How to Move a Washing Machine Like a Pro

Relocating to a new home is not an easy and most importantly cheap thing to do, and if you don’t want to spend any more money than necessary you may want to consider keeping some items like appliances with you. There are a couple of moving hacks you can implement on how to prepare a washing machine for moving to move more efficiently.

Things You Should Know Before Figuring Out How to Move a Washing Machine

Moving a washing machine requires a lot of help on hand, smart planning, and in the end, a lot of strength. If you choose not to hire long-distance movers to help you out, you will have to get help somewhere else because it will be difficult, almost impossible, to move the washer alone.

And if you plan to relocate other appliances by yourself, you need to do a lot of planning, from the size of the truck you will rent to the measurements of your new home. If you are relocating to a smaller home, your appliances may not fit. Also, if you don’t take long-distance moving services, you will have to know how to pack a washing machine for moving alongside other appliances, so they don’t get damaged during the transition.

On the other hand, if you hire any white glove moving company, packing large appliances and furniture will be included in your initial quote for white glove moving services, meaning you don’t need to pay for additional packing services to relocate your washer. So before you decide to do this alone, make sure you ask about this service when searching for companies, and choose the one that will include this in their service.

Before You Start With Heavy Lifting, You Need to Prepare

Before we get into how to move a washing machine by yourself, you need to know some specifics about your washer so you can prevent injuries and get the right equipment. Most washers are the same size and weight, around 180 pounds, 33.46 inches tall, and roughly 23.62 inches wide. As you can see, washers are not only heavy but bulky as well, and injuries can easily happen, so in order to move safely, you will have to invest in the right tools.

Step-By-Step Guide on Washer Move

To make your move easier and, most importantly, unpacking afterward, the best is to take a photo inventory of all your appliances and electrical devices. Not only that you will see if anything was damaged after, but also you will know how to correctly plug these devices in your new home. You can also take pictures of other items and boxes before you load them on the truck. This packing tip will help you to easily find your belongings and settle in much faster.

Step 1 – Find Helpers

It would be foolish to think that without the help of a white glove moving company, you will not need any help at all to relocate the washer. The washer’s heavy weight and massive size make moving one by yourself quite unsafe. And even if you live on your own, you must have some friends or family members around to invite you to help you out with your move. Make a moving away party and invite family members and friends to help you with packing and moving. Also, if you make another packing party one week before, you can downsize for a move and let your friends and family take some of the things you want to get rid of.

Step 2 – Secure the Transit Bolts

So, if you followed our preparation steps, now is the time to move your washer. For the safety of your washer during transit, you will have to secure the transit bolts. Metal rods, called washer shipping bolts, are put inside the appliance to lock the drum and keep it immobile while being transported. The drum suspension system of your washing machine can easily be damaged by road vibrations; thus, it cannot be moved without its transit bolts being inserted.

If you don’t know where those metal rods might be, locate the washer’s shipping bolts or ask the best appliance retailer in town for help. Take a look at this video and see how to remove transit bolts.

Step 3 – Find the User Manual and Use It!

Even if you can use your washing machine without any issues, the user handbook will explain how to attach the transit bolts as well as any further preparations or safety precautions that should be taken when transporting the home appliance between residences. If you don’t have a manual, you can find it online, just type in the model of your washer, and you should be able to find it.

Step 4 – Protect the Washer

Now is the time to protect your washer for transit. First, you need to take some duct tape and fasten any loose parts, such as doors and cables. Doors can open, and cable and hose can only be in your way if they are loose. When moving a washing machine, it is important to protect it from damage. One way to do this is to wrap it in blankets or towels. You can also use packing foam or bubble wrap to protect it from bumps and bruises. Be sure to pack the washer securely, so it doesn’t move around in the moving truck.

Step 5 – Place the Washer on Dolly

Now it’s time to actually move the washing machine. If you have a dolly, this is a good time to use it. Otherwise, you can lift the appliance onto a furniture dolly or hand truck (just be careful not to strain yourself). If you wonder how to move a washing machine with a dolly, here are a couple of tips to implement. When loading the washing machine onto the dolly, be sure to tie it down with ropes or straps, so it doesn’t fall off during transport. Finally, once you get the washing machine to its new location, reattach any hoses or cords that you disconnected earlier. Turn on the water supply and plug the appliance back into the wall outlet. Hit the power button, and voila — you’ve successfully moved your washing machine!

Hire Movers and Save Money and Your Back

There are a few reasons why it’s important to hire movers when you’re moving a washing machine. First, if you try to move the machine yourself, you could damage it or your other property. Second, even if you don’t damage the machine, it will still be very heavy and difficult to move. This can be especially challenging if you don’t have any help. Finally, hiring movers is actually a very cost-effective way to move your washing machine. Movers have the experience and equipment necessary to move heavy items safely and efficiently. So if you’re planning to move a washing machine, be sure to hire movers!

You Need to Prepare for Movers Too

Even if you hire movers to pack all your belongings, you will still have to do some preparation. For example, movers can not drain water from a washer or fold your clothes from a dryer. Unfortunately, these are the things you will have to do alone.

Before the movers arrive, you’ll need to do a few things to prepare your washing machine for transport. First, disconnect the washer from any hoses or cords that are attached to it. Second, remove any items that are inside the washer, such as laundry or detergent. Finally, make sure that the washer is empty and free of debris. Once you’ve done these things, you’re ready for the movers to arrive!

Here is a video on how to drain a washing machine for moving.

Follow Our Instructions and Move With Ease

Moving a washing machine may seem like a hard task, but it doesn’t have to be! By following these simple steps, you can rest assured knowing that your appliance will arrive at its new home safely and without incident. And if you’re ever in doubt about how to properly move something during your relocation, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional moving company for assistance. They’ll be more than happy to help you get your belongings from Point A to Point B with ease.