Key Highlights of Moving Your Washer & Dryer Set
- Prior to moving day, disconnect and prepare your washer and dryer to prevent damage and ensure a smooth transition.
- Protect your appliances during transit using moving blankets, straps, and an appliance dolly to minimize the risk of scratches and dents.
- Refer to your owner's manuals for model-specific instructions on disconnecting, securing moving parts, and reconnecting your appliances.
- Consider the weight and bulkiness of your appliances. Enlist help from friends or hire professional movers to ensure safe lifting and loading.
- After setting up your washer and dryer in your new home, inspect for leaks, level the appliances, and ensure they function correctly.
Moving to a new home is thrilling, but it can be tricky. One big challenge is taking care of large appliances, like your washer and dryer. You must prepare these machines correctly before putting them on the moving truck. This way, you can avoid damage and have them ready to use in your new home. This guide will help you understand the crucial steps for a smooth move while using a moving solution from 1-800-PACK-RAT that is tailor-made to make moving simple and safe.
Understanding Your Washer and Dryer Specifications
Before you start, knowing what your washer and dryer need before making a local or long-distance move with them is important. Each appliance is different, with its own features, size, and setup requirements. The first step is to collect the manuals and any other useful information for your appliance. If you didn’t save them or bought the appliances second-hand, you can try looking them up on the manufacturer’s website and find the manuals there.
Having this info on hand will make things easier. It will help you prevent problems when disconnecting, moving, and setting up the appliances again.
Identifying Make and Model Specifics
Start by finding the owner’s manuals for your washer and dryer. These manuals have important information about your appliance model. You can usually find details like the make, model number, and serial number on a tag located at the back or inside the appliance door.
It is a good idea to write this information down and keep it in a safe place. The owner’s manuals for these two appliances will be crucial in helping you install them in your new home, especially if you haven’t done it before.
Use these manuals during the moving process. They give you instructions on disconnecting, preparing for the move, and setting everything up again.
Reviewing Manufacturer’s Moving Instructions
Your appliance's instruction manual provides important help for your specific model. It includes tips on how to use shipping bolts, which are very important to keep the washer drum safe during transport and prevent damage to your appliance.
Follow the step-by-step instructions in the manual to install these bolts correctly. This smart step will lower the chance of damage and ensure that your appliances arrive at your new home in good shape.
Many brands have digital versions on their websites if you cannot find your owner's manual. Just search for your appliance model to download a copy.
Essential Tools and Materials for Moving Your Appliances
Getting the right tools and materials before you start will help everything go easier. This means having items for unplugging, protecting, and carrying your appliances.
Having these supplies ready will help you save time and work on moving day.
Gathering Necessary Supplies
To have a smooth move, start by getting your supplies ready. You will need packing tape, moving blankets, and water hoses.
Packing tape is key to securing loose cords, hoses, and appliance doors during the move. Moving blankets will protect your appliances from scratches, dents, and other damage. Make sure to buy some good quality moving blankets to keep your valuable items safe.
Don't forget to disconnect the water hoses from the washer and drain them. It is smart to have a bucket and some towels nearby in case of spills or remaining water.
Know that whatever moving option you choose, you must fully drain your washing machine before your move to avoid water damage to your moving solution or having mold or mildew form within the washer, which can damage it and your other belongings.
Specialized Equipment for Heavy Lifting
Given the weight of washers and dryers, you need equipment made for heavy lifting. This is important to avoid strain or injury. An appliance dolly or moving straps are essential. An appliance dolly has a solid platform to hold the appliance and wheels to move it easily while moving straps can go under the appliance and up over your shoulders, allowing you to pick up the appliance without bending over or having to use your hands to physically hold it.
If you don’t have an appliance dolly, a heavy-duty hand truck can work, too. These tools make it easier to move heavy items and help reduce the chance of accidents.
Besides a dolly or hand truck, collect these items:
- Bungee cords or straps: Use strong straps or bungee cords to secure the appliances on the dolly or hand truck.
