Moving a washing machine often seems straightforward, but it’s surprisingly complex. You might wonder, “Can you lay a washing machine down?” or “How do I move a washing machine by myself?” Perhaps you’ve even searched for “Can washing machines be transported on their side?”
These questions show that most people have incorrect assumptions about moving washing machines. This guide will answer every question you have and provide the advice you need to complete your move safely.
→ Also check out How to Pack Your Clothes for Moving guide for a more streamlined move.
How to Prepare a Washing Machine for Moving
With the right preparation and technique, moving your washing machine can be done safely and efficiently. We will guide you through each step of the process, ensuring a smooth transition for your laundry room.
Disconnect and Drain
The first thing to do is to safely cut off the water supply and electricity. Depress the buttons on the water faucets until the water is cut off, and then disconnect the power cord from the wall. After that, remove any water remaining in the hoses and the drum.
You should lower the drain hose into a container and watch the water drain. If you notice some water left in the empty drum, you can run the washer through a short spin.
Clean and Dry
After draining the water, clean and dry all parts of the drum and the detergent dispenser. Dry items must be cleaned well to prevent mould or mildew growth during transport.
Secure the Drum with Transit Bolts
Securing the drum is the most critical aspect of preparing your washing machine for transport. This is typically done using transit bolts (also known as shipping bolts or shipping rods). These bolts stabilise the drum, prevent it from moving excessively, and prevent damage to internal components during transport.
Securing the drum is the most important thing before transporting your washing machine. Transit bolts (or shipping bolts) are typically used to accomplish this task. They help secure the drum, ensuring it can’t move too much and hit other parts during transport.
Moving Without Transit Bolts
If you find yourself moving a washing machine without transit bolts, don’t panic. Even though it’s not perfect, there are other approaches to keep drums from moving too much. To block any openings around the bass drum, you can put towels, thick blankets, or cut-out pieces of foam behind and beside it.
The idea is to give the drum enough support and padding so it doesn’t move around too much. Nonetheless, this method is less secure and requires extra precautions during washing machine transport.
Can You Lay a Washing Machine Down?
Put it simply, if needed, you can lay a washing machine down, provided you take the necessary precautions and only use it under special circumstances. While carrying a heavy appliance over your head may seem more straightforward, tipping it can result in poor consequences.
Understanding the Risks
Lying a washing machine down carries several potential risks:
- Damaging the drum or suspension: The design allows the drum to hang with the help of a suspension system inside the machine. Setting the machine on its side without ensuring the drum is secure puts lots of pressure on these pieces, which can bend, break, or misalign. This may cause expensive damage or make the machine unusable.
- Leaking residual water: Even after draining, your machine may still have some water in its pump, hoses or detergent dispenser. If you put the machine down and it still contains water, that water may seep out and harm your vehicle’s interior or other cargo inside.
When It’s Safe to Lay It Down
So, under what circumstances can you transport a washing machine on its side? It’s generally only advisable for very short distances and only if the drum is secured with transit bolts. If you’re wondering, “Can washing machines be laid down in a vehicle?” The answer is still generally “no” for interstate move, regional NSW relocations or any moves that covers long distances .
Preferred Positioning
When moving a washing machine, it should be stood on its base. They are built like this, and their best support is in this position. This also helps prevent the drum, suspension, or seals from getting damaged or poorly sealed. When it needs to be transported sideways, place the machine so the back is down and not the side with the control panel or door up, because this could damage delicate internal parts.
Technically, you can lay your washing machine down if necessary, but it’s safest to transport it with the machine upright. If you must lay the washing machine on its side, ensure the drum is safely fastened and prepare for possible problems.
How to Transport a Washing Machine Safely
Once your washing machine is prepped, the next crucial step is safely getting it from point A to point B. This section will cover how to transport a washing machine without injury to yourself or damage to the appliance.
Lifting and Moving Without Injury
Washing machines are incredibly heavy, and improper lifting can lead to serious injuries. Before attempting to lift, clear a path from the washing machine’s location to your transport vehicle. If you’re wondering how to move a washing machine, the honest answer is: with extreme difficulty and risk. It’s always recommended to have at least two people for this task.
