Moving a washing machine safely from one location to another is easy as long as you plan and prepare for the process. While washing machines are typically strong and sturdy, the components and systems are delicate enough that you could damage them if you are not careful during transit.
Needless to say, the process looks very different than your typical cargo shipping.
Regardless of why or where you are moving, you must know how to transport a washing machine and follow a structured process that involves preparing, packing, moving, and transporting it diligently.
A 10-Step Checklist for Transporting a Washing Machine
That said, here is an actionable 10-step checklist that will help you move and transport your washing machine safely, without causing any damage:
1. Run Cleaning & Drain Cycles
When you want to pack and move your washing machine, the first step is to actually run a proper washing cycle, without any clothes or household items in the drum.
Once you clear out any items in the washing machine, just use a strong detergent or washing machine cleaner to run a short cycle.
After the machine has finished running the cycle and the water is drained, keep the machine door ajar and ensure it is completely dry before proceeding further.
2. Disconnect and Drain All Hoses
Now that you have ensured your washing machine and drum are dry enough to be moved, you must give a similar treatment to all the pipes and hoses connected to the machine.
But first, you must disconnect the power to your washing machine and then secure all the cords and wires with a rope or tape.
Disconnect these pipes using pliers or a wrench, and drain them of any residual water. Once drained, let them dry out in the sun so that you can pack them properly and prevent any issues during the process.
3. Review Manual for Brand-Specific Moving Precautions
Before you move further into the moving and transporting process, it is a great idea to double-check the user manual provided by the brand for any specific moving instructions.
Prominent brands like LG, Bosch, and Whirlpool have diverse requirements for draining the machine, securing internal parts, and installing transport bolts.
While most of the advice in the manual may be similar to the standard moving process for a washing machine, the specific instructions must be constantly consulted so that you can figure out the best way to move a washing machine and avoid any warranty-voiding mistakes in the process.
4. Secure the Drum and Protect the Washer
In any standard, run-of-the-mill washing machine, you will find a suspension system enabling the washer drum to move freely within the machine.
The role of this suspension system is to safeguard the drum from damage caused by vibrations or agitation.
To ensure that this suspension system is not damaged in transit, you must avoid moving the drum excessively.
To accomplish this, you must secure your drum with transit bolts and use similar locks and bolts to secure your washer. An easy way to move a washer and dryer is ensuring its safety by adding more cushioning material around the drum and reducing vibration during the move.
5. Enlist the Right Help for Transporting the Washing Machine
Once you have secured all parts of your washing machine, it is time to decide whether you want to move it yourself or use a professional moving company that can help you move the washer and dryer in trucks.
Even if you choose the DIY route, it is better to enlist enough help to pack and move your washing machine to prevent damage and injuries to yourself.
You must also be more proactive about collecting any moving equipment you might need to transport your washing machine and position it correctly when using road freight. However, all of this can get taken care of by a professional moving service.
6. Gather Necessary Packing and Moving Supplies
The next question to ask yourself is: what packing supplies will I need when moving my washing machine?
The good news is that the primary supplies required to move your washing machine through freight shipping are actually pretty basic and easy to gather.
Here is a list to help you be prepared:
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Moving blankets or padded blankets: When moving the washing machine from its place to the transport vehicle, use moving or padded blankets to cover it and avoid any unintentional damage.
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Appliance Dolly or Hand Truck: When moving your washing machine from its place to the transport vehicle, it is best to load it onto an appliance dolly or hand truck to make the move easier.
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Wrench or Slip-Joint Pliers: Whether you want to disconnect your hose pipes or secure your drums with bolts, having a wrench or slip-joint pliers can ease the process.
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Packing Tape: Whether you have wrapped your washing machine in a blanket or plastic, consider using packing tape to secure it closed.
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Foam or cardboard inserts: Depending on the design of your washing machine, you may need to add extra cushioning material like foam or cardboard to prevent damage caused by movement or jostling.
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Moving Straps: Use straps or bungee cords to not only load your washing machine onto the trolley but also to load it into the transport vehicle. You can also secure it within the vehicle with the straps or cords to restrict its movement in transit.
7. Prepare the Path and Floors
As is the case with any bulky item that can be damaged while moving, you must clear the pathways and doorways beforehand to transport a washing machine safely.
Even after you place the machine on an appliance dolly, ensure that you have enough space to move it all the way to the transport vehicle.
Specifically, clear any items or furniture that might obstruct or damage the machine during the move.
8. Lift and Move With a Dolly
Just so that there is no confusion, that appliance dolly we have been talking about in the previous points is not optional.
Washing machines from reputable brands usually have a good build quality, but are made of fragile and breakable components, which is why you should always handle them carefully.
Ensure that you place the washing machine on an appliance dolly or hand truck to move it smoothly and safely, without damaging the appliance or injuring yourself.