- Furniture sliders: If your floors are hard, furniture sliders help move the appliances without scratching them.
Preparing Your Washer and Dryer for the Move
Proper planning is important for a good move. This means you need to unplug your appliances, clean them, and take steps to avoid any damage while moving them.
Step 1: Disconnecting Power and Water Sources
The first step in preparing your washer and dryer for moving is to cut off the power and water to the appliances. Unplug the washer and dryer from their power outlets. If you have a gas dryer, find the gas shut-off valve, usually located behind it. Turn the valve clockwise to stop the gas flow.
Next, look for the water supply valves behind the washer. First, turn the hot and cold water valves clockwise to stop the water. Then, disconnect the water hoses from the back of the washer and let any remaining water fall into a bucket.
If you are not sure how to turn off the gas line, it is a good idea to ask a professional utility service provider for help.
Step 2: Cleaning and Drying Both Appliances
Once you disconnect the appliances, use this time to clean and drain them well, in the case of the washing machine. This is the perfect opportunity to clean out your dryer’s lint filter and hose, as lint buildup in the vent can cause a fire. Clean out the dryer vent and the area around it to remove lint and dust.
For the washing machine, wipe the inside of the washer with a damp cloth and a gentle cleaning solution. You can also run a cleaning cycle on the washing machine first, if it has one, a few days prior to your prepping it for your move.
Make sure to check the washer's detergent dispenser and hose link hookups. They should be clean and free of debris. This helps prevent mold and mildew from growing and keeps your appliances fresh for your new home. Be sure you drain all of the water from the washing machine prior to your move as well. If you are unsure how to do this, check your owner's manual or call the manufacturer for tips.
Leaving a buildup of water in your washing machine can damage the appliance itself, creating mold and mildew. If you are using a 1-800-PACK-RAT portable storage container for your move, we highly advise you not to pack anything that has water in it. This is true for any moving solution you use, as it can damage not only the appliance but your other moved belongings as well!
Leave the washer and dryer doors slightly open for at least 24 hours. This helps them to air dry completely, helping avoid musty odors during transport.
Step 3: Securing Moving Parts and Doors
Washers and dryers have moving parts that need to be secured when moved. Check your owner's manual for help on how to install transit bolts or washer locks. These tools help keep the drum still and prevent damage while moving.
Also, secure the dryer vent to the back of the dryer using bungee cords or zip ties. This prevents the vent from dragging and getting damaged. When you install the dryer vent at your new home, make sure it has no kinks or blocks that could inhibit the airflow.
Next, use packing tape or straps to keep the appliance doors closed. This will prevent them from swinging open during the move. Look over all cords and hoses, too. Be sure they are secured and won’t cause anyone to trip. If you use packing tape, be sure to have some “goo-gone” or other adhesive remover in case the tape leaves residue when unpacking.
Packing and Protecting Your Appliances
Protecting your appliances when moving is very important, which is why packing them with the right materials helps to reduce the chance of physical damage.
Using Moving Blankets and Wrapping Techniques
Moving blankets are vital for protecting almost any fragile item or appliance you might be moving. In this instance, they can help protect your washer and dryer from scratches, dents, and other damage while you move them. Cover each appliance fully with the moving blankets and hold them in place using tape or packing straps.
For extra safety, especially for fragile surfaces, you can add foam padding or pieces of cardboard to the corners and edges of your appliances before you wrap them.
Make sure the blankets cover the appliances completely. This will give you a good barrier against any bumps.
Preventing Damage During Transportation
Be extremely careful when loading the appliances. This is where 1-800-PACK-RAT’s portable moving containers come in handy. Instead of using a large moving truck with a loading zone several feet off the ground, which you would have to navigate for your move, our containers are all ground-level loading. The risk of injury or damage to your appliance is far less than trying to carry a heavy appliance backward up a ramp into the back of a truck.
