How to Move Washing Machine – A Step-by-Step Guide

Moving a washing machine alone can be challenging since these appliances are bulky and heavy. Additionally, washing machines require extensive moving preparations to avoid damage to the parts. Therefore, to know how to move the washing machine yourself quickly, you must follow some simple steps.

However, moving the washing machine is more than just unplugging its appliances and draining the water. Instead, it also includes disconnecting it from the power supply and installing the transit bolts, among other preparations.

But to guide you more on how to move a washing machine, we’ve got a comprehensive guide covering all those processes. We will also discuss the things to do before you move your washing machine, how to prepare it for moving, and how to move it.

What to Do Before Moving a Washing Machine

To prepare your washing machine for moving, consider the following preparations.

●     Get Somebody to Help You

Moving the appliance on your own can be extremely difficult and dangerous, and this is due to its heavy weight and its large dimensions. For instance, most washing machines average around 150 to 200 pounds.

In addition to their heavy weight, washing machines are also very huge. Most of them measure around 33.46 inches tall and 23.62 inches wide. In that case, you can get at least a couple of friends to help you move the washing machine from one place to another.

●     Buy or Rent a Furniture Dolly

After knowing the washing machine’s average weight, you realise that you can’t carry or lift the machine with your bare hands.

For that reason, you will need to look for a furniture dolly to help you wheel the heavy home appliance out of the house. It will also help you quickly and securely load the machine onto the vehicle transporting it to the new place.

You can rent from a truck rental company to get the appliance dolly. Alternatively, you can make a significant investment by buying an appliance dolly. This way, you will have super helpful moving equipment that you can use to move heavy things out of the house.

●     Measure Your Doorway

Your doorway may be too narrow for your washing machine to make it through. Therefore, you will need to look for other options to move the washing machine out of the house. So, before you begin moving the home appliance, measure all your doorways, stairways, or hallways.

●     Gather All the Moving Accessories

The next thing you should do after measuring your doorway is to ask yourself, “what accessories or pieces of equipment do I need to move my washing machine?”. For instance, you will need thick plastic or moving blankets to cover the appliance during the moving process. This protects it from accidental hits as you move it and during transit.

In addition, you will need packing tape, moving straps, or a rope to protect your machine during moving. Furthermore, you will need slip-joint pliers, a small bucket, and another container. These accessories are required when draining the washing machine.

●     Look For Washer Transit Bolts

Washer transit bolts are usually metal rods inserted into the washing machine to lock it and keep it immobilised during transportation. The home appliance can only be transported by installing its transit bolts. This is because vibrations during transportation can damage the washing machine drum suspension mechanisms. You can contact any home appliance store near you to find these shipping bolts.

●     Read the Washer Instruction Manual

Although you can move the machine without problems, the user manual can easily guide you on installing transit bolts. Moreover, the manual can inform you if other special moving preparations are needed or if there are any safety precautions to take when moving the washing machine.

If you don’t have your old washing machine user manual, you can search for it online, similar to the model you have. You can still call your washing machine manufacturer for assistance if you can’t get it online. After finding the manual, follow all the instructions to ensure that nothing terrible happens during transportation.

How to Prepare Your Washer Machine for Moving – Step by Step

More than gathering all the equipment and looking for reliable helpers to help you move the machine safely, you will also need to prepare the appliance.

This is because you must provide care to protect the washing machine, the moving truck, and yourself. So, here are the steps to follow during the preparations.

1.   Remove Clothes From the Washing Machine

Although this is obvious, you might still find missing clothes inside the washing machine drum after inspection. So, it’s necessary to do a keen check to see if any clothes are left in the drum.

2.   Clean and Dry the Machine Drum

After removing all the clothes from the machine drum, it’s good to see if there is any dirt inside it. If there is any dirt, it’s advisable to clean it using warm water or the pre-set Wash Cycle. This will help remove any dirt, like detergent residue, and clean the washing machine drainpipe.

Now after cleaning your machine, the next thing you should do is dry it out to remove any remaining water. If you have enough time, leave the washing machine door open for about 24 hours to dry out any moisture.

If you don’t have time, you can use a clean and dry cloth to dry all the excess water in the machine drum.

3.   Turn Off the Power Supply Button

To prevent electric shock, disconnect the home appliance from the power supply before you handle it. Then unplug the machine power cord from the wall socket, wrap it carefully in a plastic bag and use the packing tape to seal it. After sealing the power cord, attach it to the washing machine with more tape.

4.   Shut off or Disconnect the Water Supply Valves

After disconnecting the machine power cords from the power supply, it’s time to disconnect the machine from the water supply. But how do you do this? Well, locate the water valve and shut it off completely. This will ensure that there is no water getting into the machine.

