Can You Transport A Washing Machine On Its Side When Moving?

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In this article, we’ll talk about what happens when you turn your washing machine on its side and what to do before doing so.

Normally, washing machines are transported upright, but in some cases, there may be no choice but to lay your washing machine on its side while being transported. Many people have been asking us whether this will cause issues for your washer in the future.

Even if the washing machine is brand new and still has the protective cushioning inside, you should always try to transport it with the lid on. This is due to the fact that the interior inner and outer tubs are “floating” and only supported by suspension hardware and cushioning pads. Your washer should never be placed on its side as a severe bump can easily damage these components.

The Potential Issues

The inner tub and the outer tub are the two tubs that fully automatic washing machines have, as we’ve previously explained. The main holding unit for the water is the outer drum, which is stationary in its position. As the inner drum rotates during a wash cycle or spin drying, the outer drum is where you place your clothing.

These two tubs will collide and damage one another if they are positioned side by side. Additionally, turning your washing machine on its side can damage the suspension mechanism that keeps these tubs upright and “floating.”

We still do not recommend placing the unit you are transporting on its side because the suspension system can still be vulnerable. This is true even if the unit is brand new and still in its box with all of its protective padding.

What is the Best Way to Move a Washing Machine?

When moving a washer, you must always keep it upright. Some of the washer’s internal components will rub against one another when it is transported horizontally. If this occurs, the tub’s movement on its side could harm the support pads and cause problems with the wash tub suspension area. Always move a washing machine upright whenever possible, whether it is brand-new or used.

Moving a Washing Machine on Its Side

Moving a top load washer versus a front load washer on its side can be done almost identically if you are forced to do so. If at all possible, take the agitator out of a top-loading washer. Any water still in the tubs of both washers should be emptied before moving. To prevent damage to the washer, it is also advisable to install any shipping bolts, clamps, or spacers that were shipped with the machine when it was brand-new.

What to Do Before Moving a Washing Machine?

Make sure to unplug the washer, turn off the water, and disconnect it from the washer before moving it. With a wet/dry shop vac, drain any last bits of water from the washer. Before laying the washing machine on its side for transport, it is best to try to shim the wash tub or install transit bolts to prevent damage to internal washer components. When the washer is prepared for transport, a moving blanket or something similar is required to prevent damage to the washer.

9. Can You Transport A Washing Machine On Its Side When Moving2

What is the Best Way to Move a Washing Machine?

When moving your washing machine, it’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. It may be necessary to make repairs if the washer is not moved properly and suffers significant damage. When moving the washer, use two people. Use a hand truck made for moving appliances to transport your washing machine. When a ramp is available, use it because it is safer for you, the washer, and the floor you are moving on.

How to Safely Transport Your Washing Machine

When moving a washing machine to a new location, you should adhere to these best practices to avoid damage.

Re-attach the Shipping Bolts

The drums of a front-load washing machine are kept steady during shipping by the shipping bolts. The purpose of this is to stop the drums from bumping into one another. Before using the washer, these bolts must be taken out. But since you’re moving your washing machine, you should re-attach them before moving your machine.

Put It in a Box

Used washing machines should be packed in their original boxes with all of their protective packaging for the safest possible transport. If, however, you long ago threw the box away, you can improvise by making a new box for it. Additionally, the corners and feet should have more protective material (such as some used corrugated material or styrofoam). For added protection against dents and scratches, it is advisable to place a flat piece of Styrofoam board or on the washer’s side panels.

Can I Move a Washing Machine in My Car?

When moving a washing machine, you should always keep it upright. It is nearly impossible to move a washing machine with a car because it cannot be kept upright. It is not advised to set the washer on its side because doing so could seriously harm the drum and other parts. The washer could be transported on its side, but only with the utmost caution, if the shipping bolts or shims are installed in it.

Can You Lay a Washer on Its Side When Moving?

It is advised that a washing machine be kept upright at all times. The inner and outer tubs of a washer that is laid on its side may bump into one another, causing support pads to become loose or the suspension to become harmed. Additionally, it may cause the tubs to shift out of alignment, which would affect how your unit operates. For top-loaders, wedge foam or cardboard between the drum and the case, and for front-loaders, insert shipping bolts or washer locks in the back of the machine to secure the drum before moving.

