How to move a washing machine to a new house

BSW89

Hello all,

Does anyone have any advice or guidance on how to transport a washing machine from one property to another? (Both ground floor so no stairs to contend with!)

This is part of a do-it-yourself house move so we'll have a hire van but do we need to also hire/buy other equipment?

This isn't for my own move - I'm helping a relative who's on a very limited budget so can't afford a removals company but there isn't actually that much to transport anyway, it's just the washing machine I'm worried about!

Thanks

[Deleted User]

Hi,

it is normally advised to refit the transit bolts, though I've moved a few times and never bothered,

just try to keep it as upright as possible, don't lay on back or side.

Mr.Generous

If you hire a van see how much extra it is for one with a tail lift, makes it much easier for heavy stuff. Otherwise just what Macdugal said.

missimaxo

Depending on how big a van you're hiring, a tail lift can be invaluable.  Washing machines are very heavy so two strong people are needed. Usual advice is to lift out and not drag to avoid damaging flooring. Shut water off and disconnected pipes, I usually tape a freezer bag over them in case of residual water. Do in reverse and reconnect at other end. As stated above you're supposed to put transit bolts back in but I've never done this and it's been fine. 

ChilliBob

Use hardboard to slide the machine out on. A sack barrow or dolly can be helpful in moving it. 

Lifting into the van, hmm, may be able to make a makeshift ramp from something lying around like some old wood?!.. Or a team lift.

Oh and shove some paper in the water bit you unscrew to stop leaks etc

Bendy_House

BSW, what are your concerns?

Two people can lift a W/M reasonably easy, so getting it in and out of a van or lorry shouldn't be a problem. Straight-backs, now, and WATCH OUT for sharp metal edges under the W/M (thick worker's gloves recommended).

Moving it across level ground is hugely assisted if you have a sack trolley - what distances are you talking about, and is the ground smooth and level? If it's just a short path to the door, you may decide to just carry it between two of you, but a sack trolley is useful.

Once inside the house, then placing it on an upturned rug can help - one person pulls on the rug, the other pushes at a low level from behind, and guides it. The idea is to pull slightly upwards as well as forwards - which should be automatic given the pulling angle. This will lift the front edge weight off the ground and stop it digging in.

Once in the kitchen, 'walk' the machine by easing it up with only ONE machine foot on the floor - it'll swing/pivot on this leg. Then swap legs.

Pushing it into position under a worktop (after confirming the pipes are 100% drip-free!), a good way is to lay on the floor, and gently push it in with your feet at ground level - if you try and push it in from higher up the W/M, the back legs will 'dig' in and make it harder.

How far do you need to drive? If only a shortish distance, and with good driving anticipation, I personally wouldn't worry if it doesn't have the transport bolts fitted - it would need a very dramatic shock before any damage was caused. 

shiraz99

As mentioned, if you still have the transit bolts it's a good idea to fit them again. Also, fully drain the machine first, ie, pull out and empty the filter drain, and put some cloth in the ends of the drain hose or you'll be dripping water all over the place. Although two adults will be able to move it, it will still be heavy so always worth getting hold of a sack/hand truck, definitely handy things to have a round in a house move.

getmore4less

As said consider the sack truck/flatt bed.

Depends how close you can get the van to where the stuff needs to be. 

also if very smooth small wheels are ok if not bigger wheels.

Makes moving the washer a lot easier and if you then box everything up so you can use the wheeled option to move stuff.

How many bodies will there be?
Will it fit in one run?

Westwood_Motor_Group

With two strong people to do the lifting, even a largeish car will be able to transport a washing machine, but a van is definitely preferable and even a small van will move the machine with ease.

Vehicles with tail-lifts (usually Luton Vans) definitely take the hard work out of lifting and they're perfect for house moves given that they're usually the biggest thing you can drive on a regular licence. Just be careful with the weight, there's so much space in a Luton that you can easily overload it. The van will happily take it, but legally the van, plus passengers, plus payload must not exceed 3.5 tons.

If you can find a low floor Luton, no tail lift is needed as you can just step into the back - useful for loading speed and also getting under lower bridges!

EssexExile

Bendy_House said:

BSW, what are your concerns?

Two people can lift a W/M reasonably easy, 

Depends on the washing machine and the people!

If you haven't got the transit bolts/brackets then move it carefully, no sudden jolts, and keep it more or less upright.

danrv

ChilliBob said:

Lifting into the van, hmm, may be able to make a makeshift ramp from something lying around like some old wood?!

Yes. I manage to load a 30kg 15” PA sub into my estate car using an old wardrobe door as a ramp. Sub has rubber feet but it slides fine on a blanket.
A washing machine is larger and probably more than double the weight but doable with two.