14/10/2026
How Do You Prepare a Washer and Dryer for Moving in Utah? What Homeowners Should Know Before Moving Day
When preparing for a move, most homeowners remember to pack their dishes, empty their dressers, and organize their closets. But two of the heaviest and most important appliances in the house often get overlooked until the moving crew arrives: the washing machine and dryer.
Moving laundry appliances requires more preparation than simply unplugging them. Washing machines can retain water, front-loading washers may require shipping bolts, and dryers can have electrical or gas connections that need special attention.
Whether you’re moving from Sandy to Draper, relocating within Salt Lake City, or settling into a new home in Provo, preparing your washer and dryer correctly can help prevent water damage, equipment problems, and unnecessary moving-day delays.
Can You Move a Washing Machine Without Preparing It?
A washing machine should never be treated like an ordinary piece of furniture.
Even after completing a wash cycle, water may remain inside the pump, hoses, and internal components.
If the machine is disconnected without draining it properly, that water can spill onto flooring, furniture, or other belongings during transportation.
Washing machines also contain mechanical components that can be damaged by excessive movement.
Before moving day, consult the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific model.
Different washing machines have different requirements, especially when comparing top-loading and front-loading designs.
1. Disconnect the Water Supply Before Moving Day
Most washing machines have two water supply connections: hot and cold.
Before disconnecting the hoses, turn off the water supply valves.
If the valves are difficult to turn, leaking, or damaged, don’t force them.
An aging valve can fail during disconnection, potentially creating a much larger problem than expected.
If you’re uncertain about the condition of the plumbing, contact a qualified professional.
Once the water supply is safely shut off, the hoses can be disconnected according to the appliance manufacturer’s instructions.
Have towels and a shallow container available because residual water may remain in the lines.
2. Drain the Washing Machine Completely
One of the most common mistakes is assuming the washing machine is empty simply because the drum doesn’t contain visible water.
Water can remain inside the drain hose, pump, or other internal components.
Follow your machine’s instructions for draining residual water.
Some front-loading washers have a drain pump filter or emergency drain hose that requires attention.
Others have different procedures.
Allow the hoses to drain into an appropriate container before securing them for transportation.
This step becomes especially important during Utah’s colder months because trapped water can freeze if an appliance is exposed to sufficiently low temperatures.
3. Do Front-Loading Washers Need Shipping Bolts?
Many front-loading washing machines require transit or shipping bolts to secure the drum during transportation.
These bolts help prevent excessive movement of internal components.
They are often removed when the appliance is first installed, which means homeowners may no longer know where they are.
If you have a front-loading washer, check the manufacturer’s moving instructions well before your scheduled move.
If shipping bolts are required and you’ve misplaced them, contact the manufacturer or an authorized appliance parts supplier for the correct replacements.
Don’t substitute random hardware or attempt to improvise a restraint system.
Also remember that shipping bolts must be removed according to the manufacturer’s instructions before the washer is operated again.
4. How Should You Prepare a Clothes Dryer?
Dryers require a different preparation process.
For an electric dryer, disconnect the power according to the manufacturer’s instructions and secure the cord so it won’t drag during transportation.
If the dryer uses natural gas, the gas connection requires particular care.
Do not attempt to disconnect or reconnect a gas appliance unless you’re qualified to perform that work safely.
Arrange for an appropriately qualified professional when necessary.
The dryer exhaust connection also needs attention.
A crushed or damaged vent can create problems after the appliance is reinstalled.
If the venting materials are worn or damaged, have them evaluated and replaced as appropriate before operating the dryer.
5. Should You Clean the Appliances Before Moving?
Yes. Moving is an excellent opportunity to clean areas that are difficult to reach during everyday use.
For washing machines, remove detergent residue from accessible dispensers and clean the door gasket according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Leave the door open long enough for the interior to dry, when practical and safe.
For dryers, clean the lint screen and inspect accessible areas for accumulated lint.
Avoid spraying excessive water or cleaning chemicals into electrical components.
Cleaning and drying the appliances before transportation can help prevent unpleasant odors and moisture problems.