Note that the stop valve is usually located behind the machine. Also, remember to be extra careful to avoid disconnecting the machine water drain line as you turn off the stop valve.

5.   Drain Off the Water Supply Hoses

Remember that water can remain in the machine’s hoses. Thereby, it would be best if you drained it thoroughly to avoid water remnants in the machine’s hose. Doing this is simple, as you can drain it manually.

For instance, if the machine relies on hot and cold water, you can use a pair of slip-joint pliers to help you disconnect the water supply valve. Then after that, empty it into a bucket or a small container.

Repeat the same procedure for the hose that supplies cold water by disconnecting the hose from the water valve and emptying it into a bucket. However, if your machine heats the water inside its unit, you will only drain the hose that supplies cold water. Lastly, it’s good to note that you should empty one hose simultaneously to avoid spills.

6.   Remove and Pack the Water Supply Hoses

After removing all the excess water from the supply hoses, the next step is to remove the hoses as part of the machine preparation. Disconnect the hoses from the washing machine by using the slip-joint pliers. After disconnecting them, please put them in a plastic bag and seal the bag carefully using packing tape. Then place the bag in a large cardboard box and label the box “Washing Machine Accessories.”

7.   Drain the Washer’s Emptying Hose

The washing machine usually has one drain hose that empties all the dirty water inside the washer into the dirty water discharge canal. So, follow the drain hose until you see its drain end, then use pliers or hands to disconnect it carefully and attach it to the back of the washing machine. Likewise, use packing tape to secure it safely to avoid tripping accidents during transportation.

8.   Install the Transit/Shipping Bolts in the Washing Machine

To safely move the home appliance install the transit bolts to keep its washer drum locked in one place, thus avoiding damages due to vibrations. Remember that if you fail to close it, the washing machine’s drum suspension mechanism may get damaged, and repairing it can cost you a couple of dollars.

If you don’t know how to install the transit bolts, you can read the user manual; however, remember that the installation may vary from machine to machine.

Even so, your washing machine should generally have two openings in its rear side, one for each transit bolt. Thus, the only idea is to carefully insert the bolts and turn them slowly for them to lock the washer drum in place. If you still need more help with how to do it, you can ask for assistance from the local home appliance store.

9.   Gather Your Helpers to Help You Move the Machine

Finally, ensure that you have some helpers to assist you in moving the washing machine to the new house. You should have at least one or two people to help you move the appliance safely.

How to Move Washing Machine – Moving Stage

Now you have drained all the water from the machine hoses and gathered all the equipment. What comes next is to move the home appliance.

The moving process is pretty simple, although it can also be dangerous. So, follow these steps to move the washing machine safely.

1.   Tighten the Power Cable

Use the packing tape and fasten the power cable to the back of the washing machine. This will make the machine stay in place during transportation.

2.   Pull Out Your Machine Completely

During the draining process, you might have pulled the machine to reach the stop valves behind it. Therefore, you must pull out the machine entirely from its position.

After that, place the slider on the front leg or position a soft cloth if you don’t have the sliders. This will facilitate the sliding without causing damage to the floor surface.

3.   Pack the Washer in Blankets

Use furniture blankets to protect the machine from accidents during moving. So, wrap the washer without leaving any unprotected areas. You can use ordinary blankets if you don’t have furniture covers or blankets.

4.   Load the Machine Onto the Furniture Dolly

Using an appliance dolly is the most straightforward way to move the heavy washing machine as long as you remember to use the dolly straps to secure the machine. The dolly will help you carefully manoeuvre around the corners, downstairs and upstairs.

5.   Load the Washing Machine Into the Moving Vehicle

Finally, call a taxi truck and load your washing machine in the truck using the vehicle ramp. Once inside the vehicle, secure it to the sides of the vehicle using ratchet straps or a rope.

Either way, your appliance should stay in the same position during transportation. Lastly, remember to keep the machine in an upright position during relocation to avoid damage or to avoid losing its proper alignment.

What to Do After the Move

Your washing machine is now at a new home, and it’s time to install it. Remember to install it correctly, ensuring the water hoses and the pipes are tightened to avoid leakages. Furthermore, remember to uninstall the transit bolts before using the machine and level it perfectly to prevent shaking. Lastly, you can hire experienced movers if you need help installing it.

Why Is It Difficult To Move A Washing Machine?

Moving a washing machine is no easy feat. These appliances are surprisingly heavy, even the compact models, and their cylindrical shape makes them difficult to manoeuvre through tight spaces. Additionally, the delicate components inside, such as the drum and suspension system, can be easily damaged by rough handling.

Before moving washing machine, you’ll need to disconnect water lines and drain the machine, a messy and time-consuming process. Securing the drum with transit bolts is essential to protect the machine during transport, but this can be tricky.

