How to Move a Washer and Dryer: A Complete Mover’s Guide

Mitch Montoya

April 8, 2025

Moving a washer and dryer can be a daunting task due to their size, weight, and the need for careful handling. Especially, when you’re relocating to a new place, at that time packing and moving your washer and dryer can be quite difficult, therefore, following the right steps ensures both safety and the protection of your appliances. Below, we’ll guide you through the process, including tips for moving these appliances with or without specialized equipment.

How to Move a Washer and Dryer

These are certain ways through which you can safely and efficiently move your washer and dryer from one place to another:

Gather Necessary Supplies:

Appliance dolly
Moving blankets
Packing tape or plastic wrap
Wrenches and pliers
Shipping bolts (for washers)
Buckets for draining water

Preparation Steps:

Clean the Appliances: Run an empty cycle in the washer to clean the drum. Ensure both machines are dry before moving.
Disconnect Power and Water: Unplug the machines, turn off water supply valves, and disconnect hoses. Drain any remaining water into a bucket.
Secure Washer Drum: Use shipping bolts to stabilize the drum inside the washer to prevent damage during transit.
Protect the Appliances: Wrap both machines in moving blankets, securing them with tape or plastic wrap to prevent scratches.
Measure Doorways and Stairs: Ensure the appliances can fit through doorways and around corners without getting stuck.
Secure the Appliances in the Truck: Use straps or ropes to keep the washer and dryer upright and stable during transport.
Check for Leaks: After reconnecting water hoses, check for leaks before running the first cycle.

Moving Process:

Use an appliance dolly to lift and secure each machine. Tilt slightly backward for balance while moving.
Carefully navigate doorways and stairs, ensuring someone assists in guiding the dolly.
Load the appliances upright into a moving truck, securing them with tie-down straps.

Reinstallation:

Follow manufacturer instructions for reconnecting hoses, power cords, and vents. Ensure all connections are tight before use.

The Best Way to Move Washer and Dryer

Moving a washer and dryer is a challenging task due to their size, weight, and delicate components. Using specialized equipment and following proper techniques can make the process safer and more efficient. Below are detailed steps for the best way to move your washer and dryer:

Hire Professional Movers

Why Professionals?: Professional movers specialize in handling heavy appliances like washers and dryers. They have the tools, such as appliance dollies, straps, and protective padding, to ensure safe transportation.

Expertise in Connections: Movers can also assist with disconnecting and reconnecting water hoses, power cords, and gas lines (if applicable), reducing the risk of damage or leaks.
Safety First: Hiring professionals minimizes the risk of injury or property damage during the move. If you’re uncomfortable handling these appliances yourself, this is the safest option.

Use Proper Lifting Techniques

Lift with Your Knees: Always bend your knees when lifting heavy items to avoid straining your back. This technique shifts the weight to your legs, which are stronger and more stable.

Teamwork: Enlist help from friends or family members to assist with lifting and guiding the appliances. At least one person should act as a spotter while navigating stairs or tight spaces.
Avoid Twisting Motions: Keep your body aligned with the direction you’re moving. Twisting while carrying heavy objects increases the risk of injury.

Protect Your Home

Floor Protection: Lay down protective coverings like cardboard, plywood sheets, or moving blankets along the path to prevent scratches or dents on floors.

Wall Protection: Use corner guards or foam padding on walls to prevent accidental damage while maneuvering large appliances through narrow spaces.
Clear Obstacles: Ensure pathways are free of clutter, cords, furniture, or other items that could obstruct movement.

Plan Ahead

Choose the Right Time: Schedule your move during a less busy time to avoid traffic delays or interruptions. Early mornings are ideal for better visibility and cooler temperatures.

Measure Doorways and Staircases: Before moving day, measure all entryways, staircases, and hallways to ensure your appliances can fit through them without difficulty.
Coordinate Helpers: Assign specific roles to each person helping with the move (e.g., lifting, guiding, spotting) for better efficiency.

How to Move Washer and Dryer Without Dolly

If you don’t have access to a dolly, you can still move your washer and dryer with some extra effort. Here are some detailed steps to help you do it safely and effectively:

Enlist Help:

Teamwork is Essential: Ensure you have at least two people to assist with lifting and carrying. More people can be helpful if the appliances are particularly heavy or if you need to navigate stairs.
Communicate Clearly: Before lifting, discuss the plan with your team. Decide who will lift which part of the appliance and how you will navigate through doorways and around corners.
Assign Roles: One person can focus on guiding the appliance while another lifts. This helps maintain control and prevents accidents.

Use Furniture Sliders or Towels:

Choose the Right Sliders: Furniture sliders are designed to reduce friction and make moving heavy objects easier. If you don’t have sliders, thick towels or moving blankets can serve as alternatives.
Position the Sliders Correctly: Place the sliders under the feet or base of the appliances. Ensure they are centered and evenly distributed to maintain balance.
Test the Sliders: Before moving the appliances, test the sliders by gently pushing the machines to ensure they slide smoothly and don’t get stuck.

Lift Properly:

Bend Your Knees: Always bend your knees when lifting to distribute the weight more evenly and reduce strain on your back.
Lift with Your Legs: Use your leg muscles to lift the appliances. This will help prevent back injuries and provide more power.
Avoid Twisting Motions: Keep your body facing the direction you are moving. Twisting can lead to muscle strain or injury.
Take Breaks: If you need to move the appliances over a long distance, take breaks to rest and reassess your lifting technique.

Protect Floors:

Lay Down Protective Coverings: Use cardboard, plywood sheets, or old rugs along the path to protect your floors from scratches or damage.
Secure the Coverings: Tape down the protective coverings to prevent them from slipping or moving while you are sliding the appliances.
Check for Obstacles: Clear the path of any obstacles, such as toys, cords, or small furniture, to ensure a smooth and safe move.

While this method is possible, it increases the risk of injury or appliance damage compared to using a dolly.

Conclusion

Moving a washer and dryer requires careful preparation, proper tools, and attention to detail. Whether you choose professional movers or opt for a DIY approach using an appliance dolly or sliders, following these steps will help ensure your appliances reach their destination safely. Always consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions related to your model before starting the process!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q.1 How hard is it to change the location of a washer and dryer?

Relocating these appliances can be challenging due to their weight (often over 200 pounds) and connection requirements for water, electricity, or gas lines. Professional help is recommended if plumbing or electrical modifications are needed.

Q.3 How much does it cost to relocate a washer and dryer?

The cost varies depending on whether professionals are hired. Hiring movers typically costs $100–$300 per appliance, while relocating plumbing or electrical lines can add $500–$1,500.

Q.3 Who can relocate a washer and dryer?

Although you can move that by yourself as well, professional movers or appliance technicians are best suited for this task as they have the tools and expertise required for safe relocation.

Q.4 What is the easiest way to move a washing machine?

Using an appliance dolly is the easiest method. It minimizes physical strain and ensures safe transportation of the machine without damage.