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Fridge
How to pack a fridge
Without suitable packaging, even if the courier is careful, transport can cause damage to your fridge. This page outlines the steps to protect a fridge before transport.
Why packaging is essential
An object that’s not well protected can arrive scratched, damaged, or broken, even if the carrier is as careful as possible.
With Cocolis, your items travel with individuals or professionals on journeys they're already making. They are handled during loading, in transit, and unloading—each a moment where good packaging makes all the difference.
An object can arrive scratched, broken, or incomplete. These situations are rare but avoidable and almost never happen when an item is properly packed from the start.
Prepare your fridge before packing
Unplug the fridge, freezer, or fridge-freezer at least 24 hours before moving it, to give it enough time to fully defrost. Mop up melted water and wipe the inside thoroughly. Remove all food. For an American-style fridge or a fridge-freezer with a water or ice dispenser, drain the system according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
This is also a good moment to gather your materials and plan the right protection for each part. Good packaging preparation happens before you start, not as you go along.
Steps to pack a fridge
- Empty and thoroughly clean the inside of the fridge, freezer, or fridge-freezer. Remove the drawers, shelves, and vegetable boxes, wrap them separately in bubble wrap and either secure them inside with crumpled paper, or transport them separately.
- Leave the door open for a few hours to make sure the inside of the fridge is completely dry before packing.
- Keep the door(s) shut with tape over cardboard—never stick tape directly onto the appliance’s surface.
- Protect outer surfaces with cardboard held by tape, paying special attention to corners and handles.
- Transport the fridge, freezer, or fridge-freezer strictly in an upright position—never lay it down during transport.
Good habits to know
The essential points to avoid problems during transport
Adapt packaging to the item
Packaging isn’t universal. Take into account the fragility, weight, and shape of your fridge to choose the right protection – the main thing is that the item is well protected during transport.
Don’t seal the packaging too soon
Leave your fridge visible when the courier arrives. They must be able to check its condition before taking charge and take photos with and without protection. Seal the packaging only afterwards.
Take photos before shipping
Photograph your item before and after packing. In case of a problem, these photos are your only evidence of its initial condition.
Inform about special requirements
Some items have specific requirements: must be kept upright, particular handling direction, extra fragility. Clearly inform the courier about these before departure.
Never stick tape on surfaces
Brown tape can leave marks or damage finishes. Never stick it directly to an item – always use an intermediate layer.
Frequent mistakes & things to watch out for
Some mistakes happen regularly and explain most damage on arrival.
A fridge, freezer, or fridge-freezer transported lying down can be permanently damaged. The fluids in the cooling system may move and block the compressor. If the appliance was transported lying down, wait at least 4 hours—ideally 24 hours—before plugging it in again to allow the fluids to settle. If in doubt, consult the manufacturer’s instructions.
Transporting fridge with Cocolis
Simpler, more human transport
With Cocolis, your item doesn't go through a warehouse, isn't passed from hand to hand and doesn't endure multiple re-loadings. It's delivered directly from point A to point B, in a single trip, by an individual or professional already making the journey.
In reality, it’s often someone like your neighbour or cousin making the trip for their own reasons who takes special care of what they're carrying. It's not a courier under pressure to deliver dozens of parcels a day. This difference means a lot in how your item is handled.
Fewer handlings also means less risk. But your item will still be loaded and unloaded, and a sudden brake can happen: correct packing is still essential to protect sensitive areas at these key moments.
Practically, packing doesn't need to be designed to withstand a whole logistics chain. It just needs to provide effective protection for a single journey—which is achievable by everyone.
Frequently asked questions
Other packing guides
For further advice, you can review packing guides for different types of item.
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