To lift, use your legs, not your back. Bend at your knees, keep your back straight, and lift by pushing up with your leg muscles. If possible, one person should lift from the front, and the other from the back. You might be able to carefully slide the machine on a moving blanket for short distances, but specialised equipment is essential for anything more.
Utilising Appliance Dollies or Washing Machine Movers
The easiest and safest way to move a washing machine is to use an appliance dolly or a specialised washing machine mover. An appliance dolly is a heavy-duty hand truck with straps to secure the machine. Tilt the washing machine slightly and slide the dolly underneath, ensuring the bottom lip of the dolly is fully under the machine. Secure it tightly with the built-in straps. This allows you to roll the washing machine with much less effort and strain.
Securing in a Moving Truck or Car
Once on the dolly, the next step in transporting a washing machine is getting it into your vehicle.
- Moving Truck: If possible, place your washing machine next to a solid truck wall near the cab so it will stay put. Apply two to three movable straps to ensure the container is attached to the truck’s secured areas. Pack things so they do not slip, tip, or go out of place during transport. Place thick padding between the washing machine, nearby items, and truck walls to avoid scratches and dampen vibrations.
- Transporting a Washing Machine in a Car:
- SUVs and Hatchbacks: With an SUV or hatchback, you could probably place the washing machine facing up, especially if the back seats can fold. If you can, attach the machine to the rear of the front seats with ratchet straps, securing it to any hook or anchor near the trunk. Once more, make sure to use lots of padding around the machine.
- Small Cars: It isn’t usually advised to include a washing machine in a small car, even if you can put it down. Keeping items on a truck balanced is difficult, and this can be risky. Refer to the above if you feel you must lay it down, and always place safety above convenience. You might want to choose a small trailer or a larger vehicle for your move.
Need to rent a moving truck? Explore our service.
Tips for Secure Transport
Regardless of the vehicle, these tips are crucial:
- Straps are your best friend. Use ratchet straps instead of bungee cords. Bungee cords can sometimes break under pressure and aren’t as consistent in tension as ropes.
- Padding is paramount. To prevent damage to your washer’s exterior, wrap it in moving blankets, bubble wrap, or even old towels. Focus more on the corners and control panels.
- Avoid vibration damage: Transit bolts do not prevent vibrations from damaging your vehicle. Try to move smoothly on the road, don’t brake sharply, and go through curves at a calm pace. If you need to drive across rough roads, reduce your speed.
- Check frequently: On a longer drive, check the straps after a while to confirm they are secure and the washing machine is not out of place.
How to Move a Washing Machine By Yourself
In many cases, it’s helpful to have someone assist when moving a washing machine, but you may sometimes need to figure out how to move it by yourself. You need to realise when you can go solo and when you should get help from your peers.
When to Attempt Solo Moving (and When Not To)
Moving a washing machine by yourself is only advisable for:
- Short distances: If you need to move just a few steps, a few feet or to another location so you can clean.
- With the right equipment: Don’t try to move a washing machine by yourself unless you have an appliance dolly or a washing machine mover. It is unsafe and can lead to problems to attempt to move a washing machine alone if you do not have the right tools.
- Relatively smooth surfaces: Attempting to lift the object upward, through narrow areas or over rugged ground on your own makes it much more dangerous.
Step-by-Step Solo Strategy (with a Dolly)
If you decide to move the washing machine yourself with a dolly, here’s how to do it.
- Preparation is Key:
- Clear the Path: Make sure the route from the washing machine to where it’s to be placed is safe and free of floor obstructions, rugs, animals, or other things that could be a trip hazard.
- Secure the Drum: As discussed above, the drum must be attached with transit bolts. However, if that’s impossible, surround it with blankets or a foam layer.
- Protect the Machine: Cover your washing machine with moving blankets or thick towels. Attach tape or stretch wrap around each item.
- Tilt, Pad, and Position the Dolly:
- Tilt: Tilt the washing machine a little backwards so that you can see the front bottom edge.
- Pad: When your dolly doesn’t come with padding, add a small cardboard or a folded towel under the washing machine at the point where you will place and move the dolly.
