There’s no denying that a washing machine is a household essential, emphasised by the fact that a typical adult does 208 loads of washing a year in the UK alone.
However, as washing machines are big and bulky, they can often pose a question when moving house: How do you prepare a washing machine for moving?
If you’re planning a house move, there are a few steps you’ll need to take to ensure your washing machine is ready when the removal company arrives.
To prepare a washing machine, you will need to:
- Always use the instruction manual to uninstall
- Clean the drum and allow it to dry
- Secure any wires, the plug and doors
- Pack the washing machine
- Label the box clearly
1. Always Use The Instruction Manual To Uninstall
The first step to preparing your washing machine before moving house is to find the instruction manual.
Although you might be confident enough to uninstall your washing machine independently,
failure to follow the manual’s instructions could result in you making a costly mistake.
If you can’t find the instructions, look up the make and model of your washing machine online before you attempt to uninstall it.
That said, if you’re still unsure how to uninstall your machine after reading the instructions, it’s best to ask someone for help.
A typical adult does 208 loads of washing a year in the UK alone.
2. Clean The Drum & Allow It To Dry
Once you have uninstalled the washing machine, you must clean the drum and allow it to dry.
While you might deem this an unnecessary step, cleaning your washing machine drum is important in the same way cleaning your fridge or freezer is.
Not only does it prevent bad odours, but it keeps your appliance in the best possible condition.
How To Clean The Inner Drum Of A Washing Machine
Cleaning the drum of a washing machine is relatively straightforward.
– Simply mix ¼ cup of vinegar with the same measurement of warm water to create your cleaning solution.
– Dip your sponge and a cleaning toothbrush to get into all the crevices inside the washing machine drum.
– For the drum seal and door, use a damp cloth to wipe around the drum door until all the scum and dirt have been removed.
Once you have cleaned your drum, allowing it to dry completely is crucial. This step is important because if you pack your washing machine away whilst there is still water in the drum, this can lead to the growth of mould and mildew.
That said, ensure you leave your washing machine door open to ensure it can dry properly.
3. Secure Any Wires, The Plug & Doors
Once you’ve allowed the machine to dry, you must secure any wires and the plug to the machine itself.
While multiple tapes will work, you must carefully select the tape you use to ensure you don’t leave any tape marks on the appliance once you have moved home.
Masking tape is the preferred option as it doesn’t leave a sticky residue that can be difficult to clean.
Securing the wires minimises the risk of your appliance becoming damaged during transit.
Once you’ve secured the wires, you must secure the doors with tape. Don’t forget to secure the smaller detergent drawers to ensure they don’t open on the move.
While you might deem this an unnecessary step, cleaning your washing machine drum is important in the same way cleaning your fridge or freezer is.
4. Pack The Washing Machine
Next, you’ll need to pack the washing machine.
Although this step is optional, packing your washing machine with the appropriate packing materials provides protection when your washing machine is in transit in the removal van.
As such, this is advisable when you have a high-spec washing machine and want to take extra precautions.
Simply prepare a box with styrofoam, as placing styrofoam under the washing machine is used to support the motor during transportation. You can also add more to the top before taping the box up.
Note: Do not try to lift your washing machine alone, as it will be too heavy. Carefully lift it into the box with the help of another person. This way, you’re not at risk of injuring yourself.
5. Label The Box Clearly
Last but not least, you’ll need to label the box clearly.
Label the box ‘Fragile – Heavy’ or ‘Washing machine – Kitchen’ or something similar to indicate to your removal company to take care when moving the box and which room you’d like it in.
To learn how to store a washing machine, be sure to check out this blog.
Label the box containing your washing machine ‘Fragile – Heavy’ or ‘Washing machine – Kitchen’.
We hope this article has given you a comprehensive understanding of how to prepare a washing machine for moving.
At Falconer Removals, we use meticulous moving techniques, passed down and perfected through generations for over 132 years, to ensure your goods are moved with expert precision and kept in perfect condition. Get a quote from our team today.
For more expert advice on how to pack, move and store your belongings — or other FAQs on how removals work — check out our blog page.
Written by Jemima Thomas for Falconer Removals & Storage.
