When gearing up for a move, few tasks feel as daunting as dealing with bulky appliances like your washer and dryer. These heavy, awkward machines can be tricky to relocate — whether you're heading across town or just up a flight of stairs. But with the right know-how, moving them doesn't have to be a nightmare. A little preparation and the right technique can save you from costly damage and make the entire process much easier. This guide will show you how to move your washer and dryer like a pro, whether you're flying solo or enlisting some expert help.
Before you start moving the washer and dryer, take the time to prepare them properly. Preparing a washing machine for moving and getting the dryer ready can help prevent damage to your appliances or home during the process.
Read more: How to Move Appliances Safely and Efficiently
For a successful move, make sure you have all the required supplies:
Give your washer and dryer a thorough clean before moving. Clean the lint trap in the dryer and run an empty hot water cycle in the washer using a cleaning solution or white vinegar to remove any lingering residue. Once clean, leave the washer door open for 24 hours to dry completely.
Before moving a washer and dryer, turn off the water supply to the washer. Unplug both appliances from the electrical outlets and disconnect the water hoses from the wall and the back of the washing machine. Drain the water from the hoses by holding them over a bucket.
The washer and dryer require different disconnection steps. Handle each one separately to avoid mistakes.
⚠️ If you have a gas dryer, we strongly recommend hiring a licensed professional to disconnect and reconnect the gas line. Improper handling of gas connections can cause gas leaks, which pose a serious risk of fire or explosion. If you choose to do it yourself:
At your new home, have a licensed plumber or gas technician reconnect the gas dryer. Most gas companies offer this service, and some will do it for free. This is not the place to cut costs — a faulty gas connection can be life-threatening.
The best way to move a washing machine is by securing the drum with washer stabilizers or transit bolts. These bolts prevent the drum from shifting and causing damage during transport. If you don't have the original transit bolts, they are typically available online or from the manufacturer.
Read more: How to Prepare for Full-Service Movers
Once everything is prepped, the next step is to physically move the washer and dryer. Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure you do it safely and efficiently.
Using a dolly is the easiest way to move a washer and dryer. The process involves:
If you don't have a dolly, it is still possible to move a washing machine by yourself. Here's how to lift a washing machine:
Stairs are the most dangerous part of moving a washer or dryer. These machines weigh between 150 and 230 lbs (washers) and 100 to 150 lbs (dryers), with some large-capacity models reaching up to 350 lbs. Never attempt stairs alone — you need at least two people and an appliance dolly.
Pro Tip: If your home has more than two flights of stairs, or the stairwell has tight turns, seriously consider hiring professionals. Move4U's team handles appliance moves on stairs daily and has specialized stair-climbing equipment. Get a free quote here.
Stacked washer-dryer combos are common in apartments and smaller homes, especially in Chicago. They require extra care because you're dealing with two heavy appliances connected together. Here's how to handle them:
In most cases, you should separate the stacked units before moving them. The stacking kit that holds the dryer on top of the washer is not designed for transport — it's only meant to keep the dryer stable on a level surface. To separate them:
If your washer and dryer is a single combo unit that cannot be separated, treat it like one very heavy appliance (often 200+ lbs). Use an appliance dolly with ratchet straps and always have two people for the move. Because of the extra weight, combo units are particularly dangerous on stairs — consider hiring professional movers if stairs are involved.
Once you've managed to get the washer and dryer out of the house, the next step is loading and transporting the washer and dryer in the moving truck.
Wrap the washer and dryer in moving blankets to protect them from scratches during transportation. Secure the blankets with packing tape to ensure they don't come loose.
If you're wondering how to transport a washer and dryer:
Here are some washer and dryer moving tips to make the process as easy as possible.
Don't Skip the Transit Bolts Skipping the step of securing the washer drum with transit bolts is one of the most common mistakes during a move. Without them, the drum can become misaligned, leading to costly repairs.
Use Professional Help If you're not confident about moving a heavy washing machine by yourself or you lack the proper equipment, consider hiring apartment movers to move the washer and dryer. Professional movers will ensure that your appliances arrive at your new home safely and in working condition.
Once your washer and dryer have made it safely to your new home, there are just a few final steps to get them up and running smoothly.
Moving your washer and dryer is a process that requires planning, patience, and the right tools. Whether you're moving across the country or just across town, following these steps will ensure a smooth transition.
If the idea of moving a washer and dryer on your own feels overwhelming, or you need help with tricky tasks like moving a washer up stairs, consider hiring professionals like Move4U. With a team of experts, Move4U labor can help handle the heavy lifting, packing, and transportation, making your move stress-free and efficient.
By using the right equipment and following safety measures, you can successfully relocate your washer and dryer and start enjoying your new home in no time!
A standard top-load washing machine weighs between 150 and 200 lbs, while front-load washers can weigh 200 to 230 lbs. Dryers are somewhat lighter, typically ranging from 100 to 150 lbs. Large-capacity or commercial-grade units can weigh up to 350 lbs. Because of these weights, you should never attempt to move a washer or dryer alone — always have at least one helper and use an appliance dolly.
No. You should always transport a washing machine in an upright position. Laying it on its side can cause the drum to shift off its suspension, and fluids such as oil or residual water can leak into components where they don't belong, potentially causing permanent damage. If keeping the washer upright is absolutely impossible due to vehicle size, consult your owner's manual first, lay it on its back (never the front), and wait at least 24 hours before running it at your new home to let fluids settle back into place.
Yes, transit bolts (also called shipping bolts) are essential. They lock the washer drum in place so it doesn't bounce and damage the internal suspension during transport. Most washers come with transit bolts when new — check your owner's manual for their location. If you no longer have them, you can order replacements online from the manufacturer or from appliance parts retailers. Skipping this step is one of the most common causes of washer damage during moves.
Plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours total. This includes roughly 30 minutes for preparation (cleaning, disconnecting, securing the drum), 30–45 minutes for the physical move (depending on stairs and distance), and 20–30 minutes for loading into the truck. Setup at the new home takes an additional 30–45 minutes. If stairs are involved or you're dealing with a gas dryer, add extra time for safety.
It's not recommended, but if you don't have a dolly, you can slide the appliance onto a thick moving blanket and pull it across the floor. This only works on flat surfaces — never try this on stairs. For stairs without a dolly, you'd need at least two strong people using lifting straps, and the risk of injury is significantly higher. Appliance dollies can be rented from most home improvement stores for $10–$30 per day, which is a small price compared to a potential back injury or a broken washer.
This depends on the age and condition of your appliances, plus the distance and complexity of your move. If your washer and dryer are over 8–10 years old, it may be more cost-effective to sell them (or leave them for the next occupant) and buy new ones at your destination. Factor in moving costs, especially if stairs or long distances are involved. However, if your appliances are relatively new or have specific features you value, bringing them along makes financial sense.
Wait at least 24 hours before running your washing machine after transport, especially if it's a front-load model. This allows internal fluids and lubricants to settle back into their proper positions. When you do run the first cycle, do a test load without any clothes — listen for unusual sounds or vibrations. If anything seems off, check that the machine is level and that all transit bolts have been removed, and call a technician if problems persist.
Would you like to choose a date?
Please rate us:
Please select platform:
