Last updated: March 2026
Will a Fridge Fit Through the Hallway?
Enter your fridge dimensions and hallway measurements to verify clearance — handles, dolly height, and hallway turns included.
Whether it fits depends on measurements most people get wrong.
Key Measurement
Fridge width including handles vs. hallway width at narrowest point
Standard Dimensions
Item: Standard fridge: 30–36" W (with handles) × 67–70" H × 29–35" D
Space: Standard residential hallway: 42–48" wide. Building code minimum: 36" wide
Actual clear openings are usually 1–2″ smaller than the labeled size.
Your exact dimensions probably aren't "standard." Small measurement errors cause big problems — 1 inch can be the difference between fitting and getting stuck.
Related Resources
Verdicts are calculated by comparing all 6 item orientations against the space dimensions using verified building code standards. See our methodology
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1 inch can be the difference between fitting and getting stuck.
“Saved me from a $200 return — the couch was 2 inches too wide for the doorway.” — Online shopper
Standards Referenced
- IRC R311.6Hallways — minimum width 36 in. View source
- ADA 403Accessible routes — minimum clear width and passing space View source
- ANSI A117.1Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities View source
Measurements verified by the ItemFits engineering team · Based on IRC R311.6, ADA 403, ANSI A117.1 · Our methodology
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Related Reading
Navigating Narrow Hallways With Large Furniture: 6 Proven Techniques
When the hallway is 36 inches and the furniture is 34, you have 1 inch per side. Here's how professionals move large items through tight corridors without damage.
Standard Hallway Widths in Apartments: What to Expect
Apartment hallways range from 36 to 48 inches. Building era, type, and local codes determine your hallway width — and what furniture fits through it.
Moving Large Appliances: A Step-by-Step Safety Guide
Navigate tight corners and narrow doorways with confidence. Our expert guide covers measuring, planning routes, and safely moving heavy appliances.
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What to Measure
- 1Handle snag risk at doorframes — protruding handles add 1–3" per side and catch on every doorframe along the hallway path
- 2Dolly wheel clearance on baseboards — appliance dolly wheels (3–4" wide) can ride up on baseboard molding and tip in narrow corridors
- 3Straight hallway width minus all protrusions (radiators, fire extinguishers, doorframes) — a single 2" protrusion can block a 36"-wide fridge
- 490° turn clearance with dolly footprint — the dolly extends 6–8" behind the fridge and must clear the inside wall during the pivot
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Measuring fridge width without handles — handles protrude 1–3" per side and snag on every doorframe between the entry and the kitchen
- Not scouting the entire hallway path beforehand — a single doorframe protrusion or narrow spot can block an otherwise clear route
- Forgetting the dolly footprint at corners — the dolly base extends 6–8" behind the fridge and needs inside-wall clearance to pivot
- Assuming the hallway is the only constraint — also check every doorway along the path, as doorframes are almost always narrower than the corridor
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove fridge doors to fit through a hallway?
Yes — most refrigerator doors are designed to be removed. French door and side-by-side models have hinge pins on top. Removing both doors can reduce width by 3–5 inches, which is often enough to clear a narrow hallway. Consult your model's installation guide.
How do I get a fridge around a hallway corner?
On a dolly, tilt the fridge slightly backward and pivot around the inside corner. Have a second person guide the top of the fridge to prevent wall damage. If the corner is too tight, remove the fridge doors to reduce width. Protect walls with moving blankets at the pivot point.
What if my hallway has a low ceiling or light fixture?
A fridge on a dolly is 4–6 inches taller than its spec sheet height. Measure the ceiling clearance along the entire path. You may need to remove ceiling-mounted light fixtures temporarily or tilt the fridge at an angle to clear low spots.