How to move a washing machine

Relocating can be a tedious task these days. Whether you’re moving to a new apartment, rearranging your home, or getting rid of old appliances, it’s prudent to know what you’re doing to avoid any mishaps. If you need to know how to move a washing machine or a washer and dryer set, you’ve come to the right place.

Differentiating washing machines and washer-dryers

Learning more about your appliances can be fun, especially if you need to move a laundry machine or washer-dryer. A washing machine is a stand-alone appliance for washing clothes using water and detergent. It typically has features like various wash cycles, temperature settings, and a spin cycle to remove excess water from clothes.

On the other hand, a washer-dryer could refer to a washing machine and dryer built into one. It performs most, if not all, of the functions of a typical washing machine, and it can use heat to dry your clothes.

A washer and dryer set could also refer to two separate appliances that work together to clean and dry clothes. These include a stand-alone washing machine and a separate dryer to dry your clothes after washing them. They are usually installed side by side or one on top of the other. 

The tools you'll need

Moving a washing machine or washer-dryer requires the right equipment to ensure the safety of both you and the appliance. Here are the key items to prepare before starting. 

• Non-slip or working gloves to protect your hands and improve grip
• Transit bolts for securing the washing machine drum during transport
• Forearm forklifts for lifting and carrying heavy appliances with leverage
• An appliance dolly for rolling washers and dryers safely
• Moving blankets to prevent scratches and dents
• Temporary ramps for moving appliances up or down stairs
• Plastic wrap to keep doors shut and protect surfaces
• Rope for holding appliances securely in place
• Moving straps for stabilizing and supporting heavy lifting
• Duct tape to secure coverings and loose parts together

Physical preparation

Washing machines are bulky and can weigh well over 150 pounds, making them difficult to maneuver through doorways, stairs, or tight spaces. Without proper preparation, there’s a high risk of back strain, slips, or even dropping the appliance.  

• Build up strength and stamina with light exercise in the days before the move
• Stretch just before lifting to loosen muscles and improve flexibility
• Lift with your legs instead of your back to avoid strain
• Wear closed-toe, supportive shoes for better stability
• Clear your path ahead of time to reduce tripping hazards
• Ask for help from a friend or use moving aids to avoid lifting alone

How to move washing machines and washer-dryers

Moving a washing machine or washer-dryer isn’t as simple as picking it up and loading it onto a truck. These appliances contain water, electrical connections, and delicate internal parts that can be damaged if handled incorrectly. For a safe move, follow the general steps below. 

1. Clean and drain them before moving

A washing machine that isn’t cleaned or drained properly can cause more trouble than you’d expect. Leftover water may leak during the move, while damp interiors can lead to mold or unpleasant odors. Taking a few minutes to clean also helps you check if the machine is still running well. 

To clean washing machines, do the following:

• Run a clean rinse cycle with a washer cleaning solution recommended for your appliance.
• Once done, leave the lid open to help dry your machine.
• Ensure your machine is completely dry to prevent mold from growing.

To clean dryers, follow these steps:

• Empty your lint trap. 
• Use a vacuum to clean the dryer vents
• Wash your dryer filters with mild soap and running water. 
• Be sure to thoroughly dry your filters to prevent mold.

2. Safely switch them off before moving

Disconnecting your washer and dryer the right way reduces the risk of shocks, leaks, and gas hazards. It also protects the appliances from damage when they’re being moved.

• Cut the electricity to your washer and dryer from your breaker. 
• Detach the water pipe connected to your washer.
• Disconnect your dryer from its vent and gas line.

3. Wrap or cover them before moving

Keep your washer and dryer safe by protecting the surfaces from scratches and dents during transport. For a quick, no-mark solution, use a moving blanket or pieces of cardboard around the appliance before securing everything in place.

• Add towels or extra fabric around sharp corners and edges for extra cushioning.
• Secure the coverings with rope, straps, or duct tape so they don’t slip off while moving.
• Apply plastic wrap over doors and lids to keep them shut and protect against dust or moisture.
• Check that all coverings are tight but not overly restrictive, so you don’t damage handles or vents.

4. Load them using a dolly and forearm forklifts

Using a dolly or forearm forklifts makes lifting easier, reduces the risk of injury, and keeps the appliance stable during transport.