Most hardware stores rent out appliance dollies, or if you choose professional washing machine movers, they usually have the equipment.
9. Keep Washer Upright and Secure in Transport Vehicle
When transporting washing machines, you must be especially careful about handling the drum and washer. Whether you are loading the machine on the dolly or onto a transport vehicle, ensure that when moving a washer, it is positioned upright at all times.
Lying the machine down in any other position and not being careful about it can permanently damage your suspension system or alignment.
Once it is safely loaded, secure it with bungee cords and ropes to prevent unnecessary movement and shifting in transit.
10. Reinstall Safely Post-Transport
The transportation process is the hard part, and once your washing machine reaches the destination through any type of freight service, you only need to unload it safely and move it to its final location.
This might seem fairly straightforward, but it is a critical process that should be navigated diligently.
Start by reconnecting the pipes and water supply lines, then move on to reattaching the electrical connection.
Lastly, level the machine to the proper height to ensure optimal performance and avoid excessive wear and tear.
3 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Transporting a Washing Machine
Following the checklist should ensure that transporting your washing machine goes smoothly from start to finish. However, you must avoid the following common mistakes in the process to ensure its success:
1. Transporting the Washing Machine on Its Side or Back
As discussed earlier, the washing machine should be packed properly and kept in an upright position at all times.
Transporting it while it is placed on its side or back can damage the suspension system or cause misalignment between various components and systems of the washing machine.
While you don’t have to worry about any of it when using professional movers to move a washer and dryer, you have to be careful to position and move all parts of your washing machine when doing it on your own.
2. Insufficient Padding or Wrapping
One of the common mistakes people make while moving a washing machine is wrapping and packing it with insufficient or incorrect materials.
Whether you are moving a front-load washer or dryer, not wrapping will make them more susceptible to scratches and damage in transit.
You must not only pack and secure individual components of your washing machine separately, but also use enough cushioning material between edges to avoid unnecessary movement or damage.
3. Failure to Remove or Secure Loose Parts
Keeping all the pipes and detachable wires intact while moving your washing machine is a major challenge if not done the right way.
If you try to transport the machine with all the wires and pipes attached, your machine will be more prone to damage.
To avoid this, consider packing all the detachable components individually and securely in appropriate plastic packaging.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How to transport a washing machine?
Prepare your washing machine for the move by removing and draining all the hoses. Then, load the machine on a hand truck or appliance dolly before securing it with straps to ensure safe transport.
2. How to move a washing machine by yourself?
While it is a good idea to opt for a professional mover, moving a washing machine yourself actually starts with enlisting a bit of help.
After you have drained and cleaned out your washing machine, you must carefully tilt the washer onto a dolly and secure it tightly with straps.
Have someone help you when moving the dolly, loading the machine onto a transport vehicle, and beyond.
3. How to lift a washing machine?
You must never attempt to lift a washing machine without help, and even with it, you must ensure you keep your knees bent and use proper back support in the process.
4. How to drain washing machines before moving?
Run an empty spin cycle and drain all the water out of your washing machine. You must then disconnect your hoses and drain any excess water or liquid into a bucket or sink. Once done, dry the hoses before packing and moving them.
5. Do I need to drain and disconnect my washing machine before moving?
Yes. You must fully drain your washing machine of any water and disconnect all the wires and pipes before you pack or move it.
6. Can I transport a washing machine on its side, or should it always stay upright?
When moving your washing machine, ensure that it is always set upright, whether it's on a platform waiting to be moved or moving on the transport vehicle. Placing it on its side might cause misalignment or damage to the suspension system.
7. What’s the safest way to protect the drum and hoses during transport?
To secure the drum, consider adding shipping bolts and wrapping it with enough plastic packaging or moving blankets. For extra protection, add foam padding around the machine and wrap the hoses separately in bubble wrap or towels.
8. How much does it cost to hire a local mover for a washing machine in Australia?
In Australia, the cost of hiring a professional local mover for your washing machine transport can vary between AUD 80 and AUD 180. The final cost is usually calculated by considering a combination of factors including distance, complexity, and other additional handling charges.
9. Do movers help reconnect the washing machine at the new location?
While most professional movers will help you unload and reconnect the basic pipes in your washing machine, you may need to hire a plumber for the rest of the installation.
Concluding Remarks
Moving a washing machine, whether for shifting from one home to another, or between cities, is a fairly straightforward process.
All you need is the right help for packing and moving the machine, and the right transport vehicle to transport it to the destination.
While you can easily navigate the process on your own, hiring a professional moving company ensures that you don’t have to worry about the finer details and let the experts take over the process for you.
Get a quote from PACK & SEND to get expert assistance with packing and shipping a washing machine within and from Australia.