How to Move a Washer and Dryer Without Damaging Them (or Yourself)
A washer and dryer are two of the heaviest, most awkward items in any home move — top-heavy, full of internal moving parts, and connected to water, gas, or 240-volt power. Done wrong, you risk a cracked drum, a flooded truck, or a strained back. Done right, it's a manageable part of moving day. Here's exactly how Haul Bros approaches it, and what you can do yourself if you're handling this piece on your own.
What You'll Need
- Appliance dolly (not a standard hand truck — washers and dryers need a wider, sturdier base)
- Moving straps
- Furniture blankets
- Transit bolts (for front-load washers) or a shipping bolt kit
- Adjustable wrench
- Zip ties or tape for securing hoses and cords
Step 1: Shut Off Utilities First
Turn off the water supply valves behind the washer before disconnecting anything. For gas dryers, arrange for a qualified technician to disconnect and reconnect the gas supply. Complete any manufacturer-recommended drain cycle before unplugging the washer. Unplug both machines before disconnecting hoses or moving them.
Step 2: Drain and Dry the Washer
Run a short spin cycle with no load to clear standing water from the drum and hoses, then disconnect the water lines and let them drain into a bucket or towel. A washer that still has water inside is heavier, messier, and more likely to leak in transit.
Step 3: Lock the Drum with Transit Bolts
Front-load washers ship with transit bolts for a reason — the drum hangs on springs, and without those bolts reinstalled, normal road vibration can knock it off-balance or damage the suspension. If you no longer have the originals, most manufacturers sell replacement bolt kits, or a local appliance parts shop can help. Skip this step and you're gambling with a repair bill.
Step 4: Detach and Bundle the Hoses and Cords
Disconnect the hoses as directed by the appliance manual and unplug the power cord; do not detach hardwired or permanently attached wiring. Coil each one and secure it to the side or back of the machine with tape or a zip tie so nothing drags or gets crushed under the appliance during loading.
Step 5: Wrap and Strap
Wrap both machines fully in moving blankets, paying extra attention to control panels and any glass door on a front-load washer. Secure the blankets with moving straps rather than tape, which can leave residue or fail under weight.
Step 6: Load with an Appliance Dolly
Tip the machine back slightly, slide the dolly underneath, and strap it in place before moving. Keep washers and dryers upright throughout the move — laying them on their side can shift internal components and damage the drum or motor mounts. This is the step where an extra set of hands (or a professional crew) makes the biggest difference, especially on stairs.
Step 7: Secure in the Truck
Position both appliances against a wall of the truck, standing upright, and strap them so they can't tip or slide during transport. Avoid stacking anything heavy on top.
Step 8: Reinstall and Test at the New Home
Once in place, remove the transit bolts before running the washer — leaving them in during operation can damage the machine. Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions and have a qualified technician handle gas or hardwired connections. Reconnect approved water lines and plug-in power, level both machines with a wrench so they don't walk or vibrate excessively during use, and run a short empty test cycle on the washer and a brief cycle on the dryer to confirm both are working before you fully unpack the laundry room.
A Few Things Worth Checking Before Moving Day
- Outlet type: Many dryers require a dedicated 240-volt outlet — confirm your new laundry space has the right one before moving day, especially if you're moving into an older Northern Virginia home.
- Dryer venting: Make sure the new space has proper venting already installed, or budget time to have a vent hose run before you need to use the dryer.
- Stairs and doorways: Measure doorways, stairwells, and hallway turns in advance — a washer or dryer that doesn't clear a tight turn is a common moving-day surprise.
If any of this sounds like more than you want to take on yourself, this is exactly the kind of job Haul Bros handles as part of a full move or as a standalone labor-only service — with appliance handling and equipment confirmed in your written estimate. Arrange gas, hardwired electrical, and other specialist connections with a qualified technician.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving a Washer and Dryer
Do I need to drain my washer before moving it?
Yes. Run a short empty spin cycle to clear water from the drum, then disconnect and drain the hoses. Moving a washer with standing water inside adds unnecessary weight and risks leaking in the truck.
What are transit bolts and do I really need them?
Transit bolts lock the washing machine drum in place so it can't swing on its internal suspension during transport. Without them, normal road vibration can damage the suspension or throw the drum off balance. If you don't have the originals, they're available through the manufacturer or an appliance parts supplier.
Can I lay my washer or dryer on its side to fit it in a truck or elevator?
It's not recommended. Laying either appliance on its side can shift internal components, damage motor mounts, or unbalance the drum. Keep both machines upright throughout the move whenever possible.
Do movers disconnect and reconnect the washer and dryer for you?
At Haul Bros, basic disconnection and reconnection — hoses, power cords, and leveling — can be included as part of your written estimate. Let us know when booking so it's planned into your crew size and time.
Is it safe to move a gas dryer myself?
Have a qualified technician or your gas utility handle gas disconnection and reconnection. Do not attempt gas-line work yourself.
How much extra does it cost to move a washer and dryer with a full house move?
It depends on your overall inventory and crew size, but washers and dryers are typically included in a standard home move's written estimate — mention them when requesting your quote so the right equipment (dolly, straps) is planned for.
Will my dryer work in my new home without changes?
Not always — many dryers need a dedicated 240-volt outlet and proper external venting. Confirm both are already in place at your new address, particularly in older homes common throughout Northern Virginia, before moving day.
What's the biggest mistake people make moving a washer or dryer themselves?
Skipping the transit bolts on a front-load washer and moving it without draining it first — both are common causes of drum damage that only shows up as a rattling noise or leak after the machine is reinstalled.
Can you move just my washer and dryer without a full house move?
Yes — labor-only and single-item moving services can cover just the appliances, whether you're relocating them within the same home or need them loaded into a rental truck or storage unit.
How do I know if my washer or dryer was damaged during the move?
Run a short test cycle on each machine once reconnected. Watch for unusual noises, excessive drum wobble, water leaks around hose connections, or error codes on the display — any of these can indicate the machine needs a closer look before you rely on it for a full load.
Plan Your Appliance Move
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