Learn how to safety move a washer and dryer to your new home.

Attempting to lift a washer or dryer on your own isn’t a good idea.

When the hoses appear to be dry, put them into a sealable bag for transportation.

Washing machine being moved away from dryer

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

This helps to prevent accidental electrocution when you are disconnecting the water lines.

double-check to unplug the electrical cord from the outlet before turning the breaker back on.

Check the appliance manual to determine where the shipping bolts are located on the washer.

Materials and tools to move a washer and dryer

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Electric dryers rely exclusively on electricity to provide heat and power to drive the rotating drum.

If you have a gas dryer, call a professional to disconnect and cap the existing gas line.

Tape the plastic wrap to prevent it from shifting during the move.

The Whirlpool Smart Top Load Washing Machine with 2 in 1 Removable Agitator and a Whirlpool Electric Dryer side-by-side in a laundry room

This should also help to keep any pipes or cords in place and out of the way.

Repeat this process with the dryer.

Take your time going through doorways to avoid hitting the walls or door frame.

Washer drain hose disconnected from water supply valve

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Go slow to avoid driving the cart off the side of the ramp.

Go slowly and take care to lift with your legs instead of your back.

Wear safety gloves to prevent cutting or otherwise damaging your hands.

Hot and cold water hoses disconnected from back of washing machine

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Repeat this process with the dryer.

Position the washer and dryer at the back of the truck, nearest to the cab.

Always pack these appliances upright and never on their sides to avoid unnecessary damage in transit.

Foam wedged between washing machine drum and frame

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Turn off the electricity and water to the laundry room before installing the washer and dryer.

If you have a gas dryer, call a licensed professional to make that connection.

Put the drain hose in place, connect the water lines, and plug in the washer.

Circuit breaker turned off in service panel for dryer electricty

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Turn on the electricity at the breaker panel and kick off the hot and cold water valves.

Plug in the dryer, attach the exhaust hose with clamps.

Turn on the electricity.

Dryer machine unplugged from wall outlet

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Check the water vent connections for any signs of a leak.

Repeat this process to level the dryer as well.

Ventilation hose detached from back of dryer

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Moving blankets wrapped around washing machine for moving

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Washer placed on appliance cart while wrapped with moving blanket

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Wrapped washing machine placed in front of truck bed

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Washing machine set-up and checked with leveler

The Spruce / Kevin Norris