Let’s face it—between the bulk, the sensitive components, and the heavy frame, moving a washing machine can be tricky and even potentially dangerous. Whether you’re upgrading your laundry room with a newer model, preparing for a big move, or helping a friend, knowing how to transport your washer safely will save you time, money, and potential injury. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps from preparation to reconnecting without a hitch.
Table of Contents
Gather Your Supplies
Before you begin, make sure you have all the tools and materials you’ll need. This will save you from needing to make any last-minute hardware store runs. You will need:
- A large, wheeled dolly
- Rope or ratchet straps to secure the machine
- Moving blankets (regular blankets or towels can work in a pinch)
- Duct tape or packing tape
- Pliers
- Shipping bolts
- A bucket and some towels
- Twist ties or rubber bands (optional)
- Resealable plastic bags (optional)
Clean Your Machine
To clean your washing machine, run a hot water cycle with some washing machine cleaner or a cup of white vinegar to clear out any detergent residue. Afterward, leave the door open to let it dry completely before moving onto the next step. Some washers have dedicated cleaning cycles, and if yours does, feel free to use that—but if it doesn’t, a short, standard cycle will do the trick.
This step isn’t strictly necessary, but it will minimize the chance of mold or mildew from developing in transit, and you can arrive at your new space with your washer fresh, clean, and like new.
Secure and Disconnect
Unplug your washer from the electrical outlet, and then carefully bundle the electrical cords. You can use twist ties or rubber bands to help prevent tangles or fraying. Then, it’s as simple as taping them down to the side of the washer to keep them secured during transit. If you’re unsure what constitutes “good” for your purposes, check out our guide on choosing the best packing tape. If you’re moving a front-load washing machine, it’s smart practice to tape the lid shut, too—that skirts the risk of the hinge getting damaged.
Next, you’ll want to turn off the water supply valves. There should be two—a hot and cold water supply valve—attached to the back of your washer. Twist them so they’re both off and then use your pliers to twist off the hoses. There could be some excess water remaining in the hoses, so be ready with a bucket and towels to catch any spills.
You can also secure the hoses with packing tape or otherwise stuff them in bags for easy transportation.
Lastly, you’ll need to secure the drum. This is the suspended part inside that spins, and jostling it during a move can cause a lot of wear and tear on your machine. To prevent this, use the shipping bolts your washer came with to lock the drum in place. If you no longer have them, you can easily find replacements online for your specific model.
“From my experience installing appliances, I’ve found that using transit bolts (if they’re still there) and securing the drum is crucial—I once had to repair a washer because the drum got damaged during a move. I always use a proper appliance dolly with straps, positioning it at the bottom center of the machine where the weight is most balanced. For doorways and tight spots, I measure everything twice and remove doors if needed—better to spend an extra minute measuring than risk damaging the machine or walls.”
Lara Woodham, Director, Rowlen Boiler Services
Transportation
If you’re moving a front-load washing machine by yourself, a dolly is the way to go. Once you’ve unplugged and secured all the loose pieces, tilt the machine slightly, and then slide the dolly underneath it. Secure the washer with rope (or moving straps) to ensure it doesn’t slide off the dolly as you wheel it out.
Be sure to position the machine upright in the moving truck, and pad it out with your moving blankets to prevent chips or dents. Clever placement also goes a long way—i.e., positioning it firmly in a corner rather than in the center of the moving truck, and wedging it between large, non-shifting items like a couch or mattress to keep it rooted in place.
“I’m excited to share what I’ve learned about moving washing machines after relocating hundreds of appliances during my home flips. I always start by leasing an appliance dolly from Home Depot for about $30/day and wrapping the machine in moving blankets—this saved me from damaging both the machine and my back when I moved a heavy front-loader up my rental property’s stairs last month.”
Mike Wall, CEO, EZ Sell Homebuyers
Reinstallation
Once you arrive at your new place, it’s as simple as reversing the process. Carefully unload your washer with your dolly and wheel it to its new spot. Unscrew the transit bolts, reconnect the water supply and drain hoses, and plug it in. Running a short test cycle will help you confirm that everything is working properly and that there are no leaks.
Tips
- If you’re installing a brand-new washer, hold onto the manual. This will give you a clearer breakdown for your particular model the next time you need to move it! Since every model is different, some may require extra steps. This is a more general guide that should work for most standard washing machines.
- Still need a hand? Though moving on your own is doable, if you don’t have the time or equipment (or would rather not risk damaging your appliance), you can look into hiring a labor-only moving service like UniMovers for all the heavy-lifting. It’s a cost-effective option if you’ve got the transportation and just need the muscle.
- Remember, the average washing machine can weigh anywhere between 100 and 300 lbs. The big, front-load models are some of the bulkiest, so moving a front-load washing machine will be even more challenging. Be realistic with your own limitations when it comes to moving with them.
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Conclusion
At first glance, moving a washing machine by yourself may seem like a hassle, and it is. But with the right preparation and materials, you can get it done. Between safely disconnecting and unplugging it, to transporting and securing it, each of these steps plays a crucial role in protecting not only your appliance but your person too! And if the thought of transporting a big, heavy appliance by yourself still stresses you out, don’t hesitate to call for help—either from a friend or a trusted moving service like UniMovers. This way, you can stay focused on your move and settling into your new space.
FAQs
Yes, use shipping bolts to minimize the risk of damage to your machine. If you don’t have them, contact your manufacturer for more, or look for replacements online. You can find shipping bolts used on sites like eBay for various models.
No, it’s best practice to avoid placing the washing machine in any way other than upright. Doing this could damage the drum or result in leaks.
Prices can vary by location, and other factors can also influence the price of a move. Check out our guide on affordable moving companies to get a general idea of the range for a move, these handy tips for how estimates are reached, or simply call for a quote!
Assuming it was transported properly without any leaks or damage, your washing machine is safe to use right away!
J. Dailey has an English degree with a focus in technical writing. When not busy blogging, find J. Dailey hiking, playing tabletop games, or spending time with cats.
