How In The Heck Do I Successfully Transport My Washer and Dryer

This article goes a bit into detail about how to move your own washing machine and dryer. It gives you the steps for a DIY load and unload of your own appliances and encourages you to stay safe in the process.

Moving your washer and dryer can be a real challenge due to their size and weight, but with the right guidelines, you can move them safely.

Here are some iMoving pro experience tips for moving your washer and dryer. We break it down into the before, during, and after to make things clear.

1. Prepare the Washer and Dryer

• Do Your Last Load: Plan ahead about the laundry you need to do pre-move. Think that you will need a clean set of bedding for every family member as well as clean clothes to change into after the move. 
• Unplug and Disconnect: Disconnect the machines from the power, water hoses (for washers), and venting (for dryers). Make sure to turn off the water supply before disconnecting the hoses unless you want to turn your laundry room into a makeshift pool for the day.
• Drain the Washer: Turn the washer on for a quick spin cycle to remove excess water from the machine. Wipe down the inside and leave the door open to air dry.
• Secure Hoses and Cords: Tape hoses and cords to the washer and dryer to prevent them from getting damaged, lost or tangled. Duct tape is great for this.

2. Manufacturer’s Instructions

• Review Guidelines: Always check the user manuals for any specific moving instructions or recommendations from the manufacturer. You never know what surprises your machinery might spring on you.

3. Get the Right Heavy Lifting Equipment

• Dolly: Use a heavy-duty appliance dolly to move the washer and dryer. These are not light appliances so don’t think you can simply carry them to the truck. A dolly with straps and appliances down is key to make sure it is secure.
• Moving Blankets: Protect the appliances from scratches and dents with moving blankets or pads. You can also use plastic wrap but blankets are more sustainable. 
• Tools: You might need tools on hand like wrenches for disconnecting hoses and screwdrivers for removing parts. Have these things on hand. 

4. Measure Doorways and Pathways

• Check Dimensions: This is always a surefire way not to fail. Measure the dimensions of the appliances and the doorways or hallways they need to pass through. Check there is enough space to avoid any damage. Think about turning the appliance on the side when needed.

1. Prepare the Path

• Protect Your Floors: Lay down protective material like cardboard or old sheets to protect floors from scratches.
• Clear Obstacles: Remove anything along the way to make the move smoother. This is going to be heavy so being able to pick it up and put it down as fast as possible is key.
• Protect Young Kids: Keep the little ones safe by making sure they are out of the way. This is really important as it is too heavy to pick up if a little one’s toes get stuck underneath.

2. Lift and Move Just Do It

• Use the Dolly Not Your Arms: Tilt the appliance a bit up and slide the dolly underneath. Secure the appliance with your straps to lock it down. Try to use gravity in your favor here instead of muscle. Lift with your legs, not your back, and keep the washer and dryer close to your body to keep your balance. Injuries happen often when lifting odd-shaped heavy objects so make sure you are comfortable with what you are doing. 
• Know Where You Are Going: Carefully maneuver through doorways and tight spaces. Have a friend help guide you as it is hard to see around the washer. 

3. Loading

• Ramp or Lift: Use a loading ramp or lift to load the appliances onto the truck. I repeat here- do not throw out your back by picking it up this short distance. Secure the appliances with straps to prevent movement during transport once you load them in the truck.
• Positioning: The washer and dryer should be upright and stable. Avoid placing heavy items on top of them to avoid damage.

1. Setup

• Position: Place the appliances in their spots in the new location. Make sure to clean the spots well as you likely won’t be moving the washer and dryer around again soon.

• Reattach Hoses and Cords: Reconnect the water hose, power cords, and venting. Make sure all connections are secure before turning on.

2. Test Run

• Run a Test Cycle: For the washer, run a short cycle with water and no clothing to check for leaks. For the dryer, test run it as well as see that everything is in order with the vent. 

• Check for Issues: Inspect the appliances for any damage that may have occurred during the move.  Call a professional for any fixes needed.

• Wash Away: Now it’s time to throw those sweaty clothes from the move and all those blankets that kept your items into the washer for an extra hot cycle. Get ready to once again enjoy clean clothes!

• Hire Professionals: honestly just book a moving team of pros on iMoving. If moving the appliances yourself seems too challenging, consider using the pros who specialize in handling heavy and bulky items. Why throw out your back and not be able to work for a week?

• Use Proper Equipment: Without them, you won’t be able to safely move the appliances. Moving heavy appliances can be risky. If you’re uncomfortable with the process, it’s best to outsource the role.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your washer and dryer are moved safely from start to finish and are ready for use in your new home. Moving heavy items can be dangerous so please make sure to book the pros with iMoving if you feel that the job is too heavy for you to do safely.