Sometimes a refrigerator is placed in your kitchen in such a way that it’s awkward to open and close it. Many people don’t realize it’s possible to switch the hinges and handles on a refrigerator to the other side, allowing the doors to open the other direction. If you decide to attempt this project, study the components first and make sure you have the right tools handy--different models may have bolts instead of screws. If possible, have two people available to do the job. It’s easier if someone can support the doors while the other person works on the screws. These directions are written assuming your freezer compartment is on top of your refrigerator.

Step 1: Pop off the plastic plate covering the hinge on the top of your refrigerator. Unscrew the hinge assembly and remove it.

Step 2: Lift the freezer door out of the socket in the refrigerator door.

Step 3: Unscrew the hinge assembly that’s between the freezer and refrigerator. Depending on your refrigerator model, you may be able to unscrew one screw, then slide the assembly off of the others without fully unscrewing them.

Step 4: Lift the refrigerator door out of the bottom socket.

Step 5: Unscrew the hinge assembly at the bottom of the refrigerator.

Step 6: Remove the plate at the bottom of your refrigerator and turn it to reveal the holes to put the hinge on the other side.

Step 7: Move the handles on both doors to the other side. Unscrew the handles, then turn them to remove them from the door. Move the hole covering to the other side, then reattach the handles on the new side of the doors.

Step 8: Move the socket on the bottom hinge assembly to the other side. Reattach the hinge on the other side of the refrigerator.

Step 9: Reseat the refrigerator door on the bottom hinge assembly. Move the socket on the middle hinge assembly to the other side, reseat it in the top of the refrigerator door, then reattach it to the refrigerator frame.

Step 10: Reseat the freezer door on the middle hinge assembly. Reattach the top hinge assembly and pop the plastic cover back on.