How to Move a Washer and Dryer

Moving your washer and dryer is more complicated than simply recruiting a few strong friends to help load the units on a dolly to be hauled out of your basement. In fact, you may be surprised to know that moving these heavy appliances (200+ pounds) involves following specific precautions. Additionally, washers and dryers can easily get damaged during a move when their drums have not been properly secured during pre-moving preparation and servicing. This can result in costly repairs and parts replacement. In comparison, the cost of professional servicing is nominal.

For your own protection and for that of your appliances, Mayflower recommends that you enlist the services of a qualified technician to service, disconnect and prepare your major appliances for a move.

Mayflower can help make advance arrangements for a qualified technician to service your appliances before moving day. If you authorize Mayflower to coordinate this third-party service on your behalf, it will be added to your estimate as an additional cost. Read on to learn more about how to properly prepare your washer and dryer for a move, and always refer to the owner’s manual before you begin these steps.

Find out more about comprehensive moving support services from America’s most trusted mover, Mayflower.

Preparing Your Washer and Dryer for a Move

Step One: Clean and Air Dry

Cleaning your washer and dryer before you move improves the efficiency and life-cycle of your appliances, and it’s a simple step you can easily do on your own.

To clean your washer, run a clean rinse cycle with the cleaning tablet recommended for your specific machine. Washing machine cleaning tablets are designed to help remove lingering odors and residue build up inside the machine. It is very important that you leave the washer door open for at least 24 hours after disconnecting the water supply (see step two). You should ensure that your washer is completely dry and free of moisture, to prevent mold.

To clean your dryer, remove any lint or debris from the lint trap. Filters can easily be cleaned using mild soap and water. To clean dryer vents, use a vacuum cleaner extension or a hand-help vacuum tool.

Lastly, wipe the exterior of each appliance down with a damp cloth and a mild cleaner to remove dust and grime. Make sure all washer and dryer parts are dried thoroughly after cleaning to prevent mold and rust.

While these typically work for most washing and drying machines, it’s important for you to consult the manufacturers’ instructions for any special practices or processes that apply to your machines.

Step Two: Disconnect the Unit

Important Notice
Disconnecting the high-voltage electrical and gas connections for major appliances is dangerous and should be undertaken by a qualified professional. It is easy to make a mistake that results in a dangerous gas leak.

Your Mayflower movers are not able to disconnect, service, repair or reinstall appliances or utilities at your point of origin or destination. We can, however, help you coordinate these services through a third-party.

What to expect
We recommend that you use a qualified professional to prepare your washer and dryer for moving. If you decide to tackle this on your own, be sure to consult your machines’ manuals before doing any of the following:

Before moving day, your washer and dryer must be completely disconnected. All supply lines for utility services (gas, electric, water) must be shut off and disconnected from the washer and dryer before they are moved. This includes switching off any electric breakers and shutting off any gas supply valves behind gas dryers. Once the water supply is disconnected (behind the washer and dryer), the drain hose should be removed from its standpipe.

Care should be taken when pulling the dryer out from the wall. There may be hidden electrical, gas supply lines or vents still connected; the unit may have a flexible or solid vent pipe still secured by a clamp or screws. These must be removed first before the dryer can be pulled out from the wall.

Your Washer and Dryer During Transport

Step Three: Secure Doors, Latches and Drum

Your washer’s drum consists of several moving parts, and if it gets tossed around too much during the move, it can cause serious damage to your appliance. Check to see if your appliance came with shipping bolts or moving pins to secure the drum and keep it stationary during transit. If you do not have these, ask your qualified third-party service technician about the best way to secure your drum. Many appliance manufacturers also offer washer moving kits.

If you are moving the units yourself, you can add an extra layer of fortification for transit by using strong moving tape (that can be easily removed) to hold your washer and dryer’s doors and latches shut. Less movement and exposure during the transport means less opportunity for dings, scratches and breakage.

Using Mayflower to move your washer and dryer?
Your Mayflower movers will wrap your washer and dryer in clean furniture pads on moving day. Make sure you have made arrangements for safe hook up and installation of your appliances at your new place of residence.

If you’re in between places and looking for storage options for your appliances, we can help! For more information on our full-service moving and storage solutions, please contact your local Mayflower agent to learn more about the facilities near you.