- Slide the Dolly: With the washer now tilted, push the appliance dolly’s bottom lip (toe plate) all the way under the machine. Position it upright and as low as possible to increase stability.
- Secure with Straps:
- When you are satisfied with the dolly’s position, tie the machine to it using the provided sheds (you could also use strong ratchet straps). Make the bolts as solid as possible so the machine is steady on its small cart.
- Leverage and Lift:
- Tilt Back: When moving, lean your weight on the dolly’s axle (if it has one) for support. Grab the dolly’s handles strongly.
- Slow and Steady: Lean the dolly backwards with your weight and push on the machine gently. You want the washing machine to sit securely on the dolly’s wheels. Do the move quickly and with control. Do NOT pick it off the floor using a deadlift.
- Navigating Doors, Corners, and Stairs (Extreme Caution!):
- Doors: Before making any changes, it is important to measure the width of your doorways. If there’s not much room, you may need to remove the washing machine door or the entire door frame.
- Corners: Aim to go slow around every corner. Roll the dolly just a little bit past the corner so that the back of the machine fits under it, then revolve the dolly gently. Go around curves as wide as you can safely.
- Stairs (Extreme Caution – Solo is NOT Recommended for Most):
- Going Downstairs: This is the most dangerous part of moving a washing machine alone. If you absolutely must, you must go down one step at a time, keeping the washing machine tilted back against the dolly. In this case, the person behind would control the descent, slowly letting it down. This requires immense strength and control.
- Going Upstairs: Even harder than going down. You would need to pull the dolly up each step, potentially using a ramp if available.
- Seriously, get a helper for the stairs. If you cannot, consider professional Sydney movers or a specialised stair-climbing dolly. Trying to navigate stairs solo poses a significant risk of injury and damage.
Knowing the limits and equipping yourself well will help you move a washing machine by yourself. Just remember, whenever something is more difficult, above all else, look out for your safety and call for support.
Can You Store a Washing Machine?
Storing a washing machine is possible, but you must do it right to prevent any issues and ensure it runs smoothly once you use it again. Certain tips should be followed when storing your washing machine for a long stretch.
- Thorough Cleaning and Drying: Check the above cleaning and draining section before starting storage. Let the drum, detergent dispenser and every hose dry out before recharging. As little as a bit of remaining moisture after bathing may cause bad smells, mould and corrosion. You can dry and sanitise the inside of your coffee maker by running a vinegar cycle in it.
- Keep the Door Slightly Ajar: This helps keep mould and mildew from forming inside the drum. Leaving the door slightly open helps keep the air fresh and stops moisture from building up. This significantly reduces the chances of your washing machine developing a musty smell that’s hard to eliminate.
- Store Upright if Possible: Upright is recommended to keep a washing machine, as it is safer and stands firm for a long time. In this way, the internal structure, the drum and its suspension are arranged to lie in place.
- Never Store Long-Term on Its Side: While it might be possible with extreme caution for short-distance local move, you should never store a washing machine long-term on its side for a very long time. This can lead to permanent deformation or damage to the drum’s suspension, leak residual water or lubricants (in older models) onto the floor, and put undue pressure on various external components. If an upright position isn’t feasible, consider professional storage solutions that accommodate vertical storage.
- Protect from Dust and Pests: Use a breathable moving blanket or a big sheet to cover the washing machine and avoid dust gathering. Before leaving hoses in storage, block off any places insects might want to settle in.
- Control Environment: If you have the opportunity, place your washing machine in a space that maintains a steady temperature to avoid damaging its electronics and seals.
Allow Your Washing Machine to Reach You in Good Condition
It’s important to treat a washing machine carefully because it requires the right equipment and two people to move it. At National Removalist, we understand how to transport large appliances such as washing machines without causing damage. The tools and expertise of our skilled team allow your washing machine to reach you in good condition.
Let professionals handle the move instead of damaging your appliance. National Removalist will handle all of the difficult parts for you so you can focus on your new routine. Our moving services include packing and moving, and rubbish removals services among others.
Ready to move your washing machine with ease? Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote!
Want to know other moving guides? Check out our guide about How to Pack Glasses for Moving.