Highlights
Plan to hire professional movers to transport your washer and dryer safely.
Measure the appliances twice to ensure they’ll fit through doorways during the move.
Don’t forget to disconnect the electric, gas, and water lines before moving the washer and dryer.
So, you’ve found the perfect new home, and now you can’t wait to make the big move. But the prospect of transporting your heavy washer and dryer to your new digs can quickly dampen your excitement.
Luckily, we have helpful tips for preparing your washer and dryer for your move to relieve your stress. Follow these guidelines to move your washer and dryer with ease.
1. Measure the Appliances Twice
Tailors know all too well the importance of measuring twice. And what’s true for your favorite outfit is even more important for moving the large appliances that keep your household humming. One of the first and most important things you need to do when prepping your washer and dryer for a move is to take accurate measurements.
Start by measuring the machines and the spaces where they’ll sit in the new home. You’ll also need to measure doorways, staircases, and even your moving vehicle to ensure the appliances won’t get stuck or damaged during transport.
2. Check Power Supplies and Hookups
When you’re moving large appliances, you can spare yourself a huge headache by checking your power sources and appliance hookups ahead of time. You should ensure that the power supply and connections are in working order and that you have the appropriate energy type and wattage for your machines.
In addition, you’ll need to confirm that your hookups are located in the right spot. If you prefer to have your machines in the garage rather than the basement, you’ll need to relocate the washer and dryer hookups. In that case, plan to hire an appliance installation pro near you to make the switch.
3. Disconnect and Clean Your Appliance
Transporting your washer and dryer safely is about far more than disconnecting and loading them up.
You should always turn off the electric, gas, and water supply before disconnecting your washer and dryer. In addition, you will want to ensure that you drain all the water from your machines’ hoses and from your washer’s internal tub.
Once the machines are disconnected and fully drained, give them a good cleaning both inside and out. Wiping down all accessible surfaces with a soft, dry cloth will help you get rid of built-up debris and residue. Likewise, you can use a soft bristle brush or a vacuum to clear away any dirt accumulated in your dryer vent or drain hoses.
4. Wrap and Pack Your Extra Components
It’s also important to wrap delicate components, such as electrical plugs, in a towel or other soft material. You can further protect your connectors by placing them inside the machine for safe-keeping during transport.
Keep in mind that the washer’s tub is especially vulnerable to damage during transport. You should refer to your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s instructions on moving the washing machine safely.
5. Hire a Moving Company to Transport
Once you’ve gotten both the space and the machines ready for transport, it’s time to set up the actual move. This means determining whether you want to move the hefty machines on your own or hire a moving company.
Hiring professional movers for this task will be a safer, more efficient, and easier option, but it will also cost more. The average cost to hire a professional mover is around $1,400 for a short move.
If you DIY the transport of your washer and dryer, you will likely only need to pay for the rental of a large-sized moving truck. The cost to rent a moving truck varies widely, from $130 to move the contents of a one-bedroom home locally to $2,000 to transport the contents of a multi-bedroom home across the country. Keep in mind that you’ll be responsible for any damages caused during transport if you choose to move the washer and dryer on your own.
