Tips for Moving a Washing Machine
Your home appliances are a significant investment. If you don’t want to leave your washing machine behind when you move, you must know how to disconnect, drain, and relocate it. With a few simple supplies and a couple of helpers, you can move your washer without trouble.
Gather Your Supplies
- Owner’s manual
- Vinegar or bleach
- Bucket
- Slip-joint pliers
- Duct tape
- All-purpose cleaner and a rag
- Washer locks or foam
- Moving blanket
- Appliance dolly
- Rope or bungee cords
Tips for Disconnecting & Moving Your Washing Machine
- Run an empty cycle: Set the water to hot and run a normal cycle with vinegar or bleach added. This cleans the drum and drain lines. Leave the door open for 24 hours to allow the machine to dry completely.
- Shut off the water: Reach behind the washer and turn the cold and hot water supply valves clockwise to shut them off.
- Disconnect the washer: Go to the electrical panel and find the circuit breaker labeled “laundry room” or “washer and dryer.” Flip the switch to cut the power. Then, unplug the washing machine from the wall outlet.
- Disconnect and drain the hoses: Have a bucket ready and disconnect the hot and cold water supply lines one at a time from the valves on the wall with slip-joint pliers. Empty the hoses into the bucket. Then, disconnect the hoses from the washing machine with the pliers. Place the hoses inside the washer to prevent misplacing them in the move. Follow the same steps for the drain hose. To ease setup at your new home, secure the drain hose to the back of the washer with duct tape rather than disconnecting it and storing it in the drum.
- Clean the outside of the washer: Spray the unit with all-purpose cleaner and wipe it with a rag to remove dirt, dust, and grime.
- Install washer locks or foam: Refer to your owner’s manual for help securing the drum during the move. Top-loading machines may simply require you to wedge cardboard or foam between the drum and the case. Front-loaders are often secured by inserting shipping bolts in the rear of the machine. You may need to purchase washer locks from the manufacturer. Again, consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions.
- Secure all loose parts: Tape the lid and other moveable compartments closed, tape the electrical cord to the unit to prevent tripping, and tape the owner’s manual to the side of the washer for reference when it’s time to hook the machine up at your new home.
- Protect the washer: Wrap the machine with a moving blanket to prevent it from getting bumped or scratched in the move.
- Load the machine into the truck: With help from at least one other person, tilt the washer forward a few inches and slide an appliance dolly underneath. Center the unit and strap it to the dolly with rope or bungee cords. Wheel it out to the truck, using extra caution while passing over any thresholds or ramps. Slide the machine off the dolly and secure it inside the truck with rope or bungee cords.
Georgetown Moving and Storage Company Can Help You Move Your Washing Machine
If you don’t feel comfortable disconnecting and draining your washing machine, contact a plumber or appliance technician for assistance. Then, ask the professional movers at Georgetown Moving and Storage Company to handle the heavy lifting required to load the machine into the truck. We’re here to make moving day as painless as possible!
For a free moving estimate, please contact Georgetown Moving and Storage Company today!
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