Moving a washing machine: how to do it right
Transit bolts, leftover water, carrying: the five steps before the move and what to watch out for afterwards.
Preparation: five steps
- Turn off the water and disconnect the hoses. Have a bucket and a towel ready; there is still water in the inlet hose.
- Drain the leftover water. Behind the small flap at the bottom front you'll find the lint filter and the emergency drain. That's where the water that is still in the pump after the last wash drains out.
- Fit the transit bolts. These are the long bolts that were unscrewed from the back when the machine was installed. They hold the drum unit in place. If they've gone missing, you can get them from the manufacturer as a spare part. Search using the model number on the rating plate.
- Secure hoses and cable. Tape them to the back so nothing gets caught while carrying. You can also put the hoses inside the drum.
- Check the weight. Depending on the model, front loaders usually weigh between 60 and 90 kg, because a concrete counterweight steadies the drum. The exact figure is in the user manual or the data sheet.
Upright, not lying down
A washing machine is carried and transported upright. Lying down, leftover water can run into the electronics and the drum suspension is put under lateral strain. On a hand truck it stands securely when held by a strap.
Carrying: always two people
A washing machine almost always weighs more than 40 kg. Nobody carries that well alone, least of all on stairs. On the stairs, one person goes below and takes the weight, the other steers from above. Grip the machine at the bottom edge and not by the door or porthole; they break off easily.
After the move
Before the machine runs for the first time, the transit bolts must come out again. Otherwise it can be badly damaged during the spin cycle. Keep the bolts for your next move.
Level the machine with a spirit level by screwing the feet in or out. Then reconnect the inlet and drain and run a short wash without laundry to check that everything is watertight.
Or: let us do it
We pick up the washing machine and bring it to where it will be installed. You book Bulky items: Price on request.
- Over 40 kg we always come as a team of two; you don't have to book the second person separately.
- Carrying without a lift can be added per floor.
- We are liable for goods worth up to €500 at no extra charge, and up to €5,000 for a surcharge.
- Fixed price in the booking or a quote within 2 hours on working days.
Frequently asked questions
You'll find more answers on the FAQ page.
Yes. The bolts hold the drum unit in place. Without them, the drum knocks against the casing at every step and every pothole, and springs or shock absorbers can break.
No. We bring it to where it will be installed. Connecting it and removing the transit bolts again is up to you or a plumber.
It depends on distance, floors and speed. A washing machine almost always counts as bulky items, Price on request. If the booking shows a fixed price, you book straight away; otherwise you get a quote within 2 hours on working days.
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