How to Move a Washing Machine Safely and Without Damage
Moving a washing machine is one of the trickier parts of any house move. It is heavy, full of hoses, and needs proper preparation before it goes anywhere near a removal van. Get it wrong and you risk water damage, a broken drum, or a back injury. This guide walks you through every step of moving a washing machine, from disconnecting the water supply to securing it in the van, so you arrive at your new home with everything intact. If you would rather leave it to the professionals, call Giant Van on 020 3129 6180 for a free quote.
Washing machine and white goods removal services across London and the surrounding counties. If you are moving within the same borough or relocating further afield, our teams handle appliances with the right equipment and full goods-in-transit insurance. Call 020 3129 6180 to check availability and get a quote for your area.
What You Need to Know Before Moving a Washing Machine
A washing machine is not just a large box. It contains a heavy concrete counterweight (typically 25 to 50 kg on its own), a suspended drum, rubber hoses, and an electric motor. Every one of those components can be damaged if the machine is moved carelessly.
The single most important thing to know is this: a washing machine must travel with its drum immobilised. Manufacturers fit transit bolts specifically for this purpose. These bolts lock the drum in place and prevent it from swinging during transport. Without them, the drum can crack the outer drum casing, snap the suspension springs, or destroy the bearings. A new bearing repair costs between £150 and £300. A replacement washing machine costs £300 to £800 or more.
Most machines come with transit bolts in the original packaging. If you no longer have yours, contact the manufacturer or search for your model number online. Many brands sell replacement bolt kits for £10 to £25. This small investment is worth every penny.
You also need to allow time for the machine to drain and dry before you move it. Residual water in the drum or pump can spill, causing water damage to your flooring or other items in the van. Plan to disconnect the machine at least 24 hours before moving day to give it time to drain fully.
Finally, check the weight of your machine. Most domestic washing machines weigh between 60 and 100 kg. You will need at least two people and ideally an appliance trolley to move it safely. Attempting to carry it alone risks serious injury.
Step-by-Step Guide to Moving a Washing Machine
Skipping any of them increases the risk of damage to the machine or injury to yourself.
This clears detergent residue and helps dry out the drum interior. Add a machine cleaner tablet if you have one.
Locate the stopcock behind or beneath the machine and turn it clockwise to shut the water off. If there is no dedicated valve, turn off the mains supply.
Place a towel on the floor and unscrew the cold water inlet hose from the back of the machine. Water will drip out, so have a bucket ready.
Pull the drain hose from the standpipe or under-sink fitting and lower it into a bucket to let any residual water flow out.
Most machines have a small access panel at the front bottom. Open it, remove the filter plug slowly over a container, and let the water drain. Clean the filter while you are there.
Never move an appliance while it is connected to the mains.
Refer to your machine's manual for the bolt positions. On most front-loaders, they go into holes at the back of the machine. Tighten them fully with a spanner.
Use strong parcel tape or removals tape. This stops the door swinging open and the hoses catching on door frames.
Do not lay it on its side unless your manual specifically permits this. Most manufacturers recommend moving a washing machine upright.
Position the machine against the van wall and strap it firmly. It must not move during the journey.
10 Practical Tips for Moving a Washing Machine
Do not leave this until the last minute. Call your manufacturer at least a week ahead if you need replacements.
A quick photo of the hoses and their positions means you will reconnect correctly at the other end.
If the machine slips off the trolley, your feet are the first thing at risk. Proper footwear is non-negotiable.
Standard trolleys are not always rated for the weight of a washing machine. An appliance trolley with a built-in strap holds the machine securely.
Measure door frames and hallways. A standard washing machine is 60 cm wide. Most internal doors are 76 to 80 cm wide, leaving very little clearance when you are carrying a heavy appliance.
If your machine sits on a raised pedestal, take it off first. Moving the machine at a lower centre of gravity is safer.
Some sources say it is acceptable to lay a washing machine on its side briefly. In practice, oil from the motor can contaminate the drum bearings if the machine is horizontal for more than a few minutes. Keep it upright.
A leaking hose connection discovered halfway through a move is far more stressful than taking an extra 20 minutes to disconnect properly.
Hot and cold inlets look identical on many machines. A small sticker prevents a mix-up at reconnection.
This allows the drum suspension to settle after transport and any residual moisture to evaporate.
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Get a Free Quote →Moving a Washing Machine Checklist
Use this checklist to make sure you have covered every stage before, during, and after the move.
The day before moving: - Run a hot empty wash cycle - Locate your transit bolts or order replacements - Gather all tools and packing materials - Check the route from installation point to van for obstacles and tight corners On moving day, before disconnection: - Turn off the water supply at the stopcock - Disconnect and drain the cold water inlet hose - Drain the outlet hose into a bucket - Open the filter panel and drain the pump filter - Unplug the machine from the mains socket - Fit all transit bolts and tighten fully with a spanner - Tape the door shut - Tape hoses to the machine body with removals tape - Put protective corner guards on the machine if available During loading: - Use an appliance sack truck rated for at least 100 kg - Keep the machine upright at all times - Have two people present for the lift - Secure the machine in the van with ratchet straps - Pad surrounding items to prevent scratching At the new address: - Remove transit bolts before plugging in - Reattach the inlet and outlet hoses correctly - Check all connections for leaks before the first full wash - Run a short empty cycle to confirm everything works - Level the machine using the adjustable feet to prevent excessive vibration Keep this checklist on your phone or print it out.
A missed step on this list is typically the cause of every washing machine moving disaster.
Tools and Equipment You Will Need
Having the right equipment to hand before you start makes the entire process faster and safer.
Here is what you need.
Appliance sack truck: This is the most important piece of kit.
