Taking care of individual pieces of furniture is key when it comes to a successful move. And while this is just one of the many items on the list to plan for when moving, we believe it is extremely important and that transporting each item has its own characteristics. We've already addressed the packing of kitchen furniture, but what about when it comes to moving a washing machine? Learn everything, from preparation and packing to the little tricks that could definitely save you effort.
Moving a washing machine: Initial Preparation
Traditionally, kitchen appliances, as well as the washing machine, require the most serious preparation for transportation, as they are bulky, expensive, can be easily damaged and require uninstallation. In this line of thought, we will illustrate the basic steps when it comes to moving a washing machine:
Make sure the machine is drained: Removing excess water from the washing machine will protect other items such as books, clothes, and electronics from unwanted wetting during transportation. Longer periods of storage, especially in a low-temperature space, increase the chance of damage if drainage is not done.
Clean the washing machine: You don't actually know when your next chance to thoroughly clean your washing machine will be. Have you thought about how often you do it in your daily routine? As for the outside surfaces (including the dashboard and handle), clean them with a sponge, and for the inside (drum), opt for a washing machine cleaner, such as wash cubes, for example. Also take care of components like the filters and the drawer where you put the detergent. All parts must be completely dry before assembling and transporting the washing machine.
Uninstall the washing machine: This step involves disconnecting the power supply to the appliance, turning off the water supply valves behind the machine, loosening the hot and cold water hoses (using pliers or a wrench), draining the hoses, removing, and packing them, and removing the water in the washing machine drum.
Check the condition of the washing machine: This will identify the presence of pre-existing scratches or more serious damage that could escalate in transit. Another tip is to consult a specialist to assess the condition of the machine and secure the individual components for the upcoming shipment.
Safety measures when moving a washing machine
Safety, especially when moving a washing machine, requires extra effort on your part. If you do not rely on a professional transport company, the task becomes more complicated. Here are our recommendations for mandatory precautions:
Place the transit bolts: These are used when transporting the machine (after its initial purchase) and are definitely a must when it comes to moving the washing machine to a new home, because they protect the drum from unwanted damage by reducing jitter. You can find guidelines for placing the bolts in the appliance instructions.
Contact the washing machine manufacturer: You can also ask for guidance on moving the washing machine directly from its manufacturer. You can also find model-specific advice online.
Use a trolley to carry furniture: This would distribute the weight of the load, allowing you to push it instead of lifting it—an option that doesn't necessarily require multiple helpers. We advise you to tie the machine with ropes or bungee cords to the trolley to avoid potential accidents. Another alternative to the trolley is portable small wheels which, with the help of a jack, can be inserted into the four ends of the bottom of the unit. This type of casters is recommended for carrying furniture on wooden floors as they minimise scratching of the flooring.
Packing the washing machine
Packing the washing machine before transport is an important but often underestimated step. Here are our tips:
Put the washing machine in a box: It is designed to secure it specifically for transport, fitting perfectly to its dimensions, reducing the risk of unwanted movement, and ensuring stability. However, in case you haven’t kept it, you can purchase a box made of thicker cardboard, fitting the dimensions of the washing machine as best as possible.
Use moving blankets: These are essentially covers made of soft fabric that protect furniture from unwanted knocks. Wrapping your washing machine with a moving blanket is a great alternative to a cardboard box. In addition, you can also reuse this type of protective material when moving another type of item or piece of furniture.
Rely on Styrofoam pieces: In cases where you are carrying the washing machine in a larger box and there is empty space, it is highly recommended to fill the gaps with Styrofoam in small pieces. This will reduce unwanted movement and wobbling of the appliance during moving, protecting it from scratches and knocks.
Tape the door, the detergent drawer, and the covers of the washing machine: This measure would preserve the integrity of the individual components of the machine, which are also more sensitive to injury and prone to opening during the lifting of the appliance and the journey. In case you have washing machine covers, remove them, or also attach them to the washing machine with duct tape.
Moving a washing machine on your own?
