Are you thinking of purchasing a new washing machine, or moving to a new home? You might be wondering, how much does a washing machine weigh? And can I lift it myself?
We have all the answers right here! In this article, we’ll discuss:
- How heavy is an average washing machine?
- How do you move a heavy washing machine?
- Best way to move a washing machine up stairs?
- How do you lift a washing machine?
- Can two people lift a washer?
- Can you tie washing machines down?
How Heavy is an Average Washing Machine?
The average front-loading washer weighs around 180 pounds, while the average top-loader weighs 150 pounds.
This average is based on mid-sized capacity. Of course, washers with a smaller capacity will weigh less and washers with a higher capacity will weigh more.
A large capacity washing machine can weigh up to 230 pounds, so they definitely aren’t light to move!
This, of course, comes with benefits too—you don’t want your washing machine sliding around your laundry room floor, and its weight keeps it in place as the drum moves around inside during wash cycles.
How do you Move a Heavy Washing Machine?
In this section, we’ll discuss how to move your heavy washing machine in 7 simple steps.
First, you’ll need:
- Shipping bolts
- Appliance dolly
- Wrench or slip-bolt pliers
- Bucket
- Moving blankets
- Packing tape
- Moving ramp
- Rope, straps, or cord to secure the appliance during transport
Step 1: Empty and Clean Your Washer
First, empty your washer entirely of clothes and water. If you’d like, you can also give it one last clean so that it shows up to your new place looking and smelling good as new!
Wipe the drum, agitator or soap tray, control panel, lid, and exterior of the machine down with a damp cloth, then run a clean cycle with homemade or store-bought washing machine cleaner.
Once the cycle is complete, your washer will be clean and fresh! Then you can move on to step two.
Step 2: Disconnect Your Washing Machine
Drag your washer out from the wall, then unplug it from the outlet.
Turn off the water valve so that the water connecting to your washer is shut off, then grab a bucket and place it behind your appliance.
Disconnect the water hoses from the back of your washing machine using your wrench or pliers and allow any excess water to drain into the bucket.
Step 3: Secure the Drum with Shipping Bolts
You don’t want your washer’s drum moving while your washer is in transport, because this extra movement wears on the appliance.
To prevent this, use shipping bolts that came with your washer to secure the drum in place. You can purchase replacement bolts if needed!
Step 4: Protect Your Appliance
To protect your washer further, wrap it in shipping blankets. Secure the blankets around your appliance using packing tape.
Step 5: Load Your Washer onto the Dolly
With the help of at least one other person, lift your washing machine onto a dolly. Secure it upright using a strap, cord, or rope.
Step 6: Place it in Your Vehicle
Carefully roll the washer out of your house, using a moving ramp if needed to get down short flights of stairs.
Then, use the moving ramp to roll the dolly into your moving vehicle and take your washer off of the dolly.
Tie it into place so that it doesn’t slip or fall over as you drive.
Step 7: Unload Your Washer
Lastly, unload your washer back onto the dolly and bring it into your new laundry room. Again, use a ramp when needed to navigate the vehicle and any stairs.
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How do you Move a Washing Machine up Stairs?
If you’re going up a short flight of stairs, you can use a moving ramp to navigate the steps easily. However, bringing a washing machine up a long flight of stairs is more challenging—and requires quite a bit more upper-arm strength on your part.
To move a washing machine up stairs:
- Secure the washer to a dolly.
- Roll the dolly to the bottom of the stairs so that the handle and the wheels are against the bottom stair.
- Get help! Have one person lift the dolly up the stairs using the handle, while the other lifts the washer from the bottom. Move slowly up the steps, one at a time, and be sure to lift with your knees.
If you don’t have someone to help you or you cannot carry the washer upstairs together, don’t hurt yourselves trying!
Instead, hire professional movers to help you get the washer in or out of your house. They do this every day and know how to lift heavy objects without injuring themselves.
How do you Lift a Washing Machine?
Don’t try to lift a washing machine on your own. Instead, get help and use a dolly.
Always lift with your knees, not your back, as this will help you to avoid injury.
If you aren’t muscular enough to move a washing machine even with help, hire professional movers to avoid injury.
Can Two People Lift a Washer?
Two people can lift a washer, but not just any two people can do so. Washing machines are heavy, and it takes a lot of strength to move them!
Make sure you know how to lift heavy objects safely, lifting with your knees so that you don’t injure your back.
If you struggle to lift your washer, hire professionals to move it for you.
Can you Tie Washing Machines Down?
You can (and should!) tie washing machines down while you move them. Secure your washer completely to a truck or moving van using straps, ropes, or cords.
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