle class, time window and notes, see the price before booking and receive status plus digital completion proof. The handover service follows the booked order; it does not replace fridge installation.
Start with book a small transport or see the information on fridge transport. The vehicle-type guide also helps with the vehicle decision.
Marketplace collection checklist
- Measured the fridge, loading opening and every tight access point?
- Emptied and defrosted the appliance, and secured its door and loose parts?
- Planned upright transport with a suitable hand truck and tie-down points?
- Described the carrying route, floor, lift and stopping space?
- Named carrying help, destination level and any service not included?
- Saved the manufacturer manual for the time before switching it on?
When these points are clear before saying yes, the fridge stays upright in the plan—and the collection does not turn into improvisation at the door.
