How to Carry a Washing Machine: Safe, Step-by-Step Guidance
Learn safe, practical steps to move a washing machine without damage. This guide covers prep, lifting technique, required tools, and post-move checks for renters, homeowners, and movers. Clear visuals and tips help you avoid back strain and surface damage.
Carry a washing machine safely by planning the route, gathering essential gear, then lifting with correct posture and a moving dolly. Unplug and drain hoses, secure the drum, and protect floors. Use a helper if stairs or tight spaces are involved, and reconnect carefully once the unit is in its new location.
Assess the Route and Safety
Moving a washing machine requires careful planning to protect floors, doors, and the appliance itself. Start by measuring doorways, hallway turns, and stair widths to confirm you can rotate and pass the unit without snagging cables or feet. Consider the route from the current location to the new one, noting obstacles such as thresholds, rugs, and narrow corners. If you encounter stairs or tight spaces, enlist a helper or call a professional moving service. According to Best Washing Machine, safe handling reduces risk of injury and water damage when moving a washer. Assess the weight distribution of the machine; most top-loading models weigh 150–200 pounds (68–90 kg) fully loaded, which is substantial but manageable with proper technique and equipment. External surfaces can be marred by sudden shifts, so lay down moving blankets on the floor and across door frames to catch accidental bumps. If you’re moving a gas-powered dryer or washer-dryer combo, ensure that any gas lines are safely disconnected and remain undisturbed. Plan to pause work if you feel unsure; rushing increases the chance of slips, strains, or dropped loads.
Tools, Gear, and Helpers
Before you lift, assemble the gear you’ll need and confirm your helpers are available. Essential items include a sturdy appliance dolly, moving straps, moving blankets or sliders, and packing tape. Optional but helpful pieces are a pry bar for wedge space, gloves for grip, and a pair of stabilizing wedges for uneven floors. If you have a stairwell, a second person is highly recommended. Best Washing Machine analysis shows that using the right gear reduces effort and surface damage. Double-check that the machine is the last item to be moved, so you can keep doors and drawers secured during transit. Keep phone lines clear and pre-plan your signals with your helper for smoother coordination.
Prep the Washer: Unplug, Drain, and Secure
Unplug the machine from the electrical outlet and shut off the water supply. Disconnect inlet and outlet hoses, and slightly loosen clamps to prevent water from gushing when you pull hoses free. Drain any residual water into a shallow bucket or a towel to avoid drips along the route. If your model has a rear water supply line, carefully detach it and tape the connector to prevent leaks. Lock the drum with a towel or strap to reduce internal movement during transport. Wrap the outer surfaces with moving blankets to protect panels and doors. Secure any loose parts (hoses, power cord) with tape or zip ties so nothing dangles during the move. When possible, remove hoses entirely and pack them separately to avoid accidental reattachment mishaps.
Proper Lifting Technique: Posture and Safety
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and bend your knees to lower your center of gravity. Keep your back straight and avoid twisting your torso while lifting. Use your leg muscles to lift the load slowly—never bend at the waist. If you must turn a corner, move with small, controlled steps and communicate with your helper. One person should guide from the near side while the other supports from the far side to share the load. Take breaks if you feel fatigue setting in; fatigue increases the risk of slips or dropped boxes. This is where a dolly shines: the machine rides on wheels, letting you push rather than lift the full weight. The aim is a smooth, coordinated lift that minimizes strain on your back and shoulders.
Using a Dolly and Straps: Moving Across Rooms
Position the appliance dolly under the machine, centering the weight on the axle and forks. If the unit is tall, tilt gently to slide the forks beneath without forcing metal against plastic feet. Strap the washer securely with moving straps to prevent side-to-side movement as you roll. Cover the floor with a moving blanket or sliders to reduce friction and avoid scuffs. When navigating doorways, remove any baseboards or trim if needed, and proceed slowly with a clear, practiced rhythm. Have a second person guide the path and operate the doorway timing so you can pause or adjust as the load passes. The dolly makes long moves feasible with less risk of back injury.
Protecting Floors and Doorways
Place protective mats or cardboard under the dolly wheels to reduce abrasion on hardwood or tile floors. If you’re moving across carpet, set a plan to lift the load onto a smoother path between rooms. Use edge guards or corner protectors on doorframes to avoid snagging. In tight spaces, turn the dolly as a unit rather than pivoting the machine on one wheel, which could tilt the load. Check for loose nails, loose screws, or splinters along the route that could snag the blankets or straps. Clear the path ahead of time by moving furniture and small obstacles out of the way and coordinating with your helper about signals and pace. The goal is a clean, unobstructed corridor for a safe transition.
