Apartment Living: Finding the Right Place to Call Home

If you are planning on moving to a new home nearby and you have many belongings, then a moving company can help to transport your things in a timely manner. However, you need to make sure that your items are all ready to go. This means preparing some of your more expensive items like your appliances. You may not think that something like a washing machine needs much preparation, but there are a few things you need to do to make sure that the appliance makes it safely to your new home. Keep reading to learn how to prepare your washing machine for the move.

Drain All Water

Water is placed inside the main basin of your washing machine through the top of the device. After the wash and rinse cycles are completed, a water pump pulls the fluid through a water hose and then out through the drain line at the back of the washer. When this happens, a small amount of water is left behind in the hoses and this water can seep out of the washer when the appliance is tipped during the moving process. To prevent this from happening, make sure to drain the water from the washer before it is moved.

To complete this task, use a screwdriver to loosen the screws on the hose clamps that are attached to the external drain line hose. Place the hose in a bucket so residual water drains out of it. Place the hose and the two clamps in a safe place because the hose will need to be reattached once the washer is moved. At this time, use a screwdriver to remove the screws from the back panel of your washing machine. You will see a small clear plastic device along the middle or rear of the washer with a hose coming out the top. This is the water pump. Loosen the hose clamp from the top of the pump and allow fluid from the hose to drain out. This should help to remove the water from the hose and the lower part of the washing machine basin. To help make sure that all water has been fully removed, consider placing a brick under each front corner of the washing machine so the appliance tips backward. After all the water has been drained, reattach the hose to the top of the water pump and replace the screws on the back panel of the washing machine. 

Protect The Agitator And Tub

The tub and the agitator inside the washing machine are both meant to move in a rotating fashion. However, the moveable pieces of the appliance can shift and become jarred. This can break the agitator, tub, and the belts that are attached to these parts. To help reduce this issue, consider purchasing a washing machine moving kit. If you have a top loading washing machine, this kit will include a plastic or soft foam brace that can be placed between the drum and the frame. Kits usually contain a foam cover for the agitator in the middle of the basin as well. 

If you have a front loading washing machine, then you will need to purchase transit or moving bolts for the device. If you recently bought the appliance, then your installation expert may have provided you with the bolts when the appliance was installed. Your washing machine will generally need to be fitted with two, three, or four bolts. You will notice several holes along the back panel of your washing machine that will allow for bolt placement. Place one bolt in each hole and twist the hardware into place until the washers on the ends of the bolts fit snug with the back panel of the washing machine. If you have a hard time tightening the bolts, consider using a wrench. Click here to get more info about local moving companies.