Wanting to know how to move a washing machine? It can be a tricky task. Not only are washing machines heavy and awkward to manoeuvre, they also come with cords and hoses attached, which need to be disconnected, drained and reconnected.
In this blog we’ll explain exactly what you need to do to get your washing machine safely from one location to another. Let’s get started.
What supplies do you need to move a washing machine?
The safest way to move washing machine is to use a removalist’s trolley, which you should be able to hire locally. If you will be going up or down any stairs, consider hiring a 6-wheeled trolley, designed for this very purpose.
As an alternative, you may be able to move your washing machine with the help of a strong friend or two helping shuffle it along. However, keep in mind the whole moving path, and whether you’ll be able to navigate it all without a trolley.
If you’re using a trolley, you’ll also need straps or bungee cords to secure the washing machine to it. You can also secure the power cord to the machine with these straps, or else with packing tape.
Have a few towels on hand to drain the machine before you move it, plus a supply of blankets or cushions to pad your vehicle, if you’ll be driving the machine to its new location.
Finally, a pair of gloves can be handy to protect your hands and maintain grip.
What to do before moving your washing machine
There are a few things you’ll need to do before you get your washing machine on the trolley.
Firstly, make sure the washing machine is empty of clothes. Then disconnect the power cord and undo the water hoses.
Next, drain the machine of as much water as possible. This is important so it doesn’t drip (and cause you to slip) in transit.
Your washing machine manual will explain how to drain it – if you’ve lost the manual, search for it online.
Most front loaders have a waste area at the bottom front that can be opened to remove excess water. For top loaders, you’ll need to empty out the waste hoses. Make sure you have towels on hand to capture the water.
How to move a washing machine
Wrap your washing machine cord and hose against the machine, and secure carefully with straps, bungee cords or packing tape. If you kept the transit bolts when you first bought a front-loading machine, you can screw them back into the machine to stop the internal drum moving about.
Next, carefully slide the machine onto the trolley. You’ll want help from a friend to do this, to ensure the machine doesn’t topple.
Secure the machine to the trolley with your straps, making sure the trolley wheels are still free to move.
Now it’s time to carefully wheel your machine, taking care of doorways, corners and steps. It is a good idea to have a friend helping navigate the machine through tricky spaces, and to ensure it remains steady on any stairs.
If you are loading the washing machine in a car or vehicle, see if you can strap or wedge it in, so that it moves as little as possible. Place the washing machine up against the back of seats or the cabin wall, so that it won’t slide forward when stopping the vehicle. Pad out edges with blankets or cushions.
If you’re transporting the machine in a hatchback, be sure to test the door will safely close over the machine before you slam it shut.
How to reconnect your washing machine after moving
Once you’ve manoeuvred the washing machine into its new place, make sure it stands level by adjusting the levelling feet on the bottom of the machine.
Next, you need to connect the water supply hose or hoses. These feed water into the machine, and typically screw onto existing pipes. Make sure you tighten the hoses on snugly to prevent leaks. If your hoses are too short in the new space, you can purchase longer hoses to suit.
Finally, attach the water draining hose, which empties water out of the machine. Your space may be set up to have the hose drain into a sink or a standpipe. If draining into a sink, you may need to attach a plastic hose guide to your drain hose to ensure it stays pointing down into the sink. Plastic hose guides are usually provided with washing machines, but can also be purchased at a hardware shop.
For the first load of washing after you’ve connected your washing machine, it’s a good idea to watch the machine in action. Make sure there are no leaks coming from any hoses, and check that the machine doesn’t wobble. A leak may mean you need to tighten a connection, add a rubber washer or secure with plumber’s tape. Wobbles can usually be fixed by adjusting the levelling feet again.
Got more white goods to move? Check out our blog on how to move a fridge.
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Now you know how to move a washing machine, you can decide whether you’d to do it yourself or hire professional removalists. If you’re in Melbourne, you can’t do better than to hire Pinder Tower Movers. With 40 years of experience and well over one hundred 5-star reviews, they are the removalists of choice for cross-Melbourne and interstate moves.