How-to
Moving a washing machine
Shut off the water, drain the hoses, lock a front-loader's drum with shipping bolts, move it upright and take the bolts out again before the first load.
Satisfy+ Editorial · Published May 11, 2026 · 2 min read · 1.5 hr to do · Under $100
At a glance
- Water
- Shut off both faucets first
- Front-loader
- New shipping bolts in before it moves
- Top-loader
- Basket packed and lid taped
- On the truck
- Upright, never on its side
A washing machine's drum hangs on a suspension system that moving can damage. A front-load washer needs shipping bolts to hold that suspension still on the road, and a top-load washer needs its basket packed so it doesn't swing. Either one travels upright. Your own manual has the steps for your model.
What you need
- A bucket and towels for the water left in the hoses
- Pliers
- Shipping bolts made for your front-load model
- Masking tape, and the foam packing ring or a few heavy towels for a top-loader
- An appliance dolly or moving straps, and a helper
Steps
- 1
Shut off the water
Turn off both water faucets behind the washer.
2 min
- 2
Disconnect and drain the hoses
Take off the water inlet hoses and empty them into the bucket. If you're moving in freezing weather, follow the winter storage steps in your manual first.
10 min
- 3
Unplug it and drain the drain hose
Unplug the power cord. Take the drain hose out of the drain and let the water left in it run into a pan or bucket.
10 min
- 4
Lock a front-loader's drum
Install new shipping bolts before a front-load washer moves, so the suspension doesn't get damaged on the way. Have an authorized service technician put them in.
5 min
- 5
Pack a top-loader's basket
Put the inlet hoses inside the basket. Drape the power cord and drain hose over the console and tape them down. Set the foam packing ring from the original packaging inside, or heavy blankets or towels, then tape the lid shut and keep it taped until the washer is in place.
10 min
- 6
Move it upright
With a helper, strap the washer to a dolly or use moving straps, and keep it standing upright the whole way. On its side or in any other position, it can be damaged.
15 min
- 7
Level it and take the bolts out
Set the washer in its spot and level it, which keeps down the vibration and noise. On a front-loader, remove the shipping bolts. Left in, they stop the washer from running and make it shake hard. Flush the water pipes and hoses, reconnect the inlet hoses tightly, turn the faucets on and plug it in.
20 min
- 8
Check for leaks on a test cycle
Run a short cycle and watch the hose connections for leaks and listen for any unusual noise.
15 min
Get the washer ready to move
- Order shipping bolts for the front-load washer's model
- Book a technician to put the washer's shipping bolts in
- Take the shipping bolts out before the first load
FAQ
Do you need shipping bolts to move a front-load washer?
Yes. New shipping bolts hold the suspension in place while it moves. Take them out before the first wash, or the washer won't run and will vibrate hard.
Can a washing machine be moved on its side?
No. Move it upright, since moving it on its side or in another position can damage it.
How do you move a top-load washer?
Drain the hoses, put them in the basket, pack the basket with the foam ring or towels, tape the lid shut and move it upright.
Sources
Checked October 20, 2026
- Whirlpool. Moving a front load washer (2026)
- Whirlpool. Properly moving the washer (top load washer) (2026)
- Appliances
- Moving
- Under $100
- Beginner
- Either
