Click to Call +1 (301) 512-5012

How to move a washer

How to properly move a washing machine?

Learn from professional appliance movers

Moving a washer – Advice by Movers On Duty

Prepping and moving a washer can be easy if you know what to do and what to expect.

We would recommend you give us a call if you actually need help moving the washer or dryer. Our washing machine moving services include the truck (if you need it) and the guys.

washing machine mover

Or you can easily learn how to safely prepare your washer before moving it yourself in just a few simple steps:

Whether you have a front-loading or a top-loading washing machine, there is always a little work involved in preparing it for a move. Washing machines are important investments, right?

You probably want to take care of yours, so it works properly when it’s delivered to your new house.

how to move a washer

We recommend referencing your washer’s “owner’s manual” to check the manufacturer’s recommendations for moving

If you don’t have the owner’s manual, you should be able to Google the brand, model, and “owner’s manual.”

For example, you might search for “Samsung WV9600 5.5 cubic ft FlexWash Washer’s “Owner’s Manual” to find it online. And if that doesn’t work, a local appliance repair shop may be able to order a manual for you.

If none of these work, please let us know so we can service your washer for you (additional charges will most likely apply).

When it comes to moving your washer or dryer, shoulder straps always come in handy!

Gather all the required supplies to successfully move your washer:

  • Bleach or vinegar
  • Bucket or large bowl
  • Slip-joint pliers
  • Tape or plastic stretch wrap
  • Household cleaner
  • Washer locks or foam (to secure the drum, depending on your instruction manual)
  • Moving blankets or paper padding
  • Dolly or hand truck
  • Rope or shoulder straps

The following directions apply to both top-loader and front-loader washing machines:

Unless the owner’s manual instructs otherwise, please, do the following.

If you are also planning on storing your washer, the following steps will prepare it for storage, as well.

The 1st several steps are just to help you unhooking and draining the washing machine. We recommend doing these in the listed order to avoid damage to the machine or injury to yourself. If you just don’t feel confident disconnecting and draining your washer, you can always hire a plumber or appliance technician. (Or just let us do it for a small additional fee)

  1. Clean the washer. Run the empty machine through a normal wash cycle on hot, using bleach or white vinegar to clean the drum and drain lines of detergent residue. Leave the door open for at least 24 hours to allow it to dry completely before proceeding.
  2. Shut off the water supply. These valves are usually located behind the washer on the wall. You may have to shimmy the washer out from the wall to reach behind, but be careful! You don’t want to pull the lines loose — just move it enough to turn the supply valves off (typically done by turning them from left to right).
  3. Turn off the power. Find the washer on your home’s electrical panel and disable it.
  4. Unplug the washing machine. Follow the cord to the outlet, and unplug it carefully.
  5. Disconnect and drain the hoses. Once the washing machine stops running, a lot of residual water will stay in the hoses. So before you continue, you must drain the water. Have a bucket or large bowl handy and use slip-joint pliers to disconnect both the hot and cold water supply hoses from the valves on the wall. Keep the hoses upright to keep water from spilling out, disconnect them one at a time, and empty any water into the bucket.
  6. Remove water hoses from the washer. Use slip-joint pliers to disconnect the hoses from the machine, and place them inside the washer so they aren’t misplaced during the move.
  7. Keep the drain hose attached. Secure the drain hose upright on the washing machine using tape or shrink wrap. Keeping it attached gives any remaining water a place to go instead of leaking while in transit.
  8. Clean the outside of the machine. Use any household cleaner to remove dirt or dust.
  9. Install washer locks. Reference your instruction manual to learn how to keep the drum and other parts in place during your move. This is your responsibility! Top-loaders usually require you to wedge foam or cardboard between the drum and the case. For a front loader, you’ll typically insert shipping bolts in the rear of the washer to secure the drum. If you no longer have the washer locks that originally came with your washer, you can purchase some from the manufacturer. –> They must be installed <–
  10. Secure the parts. Secure the lid using plastic stretch wrap, and attach cords to the back of the machine with tape or as shown in the video below.
  11. Protect the washer. Our professional movers will use moving blankets or paper padding to protect your washer from scratches while it’s being moved.

Moving a dryer step by step

Please note: If you aren’t unsure about shutting off and disconnecting the power supply or gas line when moving a dryer or other large appliances, always contact a professional utility service provider for help.

  1. Turn off the power to the dryer. Again, you’ll do this from the electrical panel. Then, unplug the electrical cord.
  2. If you have a gas dryer, turn off the gas supply first. There will typically be a small value on the dryer line to turn to the OFF position. If you can’t locate that, you can temporarily turn off the main supply for the home.
  3. Disconnect the dryer’s gas line (if applicable). Allow the room to air out for a few minutes. If it smells like gas after several minutes, make sure the main gas line is shut off, and call a professional if the smell continues.
  4. Carefully pull the dryer from the wall. You just want to pull it out enough to access the back.
  5. Disconnect the vent pipe. You can do this by removing the clamp or screws that connect the hose to the dryer.
  6. Keep the cords and lines attached. Use stretch wrap to secure them to the dryer to avoid any tripping hazards.
  7. Prepare the dryer for moving. Clean the outside, secure the door with stretch wrap, and wrap the entire dryer in moving blankets or paper padding to protect it. Or let our guys do this for you.

Loading the washer and dryer into the truck

Since washing machines and dryers are typically heavy and bulky, we recommend having enough help while loading if you are not using a professional moving company. Once it’s all disconnected and prepped, shimmy the washer away from the wall so you can place a dolly or hand truck behind it.

Then:

  • Carefully tilt the washer back and slide the dolly underneath. Once it’s securely tipped back on the dolly, strap it down to keep it safe while loading it into the container, truck, or trailer.
  • Wheel it out of your house and load it. Use extra caution over any thresholds and up ramps to make sure the washer doesn’t come loose.
  • Secure the appliance inside the trailer using rope or straps.

Moving Tip: If you load other items on top, make certain they aren’t heavy items that could cause denting or other damage to your appliances.

help moving a washer

Can 1 person move a washer or a dryer?

Not recommended but it certainly is possible.

But before you do, please make sure:

  • Clothes have been removed
  • Clean and dry out the drum
  • Disconnect the power supply
  • Shut the water off
  • Drain the hoses

How to move a washing machine easily?

Use washing machine transit bolts before moving the washer upstairs or downstairs. These washers’ drum stabilizer are 100% required.

Use a dolly or a appliance hand-truck if you have one. If not, you will definitely need extra help.

If you only need moving labor help to move a washer or dryer, let us know! We can always send 1 or 2 of our helpers if that is all you need. Or we can send our movers with a truck as well.

Let's chat! +1 (301) 512-5012