While it’s possible to move a washing machine on your own, enlisting help or hiring professional movers is generally recommended for a smoother and safer experience.

Can You Transport a Washing Machine on Its Side?

Can you transport a washing machine on its side? Can you lay a washing machine down? It’s generally not recommended.

While fitting a washing machine into a vehicle might seem easier, transporting a washing machine on its side can potentially damage the internal components.

Here’s why it’s not recommended to transport a washing machine on its side or lay a washing machine down:

• Suspension System: The delicate suspension system supports the machine’s upright weight. Tilting it can put undue stress on these components.
• Drum Movement: The drum inside can shift and collide with other parts, leading to damage.
• Water and Detergent: Any residual water or detergent can leak out and cause damage to the machine or other items in the vehicle.

If necessary to transport washing machine on its side, ensure the following:

• Drain the machine completely.
• Secure the drum with transit bolts (if available) to prevent movement.
• Handle it with extreme care.

However, if possible, it’s always safer to transport a washing machine upright.

How to Move a Washing Machine Without Damaging the Floor?

Moving a washing machine can be daunting, especially when you’re worried about damaging your floors. Here are some tips to protect your flooring:

• Appliance Dollies: These are designed to move heavy appliances without scratching the floor.
• Moving Blankets: You can use these to create a soft cushion between the machine and the floor.
• Cardboard: Large pieces can also be used as a protective layer.
• Tilt and Slide: Carefully tilt the washing machine back and slide cardboard or a moving blanket underneath. This will create a smooth surface for sliding.
• Lift and Place: If the distance is short, lifting the machine and carefully placing it on a protective layer can be effective.
• Avoid Dragging: Dragging the machine can cause significant damage to your floors.
• Hardwood Floors: Extra caution is needed. Use soft materials like moving blankets or cardboard to prevent scratches.
• Tile Floors: While generally more resistant, it’s still advisable to use protective measures to avoid chipping.
• Vinyl or Laminate Floors: More susceptible to damage. Use appliance dollies or thick cardboard for maximum protection.

Remember: Always enlist help when moving a washing machine. This will protect your floors and prevent injuries.

Moving Washing Machine Without Transit Bolts

Transit bolts are essential for protecting your washing machine during movement. They prevent the drum from shifting and damaging internal components.

If you must move washing machine without transit bolts:

• Extreme caution: Handle the machine with utmost care. Avoid sudden movements, bumps, or tilting.
• Empty the machine: Remove all clothes, detergent, and water.
• Secure the drum: While not ideal, you can try stabilising the drum with blankets or towels, but this is far from a guaranteed solution.
• Short distances: Moving the machine a short distance might be less risky but still carries potential damage.

Remember: Moving washing machine without transit bolts significantly increases the risk of damage to your washing machine. If possible, locate the transit bolts or consider professional moving services.

More Tips on How to Move a Washing Machine

Here are more tips on how to move a washing machine to streamline your moving process:

• Choose the right day: Pick a day that’s not too hot or cold to avoid temperature-related issues.
• Take photos: Document the hose connections before disconnecting to make reinstallation easier.
• Consider professional help: If you’re unsure or uncomfortable moving the machine yourself, hire professional movers.
• Reinstall carefully: Follow the reverse steps of the moving process.
• Run a test cycle: Run a short, empty cycle to check for issues.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of a smooth and damage-free washing machine move.

How to Calculate the Moving Cost if You Ask Help From Professional Movers

The moving cost is usually affected by factors like how many items you need to move, distance, and the moving date, among others. Also, the price will depend on the company assisting you. Either way, you can use an online moving cost calculator to estimate the overall cost of moving your washing machine.

How to Move a Washing Machine FAQs

Can I move a washing machine alone or need help?

Washing machines can be heavy and awkward to move, so it’s advisable to have help from at least one other person. This helps ensure safe lifting and transportation without straining yourself or risking damage to the appliance.

Should I clean my washing machine after moving it?

It’s a good idea to clean your washing machine after moving to remove any dust or debris that may have accumulated during transportation. Run a cleaning cycle with vinegar or a specialised washer cleaner, as the manufacturer recommends.

What should I do if my washing machine is damaged during the move?

If your washing machine is damaged during the move, document the damage and contact the moving company or your insurance provider, if applicable. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to repair or replace the appliance.

Final Words

In conclusion, relocating a washing machine is never a joke; hence you should be serious during this process. Fortunately, our guide reveals the steps to follow, including what to do before moving, from the preparation stage to the moving stage.

These steps include preparing the accessories, draining the hoses, drying the washing machine, and getting an appliance dolly. But, if you feel nervous during the moving process, you can hire small furniture removals to assist you.

Lastly, remember to remove the transit bolts from the washing machine after moving into the new house. Also, level up the machine properly before using it to avoid unnecessary shaking.