Your Guide on How to Move a Washer and Dryer Effortlessly

Updated on July 1, 2025

Key Highlights of Moving Your Washer & Dryer Set

1. Prior to moving day, disconnect and prepare your washer and dryer to prevent damage and ensure a smooth transition.
2. Protect your appliances during transit using moving blankets, straps, and an appliance dolly to minimize the risk of scratches and dents.
3. Refer to your owner's manuals for model-specific instructions on disconnecting, securing moving parts, and reconnecting your appliances.
4. Consider the weight and bulkiness of your appliances. Enlist help from friends or hire professional movers to ensure safe lifting and loading.
5. 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 the Manufacturer’s Moving Instructions

Your appliance's instruction manual should provide essential tips for moving your specific model. It includes advice on how to use shipping bolts, which are crucial for keeping the washer drum and agitator safe during transport and preventing damage to your appliance, as well as other tips you need to follow to move your appliances securely.

Follow the step-by-step instructions in the manual to install these bolts correctly. This smart step will reduce the risk of damage and ensure that your appliances arrive at your new home in good condition.

Many brands have digital versions on their websites if you cannot find your owner's manual. Search for your appliance model to download a copy, or contact the manufacturer directly for assistance.

Essential Tools and Materials for Moving Your Appliances

Getting the right tools and materials before you start will help everything go more easily. This means having items for unplugging, protecting, and carrying your appliances.

Having these supplies ready will help you save time and make the most of moving day.

Gathering Necessary Supplies

To ensure a smooth move, start by gathering your moving supplies. 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. You can also use strong and secure bungee cords to hold everything together if you are worried about tape leaving behind sticky residue. Moving blankets will protect your appliances from scratches, dents, and other damage. Be sure to purchase high-quality moving blankets to protect your valuable items.

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 belongings or having mold or mildew form within the washer, which can damage both your washer and other items.

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 features a solid platform to hold the appliance and wheels to facilitate easy movement securely. Moving straps can be placed under the appliance and over your shoulders, allowing you to pick up the appliance without bending over or needing to hold it physically.

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:

1. Bungee cords or ratcheting straps: Use ratcheting strong straps or bungee cords to secure the appliances on the dolly or hand truck.
2. Furniture sliders: If your floors are hard, furniture sliders help move the appliances without scratching them.
3. Appliance straps: Typically used by professional movers, these straps go over your shoulders and under the appliance, placing the weight on the shoulders while leaving your arms free to maneuver your appliance.

Remember to never move an appliance by yourself! There is an extreme risk of injury or damage to your appliance if you do so!

Preparing Your Washer and Dryer for the Move

Proper planning is vital for a good move, and that extends to planning for moving your washer and dryer set. This means you need to unplug your appliances, clean them, and take steps to avoid any damage while moving them. Here are the basic steps you need to take to prep your washer and dryer set for your upcoming move.

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, locate the gas shut-off valve, typically situated behind the dryer. Turn the valve clockwise to stop the gas flow, and don't forget to detach the drain hose to drain any remaining water from the line.

Next, look for the water supply valves behind the washer. First, turn the hot and cold water valves clockwise to stop the water at the source. Then, disconnect the water hoses from the back of the washer and let any remaining water fall into a bucket. Have towels ready on the floor to absorb any additional water.

If you are unsure how to turn off the gas line, it is a good idea to ask a professional utility service provider for assistance.

Step 2: Cleaning and Drying Both Appliances

Once you disconnect the appliances, use this time to clean and drain them thoroughly, such as 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, dust, and grime. It might also be worth replacing your dryer hose, as these relatively inexpensive items can be easily replaced when placing your dryer in your new home for the first time.

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. Be sure to run the cleaning cycle a few days in advance of your move so that it has sufficient time to dry.

Ensure that you 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 in your new home. Be sure to drain all the water from the washing machine before you move as well. If you are unsure how to do this, refer to your owner's manual or contact the manufacturer for guidance.

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 recommend avoiding packing anything inside that contains water. This is true for any moving solution you opt to use, as it can damage not only the appliance but also your other belongings that are being moved.

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 to secure your washer’s drum. These tools help keep the drum steady and prevent damage during movement.

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 installing the dryer vent at your new home, ensure it has no kinks or obstructions that could hinder airflow.

Next, use packing tape or straps to keep the appliance doors closed. This will prevent them from swinging open during the move. Also, inspect all cords and hoses. 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 crucial, which is why packing them with the right materials helps reduce the risk 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 or moving solution as well. This will help prevent imbalance when loading and unloading 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 if possible.

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 using an appliance cart. 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, the next part is tricky and dangerous, as you have to walk or 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 from 1-800-PACK-RAT, everything is at ground level. Wheel your appliance in or carefully carry it with the appliance straps, place it against one of the walls of your container, and ensure that the weight is evenly distributed. It is that simple - no lifting or balancing on a ramp is required.

It's absolutely vital to have at least two people helping you move a washer and dryer set. 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 securely in place, 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 prevent damage during transportation. 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. Alternatively, if you are unable to strap the appliance down, try to brace it with sturdy boxes or other items to keep it from shifting heavily during transit.

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 Hose 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. Ensure these are tightened to prevent any leaks, but be careful not to overtighten the hoses. 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 appears to be in order and there are no leaks, you can gradually turn on the water supply.

If you have a gas dryer, ensure the gas is turned on. Also, check for any gas leaks before using the dryer. For your safety, it is advisable to have a professional inspect the gas connection, especially if there was no specific line item for it in your home inspection before closing on your new home.

Ensuring They Are Level and Functioning

Before using your washer and dryer, it’s essential to check that 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 crucial in preventing lint buildup and reducing the risk of fire hazards. If needed, have your dryer vent to the outside inspected and cleaned if necessary. Outdoor dryer vents that become clogged can pose a fire hazard, making this a good opportunity to clean a spot that is often overlooked.

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 encounter any issues, refer to the troubleshooting section in your owner's manual or contact 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 the number of items to be moved and the timeframe for the move.

Also, consider how far you are moving, your available time, and how comfortable lifting heavy items is. Choosing the best method for moving can make the entire 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 require considerable physical strength to move, making it nearly impossible to do on your own without risking 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 climb or if you don't have enough help, it's 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 play a crucial role in 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 80+ nationwide secure warehouse locations for as long as you need—no unpacking, repacking, or renting a moving truck multiple times. 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?

1. Unplug the washer from the power source.
2. Turn off the water supply valves that feed the washer.
3. Disconnect the water hoses to let them drain.

Leave your washer door open for at least 24 hours to air out before you move. Never move an appliance that has water inside of it, as this can lead to mold and mildew, which can damage your appliance and other belongings in your container or moving solution!

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 damage the drum or other internal parts. Always move these appliances standing up. Use shipping bolts or transit bolts to secure the washer drum's back.

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 persists, contact the appliance manufacturer’s customer service or schedule 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 course of action.