Mishandling these machines can result in damage to your home and appliances or even personal injury. That’s why knowing the right preparation, safety, and moving techniques is key.

This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process, ensuring your washer and dryer make a seamless transition to your new home.

Essential Tools and Supplies

• Appliance dolly: A must-have for safely lifting and rolling heavy appliances.
• Furniture straps: Secure your washer and dryer to the dolly for stability.
• Moving blankets or old sheets: Prevent scratches and dings during transport.
• Wrench or pliers (for washer): To disconnect hoses.
• Bucket: To catch residual water from the washer hoses.
• Duct tape: This is used to secure electrical cords and the washer drain hose.
• Screwdriver and gas line wrench (for gas dryer): If you are handling the gas line yourself (check your local regulations).

Part 1: Prep Your Washer and Dryer

• Disconnect Power: Unplug both appliances and, for gas dryers, have a certified technician safely disconnect the gas line. Safety first!
• Washer – Drain and Disconnect Hoses: Turn off the water valves behind the washer. Disconnect inlet hoses and drain hose, placing them in the bucket.
• Washer – Secure Moving Parts: Secure the washer’s drum according to the manufacturer’s instructions or use a drum stabilization kit. This prevents damage during movement.
• Dryer – Clean and Disconnect: Clean the lint trap and vent hose. For gas dryers, remember to have the gas line disconnected by a professional.
• Tape it Up: Secure doors closed, tape down power cords, and tape the washer drain hose to the back of the machine.

Part 2: Moving the Appliances

• Protect Your Floors: Lay cardboard or old blankets on the floor where you’ll be moving the appliances.
• Team Up: Get help! At least two people are needed to move a washer or dryer safely.
• Dolly Loading (Washer): With one person on each side, carefully tilt the washer back and slide the dolly underneath. Center the washer on the dolly and secure with straps.
• Dolly Loading (Dryer): Straddle the dryer, tilt slightly back, and slide the dolly under. Secure with straps.
• Slow and Steady: Move carefully, keeping the washer/dryer upright. Go down ramps slowly, with one person in front guiding and one behind controlling the speed.

Part 3: Loading Into the Moving Truck

• Ramp Up: Use a moving truck ramp. Position it securely.
• Push, Don’t Pull: Have one person pushing from the back of the dolly, the other guiding at the front. Communicate throughout.
• Secure in the Truck: Tie your appliances down with straps to prevent shifting inside the truck.

Expert Tips

• Measure First: Take measurements of doorways, hallways, and the truck to ensure your appliances fit through without problems.
• Clean as You Go: Your washer and dryer will be dusty after moving. Get a head start on your new home chores by cleaning them as you unpack.
• Save the Manuals: If you don’t have them handy, look up your appliance manuals online for specific instructions.

Let Expo Movers and Storage Take the Load

While it’s possible to move your washer and dryer yourself, the process can be stressful and risky. Expo Movers and Storage specializes in handling heavy furniture and appliances during relocations. Let us worry about the logistics so you can focus on settling into your new home.