Last Updated on 2 months by David Bergmann
You are about to move and wondering how you can transport your washing machine to your new home safely and without damaging it? Don’t worry, we’ll guide you through the process step by step, from emptying the residual water to transporting your washing machine. With the right preparations and aids such as transport locks, a hand truck, carrying straps, work gloves and the support of moving helpers, transporting the washing machine is easy!
- Before the move: Prepare the washing machine
- On moving day: Transport & stow safely
- After the move: Putting the washing machine into operation
1. Before the move: Prepare the washing machine
Empty residual water
Start by emptying the residual water from your washing machine. This is an important step to avoid water damage and wet surprises during transportation. Disconnect the washing machine from the mains by pulling the plug and removing the drain hose. Have a small hose ready to drain the residual water into a bucket or directly into the drain. Don’t forget to check and clean the fluff filter too, as water and dirt can also collect here. You may now realize how long you haven’t cleaned your machine!
Activate transport lock
The transport lock is essential to protect the washing machine during transportation. It prevents the drum and other internal components from moving and being damaged as a result. It is best to read the operating instructions for your washing machine to find out how to activate the transport lock correctly. Many models from manufacturers such as Miele or Bosch come with threaded bolts that you need to screw into the back of the washing machine.
Obtain packaging material
To give your washing machine additional protection, you can wrap it with stretch film or bubble wrap. This prevents scratches and minor damage. You can find bubble wrap and other packaging materials in DIY stores and from various online third-party suppliers.
Even if it’s not ideal from an environmental point of view, make sure you have enough material for comprehensive protection. After all, a damaged or, in the worst case, broken washing machine that has to be disposed of is a bigger environmental pollutant than a few meters of plastic film.
Provide aids
Make sure you have all the necessary tools to transport the washing machine. A hand truck makes transportation much easier, especially when stairs have to be climbed. Carrying straps and work gloves provide additional support and protection for you and your removal helpers. It is important that everyone involved knows how to use the equipment correctly in order to avoid injuries and make the transportation as smooth as possible.
2. On moving day: Transport & stow safely
Securing and transporting the washing machine
Before you load the washing machine onto the hand truck, you should secure it with straps. This prevents it from slipping or tipping over during transportation. When transporting the washing machine to the removal van, it is important to handle it carefully and make sure that it does not bump into walls or door frames. If possible, avoid horizontal transportation as this can lead to internal damage. If horizontal transportation is unavoidable, find out beforehand which side must be facing upwards to avoid damage.
Stow safely in the removal van
The washing machine should be positioned in the removal van in a place where it cannot slip during the journey. Use additional straps to attach them to the side walls of the removal van. Make sure that heavy objects cannot hit the washing machine. It is advisable to place soft materials such as blankets or additional bubble wrap between the washing machine and other household appliances such as the dryer, dishwasher or washing machine to prevent damage.
3. After the move: Putting the washing machine into operation
Installing the washing machine
After transportation, it is important that you store your washing machine safely and stable in your new home. First, remove the transport lock and all packaging materials and place the machine in its new location. Then, check that the washing machine is standing firmly on the floor and is not wobbling. Ideally, you should also use a spirit level to ensure that it is really level and not hanging crookedly in the air. Then reconnect the inlet hose and the outlet hose and check all connections for leaks before putting the washing machine back into operation.
Cleaning the washing machine
To give your machine a fresh start in your new home, we recommend that you clean the machine thoroughly before using it for the first time. The best way to do this is to buy a special hygiene cleaner for washing machines at the drugstore, which you can use to clean both the rubber seals and the drum. The rubber seals are best cleaned with a soft sponge or microfiber cloth, the drum is then cleaned with a wash cycle at a high temperature with the addition of the special cleaner.
It is generally advisable to clean your washing machine (as well as the dishwasher) at least once a month using a special detergent and a high temperature cycle. This removes unpleasant odors, limescale and deposits and also extends the service life of your machine.
Tip: Would you like to know more about doing laundry? Click here for our article “Laundry washing for beginners” !
Conclusion
The transportation of a washing machine should be well prepared and well thought out. You can transport your washing machine safely to your new home by draining the residual water, attaching the transport lock and using protective materials. With the right tools and the support of removal helpers, the day of moving your washing machine will most likely go smoothly!
Don’t forget to consult the instructions for your washing machine and, if necessary, contact a professional moving company. With these tips and tricks, your washing machine will be ready for the move and you can look forward to a new chapter in your new home!
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