Carrying a washing machine by yourself seems like a modern reenactment of the myth of Sisyphus rolling the stone down the slope to no avail. When lifting the appliance, you will certainly need help. There are certain steps, however, that can greatly ease the further process:
Make sure you have someone to rely on: We have mentioned many times that proper planning is among the considerations for a smooth and timely move. That's why you need to set an exact date for moving the washing machine. This way, on the one hand, you'll have clarity on when you need to get all the necessary materials by, and on the other, you'll be sure that you can count on a relative or a friend (to help you with lifting, securing, or providing a suitable vehicle) with whom you can also coordinate the day chosen for the washing machine relocation. Keep in mind that transporting this type of appliance should be among the first steps in the overall move to a new home.
Use specialised equipment (moving straps): In addition to the already mentioned moving rollers (sliders), so-called carrying handles and straps are also available on the market. These are among the tricks that allow you to dispense with the services of professionals, but they definitely require a certain physical preparation on your part.
Rent a suitable vehicle: Bear in mind the washing machine should be upright when you move it. For this purpose, make sure you have a suitable vehicle: a truck or a transport van that has enough space for the appliance. Also, the doors of the transport vehicle should be large enough, a consideration that would reduce the risk of unwanted knocks. Plan to hire transport several weeks before the actual washing machine move. In fact, it is increasingly common to have what is called a Part Load Service, whereby you can share the cost of the rental and capacity of a vehicle with another customer of the transport company.
Secure the washing machine: Once you have packed and brought the washing machine into the transport vehicle, we advise you to take additional measures to transport it safely. Choose a corner of the loading space to place the washing machine. This will ensure you minimise unwanted movement as the appliance will be located next to a wall (on at least 2 sides), providing support as well.
Moving a washing machine: Extra Tips and Tricks
You thought those were our only good ideas on the subject? Here are some additional tips:
Tape the power cord for the washing machine: At the preparation stage, duct tape the cords to the machine itself. This ensures that they will be secured and will not make it difficult to fit the machine into the chosen box. Moreover, they will be protected from unwanted kinking or stepping on in preparation for relocation.
Be careful when it comes to appliance rollers: Be aware that if you have already installed roller boards on your machine (in order to move it or clean it more easily in your daily routine), there is a good chance that they will detach from the appliance over time. This is because of the strong oscillation when washing. Make sure you check their condition before moving.
Treat with care the parts of the machine that you have removed before transporting: This includes the water supply hoses or smaller and more fragile components such as the detergent drawer. In case you are carrying them separately, make sure they are packed securely—again, using soft fabric or a suitable box. Do not, under any circumstances, place them directly into the large box in which you are transporting the washing machine. The distribution and storage of detergents should also not be neglected.
Always keep the manual
Moving your washing machine doesn't end when it arrives in its new home; there's more to do. Pay attention to the following aspects:
Reinstallation: Note that due to its size, the washing machine is one of the first appliances to be moved and reinstalled in your new home. This includes making sure you have the instructions and tool kit you used for uninstallation handy.
Removing transit bolts: Before installing the machine, make sure you have removed the transit bolts. This is where the instruction manual comes to your rescue again as it contains the exact information on how to remove the bolts in question.
Empty cycle: We advise you to run a single empty wash cycle before washing your clothes again, to ascertain the presence of any damage resulting from incorrect transportation. If all is well, you can congratulate yourself on a job well done.
List of required materials when moving a washing machine
To make it easier for those of you who are about to move a washing machine, we have prepared a short list summarising the materials needed for this purpose. You can also use it as a guide to the budget required to move the appliance, writing down an approximate price after each item:
- Transit bolts
- Pliers and wrench
- Moving rollers
- Furniture trolley
- Moving straps
- Cardboard boxes
- Moving blanket
- Duct tape
- Styrofoam
- Ropes or bungee cords
- Vehicle rental
We're sure that after reading this guide, you will find moving a washing machine a breeze. However, if you want to trust an experienced professional to take care of both the physical relocation assistance and the provision of a suitable vehicle and packing and unpacking services, trust Movega Removals, a company with a wealth of experience. Get in touch with us right now through our available chatbot feature and online contact form!