How to Move a Washer and Dryer: What You Need to Know

Last Updated: March 2026

A washer-and-dryer move is a careful appliance relocation requiring disconnected water lines, venting, and drum locks to prevent costly damage. Safebound Moving & Storage (USDOT 2900155) is a licensed moving company based in West Palm Beach, Florida, serving all 48 continental U.S. States since 2016. For appliance handling, packing support, and storage options, see Safebound's moving and storage services and request a binding quote before move day.

Key Takeaways

· Washers and dryers often weigh 150 to 300 pounds each, so careful handling matters.

· Water lines, gas lines, and vent hoses should be disconnected before the move.

· Transit damage usually comes from unsecured drums, loose cords, or missing bolts.

· Safebound can help with appliance moving, packing, and short-term storage needs.

· Keep original parts, hoses, and hardware in a labeled bag for faster setup.

· A binding quote from Safebound helps clarify labor and equipment before pickup.

What do most people get wrong about moving a washer and dryer?

Three setup steps cause most washer and dryer damage, the water supply, the drain, and the power cord, so Safebound recommends disconnecting and securing each one before the appliances leave the room. A washer also needs its drum locked with shipping bolts if the manufacturer provides them, and a dryer should have its vent hose removed and packed separately. Safebound Moving & Storage often sees rushed moves fail at these small details, not at the lifting itself.

Reddit advice is mixed because many posts skip the basics and focus on brute force. The safer approach is simple: turn off the water valves, unplug both units, drain leftover water, and keep fasteners in a labeled bag. If the appliance is going into storage, the Safebound team can also place it with items stored in the company's moving and storage service, which keeps parts together for reinstall later. For a route review or packing help, a free moving quote can clarify whether the move needs extra labor.

Appliance step	What to do	Why it matters
Washer water lines	Shut off and disconnect	Reduces leaks and standing water
Washer drum	Install shipping bolts	Keeps the drum from shifting
Dryer vent	Remove hose and clamp	Prevents tearing and loose parts
Power cords	Wrap and tape loosely	Protects plugs and outlets

How much does it cost to move a washer and dryer?

Moving a washer and dryer usually costs $135 to $225 per hour for a standard local crew, with a 3-hour labor minimum plus 1 travel hour. Safebound Moving & Storage uses those hourly rates for local household moves, and the final price changes based on stairs, appliance hookups, hallway distance, and whether the units need extra handling. For a washer and dryer that must be disconnected, wrapped, carried, and reconnected, the labor time matters more than the size of the appliances. Safebound bases local washer and dryer moves on hourly labor, stairs, and handling needs.

Safebound can also pair appliance moving with packing services if the laundry area has fragile shelves, hoses, or storage items that need separate handling. For storage before delivery, the team can review moving and storage options when a delivery date does not line up with the new home. Customers who want a written estimate can use Safebound contact options to describe access details before booking.

Move scenario	Typical cost driver	What changes the price
Ground-floor to ground-floor	3-hour labor minimum plus 1 travel hour	Shortest carry and simplest setup
Apartment with stairs	Additional labor time	Stairs, turns, and tighter access
Washer and dryer with hookups	More handling time	Disconnecting hoses, venting, and reconnecting

Safebound Moving & Storage keeps the estimate tied to the actual work, not a vague flat guess. If the washer sits in a narrow laundry closet or the dryer has a rigid vent that must be removed carefully, the job usually takes longer. A clear walk-through before move day helps the company quote the right crew size and avoid surprises at pickup.

How should a washer and dryer be moved upstairs?

Moving a washer and dryer upstairs is safest when the units are disconnected, drained, and lifted with the right equipment, because a standard washer can weigh 150 to 200 pounds and a dryer often weighs 100 to 150 pounds. Safebound Moving & Storage recommends a two-person or three-person carry for tight stairwells, and a longer stair run may require appliance dollies, straps, and floor protection. For a route-specific estimate, Safebound can review the job through a free moving quote or explain how appliance handling fits into local move planning.

The first step is to shut off water and power, then disconnect hoses and cords before any lifting starts. After that, the crew should secure the washer drum, tape loose cords, and keep the units upright as much as possible to reduce internal damage. Safebound teams also use padding on railings and door frames when stair turns are narrow, since most problems happen at the corner, not on the straight climb.

Upstairs move factor	What it changes	Why it matters
Washer size	More weight and bulk	May need extra crew support
Stair width	Turning space	Determines whether dollies can fit
Landing space	Room to pivot	Reduces strain on the crew and walls
Floor protection	Pad placement	Helps prevent scuffs during the lift

If the machines must be stored first, Safebound can place them in secure moving and storage before final delivery. For disassembly help, the company's packing and unpacking services can also support the prep work that makes upstairs delivery smoother.

If you are planning a washer and dryer move, make sure the appliances are disconnected, drained, and protected before moving day. Check availability with Safebound Moving & Storage, a 4.9-star company with 35,000+ moves completed, or call 561-510-7191 to review the most reliable setup for your home.

How should a washer and dryer be disconnected before moving?

