How To Move A Washing Machine

Moving to a new home is no easy task, especially when it comes to moving and transporting heavy appliances like a washing machine. In this article, our team of professionals at Giffen Furniture Removalists are going to help you with some tips on one of the most common dilemmas during a move: how to move a washing machine.

At first it might seem easy—if you can lift it and move it around, how hard could it be? After all, a washing machine comes in a simple rectangular shape, so you won’t have much trouble getting it from one room to another. But there are some crucial steps you need to take to make sure you move your washing machine the right way. Let’s go over them.

1.  Start With The Manual

Before anything else, it helps to go over your washing machine’s manual. While the rest of our tips will work for any washing machine, your washing machine might have its own specific needs or conditions. Giving yourself a quick refresher course on what those needs might be is important; you don’t want to end up accidentally pulling a piece loose.

Can’t find your manual? Just search the brand and model of your washing machine on Google and you should find it in no time. If that doesn’t help, then visit your local repair shop and ask if they have anything lying around, or any way to order a manual on your behalf.

2. Clean It Out

You would be surprised at the number of homeowners who try to move their washing machines with laundry still in the machine. But to make sure you have the smoothest removal process, the first step is to clean out your washing machine.

Remove your laundry, and begin an empty wash on the warmest setting. Make use of a special cleaning agent, such as white vinegar or kitchen bleach; this will kill any remaining bacteria in the machine. After the wash is done, open up the machine and let it air out for the rest of the day.

3. Shut Off The Water And Disconnect The Valves

Now it’s time to shut down your water supply. This is simple—just rotate the valves in a clockwise motion until they’re shut off. Then turn off your machine and unplug it from its power source.

Your washing machine isn’t just sitting on the ground, so yanking it up will just cause damage to what it’s connected to—the water supply hose. First you will need to unfasten this from the external valve, which can usually be found behind the machine and against the wall. After you’ve detached the wall valves, you can then disconnect the valve from the machine. This will require some pliers if the fit is tight enough.

Tip: there might still be some water in the hose and the machine, so don’t expect a dry job during this step.

4. Now It’s Time For Transit Bolts

Moving a washing machine is never a safe or easy job if you don’t use the all-important transit bolts. Transit bolts make sure that your complex washing machine stays in one piece during the move and the trip, because the last thing you want is arriving at your new home with a washing machine that doesn’t work anymore.

The part that is most easily damaged is the drum suspension of the washing machine. With the right transit bolts in place, the drum will be held together during the trip, keeping it and all the surrounding pieces nice and secure.

As every brand and model is unique, it’s important that you consult your manual to figure out how to install your transit bolts. And remember: don’t forget to remove the transit bolts after the move is complete! These can cause tons of damage to your washing machine if left in during a wash.

5. Load Your Machine Onto The Trolley And Into The Truck

Loading your machine isn’t as simple as it looks, and it will require coordination and teamwork. Professional removalists will have the right packaging to make sure your machine doesn’t get damaged, but if you are doing this on your own, then bubble wrap should suffice.

When loading your machine onto the trolley, twist it away from the surrounding walls first, to make sure that any sudden movement doesn’t cause your machine to slam into the wall. Once your machine is on the trolley, slowly pull it to the vehicle outside, and lift it into the back. This will require quite a bit of strength, as you need to make sure that the washing machine remains upright the entire time.

Need Help With Washing Machine Removals?

Figuring out how to move a washing machine can be tougher than it seems, which is why it might be best to hire your own removal professionals.

At Giffen Furniture Removals, we have helped countless residents in and around Brisbane with their removal needs. We’ve successfully moved everything from home and kitchen appliances to priceless artifacts, without ever suffering a single dent or scratch.

If you want your prized possessions to stay safe and secure during your move, then give us a call. Giffen Furniture Removals is always happy to help—ask for our free quote for your moving and storage needs today!