How to Move a Washer and Dryer (Transit Bolts Guide)

Here is the thing about appliances: they look tough. They are big metal squares. But inside? They are surprisingly sensitive.

A washing machine is basically a tub inside a tub. The inner tub spins at high speeds, so it floats on a suspension system (springs and dampers) to absorb the vibration. When the machine is sitting still in your laundry room, gravity keeps it stable.

But when you put it on a moving truck, you are introducing G-forces. Bumps, turns, and stops cause that heavy inner drum to swing wildly. Without protection, it acts like a wrecking ball inside the cabinet, smashing the motor, the sensors, and the pump.

Dryers are simpler – basically a tumbling can with a heater – but they are bulky and dent easily. Plus, moving a washer and dryer involves water and potentially gas, adding a layer of “don’t flood the house” anxiety to the mix.

Don’t start pulling hoses until you have your gear ready. For a broader packing supplies list, see our packing tips guide. I’ve seen people trying to catch water in a Tupperware container because they didn’t have a bucket. It’s messy.

Tools & Supplies

• Transit Bolts (Shipping Bolts): These usually come with the machine. If you threw them away (most people do), you need to buy a replacement set specific to your model.
• Appliance Dolly: Not a regular hand truck. You want the wide one with straps.
• Slip-Joint Pliers or Wrench: To disconnect the water hoses.
• Bucket and Old Towels: There will be water.
• Moving Blankets: To prevent scratches and dents.
• Packing Tape or Shrink Wrap: To keep the doors closed and cords secure.
• Rope or Ratchet Straps: To secure the appliances in the truck.
• Create a “Parts Bag”: A Ziploc bag for the screws, knobs, and manual. Tape this to the side of the machine so you don’t lose it.

Okay, let’s get into the logistics. This is the heavy lifting part. How to move a washing machine correctly is 80% preparation and 20% perspiration.

Learning how to move a dryer is slightly easier because they are lighter (no concrete weight inside), but they are awkward. If you’re doing this as part of a full DIY move, compare your options first in our truck rental vs. movers guide.

1. Unplug and Prepare the Dryer

If it’s electric, unplug the thick 240V cord. Warning: If it is hardwired into the wall (rare, but happens in older homes), you need an electrician to disconnect it. Do not cut wires.

2. Disconnect the Vent Hose

Pull the dryer away from the wall. You will see a silver foil tube.

• Loosen the clamp with a screwdriver.
• Pull the vent off.
• Opportunity: Look inside that vent. Is it full of lint? Throw it away. Seriously. A dirty vent is a fire hazard. Buy a new one for $15 at the new house.

3. Wrap and Strap the Dryer

Just like the washer, tape the door shut. Wrap it in blankets. Dryers have thin metal sides that dent if you look at them wrong.

4. Load Into the Truck

Dryers can usually be moved with a standard hand truck if they aren’t too heavy, but an appliance dolly is safer. Keep it upright.

I live in Nashville now, where electric dryers are common, but back in Chicago, everyone had gas.

Moving a gas dryer is serious business.

1. Turn off the gas valve: There should be a valve on the gas line right behind the dryer. Turn it until the handle is perpendicular to the pipe (off position).
2. Disconnect the flex line: Use a wrench. It might be stuck tight.
3. Cap the line: Even if the valve is off, I recommend buying a gas cap for the open pipe on the wall, just to be safe.
4. Smell check: If you smell rotten eggs at any point, open the windows, get everyone out, and call the gas company.

My verdict: If you are not handy, hire a plumber to disconnect the gas. It costs a bit, but it’s cheaper than an explosion.

Honestly? Yes.

I get this question all the time. “Jason, I’m only moving 10 miles. Do I really need the bolts?”

If you are hiring pros (and you can find great ones in our reviews directory), they can definitely move the units. But there are limits.

What Professional Appliance Movers Do

They will wrap, load, transport, and unload the machines safely. They have the heavy-duty dollies and the ramp skills to get a 250-pound washer down a flight of stairs without scratching your hardwood floors.

What You Should Confirm Before Hiring

Most moving companies will not disconnect water or gas lines — it’s a liability issue. This is also why it matters whether you’re hiring a carrier or a broker:
brokers hand your job off and can’t guarantee what the crew will or won’t do. If a valve leaks after they leave, they don’t want to be sued for water damage.

• You need to: Disconnect everything and install the transit bolts yourself before the crew arrives. Confirm the mover is licensed — here’s how to verify their USDOT number before you sign anything.
• Ask about third-party services: Some movers partner with technicians who can come in and do the disconnect/reconnect for a fee.

You’ve made it to the new house. The coffee pot is found. Time to wash the moving clothes.

1. Remove the Transit Bolts: Do not forget this. Put them back in a bag and tape them to the back of the machine for the next move. Then work through your new house checklist before you run the first load.
2. Level the Legs: Your new floor isn’t perfectly flat. Use a bubble level on top of the washer. Twist the little feet on the bottom until the bubble is centered. An unlevel washer will “walk” across the room.
3. Check for Leaks: Connect the water, turn it on, and sit there for the first cycle. Watch the connections like a hawk.
4. Dryer Vent: Make sure the vent hose isn’t crushed behind the dryer. A crushed vent causes the dryer to overheat and can start a fire.

• Forgetting the bolts: (I’ve said it five times because it’s that important).
• Laying the washer on its side: This causes oil from the motor to flow into places it shouldn’t be. Keep it upright.
• Leaving water in the hoses: It freezes in winter or leaks in the truck.
• Dragging the feet: The rubber feet on the bottom of the washer will rip your linoleum or scratch your wood floors. Lift it or use sliders.

Look, moving appliances is a pain. It’s heavy, wet, and stressful. But my dad, the engineer, always said, “Do it right, or do it twice.” When it comes to moving a washer, doing it twice means buying a new machine.

Take the time to find those bolts (or order them online for $20). Drain the water properly. Save your back.

And if you look at your laundry room and think, “There is no way I’m lifting that,” don’t be a hero. Check out All Movers to find a crew that can handle the heavy lifting for you. And if you’re moving as part of a larger downsizing, our senior downsizing guide covers how to handle appliances in that context. Your back – and your washing machine – will thank you.

Let’s get moving!