To move a washing machine, fit the transit bolts if it is a front loader, turn off the taps, disconnect and drain the inlet and drain hoses, then move it upright on an appliance trolley and strap it in the vehicle. At the new place, take the transit bolts out, reconnect the hoses and level it before the first wash. If you would rather not lift it, FLYTTE books a crew and shows the price as soon as you enter both addresses.
Transit bolts: why they matter
Front loaders are built around a heavy counterweight, and the drum hangs on springs and dampers. Transit bolts lock the drum in place so it can not swing around on the way and damage the suspension. They screw into the back of the machine.
If you still have the bolts, fit them before moving day. If you are buying second hand, ask the seller whether they have them. If they are lost, tell the crew so they take extra care, but damage to the drum suspension is a known risk without them.
Draining and disconnecting
Fit the transit bolts if you still have them, turn off the taps, disconnect the inlet and drain hoses, and let the water drain into a bucket. Keep the hoses with the machine.
Water left in the drain hose or the filter can leak in the vehicle, so put a towel underneath and check the filter if your manual shows how. Tape the power cord and hoses to the machine so nothing drags.
The crew moves the washing machine, they do not disconnect or connect water or power. Have it unplugged and the hoses off before they arrive, and reconnect them yourself or book a plumber afterwards.
Moving it, and setting it up again
Keep the machine upright, tip it back just enough to get a trolley under it, and strap it on. It is heavy for its size and has nothing to hold on to, so use two people for any steps.
At the new laundry, remove the transit bolts before the first wash, reconnect the hoses and adjust the feet until it sits level.
Rather not do it yourself? Pick Washing machine in the item list on FLYTTE, enter both addresses, and you see an instant price. Add a dryer to the same booking and both go in one trip. You see the full price before you book. A small deposit secures the booking online, and the rest is paid on the day once the job is done. Plans change? Reschedule free with 24 hours notice.
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Get your price nowFrequently asked questions
Do I need transit bolts to move a washing machine?+
For a front loader they are strongly recommended, because they stop the drum swinging on its suspension. Fit them if you have them, and tell the crew if you do not.
Can you lay a washing machine down to move it?+
It is best kept upright on a trolley and strapped in the vehicle. Check your manual for the maker's advice.
How do I drain a washing machine before moving it?+
Turn off the taps, disconnect the inlet and drain hoses, and let the water run into a bucket. Some models also have a filter you can drain, check your manual.
Will the movers disconnect and reconnect my washing machine?+
No. FLYTTE crews move and place it but do not do plumbing. Disconnect it before they arrive and reconnect it yourself or with a plumber.
Do I take the transit bolts out after the move?+
Yes. Always remove the transit bolts before the first wash at the new place, then level the machine.
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