The most difficult task involved in the relocation process is packing and moving your household items, including the heavy and critical ones. Packing such items, especially home appliances, requires additional care as a slight mistake can cause huge trouble for you later on. A minute damage can reduce the appliance's lifecycle, which is why everyone believes in hiring professionals for this task. If you are relocating from one place to another in Bangalore, then you can search online for the best packers and movers in Bangalore or the top moving company near me to hire them for the task of relocating your belongings safely to the destination. But, if you want to try relocating appliances like a washing machine on your own, then you must be aware of all the steps associated with its safe move. Keep on reading to know the useful steps.
A step-by-step guide to packing and moving a washing machine
Relocating washing machines is a challenging task because they are bulky, delicate, and have numerous working parts that are required to be handled carefully. On average, a washing machine weighs around 60 to 90 Kgs. Some machines can weigh more than that like up to 120 Kg. Handling such a heavy item is not an easy task. This is why you need to learn a few guiding steps that will help you relocate a washing machine on your own without any stress.
Step 1: Read the manual
Before starting to pack and move your washing machines, it is highly recommended to read the instructions manual properly. It will give you an overall idea of how to disconnect and reconnect the washing machine safely before and after the move. With the help of this manual, you will be able to understand the specific materials that are required for transporting the machine. Also, you will be able to know about any certain component that must be secured or detached during the move.
Step 2: Gather all the necessary packing supplies
It is important to have all the essential packing supplies and moving equipment for the shifting of your washing machine. The basic items that you need to relocate your washing machine include a wrench, pliers, washing machine cleaners, packing tape, cardboard or foam, a moving blanket, furniture or hand trolley, a dolly, and a rope, or bungee cords. All these supplies will help you carry out the packing and moving process of the machine easily.
Step 3: Clean the washer
To clean the washer, you can run an empty load on a warm cycle or drum clean cycle. You can also add some cleaning agents like bleach or white vinegar. Nowadays, there are special cleaning tablets available to clean the machine making it dry and odorless. Make sure to spin dry the machine and leave the door and detergent compartment open for at least 48 hours to air dry. You must wipe and clean the interior of the door seal to remove mold and any detergent residue. Also, you must clean out the filter located at the front of the machine. Make sure to remove all the little objects including lint, socks, tissues, coins, etc. Do drain out any leftover water from the drainage area.
Step 4: Disconnect the washing machine
Switch off the machine and unplug the power outlet. You must fold and tape the power wire to the washing machine to keep it protected during the move. After this, you should detach the water hose from the back of the machine. Make sure that the machine is completely drained and there is no water inside to prevent any sort of damage during the relocation process. Empty the drain hose completely and wrap it carefully using a tape or bungee cord. Before doing all of this, make sure that both the power supply and water supply are disconnected.
Step 5: Protect the drum
It is extremely important to protect the drum of the washing machine during the move because there are high chance that the suspension system of the appliance gets damaged throughout transportation. To prevent any damage, you have to stabilize the machine’s drum from extreme movement during transit. For front loaders, you need to stabilize the drum by installing the transit bolts at the back of the machine, and for top loaders, you need to put padding material like foam or cardboard between the drum and the casing. This will help the drum to stay in place. Also, remove the pedestal if your machine has any.
Step 6: Protect the washer
You must tape down all the locks and doors of the machine and wrap them in at least three to four furniture blankets to avoid any scratches and dents during the transit. You can secure the blankets to the washer using packing tape or shrink wrap.
Step 7: Moving the machine
After preparing the washer, make use of a dolly to move it and load it inside the truck. Load the machine on the dolly with help from friends and secure it on the dolly using a strong rope or bungee cords. The machine must be kept in an upright position to prevent unwanted issues like damaged suspension, loose pads, and more. This can happen if you place the washer on its side or back during transit. Make use of the hand trolley to lift and move the machine. After reaching the new location, you must carefully lift and place the machine in the new spot and reconnect it to the power outlet and water supply.
Conclusion
Relocation of a washing machine is a difficult task and thus, you need to take proper precautions like the ones mentioned above to move it safely to the new destination. In case of any doubt, you can hire movers and packers in Bangalore to safely relocate your washing machine.