Like any household appliance, a washing machine needs to be carried and loaded with care to avoid damage during a move. The problem is that washing machines are generally heavy and therefore difficult to move. However, there are a few common-sense rules to help you move your washing machine with peace of mind. Follow our advice to prepare the ground before the move, and don't hesitate to call in a professional mover to avoid breaking your back.
Preparing the washing machine before the move
As with any move, preparation is important to avoid wasting time on the big day. Calculating dimensions, cleaning and descaling, unplugging and draining, adding external protection... The washing machine is no exception to the rule!
Dimensioning
So before you move, start by measuring your washing machine:
- to make sure it will fit into your new home;
- to check that it will pass through the traditional access points (corridor, entrance, stairwell, elevator).
Sometimes it's better to get rid of them and buy a new one that's adapted to the configuration of the premises. If necessary, you can always use a freight elevator.
Descaling and cleaning
In direct contact with water, which can be very hard in some regions, washing machines tend to build up scale over time. Take advantage of a move to descale your washing machine with a specific detergent or white vinegar. You can also empty and rinse the particle filter, where washing residues (hair, fibers, parts, etc.) often accumulate.
Electricity and water disconnection
Remove the mains plug and disconnect the water supply and drain pipes. Remember to turn off the inlet tap, and drain the hoses to remove any residual water for transport. To avoid any inconvenience when handling the washing machine, tape all cables and hoses with rubber tape.
Corner protection
All you need to do is provide Styrofoam for the corners and a blanket to prevent scratches during transport. Don't forget to secure the porthole door and clamp the drum with the shims supplied with the washing machine, if you still have them.
Moving a washing machine: the problem of heavy loads
When it came to carrying a washing machine during a move, you probably wondered why it was so heavy. Outwardly, a washing machine looks like a fridge, yet it's much heavier, despite its relatively modest size. But how to explain it?
The weight of the washing machine comes from the concrete ballast blocks that stabilize the machine for spinning. Without them, your machine would move by itself under the force developed by the drum rotation. Just look at what happens when a machine is badly set up: it vibrates and sometimes moves when the laundry is being spun.
The average washing machine weighs between 60 and 80 kg. You'll need two people to carry and load it for transport. If you need to move the washing machine, use rolling trays. If you have to go up and down stairs, don't hesitate to take breaks on the landings. And during the journey, remember to protect the corners and secure it with straps to prevent the washing machine from moving during the journey. The best position is standing.
If you wish to entrust your move to professionals, please contact us.