When moving, you usually have to take everything. That includes major appliances. The easiest way to move your washing machine is to contact a professional moving company and let them handle the job for you.
But if you’re considering moving your washing machine by yourself, we have some tips. But first off: moving a washing machine without experienced movers won’t be easy. It involves disconnecting utilities and moving an appliance that easily weighs a couple hundred pounds.
What to do Beforehand
Whether you have a front-load or top-load model, you’ll have to tackle a few steps to prepare for the move:
- Find helpers, such as friends or family members
- Read your washer’s instruction manual
- Prepare the transit bolts: Also called shipping bolts, these are metal rods inserted into the slots of washing machines to keep the drum immobile and stabilized while transporting the appliance. Because drum suspension mechanisms can easily be damaged by lots of vibrations or sudden jerky motions, locating the shipping bolts that came with your washer is imperative.
- Rent or purchase an appliance dolly.
- Secure all required supplies for moving your washer, such as furniture blankets, a bucket to catch drain water, slip-joint pliers to disengage the drain hose, moving straps and packing tape.
Moving Your Washer
There are several steps involved in moving a washing machine. If, after reading through these steps, you realize you don’t have the resources or knowledge to ensure you can get them done properly and safely, hire a professional. It’s simply not worth the potential damage to yourself and the appliance if you’re not fully prepared for the task.
- Step 1: Empty the washer.
- Step 2. Clean the drum and drain lines.
- Step 3. Turn off the power.
- Step 4. Turn off the water supply.
- Step 5. Drain the water supply hoses.
- Step 6. Remove the water supply hoses.
- Step 7. Empty the drain hose.
- Step 8. Place the transit bolts.
- Step 9. Secure the power cord.
- Step 10. Wrap the washer in blankets.
- Step 11. Load the appliance onto the dolly.
- Step 12. Remove it from the home
- Step 13. Keep the washer upright.
- Step 15. Load it onto the moving truck.
Bonus Tips
These tips will make the moving process easier and safer.
- Remember to remove the shipping bolts before using the washing machine. Engage the washer’s adjustable legs to level it prior to first use.
- Make sure you have at least two friends to help you move the washer.
- Never move a washing machine by yourself. You can risk serious damage to your body as well as the washer.
Contact Olde World Movers
Here at Olde World Movers, we have experience disconnecting and moving washing machines of all types. Contact us in Euless at 817-952-5694 or Frisco at 972-843-7193. We proudly serve the entire Dallas area, including Fort Worth, Arlington, Plano and Highland Park.
