How to Move a Washer and Dryer: 10 Tips for a Successful Move
Take on the challenge of moving your washer and dryer to your new home
- Bucket
- Adjustable pliers
- Shipping bolts
- Moving blankets
- Packing tape
Moving to a new place can be exciting and stressful, especially when trying to figure out how to move your washer and dryer and other heavy items. Having a washer and dryer in your home is convenient, but moving these bulky appliances to a new location can be challenging. Knowing the best ways to move a washer and dryer properly is vital if you tackle this task yourself. Don’t forget to consider hiring professional movers who can move these hefty appliances safely and efficiently.
It's important to move heavy furniture safely to avoid personal injury or property damage. The safest option is to hire professional movers with the right tools, equipment, and experience to move heavy furniture efficiently.
Prepping to Move a Washer and Dryer
Before moving your washer and dryer, check your owner's manual for instructions on disconnecting and moving your washer and dryer. Each model has different instructions, so it’s important to acquaint yourself with the manufacturer recommendations for your specific machines.
You will also need the manual for directions on how to install your appliances when you get to your new residence.
Turn Off the Electricity
Start by turning off the electricity to both appliances from the circuit breaker box. Even if you have a gas dryer, it still has an electrical connection that you’ll need to turn off at the breaker. Then, unplug the appliances from the electrical sockets.
Disconnect and Cap the Gas Line
If you have a gas dryer, call in a qualified appliance technician to shut off the gas by disconnecting and capping the existing gas line. This process can be very dangerous, so it’s best to leave it to the electricity pros.
Turn off the Water Supply
You must turn off the water supply valves before unhooking any hoses. These valves are located on the back of the washing machine. Once you turn off the incoming hot and cold water valves, disconnect the hoses from the washer by hand or using a wrench.
Leave the hoses to drain any remaining water in a bucket or laundry sink. Place hose ends in a plastic bag and tape hoses to the outside of the washer for easy transportation.
Clean the Washer and Dryer
Photo: Aleksej / Adobe StockAlways refer to the owner's manual for instructions on how to clean your washer and dryer according to the model. Once the machines are disconnected and fully drained, give them a thorough cleaning inside and out.
Use an all-purpose cleaner or mix a simple cleaning solution of half water and half white vinegar in a spray bottle. Make sure whatever cleaner you use is compatible with the appliance’s material. Thoroughly clean your washer and dryer surfaces with the cleaner and dry with a soft cloth to eliminate dirt and debris. Use a vacuum to remove lint and dirt from the dryer's lint trap and duct hose.
Detach the Ventilation Hose From the Dryer
The ventilation hose is the large, flexible hose that vents the exhaust from your dryer outside your house. Use a screwdriver or pliers to remove the dryer vent hose from the dryer and the wall vent. Make sure that the hose is clean and free from lint before storing it inside the dryer until it's ready to be reinstalled at your new home.
Wrap Appliances With Moving Blankets
Now it's time to wrap your washer and dryer with moving blankets to pad and protect them during the move. Ensure all hoses are secured inside the appliances or taped down on the outside so they don’t get in the way while moving. You may also want to tape doors shut to prevent them from opening during the move. Keep blankets from slipping by wrapping them with plastic wrap or packing tape.
Secure Washer Drum
You must secure the washer drum to prevent damaging it during the move. Check your owner's manual for the manufacturer's instructions on moving the washing machine safely.
The type of washer will determine how to secure the drum. Some models require you to install shipping bolts in the back of the washer to prevent the drum from moving. If your washer doesn’t have shipping bolts, you can place cardboard or foam between the drum and the frame to prevent the drum from jostling too much during transit.
Use an Appliance Dolly to Move the Appliances
An appliance dolly makes moving heavy appliances much safer and smoother. This tool is designed to carry bulky, heavy appliances and features straps and rails to hold the unit in place. If you don't own a dolly, you can rent one from a local moving company instead of buying one.
To load the washer or dryer onto the dolly, carefully tilt the unit backward so you can slide the appliance dolly beneath it. Then, secure it with the straps before wheeling it to your moving vehicle. Keep in mind that this step requires balancing a very heavy appliance, so it’s safest to let professional movers handle it or make sure you have another adult helping you.
Load Into Moving Vehicle and Secure With Straps
A perk of renting a moving truck is that it is equipped with ramps or a lift gate to make loading heavy objects much easier. If you have this type of moving vehicle, you can wheel the washer and dryer into the truck while someone holds it steady to keep it from tipping.
You will need additional help if you are loading it into the back of a pickup truck. These appliances can weigh quite a bit, so be careful to lift them with your legs, use moving straps, and don’t push it past your physical limits. Once you wheel them out of your home, lift each unit into the truck.
Make sure to keep the washer and dryer upright because transporting them on their sides can cause damage to their internal parts. After loading, secure them with tie-down straps. Drive carefully to your new residence to prevent the risk of the units sliding or tipping.
Unload and Set Up the Washer and Dryer
Once you’ve arrived at your new home, carefully lift the appliances back onto the appliance dolly and wheel the appliances off the truck. Someone should hold the appliances steady while you wheel them off the truck to keep them from falling as you transport them into the laundry room.
Remove the moving blankets, tape, and shipping bolts, and take out the hoses stored inside the appliances during transit. Turn off the electricity and call a pro to connect the gas line if you have a gas dryer.
Connect the drain hose and water lines, and plug in the washing machine. Attach the ventilation hose and plug in the dryer. Turn on the electricity and check the washer for any signs of leaking in its new position. Follow your owner’s manual for additional instructions on how to set up your washer and dryer.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire Movers?
Hiring professional movers near you for this task will be a safer, more efficient, and easier option, but it will also cost more. The national average cost to hire professional movers is around $1,720 for a local move. The average hourly cost varies depending on how many movers you need and can run between $25 to $200 per hour. It costs much less to move locally than long-distance or to another country. Plus, if you have a small home with fewer items, it will cost less than a larger home.
Moving a Washer and Dryer Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro
Moving a washer and dryer is difficult and can be dangerous due to their weight and bulk. You should hire a local moving pro to avoid accidental injury and scuffing up your floors. However, this is a potentially DIY-friendly job, so long as you have the appropriate gear, including a rolling dolly and moving straps, and some experienced helping hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving a washer and dryer can be difficult due to the appliances’ weight and size. If you need to move these appliances up or down stairs, then it will be more challenging. It also depends on the type of dryer you have, as a gas dryer is more complicated to disconnect than an electric dryer. The difficulty of the task also depends on whether you’re easily wheeling the washer and dryer up a moving truck’s loading ramp or lifting them yourself.
Yes, you’ll need a dolly to move a washer or dryer. These appliances are extremely heavy and cumbersome. A dolly and heavy-duty straps will streamline the moving process and reduce the chances of an accidental injury. As a bonus, a dolly helps protect your flooring from scratches that can occur during the moving process.
You should always transport the washer and dryer in an upright position. If they are turned on their sides to move, it can cause damage to the internal parts, such as the suspension and drums. Don’t attempt to move a washer or dryer to a new location if it’s sitting on its side.
Washers are heavier than dryers, but the difference is fairly negligible. Washers weigh anywhere from 150 to 230 pounds, whereas most dryers max out at around 200 pounds. In other words, both items are extremely heavy. It’s also worth noting that washers are much heavier when filled with water and clothes, so stack a dryer on top of a washer, not vice versa.
