How to Move a Washer and Dryer

They sit in our laundry rooms and they do their job. Our washers and dryers are taken for granted until it comes time to move or replace them. The question is, how do we move them?Note that these appliances are bulky and heavy. They may require special expertise when disconnecting them and maneuvering them can be difficult. Consider using a professional to help you move them. Professional experience can be invaluable.What you will need:

• Hand Truck/Dolly
• Duct Tape
• Straps strong enough to affix the appliances to the dolly

The WasherThe general steps:

1. Unplug the washer from the electricity.
2. Shut off the water connections.
3. Drain the washer.
4. Disconnect the washer from all hoses, etc.
5. Strap the washer to the dolly.
6. Move the appliance to the truck.

DisconnectThe first thing to take care of is the connections. Before doing anything, be sure to unplug the unit from the electrical outlet. Then, disconnect the water supply. To do this, make sure the water valve is turned all the way off. Double check both hot and cold valves to be sure to avoid a mess.Now, set the washer to a warm wash and run it for about a minute or so to be sure to pull residual water from the hoses. Drain the water by changing the setting to spin for another minute or so. Once the water is gone, you can remove the drain hose from the pipe and either duct tape it to the washer or put it somewhere that can be easily found when it’s needed again.Disconnect the water hoses from the connections at the wall and from the washer itself. These can be stored inside the tub of the washer or taped to the appliance with duct tape.Load on the DollyPull the appliance away from the wall so that the dolly can get behind it. Tilt the washer forward to push the dolly beneath. Now, use your straps to ensure that the washer it snugly tied to the dolly. Be careful when tipping the machine/dolly backwards. These appliances are heavy and bulky and require great care.Move with CareRoll the dolly slowly and be sure to have a friend on hand to help guide you through your house. An extra helper is even more important if you need to go up or down stairs. Be sure to go slow. A long, straight hallway might inspire overconfidence. Again, consider calling a professional when moving any large, heavy appliance.The DryerThe general steps:

1. Unplug the dryer from the electricity.
2. Disconnect the gas, if applicable.
3. Strap the dryer to the dolly.
4. Move the appliance with great care.

DisconnectFirst, unplug the appliance from the electrical outlet and then disconnect all hoses from the appliance.Note: for a gas dryer, it's imperative to shut off the gas main first. Be sure to open a window or otherwise ventilate the area well before you start. Once the main is shut off, disconnect the gas hose.Store all extra hoses inside the dryer, or duct tape them to the top or rear of the unit – wherever makes most sense for you. Be sure to secure the electrical cord with tape, as you don't want to trip on a dangling cord while hauling your dryer.Load on the DollyPull the appliance from the wall, far enough to get the dolly behind it. Tilt the unit forward to slide the dolly beneath it. Center the dolly and dryer to evenly distribute the weight. Affix the dryer to the dolly with your straps or bungee cords and then tilt it back on the dolly's wheels.Move with CareBe careful maneuvering the unit through your house and to the truck. You may need a friend on hand to help with this, particularly if there are steps or tight doorways to maneuver past. For best success, consider hiring a professional mover.

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