How Do I Prepare My Washing Machine For Moving?

Essential Tips To Prevent Damage When Moving Your Washing Machine

Moving a washing machine by yourself is harder than you think especially if you don’t hire a moving company. It’s not just about unplugging and dragging it out the door; it requires more prep to make sure it doesn’t get damaged during the move.

To make the process easier, we’ve put together a simple guide to help you prepare your washing machine for the move.

Step 1: Gather The Right Supplies

So, what exactly do you need to move a washing machine? 

At some point during the washer-moving process, you’ll need the right tools to ensure your machine’s protection. Here’s a list of the things you need: 

• Adjustable wrench
• Bucket or towels
• Transit bolts (check your washing machine manual)
• Moving dolly with straps
• Packing blankets or padding
• Duct tape or zip ties

Tip: If you’ve hired a moving company, ask if they bring any of this. Some companies will prep large appliances for you; others won’t.

Step 2: Clean The Washing Machine

No one wants to unpack a smelly washer. Before packing it up, run a hot water cycle with a cup of white vinegar or a washing machine cleaner. Let it finish and leave the door open to dry out. Next, wipe the detergent drawer and any gunk inside the door seal.

Once you’ve finished cleaning, you can move on to disconnecting the machine, which is a bit tricky if you’re not careful enough, so pay attention to the following steps.

Step 3: Disconnect Water & Power Safely

For safety, always disconnect the washing machine from its power source before handling it. All you have to do is to switch off the power, and then unplug the appliance from the wall socket.

Carefully detach the hot and cold water hoses after unplugging the machine. Expect some leftover water, so have your bucket or towels ready.

If your machine has a drain hose hooked into a wall or sink, unclip it gently and drain the excess water too.

Step 4: Secure The Drum

This is the part most people forget—and it’s the one that causes the most damage during a move.

Your washer’s drum is suspended with internal supports. If it’s not locked down, it can bounce around and break something. That’s why it’s so important to use the transit bolts that come with the machine. 

You can move the washing machine without transit bolts, but you shouldn’t. It’s quite dangerous to move your appliance without securing the drum, and if it gets damaged, you may end up paying more for the repair than for a brand-new washer. 

Consult the washer’s user manual to learn how to insert the transit bolts. The exact installation method will vary, but in general, you should see the two openings on the rear of the appliance. Carefully insert each bolt and slightly turn it to secure the drum for transport.

If you lost the transit bolts, contact the manufacturer or a local appliance store for replacements.

We strongly recommend doing this step to avoid any damage.

Step 5: Bundle & Protect

Wrap and tape the power cord and hoses to the back of the machine. Next, use moving blankets or thick padding to wrap your washing machine. If you’re moving it yourself, secure it with straps to prevent shifting.

This isn’t just about avoiding scratches. A dropped washer is expensive to replace, so be sure to protect it well with special wraps or thick blankets.

Step 6: Moving Day Tips

When the big day arrives, moving a washing machine requires some extra care. Here’s how to handle it safely:

• Keep it upright: Never tilt a washing machine on its side or back. This can cause oil to leak from the drum support or damage the suspension system. Keep it standing the whole way, from your old place to the truck to your new spot.
• Use a dolly with straps: A heavy-duty appliance dolly is essential, so avoid trying to muscle the machine around. Carefully tilt the washer back and slide the dolly underneath. Secure it with straps to keep it stable while moving.
• Protect doorways and floors: Washing machines are bulky and heavy, which makes them hard to maneuver. Use corner protectors or padding to avoid scraping walls and door frames. Lay down blankets or cardboard to protect your floors from scratches.
• Get help: Don’t try to do this solo. Get help from a friend—or better yet, let the moving company handle it. Two people and a dolly make the job way easier (and safer).
• Load it last: If you’re moving multiple items, load the washing machine into the truck last so it’s one of the first things you unload. This avoids stacking anything on top of it and makes setup easier at your new place.
• Coordinate with your moving company: If you’re using a moving company, let them know in advance that you have a washing machine. They may bring special equipment or send extra help to handle it properly.

Why Professional Movers Are The Best Option For Moving Your Washing Machine

Moving a washing machine isn’t complicated, but it does take a little planning. Clean it. Drain it. Lock the drum. And protect it like the heavy, expensive piece of machinery it is.

If you’re unsure about any step or if you’d rather not wrestle a 150-pound appliance, contact us at A Wise Move, a trusted Phoenix moving company. We guarantee proper care of your washing machine before your move, so it arrives undamaged and ready to use in your new spot. Call us to get more information about our moving services!