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Fridge freezer worries

(31 Posts)
QuaintIrene Sun 26-Apr-26 13:13:56

Hello everyone.
My fridge freezer has broken down. It's ancient and honestly doesn't owe me a penny.
The thing is that my house is a converted cottage. The living room and Kitchenette are upstairs. I need to order online because of back pain and mobility problems.
Does anyone know if firms like John Lewis will take it upstairs for me ? They do take away the old freezer and packaging. But it's the stairs that are causing me worry.
I ordered a chair last year from a firm and they wouldn't carry it upstairs despite being aware of the house set up. Took me months to get a refund.
I know I sound pathetic but if things can go wrong they tend to do so for me.
I am completely on my own so no help with lifting etc.
Thank you if anyone can help.

Judy54 Sun 26-Apr-26 14:02:36

Before ordering online it may be a good idea to speak to John Lewis first to be clear about what is needed. Do you perhaps have a local company to buy from that could come and assess the layout of your home before you make a purchase?

cc Sun 26-Apr-26 14:05:41

I always buy from John Lewis for just this reason, many other firms only do a ground floor delivery. If you speak to them they can organise a two man crew on the van if necessary.

QuaintIrene Sun 26-Apr-26 14:06:56

I will do. There is a local firm that my friend used and there are 4 steps up to her bungalow.
I'm fretting about a repeat of the chair debacle. My nerves couldn't stand it. Thank you

QuaintIrene Sun 26-Apr-26 14:10:00

cc I will. Thank you. I have ordered from John Lewis before but access wasn't an issue like now.
I am amazed how many firms offer ground floor delivery only.

Jane43 Sun 26-Apr-26 14:21:40

We always use ao.com, the delivery people are very pleasant, you can pay extra to have things taken away and installed. o found this regarding upstairs delivery
AI Overview
Yes, AO.com can deliver items upstairs, but it is subject to a driver risk assessment to ensure safety and prevent property damage. While they often carry items to upper floors (especially if a lift is available), drivers have the final say on whether it is safe to do so.
AO.com
AO.com
+4
Key Considerations for Upstairs Delivery:
Specify when ordering: AO.com asks for the number of steps and lift availability, so it is crucial to provide this information during checkout.
Driver Risk Assessment: If the stairs are too narrow or deemed a health and safety risk, drivers may refuse to take items higher than the first floor.
Alternative Support: For upper-floor deliveries without a lift, some customers have successfully requested assistance from TaskRabbit for help on the day, or by using a local man-and-van service.
AO.com
AO.com
+4
If you are concerned, it is recommended to get confirmation from AO.com when they call to arrange the delivery date.

QuaintIrene Sun 26-Apr-26 15:10:29

Thank you Jane 43. I have looked at ao and there is an actual helpline to contact. I'm going to open my ( tepid) prossecco and look at what there is.

loopyloo Sun 26-Apr-26 15:14:40

What about getting a separate freezer and small larder fridge on top. Access would be easier and if one breaks down the other is still working.

welbeck Sun 26-Apr-26 15:56:51

Marks Electrical from Leicester are very good.
Neighbour had several items from them.
Ring them first and explain the exact layout.
You may have to pay extra.
But they are reliable.
All the best.

Macaydia Sun 26-Apr-26 17:32:16

With back pain and mobility issues, have you considered moving to a bungalow? Not that this fixes your fridge problem but I have stairs in my home and have been looking at bungalows for my future because the stairs are not safe for me, anymore.

ClicketyClick Sun 26-Apr-26 17:58:33

I think loopyloo's idea is very sensible. By the way, QuaintIrene. I love your username.

NotAGran55 Sun 26-Apr-26 18:08:08

QuaintIrene if you mock up an order on line on John Lewis you will see a drop down box to select stairs access, and add other notes to the driver.

QuaintIrene Sun 26-Apr-26 19:10:59

Thank you for all your kind responses.
I hadn't thought about a separate fridge and freezer. I'll consider that seriously.
A bungalow would be great. My house is in poor repair due to My financial circumstances but I do aim to enquire about social housing for health/mobility concerns.
I do feel A bit better now.

M0nica Sun 26-Apr-26 20:17:53

ClicketyClick

I think loopyloo's idea is very sensible. By the way, QuaintIrene. I love your username.

Another Mapp and Lucia fan?

Charleygirl5 Mon 27-Apr-26 08:42:47

I had a stair lift fitted many years ago and it has been an absolute boon. I am lucky, I have a straight staircase so it cost me under £1400. The last one was a freebie as the company didn't bother to ask for any money!!!

Most bungalows have large gardens which would be beyond me.

Macaydia Mon 27-Apr-26 11:55:43

Yes, I like loopyloo's idea, too.

poppysmum Mon 27-Apr-26 14:07:18

Lots of companies such as AO, Currys, etc will take to where you want it unpack take old one and packing away but its usually an add on

cc Mon 27-Apr-26 14:12:09

QuaintIrene

cc I will. Thank you. I have ordered from John Lewis before but access wasn't an issue like now.
I am amazed how many firms offer ground floor delivery only.

I had a tumble dryer delivered earlier in the year, we live in a maisonette so our entry door is up on the first floor with a few outside steps. Once inside the dryer had to be lifted up onto a strong shelf above the washing machine.
I did explain all this to John Lewis but they still sent just one man who could not manage to lift it, but they send a two man crew the next day who did everything perfectly.
As regards the fridge, we now have a tall fridge next to a tall freezer. It did mean that we had slightly less kitchen furniture but we find the extra cooling space more useful for us.

Caleo Mon 27-Apr-26 14:19:34

QuaintIrene

Thank you for all your kind responses.
I hadn't thought about a separate fridge and freezer. I'll consider that seriously.
A bungalow would be great. My house is in poor repair due to My financial circumstances but I do aim to enquire about social housing for health/mobility concerns.
I do feel A bit better now.

I hope you will let us know if you can get a local authority bungalow or ground floor flat.sunshine

Babamaman Mon 27-Apr-26 14:23:07

AO.com are very good! I live in a 2nd floor flat and they’ve delivered, dishwashers, washing machine, fridge & freezers delivered without any issues.

WelshPoppy Mon 27-Apr-26 14:47:19

ao took white goods upstairs to my daughter's first floor flat. They also took an chest freezer from the front of our house down the back lane into our shed. They can usually deliver the next day, too.

mum2three Mon 27-Apr-26 15:19:03

I live in an upstairs flat with no lift. When I needed a new washing machine, I found that most of the big names will only deliver to the front door. I bought a new machine and a new fridge freezer from a local man who didn't object at all to carrying things upstairs. I gave him a large tip!!

maureen118 Mon 27-Apr-26 15:43:07

oh! I completely know your dilemma, mine was a 3 storey town house and I always discussed deliveries at point of sale, there was very often a groan at delivery.
I thought I had solved the problem when I moved but no! Access in from my front/side door has caused problems re my bed and sofa. I have a passageway down to french doors in the garden BUT the passageway is sooo narrow that has caused problems too!
I don't have any answers except if you can use a local supplier who will be more helpful and be emphatic x
I want to change my bed and I can feel the tension rising already.
Good luck x

knspol Mon 27-Apr-26 16:47:28

Really good idea loopyloo, that's what makes this site so good at times. I would not have thought of that.

Foxyferret Mon 27-Apr-26 17:18:31

Had lots of items from AO and they are very accommodating.