How to transport a washing machine
Follow our guide to ensure you don't get yourself in a spin when moving your washing machine!
AnyVan's tips for moving your washing machine
Moving a washing machine can be a difficult and daunting process, but if you know what you are doing and approach it in the right way, you should be able to move a washing machine easily in no time at all.
What do you need to move a washing machine?
Moving a washing machine mostly requires careful attention to detail and a determination to succeed, but you will also need the following equipment:
Strong tape
Strong tape is a great way to secure the electrical cord to the back of the washing machine. You can also tape your door shut too for good measure.
A trolley/dolly
Washing machines weigh 60kg to 105kg so there is a very small chance that you'll be able to lift this without a trolley!
Transit bolts (preferable)
Transit bolts are small metal rods that keeps the drum immobilised and stable during transport.
Rope or wire
Rope or wire are the best way to secure your washing machine into the back of your transport.
Tips to remember when moving your washing machine
Keep the door closed to stop it falling off
Unplug & tape down wiring to avoid it getting tangled
Use a trolley and try to keep the machine upright
The most important thing to remember when moving the machine is to keep it upright. This stops any residual water from getting into the machine’s electrical wiring and damaging it.
To keep it upright you can wrap the machine in a blanket or towel and tie it to a trolley, also known as a dolly. The dolly will ensure you do not damage your flooring by scraping the machine across the floor. This is particularly a concern when moving a washing machine on vinyl flooring.
Washing machines can be heavy, so when lifting yours onto your trolley, make sure you are lifting safely, and ask somebody else for help if you think you might have trouble.
If you are only moving your washing machine from one room to another, wheel it to its new destination. If that new destination happens to be up or down some stairs, you cannot continue moving the machine on your own. Ideally, you should be working with a removal expert who has a stair dolly. If not, lift the machine from either end and carry it up or down the stairs slowly and carefully. Try to keep it upright as you do so to minimise damage.
Disconnecting a washing machine
When transporting a washing machine, the first step is usually the most difficult. Before you can move your washing machine from place to place, you have to deal with the murky waters of washing machine plumbing.
You can disconnect and reconnect your washing machine to the plumbing yourself but if you're inexperienced it may be best to get a professional plumber involved.
If you choose to unplumb the washing machine yourself, the first thing you need to do is turn off its water valves. These are usually red and blue, located in the wall behind the machine.
Then you can unplug the machine from the socket and secure the cable to it using tape.
Even though your wash cycle will likely include a ‘drain’ stage, most washing machines will have approximately one pint of water left over from each wash which you will need to drain, or you're likely to get your courier's van a bit wet! To do this, remove the drain hose from the drain and allow the excess water to run into a saucepan or bucket. Then tape the hose to the machine and you are ready for step two.
Moving a washing machine short distances
When transporting a washing machine, it is best to use the original transit packaging or transit bolts that came with it. Instructions on assembling this will be found in the machine’s instruction booklet.
Most homeowners understandably will not have kept their machine’s original transit packaging and that’s okay; there are ways of moving a washing machine without transit bolts.
Transporting a washing machine by vehicle
The likelihood is that your washing machine will not fit comfortably in your car. Especially if it is still secured upright, which it always should be. In this case, it is often advisable to enlist the help of professional couriers.
With a courier service, you will not have to move the washing machine by yourself, as drivers can help with lifting and placing the machine into both the vehicle and its new home as well.
During the drive, you (or your courier) should try to avoid bumps in the road as much as possible, as this could damage the washing machine’s delicate engineering. When you arrive at your destination, unload the machine carefully and wheel it into its new position.
Reconnecting a washing machine
Just as you disconnected the machine’s plumbing in the first step, you’ll need to re-plumb the washing machine into the pipes in its new position. Again, if you are not confident on this point, hire a professional plumber to help you out.
At the very least, re-plumbing the machine should consist of reattaching the taps, plugging it in and running at least two test rinse cycles with no clothes inside to make sure it doesn’t leak, drains properly, and that it wasn’t damaged in the move.
Other checks depend on whether your drain hose is connected under the sink or pushed into another vertical standpipe;
- For a drain hose connected under the sink - ensure there isn’t a run between the drain hose and washing machine as this can allow dirty water to enter the washing machine.
- For a drain hose connected by another standpipe - make sure the waste water pipe is vertical and don’t push the drain hose too deep into the wastewater pipe.
After one or two test cycles, your washing machine will be ready for laundry once again.
Why is it safest to go with a removal company?
Washing machines are rather heavy and need a lot of work to ensure the move of your washing machine runs smoothly. You may find it tricky to pull it off without damaging yourself or the washing machine. We recommend finding a specialist mover with experience in transporting a washing machine and making sure they have the correct equipment.
Whether you're moving home or just moving your washing machine, going through professional washing machine movers with AnyVan can save you up to 40% on your move.
Why not give us a go?
"Very stress free, even though my new destination was up two flights of stairs. I had not anticipated that it would be this easy, as moving is extremely stressful usually."
Kiitan, Trustpilot
If you’re in need of washing machine transportation, our professional heavy and large item couriers at AnyVan can provide a flexible, cost-effective and seamless service. We’ll connect you with the perfect transport team for your requirements and provide expert advice along the way.
Get in touch and allow us to take the weight off your shoulders.