Reconnecting and Leveling After the Move
Set the washer on a dry, stable surface and lower the dolly carefully away. Reconnect water hoses, making sure clamps are tight and leak-free. Turn on the water supply and inspect for leaks at both ends of each hose. Plug the machine back in and run a quick rinse cycle with no laundry to verify hoses and valves function correctly. Check the level using a small bubble level and adjust front feet until the unit is perfectly even. A level machine reduces vibration and protects internal components. Finally, reposition the agitated blankets and re-secure any cords or hoses that may have shifted during the move.
What to Do If You Face Obstructions
Sometimes a doorway is narrower than expected or a stairwell has a sharp turn. In these cases, reassess the route, remove the machine from the dolly, and try again with a different angle. If you cannot safely pass a corner, consider removing the back panel (if feasible) or using a professional service for the most challenging passages. Do not force the machine through a space that would require bending hoses or stressing electrical connections. If the begin-to-end clearance remains tight, split the move into two trips with proper protection for both trips.
Quick Troubleshooting After Move
If you notice leaks after reconnecting hoses, immediately shut off water and power and inspect hose clamps, fittings, and crushed sections. Unusual noises or excessive vibration often point to an unlevel base or an internal drum misalignment; recheck the feet and relevel as needed. If the door or lid feels sticky or difficult to operate, verify there is no obstruction in the drum or door latch and that the lock is fully disengaged before starting a cycle.
Tools & Materials
- appliance dolly(Heavy‑duty dolly with strap-friendly frame; wheel-lock feature helps on inclined surfaces)
- moving straps(Two straps of 1.5–2 inches width for secure holding around the unit)
- moving blankets or sliders(At least 2–3 blankets; use sliders on hard floors for extra glide)
- packing tape(Secure cords and thin components so they don’t snag during transport)
- gloves(Grip protection and added comfort during lifts)
- pry bar (optional)(For prying space or knocking loose door trim if necessary)
- bucket or towels(Contain any residual water from hoses)
- helpers(One or two extra people to assist with lifting and navigation)
Steps
Estimated time: 45-60 minutes
- 1
Plan route and prep space
Measure entryways, hallways, and door frames to ensure the washer will fit through without scraping walls or doors. Clear a wide path and remove lightweight obstacles. Establish clear communication signals with your helper.
Tip: Do a quick dry run without the machine to confirm the route is clear. - 2
Unplug and detach hoses
Turn off the water supply, unplug the machine, and carefully detach inlet and outlet hoses. Drain residual water into a tray or towel before moving. Keep hoses coiled and protected to prevent kinks.
Tip: Have a bucket ready for any unexpected drips. - 3
Secure the load
Wrap the exterior with blankets and secure drawers or doors with tape or a strap so nothing opens or shifts during transport. If possible, lock the drum with a strap or towel to minimize movement.
Tip: Avoid overtightening straps; they should be snug but not crush panels. - 4
Position the dolly and wheel the unit
Slide the dolly under the machine evenly, centering weight on the axle. Attach moving straps to anchor points and test for smooth rotation before proceeding.
Tip: If the machine is tall, angle it slightly to slide the forks under without banging the top. - 5
Move slowly with a helper
Roll the machine across the route, using small, coordinated steps. Communicate clearly when passing door frames and transitions, and pause if you need to re-balance.
Tip: Keep your back straight and use your legs to push, not your back. - 6
Set down, reconnect, and level
Place the washer on a stable surface, reconnect hoses, and check for leaks. Level the machine using adjustable feet until a bubble level shows even. Run a quick test cycle to confirm proper operation.
Tip: Leave a small clearance around the unit for ventilation and maintenance.
FAQ
What equipment do I need to move a washing machine safely?
You’ll need an appliance dolly, moving straps, moving blankets or sliders, and protective tape. Have gloves and a helper if possible. Disconnect hoses from the water supply and drain any residual water.
Get a dolly, straps, blankets, and a helper. Disconnect hoses and drain residual water before moving.
Can I move a washing machine by myself?
Moving a washing machine alone is risky due to the weight. If you must, use a dolly and ensure a secure grip, but have a spotter nearby for safety, especially at stairs or corners.
Moving alone is risky; use a dolly and have a spotter if you can, especially near stairs.
How should I protect floors and doorways during the move?
Lay moving blankets or cardboard as a buffer on floors. Use edge guards for door frames and keep pathways clear. If stairs are involved, consider disassembly or professional help to avoid damage.
Padding floors and guarding doorframes helps prevent damage and injuries.
What should I do about leaks after moving?
If leaks are detected after reconnecting hoses, shut off water, tighten clamps, and check for kinks or damaged hoses. If leaks persist, replace hoses before operation.
Shut off water and check hoses if you see leaks after moving.
Is it necessary to level the machine after moving?
Yes. Use a bubble level to ensure the unit is even. Adjust the front feet and recheck after running a test cycle to minimize vibration.
Leveling prevents excess vibration and wear; recheck after testing.
Watch Video
The Essentials
- Plan the route before lifting
- Use a dolly and moving straps
- Protect floors and doorways during transit
- Reconnect and level after placement
