Doorway Clearance Guide: Can Your Dream Fridge Make It Inside?

Moving a refrigerator can be a daunting task, especially when you’re unsure if it will fit through your door. The last thing you want is to find yourself stuck with a brand-new appliance that won’t fit into your home. To help you avoid this frustrating situation, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to determine whether your refrigerator can fit through your door.

Measuring Your Refrigerator and Doorway

The first step is to take accurate measurements of both your refrigerator and doorway.

Refrigerator Measurements:

• Height: Measure from the floor to the highest point of the refrigerator, including any handles or dispensers.
• Width: Measure the widest point of the refrigerator, including any protruding edges.
• Depth: Measure from the front to the back of the refrigerator, including any handles or coils.

Doorway Measurements:

• Height: Measure from the floor to the top of the door frame, including any molding or trim.
• Width: Measure the clear opening of the doorway, between the door jambs.

Comparing Measurements

Once you have your measurements, compare them to determine if your refrigerator will fit through the door.

• Height: The refrigerator height should be at least 2 inches less than the doorway height to allow for clearance.
• Width: The refrigerator width should be at least 1 inch less than the doorway width to allow for maneuvering.
• Depth: The refrigerator depth should be less than the doorway width to ensure it can clear the door frame.

Considerations for Tight Spaces

If your measurements indicate that your refrigerator will fit through the door but with little clearance, there are a few additional considerations:

• Remove Doors and Handles: Most refrigerators allow you to remove the doors and handles to create more clearance.
• Use a Dolly or Appliance Slider: A dolly or appliance slider can help you maneuver the refrigerator through tight spaces more easily.
• Tilt the Refrigerator: If necessary, you can carefully tilt the refrigerator to fit it through the door, but be sure to do so with assistance.

Special Cases

In some cases, you may need to take additional measures to fit your refrigerator through the door:

• French Door Refrigerators: French door refrigerators are wider than standard refrigerators, so you may need to remove the doors or widen the doorway slightly.
• Side-by-Side Refrigerators: Side-by-side refrigerators are also wider than standard refrigerators, but they can often be maneuvered through doors by removing the doors and handles.
• Built-In Refrigerators: Built-in refrigerators are designed to fit into a specific cabinet space, so they may not fit through standard doorways.

Hiring a Professional

If you’re not comfortable moving the refrigerator yourself or if you have a particularly tight space, consider hiring a professional appliance mover. They have the experience and equipment to ensure your refrigerator is moved safely and efficiently.

Wrapping Up

Determining if your refrigerator will fit through your door is essential for a successful move. By carefully measuring both the refrigerator and doorway and considering the special cases outlined above, you can avoid costly mistakes and ensure your new appliance fits seamlessly into your home.

Questions You May Have

Q: What should I do if my refrigerator doesn‘t fit through the door?
A: You can remove the doors and handles, use a dolly or appliance slider, or tilt the refrigerator carefully with assistance. If necessary, consider hiring a professional appliance mover.

Q: Can I remove the doors from my refrigerator to make it fit through the door?
A: Yes, most refrigerators allow you to remove the doors and handles to create more clearance. Consult your refrigerator’s user manual for specific instructions.

Q: How much clearance do I need to fit my refrigerator through the door?
A: It’s recommended to have at least 2 inches of clearance in height and 1 inch of clearance in width for safe maneuvering.