It's best to stand your appliances upright along the container walls. You should use extra packing materials, like blankets or pillows, to fill in any gaps and keep them as stationary as possible. Do not use your washer or dryer as a box stacking zone, either—it might be tempting to use the extra space, but the boxes could easily fall, damaging the items within, your appliance, or other stuff in your container.
Be sure to spread out the weight evenly in your container as well. This will help prevent imbalance when we load and unload your container and can help prevent damage to the appliances and items stored within it. Also, check that the appliances are secured with straps and tie-downs.
Following these steps can help reduce the chance of damage during transport. Your washer and dryer will reach your new home in great shape, and you can load and unload them easily and only once when using a portable storage container instead of a traditional moving truck rental.
Moving Your Washer and Dryer Safely
Moving heavy appliances requires careful handling and additional help. If you follow these essential steps and tips, you can avoid injuries and move your items safely. As always, it's best to have multiple people present to help you lift and move your washer and dryer set.
Step 1: Loading onto an Appliance Dolly
Using an appliance dolly is important for moving your washer and dryer safely. First, tilt the appliance back. Then, slide the dolly underneath. Make sure it is centered on the platform. Once the appliance is on the dolly, use straps to secure it. This will stop it from moving or tipping during transport.
Now, if you are using a moving truck, this next part is tricky and dangerous, as you have to walk or dangerously lift your appliance into the back of a tall moving truck using a small and unsteady ramp if one is present.
When you use a portable moving unit, everything is ground-level. Simply wheel your appliance in or carefully carry it with your appliance straps, place it against one of the walls of your container, and be sure to balance the weight distribution. It is that simple.
It's a good idea to have a friend help you. One person can guide the appliance up the ramp while the other holds the dolly steady. Keep a firm grip on the dolly or ensure your appliance straps are on correctly and make slow, steady movements to avoid any accidents.
Step 2: Navigating Through Your Home
When you move appliances in your home, pay attention to doorways, hallways, and narrow corners. Clear the way of anything that could cause trouble, such as rugs or other boxes. Clear all of the clutter before moving any heavy items or appliances.
Be careful when entering doorways. We suggest having a “spotter” help walk the people carrying the appliance so they can clear the way and watch to ensure you don’t accidentally hit anything while carrying. Talk clearly and move slowly together. This way, you can reduce the chances of scratching the appliance or damaging the walls. If needed, temporarily remove the door to give yourself more space.
Step 3: Securing the Portable Moving Container
Properly securing the washer and dryer in your container is essential. It can help reduce the likelihood of the appliance shifting and avoid damage while transporting. Use strong straps or ropes to keep the machines standing against the container walls.
Make sure the straps are tight. This will help prevent shifting or tipping, especially on bumpy roads. You can also gently shake the appliances to check their stability and security.
Setting Up Your Appliances in Your New Home
After you have safely moved your washer and dryer, it’s time to set them up in your new laundry room. Place the appliances, making sure there is enough space for air to flow.
Then, reconnect the appliances. Check your owner's manual for exact steps. Adjust everything to make sure it works well.
Reconnecting Power and Water Sources
Once you have set up your washer and dryer in their places, it's time to reconnect the power and water. First, attach the water hoses to the washer. Make sure these are tight to avoid any leaks. If you have a gas dryer, it's best to call a qualified plumber to reconnect the gas line safely.
Then, plug the washer and dryer into the electrical outlets. Before you turn on the washer's water supply, check for leaks around the hose connections. If everything looks good and there are no leaks, you can slowly turn on the water supply.
If you have a gas dryer, make sure the gas is on. Also, check for any gas leaks before using the dryer. For your safety, it is wise to have a professional check the gas connection, especially if there wasn’t a specific line item for that in your home inspection before closing on your new home.
Ensuring They Are Level and Functioning
Before you use your washer and dryer, it’s important to check if they are level on the floor. This helps avoid vibrations and damage to your appliances or laundry room. Use a level tool to see if they are stable. If they are not, adjust the feet at the bottom of the machines until they are even.