• Tilt the appliance slightly backward and slide the dolly’s base plate underneath.
• Keep the machine upright while lifting to avoid damaging the drum or internal parts.
• Secure the appliance to the dolly with heavy-duty moving straps so it doesn’t shift.
• Use forearm forklifts with a partner to share the weight evenly and prevent strain.
• Move slowly and communicate with your partner when lifting or maneuvering through tight spaces.

If the machine feels too heavy or unstable, consider hiring professional movers for safety.

How to move a washing machine to another room

Moving your washer or dryer to another room in the same house is usually easier than a full relocation, but it still requires care. Even short moves can cause damage to floors, walls, or the appliance itself if not done properly. 

• Clear the pathway first to avoid tripping hazards or obstacles.
• Place cardboard, a rug, or furniture sliders under the machine to protect your floors.
• Use a dolly if possible, even for short distances, to minimize heavy lifting.
• If you don’t have a dolly, use forearm forklifts with a partner to share the weight evenly.
• Keep the washer upright at all times to prevent damage to the drum.
• Move slowly through doorways and corners to avoid scratching walls or the machine.

Even for short moves, don’t underestimate the weight of a washing machine. If you feel unsure or the machine is too bulky to manage safely, it’s worth calling in an extra set of hands.

How to move a washing machine and dryer to another floor

Staircases are where most moving accidents happen. The heavy weight of a washer or dryer, combined with narrow steps, makes them challenging to control. One wrong move can damage the appliance, your home, or even cause injury. 

• Use a sturdy appliance dolly to stabilize the machine while moving up stairs.
• Secure the washer or dryer to the dolly with strong moving straps before lifting.
• If available, set up a temporary ramp to roll the appliance smoothly instead of carrying it step by step.
• When no ramp is available, move slowly, lifting or lowering the dolly one step at a time with a partner.

If you live in an apartment, it’s a good idea to inform your landlord or building management before the move. This prevents noise complaints, allows you to reserve hallways or elevators if needed, and helps avoid disturbing neighbors.

How to move a washer and dryer set to a new home

When moving to a new home , your washer and dryer need extra care to handle the longer trip. Follow the steps below to make the process quicker and safer for everyone.

• Wrap the appliances in moving blankets or bubble wrap to protect against scratches and dents.
• Secure the coverings with duct tape or rope so they don’t slip during transport.
• Install transit bolts to lock the washer drum in place and prevent internal damage.
• Use moving straps to keep the machines steady while lifting or loading.
• Load washers and dryers upright in the moving truck to protect their internal mechanisms.
• Place them near the front of the truck (behind the driver’s seat area) so they stay stable during the drive.
• Use ramps and a dolly for easier loading and unloading.

When hiring truck movers, ask if they can provide extra padding or appliance boxes. These add-ons may cost a little more, but they offer valuable protection for your washer and dryer during the move.

How to move a washing machine to a disposal or recycling center

If your appliance is ready for disposal, you can follow the same general steps for moving, but without the extra precautions to protect it. Since there’s no need to worry about scratches or minor damage, the focus is simply on safe washing machine removal from your home. 

For convenience, you can also book junk removal services to haul it away or check if your local recycling center offers appliance drop-off.

When to seek professional moving help

Here are some situations when you should hire professional moving services:  

1. If you have a lot of appliances and other belongings to move, hiring professionals can save you time and effort. 

2. Moving to another state or city can be taxing and present you with logistical difficulties. Professionals have the expertise and resources to handle long-distance moves safely and efficiently.

3. If you’re unsure how to move a washing machine yourself, it's best to leave this to the experts. Doing it yourself without proper know-how can damage your appliance and cause harm.

4. If you have fragile, valuable, or sentimental items, professional movers can provide specialized packing to transport them safely.

5. Moving can be a physically and emotionally draining process. Hiring professional movers can take the burden off you if you don’t have the time or energy to pack, load, and unload your belongings.

6. If you need to store some of your belongings during the moving process, professional movers can keep your items safe and secure until you are ready to retrieve them.

Book a trusted appliance mover today

Moving a washing machine on your own is heavy, risky, and time-consuming. The good news is that you do not have to struggle with it alone.

With Airtasker, you can connect with local movers with the tools and experience to safely handle the job. Simply post a task on Airtasker, share your schedule and budget, and start receiving offers from reliable Taskers near you. You can compare reviews, choose the best fit, and enjoy peace of mind knowing your washer and dryer will be moved without the stress.