Moving a Washing Machine, Fridge and Other Appliances
How to disconnect, prepare and transport washing machines, fridge-freezers, cookers and dishwashers in a UK move, including transit bolts, defrosting and settling.
Large appliances are heavy, awkward and full of parts that do not like being tilted or jolted. A little preparation protects the machine, your floor and the people carrying it. Do not take risks with gas or hardwired appliances, which need a qualified person.
General rules for all appliances
- Check the manual or manufacturer's website for transit advice.
- Disconnect from the power and let hot appliances cool.
- Clear the area so the team has room to move.
- Secure doors and loose parts with tape, without leaving residue on finishes.
- Tell the mover what is coming, so they bring trolleys, straps and enough people.
Washing machines
Preparing
- Run a short empty cycle to flush water, then switch off and unplug.
- Turn off the water supply and disconnect hoses, draining them into a bowl.
- Empty the filter at the base, keeping towels ready, since it holds water.
- Coil hoses and power cable, and tape them to the side.
Transit bolts
Most modern machines have transit bolts that lock the drum to the casing. If you still have the originals, refit them before the move. If not, ask the manufacturer or an engineer, since a drum that is free to move can be damaged. Keep machines upright where possible.
Fridges and freezers
- Empty and defrost at least 24 hours before the move, with towels to catch water.
- Clean and dry the interior, leaving the doors ajar to avoid smells.
- Secure shelves and drawers or remove them and wrap them separately.
- Transport upright where you can. If it has to travel on its side, leave it upright for a few hours before switching on so the oils settle. Check the manufacturer's advice for the time.
Fridges and freezers are among the items movers often prefer to be emptied, see what movers won't carry.
Dishwashers
Disconnect water and drain hoses, empty the filter, and secure racks and the door. Dishwashers are often built in, and the plumbing and electrics may require a competent person to disconnect and reconnect.
Cookers, ovens and hobs
Electric
Switch off at the isolator and unplug if it has a plug. Many cookers are hard-wired and need an electrician. Remove shelves and loose parts and wrap them.
Gas
Gas appliances must be disconnected and reconnected by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Do not attempt it yourself, and never leave a gas connection open or capped by an amateur.
Tumble dryers
Empty the water container and condenser if it has one. Clean the filter. Secure the door and cable, and keep it upright.
Installation at the new home
- Get the machine into position and level it.
- Allow fridges time before powering on, if they were tilted.
- Check the hoses for wear before connecting, and replace if needed.
- Run a test cycle to check for leaks.
- Consider plumbing or electrical needs in advance, since some appliances need a qualified person.
Planning and cost
Include appliances in the inventory you send for quotes. Heavy items affect the number of people and the time. Single appliance deliveries are covered in single item delivery cost. If you are replacing the appliance, old ones may be taken away by the retailer, so ask.
Tips for stairs and tight spaces
Use straps and trolleys, protect floors, and take doors off hinges where needed. See moving with stairs or a lift for planning.
A worked example: moving a washing machine
Suppose you are taking a washing machine from a second-floor flat to a ground-floor kitchen across town. The evening before, you run a short rinse to clear water, turn off the supply, disconnect the hoses into a bowl and clear the filter over a towel. In the morning you check the drum for any trapped water, refit the transit bolts if you kept them, tape the hoses to the side and move the machine on a trolley. At the new house you level the machine on its feet, reconnect the hoses, and run a short empty cycle with a towel under the connections to check for drips before loading any clothes. The whole process takes under an hour if you have prepared, and much longer if you find a leak at midnight.
Checks that catch problems
| Appliance | Check before moving | Check on arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Washing machine | Drum locked, hoses drained, filter emptied | Level, no leaks on first cycle |
| Fridge-freezer | Defrosted, dry, shelves secured | Upright and left to settle before switching on |
| Dishwasher | Racks secured, water drained | Hoses and seals checked before use |
| Electric cooker | Isolated and cooled, shelves removed | Connected by a competent person if hard-wired |
| Tumble dryer | Water tank emptied, filter clean | Vent hose clear and secure |
Common mistakes
- Skipping the drain and soaking the van floor or a neighbour's ceiling
- Laying a fridge flat and switching it straight on again
- Reusing perished rubber hoses
- Carrying without help. Appliances weigh far more than they look, and a slip on the stairs is how backs and doorframes get damaged
- Forgetting that built-in or integrated appliances may be fixed behind cabinets and need careful removal
Rented homes and landlord appliances
If the appliance belongs to the landlord, leave it in place, and check the inventory before you remove anything. If you are taking your own appliance into a rental, ask about plumbing, space and who is responsible for any connection issue.
When to call a professional
Use a qualified person for anything that involves a gas supply or a fixed electrical connection. A Gas Safe registered engineer should disconnect and reconnect gas cookers and hobs, and a registered electrician should deal with hard-wired items. Plumbed-in appliances are often manageable, but call a plumber if you are unsure about isolating valves or waste connections.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to secure the washing machine drum?
Yes if the manufacturer recommends it. Fit transit bolts if you have them, or get advice.
Can a fridge be transported on its side?
Sometimes, but it is not ideal. Follow the manufacturer's advice and leave it upright before switching on.
Who disconnects a gas cooker?
A Gas Safe registered engineer. Do not do it yourself.
Should I take the old appliance or buy a new one?
It depends on age and cost. An older machine may not survive the journey, and transport plus reconnection can approach the price of a budget replacement. Compare both before committing.