Attach the ventilation hose to the dryer's exhaust port and ensure it goes outside. This clear ventilation path is key to stopping lint build-up and lowering the risk of fire hazards.
Finally, run a test cycle on both the washer and dryer. This will help you see if they work correctly. Listen for any strange noises or feel for vibrations, and look for error messages during the test. If you see any problems, check the troubleshooting section in your owner's manual or call a qualified appliance repair technician.
DIY Moving vs. Professional Movers
If loading and unloading your stuff sounds like too much of a physical challenge, you can get help from professional labor providers. However, there are pros and cons to both. Moving on your own can save you money, but it takes a lot of time and physical energy. Hiring professional movers makes things much easier, but it can be pricey depending on how much stuff you need to move and when you need to have it moved.
Also, consider how far you are moving, your available time, and how comfortable lifting heavy items is. Picking the best way to move can make the whole process easier.
Assessing the Pros and Cons
Moving appliances by yourself can save you money, but it is hard work. You need to get enough help because washers and dryers are heavy and tough to move, making it pretty much impossible to do on your own while avoiding serious injury. If you have a big appliance or several appliances, it may be easier to hire professional movers if you don’t have people to help you move.
Professional movers know what they are doing, and they have the right tools and support to move heavy appliances safely. So long as you have everything packed and ready to go, they can make the packing and unpacking process take a fraction of the time.
If you choose to move your appliances, ensure you have enough help and the right tools. Be careful to avoid injuries, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for moving your appliances.
When to Call in the Professionals
Consider calling the experts if you are moving heavy or bulky appliances. If there are stairs to go up or if you do not have enough help, it is a good idea to get professional assistance. They know how to lift heavy items and have the right tools. This can help you avoid injuries and ensure your appliances arrive safely at your new home.
Professional utility service providers are very important for disconnecting and reconnecting gas lines for gas dryers. It can be dangerous to handle gas lines yourself, so it is best to let trained professionals do this to avoid serious accidents.
Safety and efficiency are absolutely vital when moving appliances like a washer-dryer set. Do not hesitate to get help from the professionals when you need it.
Let 1-800-PACK-RAT Make Your Move Simple
Moving your washer and dryer safely and securely is just one part of a much larger project. That is why you need a moving partner who understands the ins and outs of moving while also providing a number of other services that can make things easier on you.
Whether you are moving locally or long-distance, 1-800-PACK-RAT can assist you. Here’s how it works: you pick your preferred moving date, we drop off an empty container at your home, you pack the container at your pace (which can help reduce the chance of injuries and damaged belongings because you aren’t rushing), then give us a call when ready and we will deliver your container to your new home where you can unpack in peace. It is that simple.
Another advantage we offer is that we can also store your washer, dryer, and other stuff if you need it! If you aren’t ready to move in or have a snafu with your move-in date, no problem! Just let us know, and we can place your container in one of our 70+ nationwide secure warehouse locations for as long as you need—no unpacking, repacking, and renting a moving truck several times over. Pack and unpack only once!
Let 1-800-PACK-RAT make moving and storage simple for you. Give us a call or go online for a free quote today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving Washers and Dryers
How do I disconnect my washer for a move?
- Unplug the washer from the power source.
- Turn off the water supply valves that feed the washer.
- Disconnect the water hoses to let them drain.
Leave your washer door open for at least 24 hours to air out before your move.
Can I lay my washer or dryer on its side during transport?
It is highly recommended that you do not lay either your washer or dryer on its side. Doing so can hurt the drum or other parts inside. Always move these appliances standing up. Use shipping bolts or transit bolts to keep the washer drum's back secure.
What should I do if my washer or dryer doesn’t work after the move?
Double-check all the connections. For help, look at the troubleshooting section in your owner’s manual. If the problem keeps happening, please contact the appliance manufacturer’s customer service or make an appointment with a qualified technician. Depending on the age of your home, it is also possible that the wall outlet isn’t providing enough power for the unit to operate. In that case, calling a licensed electrician is the recommended step.