Moving and transporting a washing machine: how to do it and what you need to know

A washing machine is a heavy household appliance. However, this is not the main problem in its transportation. A couple of strong men can handle it easily. However, there are risks of damaging the washing machine during delivery. How to prevent this? It is important to know which parts can break and to properly prepare the equipment for delivery.

Why does the transportation of a washing machine require special conditions?

A washing machine has electronics, a drum, fasteners and a metal housing. Near the door there are movable mechanisms for opening and closing. What are the risks of transporting a washing machine:

• The power cord may be damaged: cracked, kinked or torn off.
• External defects appear due to impact, internal mechanisms may break.
• If the door is not secured, the rubber cuff or the mechanism for opening and closing the door may be damaged.
• The drain pump may become dislodged, causing the machine to malfunction and flooding the apartment when washing.

To avoid this, the washing machine is prepared for transportation. It should be packed, securely fixed. It is also transported strictly vertically.

Proper transportation of the washing machine

Proper preparation of the washing machine for packing:

• Disconnect the washing machine from the power supply. Coil up the cord and fix it with tape on the body so that it does not dangle.
• Disconnect the drain hose and drain the remaining water. It is rolled up and secured with tape or folded into a box.
• Unscrew the drain pump holes from the bottom, tilt the washing machine slightly forward so that the residual water pours out. Beforehand, place a suitable container or rags on the floor.
• Leave the hose opening and the hatch open to allow the machine to dry inside.
• The drum of the washing machine is fixed with transportation bolts. They are screwed into special holes on the back of the washing machine. You can see where they are located in the washing machine manual.
• If there are no transportation bolts, the drum is fixed by lining the space between it and the housing with foam rubber, soft clean cloths or foam. To gain access to the drum, remove the top panel of the washing machine.

The best packaging for the washing machine will be the factory box made of dense cardboard and foam blocks. If they are not preserved, you can take protective foam and stretch film. The hatch of the machine is fixed with scotch tape, and also fix the powder drawer. The washing machine is wrapped with stretch film or bubble wrap. It is best to pre-wrap the washing machine with foam rubber, then fix it with film.

In the truck, where the washing machine will be transported, it is better to put a blanket or bubble wrap on the floor for better fixation. If it is necessary to tilt the washing machine to take it out of the apartment or to pass through a doorway, it can be done only at a small degree. The washing machine should be tilted to the opposite side from where the electronics are located, so that residual water does not accidentally get there. Otherwise, expensive parts could be damaged.

It's best to transport your washing machine with a professional moving company. Their vehicles are designed to transport appliances, and experienced movers know how to properly handle such items.