Can You Lay a Fridge on Its Side When Moving?

Putting a refrigerator on its side is not recommended once more. Prevent compressor oil from running up your coiling lines by keeping them upright to avoid the possibility of the unit ceasing to cool. Avoid laying one on the front or back sides if you must lay it on its side. Try to position the refrigerator as far away from the return and discharge lines as you can. Oil in the discharge line can harm your refrigerator, but oil in the process tube shouldn’t. For the same amount of time that it was lying down after you stand your refrigerator back up, unplug it to allow the oil to flow back into the compressor. The bottom-mount and compact models, which must always remain upright, are the exceptions, according to GE.

Can You Leave Items in Your Dresser Drawers?

Leave your clothing in your dresser drawers if you’re moving yourself to save time and energy compared to taking it out and packing it in separate boxes or bags. Unloading a dresser is essentially packing “air” when you could be using this wasted space for clothes and other soft items, which take up more space in your moving truck out of the dresser, than inside it. However, even when wrapped, never move breakables inside dresser drawers. Additionally, confirm with the professional movers you plan to hire first. When storing your items for an extended period of time, some businesses won’t permit anything to be kept in your drawers. When moving items inside your dressers, make sure to firmly secure the drawers to prevent opening and spilling the contents.

Can You Transport a Wine Collection?

Maybe, but finding laws governing interstate transportation requires special care and research. You don’t want to put the bottles in a box and put them in the back of a moving van when your wine cellar has an impressive collection of vintages. The pickiest of all alcoholic beverages, wine can become sour grapes with just one wrong move. Have your collection valued if it is valuable, and make a thorough inventory that includes pictures.

Particularly when moving across the country, some professional movers can’t or won’t transport alcoholic beverages. There’s a chance you’ll need to get in touch with a business that moves wine collections. With the aid of a temperature-controlled moving vehicle and storage space, they can guarantee that your bottles won’t be subjected to extreme temperatures. Do your research or rely on a seasoned company that is familiar with all the rules if you plan to bring alcohol across state lines for personal use as some states have penalties for doing so. After your collection has been successfully moved, give it some time to rest so that any sediment can settle. Depending on the vintage, this might take a week to several months.

Can You Pack and Move Your Plants?

Anything alive, including plants, cannot be transported by moving companies. You should think about other transportation options because when you move them yourself, the stress and the heat in the moving truck frequently cause them to pass away. However, when traveling over state lines, some states have regulations that prevent the entry of plants or require quarantines or other restrictions, such as inspections to declare your plants “pest free.”

Should You Pack China Plates Horizontally Or Vertically?

To lessen pressure, plates should be placed vertically on their sides rather than stacked on top of one another. Due to the weight of the upper level plates, especially those at the bottom of the stack, china plates with thinner centers are especially prone to breaking and cracking. If you’re not using a dish pack, wrap each plate separately in packing paper or bubble wrap and stack them upright, side by side. Then, stuff any open spaces with more packing material to make sure everything fits tightly.

Conclusion

We recognize that not everyone’s vehicle can accommodate a full washing machine in the back. However, it is always preferable to move a washing machine upright to avoid costly damages. To help you move your washing machine, if at all possible, contact a courier service.

FAQ

How to Transport a Washing Machine

Until it is fully covered and cushioned, wrap your washing machine in three to four moving blankets. With the aid of packing tape or a cord, secure the blankets. The next step is to carefully lift your machine onto a dolly with the aid of your helper or helpers. With ropes, fasten the washer to the dolly.

Can You Transport a Front Load Washer on Its Side

Before moving your washer, first replace the shipping bolts that were initially located in the washer’s back. As a result, the washer’s drum is kept from moving and is shielded from harm. Make sure the moving van has your washer upright as well. Shipping your washer on its side, front, or back can damage it.

Can You Transport a Washer and Dryer Laying Down

Ensure that your washer is positioned upright in the moving van as well. It can be damaged if you ship your washer on its side, front, or back. It is likely that you will need to level and balance your washer when you install it in your new house. In addition, before using the washer at your new location, make sure you remove the shipping bolts.

If you have other problems with washing machines, welcome to check the following guides!