why do refrigerators need to be transported upright
Refrigerators should always be unplugged, emptied, defrosted and packaged securely to protect the unit during transport. Most manufacturers recommend that refrigerators always be moved in the upright and vertical position. When a refrigerator is placed on its side, oil from the interior compressor can drain into the refrigerant tubes and cause damage to the unit. If it is unavoidable to transport a refrigerator upright, lay the unit down on its side -- on the freezer side for side-by-side models or else opposite the hinges -- instead of the back. Stand the unit upright at the new location and allow it to sit unplugged for the same amount of time that it was on its side to allow the oil to drain back down.