How To Get Your Washing Machine Ready For House Move

How To Get Your Washing Machine Ready For House Move

Feb 28, 2023 Are you moving your washing machine to your new home in Brisbane? You will need a lot of planning and preparation for this as washing machines are heavy items that are also big and can be quite a load to carry. The average washing machine in Australia is around 600-700mm wide and around 800-900mm in height with a depth of 800mm. These washing machines can also weigh anywhere between 150 pounds to 180 pounds, and you should hire Brisbane removalists to help you pack and move these heavy devices. However, if you are moving these machines on your own, you need to carefully disassemble and pack each part so that you do not damage the machine. Here are some useful steps that will help you prepare your washing machine for a house move in Brisbane:

How To Prepare Your Washing Machine For A House Move

Follow The Instructions In Your User Manual

Before you start disassembling your washing machine, seasoned Brisbane removalists suggest you refer to your user manual. This will have detailed instructions on how to handle your washing machine model and will also instruct you about how to unplug the valves and drainage pipe. If you cannot find your user manual, you can search online by typing in the brand name, model followed by the owner’s manual. It is best to look for this manual at least a week in advance so that you can arrange for any missing parts accordingly. Tip: Here are some useful tips to help you move oversized items like your washing machine with ease.

Arrange Moving Supplies For Your Washing Machine

Next, you should start gathering all the equipment you will need to pack and move your washing machine, including:
  • Foam paper
  • Bubble wrap
  • Plastic wrap
  • Dolly
  • Moving straps
  • Plastic pouches
  • Tape
  • Wrench
  • A bucket
  • Moving blankets
Tip: It is a good idea to ask your professional removalists about moving insurance types so you are covered in case your machine gets damaged while on the move.

Deodorise Your Machine With Baking Soda

It is important to clean your washing machine thoroughly before moving it so that there is no lingering detergent residue or foul odour. To do this:
  • Run your normal machine cycle, replacing the detergent with alkaline baking soda.
  • Once the baking soda has worked its magic, run the rinse cycle to remove any remaining water.
  • After the rinse cycle is over, leave the door open to dry out the machine and prevent dampness and mould growth in your machine.

Turn Off The Power and Disconnect The Power Chord

It is now time to disconnect the power chord from the machine. You must first ensure the power is switched off from your home’s breaker box and then disconnect the power cord, wrap it securely with bubble wrap, and tape it to the back of your machine. You can also place it separately in plastic pouches but make sure you label it to find it when you unpack your items.

Remove The Water Valves And Hoses With A Wrench

Next, use a wrench to twist the water valves to the left to turn off the water supply so there is no water leakage in your home. These water valves are generally at the back of the machine. Still, if you need help locating them, look at your user manual or ask your professional Brisbane removalists to help you. Once the water valves have been turned off at the back of the machine, you need to find the cold and hot water hoses that connect to these valves. Slowly disconnect these hoses with a wrench and place a bucket underneath to collect any extra water. Lastly, disconnect your drainage pipe and tape all these parts to the back of the machine securely with wrapping tape.

Secure The Washing Machine Drum With Shipping Bolts

Now you must keep your washing machine drum in place by finding the shipping bolts that came with the machine. Place these metal rods in the back of your machine in the allotted slots and follow the instructions in your manual. These shipping bolts will lock the drum and prevent it from spinning and tilting when lifting it. Brisbane removalists also advise placing foam paper and bubble wrap in your washing machine drum for added protection.

Secure Your Washing Machine With Moving Blankets

Lastly, pack your washing machine with moving blankets from all sides and corners and keep these in place with moving straps. Once this is secure, hire professional Brisbane removalists to load this onto a dolly or get some help from your friends to lift this onto your dolly and then wheel this to your rental truck. Use moving straps to secure the washing machine to the rental truck so that it does not move around and get damaged.

Tips To Prevent Back Injuries When Lifting Your Washing Machine

It is also important to remember to lift your machine with the right techniques to avoid any harmful back injuries. Here are some useful steps you can use to lift your heavy machine:
  • Always bend your knees and not your back.
  • Keep the object close to your body.
  • Do not place the item above your waist.
  • Use your leg muscles to lift the machine.
  • Do not twist your body when moving the object.
  • Get more people to help you lift and move the machine.
Tip: Here are some moving day disasters you should avoid when moving your washing machine.

Conclusion

Thus, preparing and moving your washing machine is no easy task, but if you follow the above steps, you can securely lift and load your machine without any damage. It is a good idea to get professional help if this is your first time doing so to avoid any injuries.