10 Tips For Moving Washing Machines
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Check the Manufacturer Instructions First
Preparation differs between front-loading and top-loading machines, so use the manual for your model. Turn off the power and water, drain the hoses, secure loose parts and fit the correct transit bolts if the manufacturer requires them. Keep hoses, fittings and bolts together in a labelled bag. Do not lay the machine down unless the manual expressly permits that orientation. Tell the removalist about stairs, narrow doors and the machine dimensions before moving day so suitable equipment and handling can be planned.
The 10 Tips
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Disconnect and drain. Unplug the power, turn off the taps and disconnect the water and drain hoses. Water sits in the hoses and pump after every cycle, so drain them into a bucket and leave the door open to dry.
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Fit the transit bolts. Front loaders need their transit bolts refitted to lock the drum before transport; an unsecured drum can slam around inside the cabinet and destroy the suspension. If the original bolts are long gone, order replacements for your model before moving week.
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Remove the loose parts. Detergent drawer, lint filter and any removable fittings travel separately in a labelled bag taped to nothing that vibrates.
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Clear the path. Measure the doorways and plan the route out of the laundry before lifting anything, including door removal if the fit is tight.
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Wrap the cabinet. A moving blanket or thick cardboard taped around the machine prevents dents and protects walls and door frames on the way out.
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Lift with your legs, and never alone. Washing machines are compact but heavy and top-awkward. Two people minimum, no twisting mid-carry, and gloves for grip.
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Use a trolley. An appliance trolley with a strap turns a dangerous carry into a controlled roll. If you are hiring nothing else for the move, hire this.
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Keep it upright and strapped. Transport the machine standing, strapped to the vehicle wall so it cannot tip or slide, padded on all sides.
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Inspect before reconnecting. At the new house, remove the transit bolts, check the hoses for cracks and run a short empty cycle before trusting it with a full load. If something looks wrong, have a technician check it before regular use.
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Know when to hand it over. Stairs, a heavy old top loader or no second pair of hands are all good reasons to leave the machine to people with the equipment and practice to carry it safely.
Should You Move It Yourself or Hire a Professional?
If the path is flat, the helpers are capable and you have a trolley and straps, a DIY washing machine move is manageable. Be honest about the hard parts before committing: stairs multiply the risk, and one slip can hurt a back and write off the machine in the same second.
A professional crew brings the equipment, the technique and cover if something goes wrong; public liability comes with the job, and we set out the available transit insurance options up front. If the machine is moving as part of a whole household, it simply gets handled within the job rather than becoming its own project.
Contact Us Today!
Royal Sydney Removals handles residential and commercial moves, including large household appliances. Tell us the appliance dimensions, access and any manufacturer transport requirements when requesting the quote. Contact us today for more information or a free quote on your next removal job! We look forward to serving you.
If the washing machine is part of a bigger move, our Sydney removalists handle appliances as part of the job.
Royal Sydney Removals Services
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