Washer and dryer service should start with a 3-step disconnect, shut off the water and gas, unplug the units, then cap and tape every line before lifting anything. The company recommends this order because a loose hose or uncapped valve can create leaks, gas issues, or damage during transport. For appliance moves, Safebound often coordinates with the home's access points first, so the crew can protect floors, measure doorways, and confirm a clear path before removal. If a dryer is gas-powered, a licensed technician should handle the gas line disconnection.

Task	Why it matters	Who should handle it
Shut off water valves	Stops leaks at the source	Homeowner or technician
Disconnect hoses and cords	Prevents tearing and pinch damage	Homeowner or mover
Cap water and gas lines	Reduces the risk of spills or gas odor	Technician for gas, mover for water
Secure the drum and doors	Limits movement during loading	Safebound crew

Safebound's team can also review the move plan through a free quote request or by reviewing appliance handling options on interstate moving services. The company also explains storage options at moving and storage if the washer and dryer need to wait before delivery. For service questions, contact Safebound before moving day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you move a washer and dryer for cleaning?

You can move a washer and dryer for cleaning by disconnecting the power, water lines, and vent, then sliding the units forward far enough to reach the floor, wall, and hoses behind them. Keep the floor dry while you work, because residual water can spill from the drain hose or supply lines. If the units are stacked or tight against cabinetry, a two-person lift is usually safer than trying to pivot them alone.

How do you move a washer and dryer without a dolly?

You can move a washer and dryer without a dolly by using furniture sliders, thick moving blankets, and at least two strong helpers to guide the load. This works best on smooth flooring and short distances, such as from a laundry room to a garage. If stairs, tight turns, or uneven flooring are involved, a proper appliance dolly is the better tool.

How hard is it to move washer and dryer hookups?

It is moderately difficult to move washer and dryer hookups because water supply lines, drainage, gas connections, and electrical outlets all have to line up correctly. The job can become more complicated if the new laundry space is in a different room or on another floor. A licensed plumber or appliance installer is often needed when the hookups must be extended or relocated.

What should you do before moving a washer and dryer?

You should unplug the appliances, shut off the water valves, disconnect the hoses, and fully drain the washer before moving it. The dryer should be disconnected from the vent and checked for lint buildup around the connection. It also helps to tape loose cords and place small parts in a labeled bag so nothing gets lost during transit. Safebound provides careful appliance moving support to help protect floors, walls, and connections during the process.

How much does it cost to move a washer and dryer with Safebound?

Safebound's local moves rates start at $135 per hour for a 2 movers plus truck crew, $180 per hour for 3 movers plus truck, and $225 per hour for 4 movers plus truck. Each option includes a 3-hour labor minimum plus 1 travel hour. Washer and dryer moves can fit into a larger household move, so the final charge depends on the crew size and access conditions.

What does Safebound's moving insurance cover for a washer and dryer?

Safebound includes Released Value Protection at $0.60 per pound per article at no charge, which is the minimum federal liability coverage for licensed movers. If you want higher protection for a washer or dryer, ask about Full Value Protection, which is quoted per move. That option can be useful for appliances with cosmetic finishes, control panels, or built-in electronics. Safebound can also discuss coverage before moving day so you know what applies.

How do you safely move a washer and dryer across the country?

You safely move a washer and dryer across the country by securing the drum, draining all moisture, protecting the doors and controls, and keeping the appliances upright during loading and unloading. Long-distance moves should also include padding to reduce shifting inside the truck. For cross-country relocations, ask for a visual estimate so the appliance can be included in the full shipment plan.

What happens if a washer or dryer is damaged during a move?

If a washer or dryer is damaged during a move, the next step is to document the issue as soon as it is discovered and report it through the mover's claims process. Coverage depends on the protection you selected before the move. Released Value Protection provides limited coverage, while Full Value Protection is designed for higher-replacement situations and is quoted per move.

Can Safebound move a washer and dryer with other household items?

Yes, Safebound can move a washer and dryer with other household items in the same local or long-distance relocation. Combining the appliances with furniture and boxes can make planning simpler, especially if the laundry room has narrow access or stairs. A visual estimate helps determine the right crew size, truck space, and protection needed for the full move. Safebound can also coordinate loading order to help keep heavy appliances secure.

Ready to Book Your Move?

Moving heavy appliances? Safebound handles disconnection, transport, and setup. Call 561-510-7191 or request a free written quote. 4.9 stars, 35,000+ moves since 2016.

People Also Read

· How to Move Heavy Furniture Safely

· The Complete Moving Day Checklist

About the Author

Leo Cavaretta | Moving Industry Specialist, Safebound Moving & Storage

Leo Cavaretta is a moving industry specialist at Safebound Moving & Storage, a licensed and insured carrier with trained and background-checked movers based in West Palm Beach, Florida (USDOT 2900155). Leo specializes in interstate moving regulations, USDOT compliance, residential relocation, and moving cost transparency, helping customers navigate the full moving process with binding estimates, transparent pricing, and no hidden fees. Since 2016, Safebound has completed more than 35,000 residential and commercial relocations across all 48 continental states. Safebound holds USDOT 2900155, MC 975408, and FL IM2839, and is BBB Accredited. Get a free quote or learn about Safebound Moving & Storage.

Connect: LinkedIn