How to Move a Washing Machine Across the Country

Make sure that the washer is unplugged from the power source and the water supply. After it has been unplugged, drain the hoses and let them dry before turning off the water supply. Once the transit bolts are installed, the washer can be carefully moved using a dolly and other tools. To prevent accidents, you might need some assistance with this phase, but ensure that everyone is paying attention and staying focused at all times.

How to Move a Washing Machine by Yourself – Do Some Preparation Steps First

Are you planning on moving a washing machine without professional help? Then you definitely need to be aware this isn’t exactly the easiest thing to do, especially when moving cross country. In fact, it can be an intimidating task, but it’s still doable. So, here are some of the steps you shouldn’t avoid if you want to move efficiently and get your appliance to the new place in one piece.

Don’t Start the Job on Your Own – Call Family and Friends to Assist You

While preparing and transporting the appliance is doable without the aid of cross-country moving services, it is not possible to complete the task by yourself. Therefore, gather a few friends to ensure that you can do the task safely and avoid injuries during the move. Make sure you get the assistance of somebody who can lift something big like your washer.

Read the User Manual

After large appliances are removed from the packaging, owner’s manuals or user instructions are frequently disregarded. However, you should refer to one in situations like these because manufacturers occasionally add their suggestions for relocating the washing machine precisely in those manuals.

If you discover that your old washing machine’s user manual is no longer available, you can quickly search Google for the guide for your washer’s specific brand and model. If you can’t find the user manual online, try to get in touch with the washer manufacturer or the retailer where you bought it.

Get the Necessary Tools When Transferring Your Washer

The first step in transferring your washing machine is securing the correct tools for the job. Even if you’ve already booked long-distance moving services, it’s always good to have the right tools. After all, you’ll be relocating large items, and it might be good to take care of some of the work on your own.

You will need an adjustable wrench, several ratchets with screwdriver attachments, and some plastic straps or rope to tie down the washer during transport. You will also need a dolly or other flat surface with wheels so that you can easily move the washing machine without straining your back.

How to Prepare a Washing Machine for Moving?

No matter if you’re moving a front-load washer or a top-load one, you need to carefully prepare it for the relocation process. Otherwise, you might easily end up buying a new washer after the move, which is, let’s be honest, not the expense you need right now (especially after setting the relocation budget).

An unsecured washer can also harm other items you have in your possession. So, avoid this relocation mistake and secure a safe move and transportation not only for your washer but for all of the belongings in the moving truck. What steps must you take, then, before relocating an appliance? Think about the following:

Install the Transit Bolts Before Moving a Washer

Installing the transit bolts correctly is essential for ensuring that your washer does not move or become damaged during transportation. Besides having one of the best cross-country moving companies by your side, this is one of the most certain ways to ensure a stress-free move. So, here are the steps for installing the transit bolts:

• Remove any packaging materials from the washer,
• Locate and identify the transit bolt slots on both sides,
• Insert the transit bolts into the slots, making sure that each bolt is inserted firmly and completely,
• Angle a wrench or socket onto the head of each transit bolt,
• Tighten each bolt by turning the wrench in a clockwise direction until it is snug,
• Repeat the process for the other side.

It is important to remember that when installing transit bolts, you should never over-tighten them, as they can cause damage to your washer. Don’t forget to store the bolts for later use in case you ever need to move the washer again. Following these steps will help ensure your washer is safe to use and will remain secure during transportation.

After the move, however, you’ll need to remove the transit bolts. Ensure you watch the video below and learn how to remove them from your appliance.

Obtain All of the Required Supplies for the Packing Process

Even though you booked the most important cross-country moving service – for the packing process, it’s best to organize it as soon as you decide to move. After all, packing a washer will require some special materials you might not have at home if you haven’t done it before.

So, besides deciding what to keep from your household and bring with you, remember you’ll have to deal with getting different types of packing materials you will require for transferring the washing machine before you begin:

• Rope,
• Furniture or moving blankets,
• Slip joint pliers,
• Packing tape or duct tape.

If you’ve never done it before, be aware that donating unwanted items is always an option. However, if you have a professional long-distance moving company by your side, you won’t have to worry much. Still, before proceeding with transferring your washing machine, ensure all the needed packing materials and supplies are gathered. That way, your movers can proceed with the hard work right away.

Check How to Pack a Washing Machine for Moving

Not sure how to cope with stress when relocating, especially when dealing with larger appliances? Knowing how to move a washer and what is required to transport it can alleviate your troubles. You’ll need to cover the washer with heavy blankets at some point throughout the relocation procedure to protect it from mishaps that may occur during the actual transport. After covering the entire machine’s surface with blankets, you can secure everything in position with a rope, piece of tape, or strap.

Get the Machine on a Dolly Without Hurting Yourself

After the appliance is secured, it’s time to figure out how to move a washing machine with a dolly. This can be incredibly helpful when you want to take care of this task without a professional cross-country moving company.

Move the washer off the wall when all the preparatory steps are done. Slide the washer backward till you have room to slip your moving cart beneath. Once finished, secure the machine with straps to provide additional safety as you go to the truck. Learning these techniques will help you move furniture without hurting yourself, too.

Load the Washer Correctly Onto the Moving Truck

Besides deciding on the best time to move, one of the key parts of organizing a move is figuring out how to load the truck. This process can be intimidating, but with careful preparation and proper lifting techniques, it doesn’t have to be daunting. To properly finish this particular phase, a high level of physical proficiency is needed. First, don’t hesitate to use a ramp to avoid unnecessary strain – this is probably one of the most important tips for packing furniture and other larger objects.

While ensuring that your washer stays upright and secure, you must maneuver it into the moving vehicle. Placing the washer on one of its sides might be risky since the drum might get damaged. Once inside, secure it to the side of the van using rope or specialized straps. Whatever the case, the washer needs to be immobilized throughout the move to the new home.

Hire Professional Cross-Country Movers, and Don’t Worry About Your Machine

Moving your heavy machines from one place to another can be a daunting task, especially if the move is across long distances. You may worry about how much it will cost, how long it will take, and what kind of damage could happen during transport. But there’s no need to stress out – professional long-distance movers can move your machine safely and efficiently, making sure it gets to its destination undamaged and on time.