An appliance trolley is a heavy-duty sack truck with a strap across the front to hold the machine against the frame. Standard moving trolleys are not suitable because they lack this retaining strap. You can hire an appliance trolley for around £15 to £25 per day from most tool hire companies.
Ratchet straps: You need at least two to secure the machine in the removal van.
One strap across the middle and one near the top prevents any forward or lateral movement during transit. Never rely on bungee cords.
Adjustable spanner: Required to tighten the transit bolts and to loosen the inlet hose connector.
A 30 mm adjustable spanner covers most connections.
Transit bolts: As discussed, these are essential.
They typically come in sets of three or four and should be kept in the machine's manual booklet. If yours are missing, search for "[brand] [model number] transit bolts" online.
When to Call a Professional Removal Company
Moving a washing machine yourself is perfectly achievable if you have the right equipment, a second person, and a straightforward route from A to B.
There are situations, however, where professional help is clearly the better option.
You are moving a washing machine down stairs.
A flight of stairs with a 70 to 100 kg appliance on a trolley is a genuine injury risk. Professional movers have stair-climbing trolleys and the technique to use them safely. A twisted back or a machine dropped down stairs is far more expensive than a removal quote.
You have a narrow or awkward access route.
Victorian terraced houses, flats with no lift, and properties with tight internal turns all add significant difficulty. Experienced removal crews have dealt with these situations hundreds of times and know how to manoeuvre appliances without damaging door frames or skirting boards.
You are also moving other heavy items.
Moving house is exhausting. If you are moving a washing machine alongside sofas, wardrobes, and fridge freezers, the cumulative physical demand is enormous. A removal team handles the entire job efficiently while you manage the logistics.
Your washing machine is integrated.
Built-in appliances fitted behind cabinetry require careful removal to avoid damaging the kitchen units. This is a job for someone with the right tools and experience.
You want insurance coverage.
Professional removal companies carry goods-in-transit insurance. If something is damaged during a professional move, you have a clear route to compensation. A self-move offers no such protection.
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What Does Moving a Washing Machine Cost?
The cost of moving a washing machine depends on if you do it yourself or use a professional service, and on the distance involved.
DIY costs are modest but not zero. An appliance sack truck hire typically costs £15 to £25 per day. Transit bolts, if you need to buy replacements, cost £10 to £25. Van hire for a short local move starts at around £40 to £60 for a few hours. Add fuel, insurance, and any additional equipment and a self-move typically costs £80 to £150 in total.
The hidden cost of DIY is the risk. A damaged drum bearing repair costs £150 to £300 at a white goods engineer. A cracked outer tub often means the machine is beyond economic repair. A replacement mid-range washing machine costs £300 to £600. These outcomes are avoidable with the right preparation, but they are more common than most people expect.
Professional removal costs vary by service level:
- Man and van services for appliance-only moves: typically £80 to £180 for a local job - Full house removal companies: the washing machine is included as part of the overall removal, usually at no additional charge - Specialist appliance movers: £100 to £250 depending on access difficulty and distance
For most people moving house, the most cost-effective approach is to include the washing machine in a full house removal. The marginal cost of adding one appliance to a full van load is minimal, and you benefit from professional handling, proper equipment, and insurance throughout.
For a no-obligation quote on your house removal, including all white goods and appliances, call Giant Van on .
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Common Mistakes When Moving a Washing Machine
Knowing them in advance means you can avoid every one of them.
This is the number one cause of drum damage during a washing machine move. The drum swings freely during transport and without the bolts fitted, the impact forces during cornering and braking are enough to crack the outer drum. Always fit transit bolts. Always.
A washing machine weighing 70 kg or more requires two people to handle safely. One person attempting to manoeuvre it onto a trolley, down steps, or into a van is a recipe for a back injury or a dropped machine.
Some people do this when a machine will not fit upright in a car boot or small van. Unless your model's manual explicitly permits horizontal transport, keep the machine upright. Horizontal transport risks oil migration to the bearings and drum damage.
Water left in the pump or drum adds weight, increases the risk of spillage, and can cause mould during a long move or storage period. Run a drain cycle, drain the filter, and allow 24 hours for residual moisture to evaporate.
The inlet hose (cold water in) and the outlet hose (waste water out) must go back to the correct connections. Reversing them means the machine fills with waste water. Use the photograph you took before disconnection.
This is the other side of the transit bolt mistake. Fitting them and then forgetting to remove them before running the machine causes severe vibration and can strip the thread inserts in the drum. Always check the back of the machine before the first wash at your new address.
DIY Move vs Professional Removal: Which Is Right for You?
Moving a washing machine is a job that rewards careful preparation.
The steps are straightforward but the sequence matters.
Skipping the transit bolts, rushing the disconnection, or attempting the move alone are the three most common reasons people end up with a damaged machine or an injury.
Follow the steps and checklist in this guide and the move becomes manageable.
If the access at your property is tricky, if you are moving up or down stairs, or if you simply want the peace of mind that comes with professional handling, Giant Van is ready to help.
Call Giant Van on 020 3129 6180 to get a quote for your house removal.
Our team handles washing machines, fridges, and all white goods as part of every full removal service.
We bring the right equipment, the right experience, and full goods-in-transit insurance so your appliances arrive safely at your new home.
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How to Move a Washing Machine Safely and Without Damage — FAQs
Do I need transit bolts to move a washing machine?
Can I lay a washing machine on its side when moving it?
How long does it take to disconnect a washing machine for moving?
How many people does it take to move a washing machine?
What should I do after moving a washing machine to a new home?
Can a removal company move a washing machine?
How do I drain a washing machine before moving it?
What is the best way to transport a washing machine in a van?
Reviewed by Giant Van Moving Experts, Moving Specialist Team at Giant Van
Giant Van Ltd. Registered in England & Wales.
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