How to Lift a Washing Machine (5 Best Tips)

Under normal circumstances, a washing machine is an appliance that is rooted in one spot, be it the kitchen, garage, or specialized laundry room. 

Lifting a washing machine is as easy as a sunday morning. As long as you know what to do. Make sure you have someone else to help you do it because the shape and size of the appliance make it unwieldy for one person. Still wondering how to lift a washing machine? Follow these simple four steps to lift your washing machine:

1. Tilt the washing machine.
2. Lift the wshing machine
3. If you are moving it to a different location, then carry the washing machine up or down the stairs.
4. Put the machine down.

The average washing machine weighs between 150 pounds (68kgs) and 200 pounds (90kgs). That is heavy by any standards. Washing machines are also big. The average front-loading device has a height of about 33.46 inches (850 mm) and a width of approximately 23.62 inches (600 mm). Here’s what you will need:

Workforce: Because of the size and shape, you’ll need an extra pair of hands regarding how to lift a washing machine. The advisory I will roll out for you is that you hire experienced movers to do the lifting for you. Because they are used to the task, it will be faster and safer than you could do it. But, if you are the hulk or an avid DIYer or just want to save that extra buck in moving costs, you might consider doing it yourself. You will still need that extra pair of hands, though. Consider friends and family as the first option when looking for that extra hand since they are unlikely to charge you for their help. 

Instruction Manual: Now is the time to pull out the machine’s user manual. If you misplaced your user manual or cannot find it, do a Google search of your washing machine brand, its model, and the word “manual” at the end.  It is important to review the manufacturer’s recommendations on how and when to move your appliance.

How to unhook a washing machine:

The time for moving your washer and dryer has come. Under normal circumstances, a washing machine is an appliance rooted in one spot, be it the kitchen, garage, or specialized laundry room. No doubt there will be a time when you will need to move it from its usual perch for reasons varying from moving house to renovations. When this time comes, it is helpful that you prepare your washer and dryer for moving and you know what to do with the wires and hoses that give power and water to your appliance. Here’s the lowdown on how to unhook a washing machine:

1. Disconnect the washer and dryer: Pull the plug to ensure your machine is switched off, and no power is supplied. Once the power is off, we are sure the device is completely switched off, and we do not have to worry about any surprises as far as electricity supply is concerned. 
2. Turn off the water: The cold and hot water supply usually comes into the washing machine through the back. Turn off the valve by twisting the valve clockwise until the end. The valve when off will turn off the water supply to the washing machine. It will also protect you from water spills should you accidentally tear a hose. For washing machines that heat the water inside the unit, you will only have to deal with one pipe, the cold water. 
3. Push: Move the appliance away from the wall. If you are working alone, push or pull one side at a time. If you have a helping hand, you can simultaneously move both sides of the machine. Your objective should be to push it as far away from the wall so that there is enough room for you to step behind the machine. Depending on the design of your house, you may be able to access the water box without needing to move the washing machine.
4. Bucket: The loosened hoses are holding water inside. To prevent the spillage, place a bucket behind the washing machine and underneath the water lines so that it catches water when the pipes are detached. 
5. Unfasten the pipes from the machine: Cross-check that your valves are still off. You might have inadvertently turned the water back on as you were moving the machine. Unscrew the water hoses from the back. The unscrewing is usually a counterclockwise movement until the clamps loosen and the hose comes off. When the hoses are free, the timeto use the bucket comes in. Point the pipes into the bucket for any leftover water to drain.
6. Unfasten the hoses from the wall: This is usually a counterclockwise motion. Unscrew the hoses from the wall end until they are completely detached. If the machine has not been moved in a long while, this will be a tough task, so you may need to bring in some tools, preferably a pipe wrench or adjustable pliers. Once the pipes are out, empty them of any water into the bucket and pack them well, maybe in a large plastic bag.
7. 7. Disconnect the drain hose: Drainage hoses are permanently connected to the washing machine, so you can only disconnect them from the drainage end. Though drainage setups will differ depending on plumbing design and washing machine model, how to disconnect the drain should be pretty straightforward. If that disconnection is not obvious, you must consult your user manual. The drain pipe is usually held by a special bracket. Use tape to secure it to the device so it is safely out of the way when you begin moving. 

Moving washer and dryer:

Moving a washer and dryer is heavy-duty work and involves following specific safeguards making the process much more complicated than moving your TV, for instance. Washers and dryers require their drums to be secured during pre-moving preparations, or they will be damaged. We recommend you consider bringing in expert hands of washer and dryer movers to help you to relocate the washer and dryer. 

How to move a washer and dryer by yourself:

This is a task that requires adequate advance preparation, especially when you are doing it by yourself. Whether it is a front loader or top loader, it is necessary to have the right tools, supplies, assistance and adequate planning as you prepare the washer and dryer for moving. The following are what needs to be done to prepare your washer and dryer for moving:

Locate the owner’s manual and product warranty: For starters, it is important to have all the machine’s manual and warranties at the ready when moving. Read the manual on the parts that give instructions on disconnecting and connecting your washer and dryer. The manual will also carry instructions on how to move the appliances. The washer and dryer warranty details will be handy in the event that anything goes wrong during the moving exercise and you are faced with equipment damage. Ensure you put these crucial documents in a safe andsecure place where you can easily find them. 

Get the right moving equipment: The equipment you assemble is what will make the difference in your task especially when it comes to determining whether you get this right or wrong. You will need gloves, appliance dolly, moving straps, moving blankets, a vacuum cleaner, wrench, pliers, washing machine cleaners and packing tape. 

Assemble your team: Get together your team of extra hands and helpers. It is important to understand that when it comes to how to lift a dryer by yourself does not mean doing so singlehandedly, rather, “by yourself” refers to doing the job without hiring professional help. We advice getting one or two other people to help out from your pool of relatives, friends and neighbors. It is safe to vet the help you bring on board by ensuring they are physically fit enough to do some heavy lifting and are wearing appropriate clothing and gear, including closed toe shoes. 

Reconnaissance: In order for you to be sure the washer and dryer will fit through your doorways and your staircase, it is important to measure these in advance. Inspect and confirm the pathway you will use to move the appliances to ensure there are no obstacles or obstructions along the way. 

Clean: Clean both appliances before the date and time of moving them. Cleaning is a crucial part of machine maintenance as it will not only improve efficiency but also prevent bad smells. Use a formula or tablet specifically formulated to clean and sanitize your washing machine. Run the washing machine after you have put in the tablet and once the cycle is complete, leave the washer door open for at least a day to dry and freshen up the inside. Cleaning the dryer involves emptying the lint trap and cleaning it with a brush or vacuum.