A Step-by-Step Guide to Washer and Dryer Moving
Moving into a new home is supposed to be exciting. Fresh start, fresh space – you want everything to be clean, organized and working from day one. But then reality kicks in. The washer and dryer are still sitting at your old place, or worse, they were moved wrong and now they don’t work. It’s the kind of thing that turns celebration into stress fast.
At our company, we’ve seen this happen more than once. People leave appliances for last or try to handle them alone, not realizing how tricky it can be. That’s why proper washer and dryer moving is one of the most important parts of a smooth, low-stress relocation.
Here’s how we do it right and how you can avoid a mess.
Shut Off Everything First
We always begin by unplugging both units and turning off water valves. For washers, that means disconnecting both hot and cold hoses. For dryers, it’s about unplugging and, in the case of gas models, having a certified pro safely detach the gas line.
Skipping this step can lead to leaks, shocks or damage. We never take shortcuts here and neither should you.
Drain the Washer Properly
One thing many people miss when moving a washing machine is draining all the water. Even if it hasn’t been used for a while, water tends to collect at the bottom.
If your model has a small drain hose near the base, we open that and collect the water using a towel or pan. For others, we tilt the washer gently and let any trapped water pour out slowly. It’s a small step, but it prevents soggy truck floors and water damage in your new home.
Tape Doors, Wrap Cords and Lock the Drum
Loose cords and swinging doors are safety hazards while moving. We wrap and tape all cords and hoses to the back of the machine. For front-load washers, we lock the door securely so the drum doesn’t shift or break inside. If shipping bolts are available, we reinstall them for added protection.
It might look like overkill, but this level of prep is what keeps your appliances running after the move.
Use the Right Dolly – And Keep It Upright
The best way to move a washing machine is with an upright dolly built for large appliances. We never lay machines flat or tilt them too much. That’s where internal damage happens.
Dryers are lighter but still massive. We strap them to the dolly and move slowly, especially through tight spaces or stairs. When stairs are involved, we always use at least two movers. It’s safer for us and safer for your appliances.
Protect Your Home While Moving
One part people often forget is the house itself. We bring blankets, floor runners or cardboard to protect hardwood, tile or carpet. Door frames and corners are wrapped too, so nothing gets scuffed or scraped.
This part matters just as much as the move itself. You don’t want to fix floors or repaint walls just because your appliances bumped into something on the way out.
Load Upright and Strap Everything Down
When loading the washer and dryer into the truck, we keep everything upright. No exceptions. Even a short trip with a washer on its side can throw off its balance or mess with internal parts.
Once inside, we strap everything down securely. If appliances shift during the ride, it’s not just bad for them – it can damage other items too.
Reinstall and Test at the New Home
Once you arrive, it’s a good idea to set up the machines the same way they were before – step by step. Reconnect the hoses, plug everything in and secure the dryer vent. If you have a gas dryer, it’s safest to call a licensed technician to handle the gas line.
You can also run both appliances for a few minutes to check that everything’s working right. It’s a simple way to catch any issues early
Why People Choose Us for Washer and Dryer Moving
We don’t just show up and lift heavy things. We plan. We bring the right tools. And we treat every appliance like it’s our own.
Clients trust us because we don’t take risks. We know each washer and dryer is different and we adjust based on the make, model and home layout. Whether you’re moving across the street or across the city, we take care of the entire process – so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
From disconnecting to set up, everything is handled the right way. No last-minute stress. No mess. No broken appliances.
What You Can Expect With Us
- Full disconnection and prep
- Careful draining and wrapping
- Safe lifting and transport using the proper dolly
- Home protection along the way
- Reinstalling at the new location
- Test run to confirm everything works
We understand how important your washer and dryer are to your daily life. That’s why our washer and dryer moving services are designed to take the hassle out of your move and make sure everything runs smoothly from day one.
FAQs:
Can you move a washing machine on its side?
Try not to. It’s better to keep it upright. If you have to lay it down, make sure the drum is secured so it doesn’t get damaged.
How to drain a washing machine for the move?
Unplug it first. Then disconnect the hoses and drain any water left inside. Use a bucket or towel to catch spills. Some machines have a small drain hose near the bottom – use that if it’s there.
How to move a washer and dryer?
Unplug both. Turn off the water supply to the washer. Disconnect hoses and power cords. Tape the cords and hoses to the machines so they don’t dangle. Use a dolly to move them and keep them upright if possible. Get help – these machines are heavy.