6. Can a Washer and Dryer Be Transported on Their Sides?
This depends on the appliance.
Some manufacturers require their machines to remain upright during transportation, while others provide specific procedures for situations where upright transportation isn’t possible.
Don’t assume that laying a washing machine or dryer on its side is acceptable.
Consult the manufacturer’s moving instructions for the exact model.
If you’re moving into a basement laundry room or a home with narrow stairways, measure the appliance and access route before moving day.
Knowing whether the machine can safely pass through the doorway or stairwell can prevent problems when the crew arrives.
7. Utah Basement Laundry Rooms Can Make Moving More Complicated
Many homes throughout Sandy, Murray, West Jordan, South Jordan, and other Salt Lake Valley communities have laundry rooms in finished basements.
Moving a heavy washing machine down a staircase requires careful planning.
Narrow landings, sharp turns, low ceilings, and finished walls can limit maneuvering space.
Before moving day, measure the washer and dryer along with the staircase, doorways, and landings.
Also identify any unusually steep stairs or tight corners.
Providing this information to your moving company helps determine the equipment and handling approach appropriate for your property.
8. What If Your New Home Has Different Laundry Connections?
Not every home has the same laundry setup.
Your existing dryer may use a different electrical configuration from the one available at your new property.
A gas dryer requires an appropriate gas connection, while an electric dryer requires a compatible electrical supply.
Washer and dryer hookups may also be located on opposite sides of the laundry room, affecting hose and vent placement.
Before moving, confirm that your appliances are compatible with the new home’s connections.
Never use an improvised electrical adapter or extension cord to compensate for an incompatible dryer outlet.
Have a qualified professional evaluate any necessary electrical, gas, or plumbing changes.
9. Should You Move the Washer and Dryer or Replace Them?
If your appliances are older, moving presents an opportunity to evaluate whether keeping them makes sense.
Consider their age, operating condition, replacement cost, and compatibility with the new home.
A relatively new washer and dryer may be well worth transporting.
However, an aging appliance with recurring mechanical problems may not justify the expense of moving and reinstalling it.
If you’re purchasing a home, also confirm whether the existing laundry appliances are included in the transaction.
Don’t assume the washer and dryer automatically stay with the property.
10. What Should You Do After the Appliances Arrive?
Before using your washing machine or dryer, make sure all transportation restraints have been removed as required and the appliances have been installed according to manufacturer instructions.
Check that the washing machine is properly leveled.
Water connections should be secure, and the drain hose must be installed correctly.
For dryers, verify that the exhaust vent is properly connected and unobstructed.
Gas and electrical connections should be handled by qualified professionals where appropriate.
Once installation is complete, check for leaks and unusual operation during the first use.
Never operate an appliance if you suspect an unsafe connection or installation problem.
Prepare Your Laundry Appliances Before the Moving Truck Arrives
A washing machine full of residual water, a missing set of shipping bolts, or an unexpected gas connection can create avoidable complications on moving day.
The best approach is to prepare early.
Locate your appliance manuals, confirm the disconnection requirements, drain the washing machine, and arrange any professional services that may be necessary.
Also tell your moving company whether the appliances are located upstairs, downstairs, or in an area with difficult access.
At Helping Hands Moving and Maids, we understand that large household appliances require careful planning and handling.
Providing accurate information about your washer, dryer, stairs, and access conditions helps us prepare for the physical moving process. Plumbing, gas, and electrical disconnection or installation should be arranged separately with qualified professionals when required.
Need Help Moving Heavy Appliances in Utah?
Helping Hands Moving and Maids provides residential moving, loading, unloading, and furniture moving services throughout the Salt Lake Valley, Utah County, and surrounding communities.
Whether you’re moving into a new home, relocating across town, or preparing to transport large household appliances, contact us to discuss your moving needs.
Sandy: 801-562-0093
Salt Lake City: 801-809-7800
Murray: 801-735-4144
Provo: 435-703-8900
Helping Hands Moving and Maids
https://helpinghandsmovingutah. com/residential-moving
Lending Utah a Helping Hand Since 2006.