How to Move a Washer and Dryer With Pedestals Safely

The safest way to move a washer and dryer with pedestals is to disconnect them from utilities, remove the pedestal drawers, and use a heavy-duty appliance dolly with straps to move them as a single unit. You do not need to separate the machines from their pedestals unless you are going up or down stairs. Many experts say moving them together is faster and reduces the risk of damaging the floor or your back.

Moving laundry appliances is a heavy job, but it is very doable with the right prep work. We found that measuring your doorways and hallways before you start is just as important as knowing how to lift. You will also need to protect your floors and have a second person to help you balance the load. Whether you are moving across town or just sliding them out to clean behind them, proper technique prevents injury.

Before you start, here are the quick facts you need to know:

• You can move them together as one unit if your path is flat and wide enough.
• Always unplug and disconnect the water lines and vent hose first.
• Remove the pedestal drawers to cut down on weight and prevent them from sliding out.
• Secure the washer drum with the shipping bolts if you are moving the machine far.
• Use a dolly, not your back, and tilt the unit from the side, never the front.

Below, we break down exactly how to prep your machines, lift them safely, and navigate tricky doorways. Let’s walk through it step by step so you can get this heavy job done without a scratch.

Preparing Your Washer and Dryer for the Move

Before you even think about lifting, you need to prep the machines. This step is about safety and avoiding costly damage. It takes about 20 minutes, but it makes the rest of the job much easier. We found that skipping this step leads to water spills and dents every time.

Start by turning off the water supply valves behind the washer. Then, unplug both machines from the wall outlet. You should also disconnect the drain hose from the wall pipe. Have a bucket and some towels handy because a little water will spill out. It is normal, so do not panic.

Removing the Pedestal Drawers

Pedestal drawers are convenient for storage, but they are a hazard during a move. They can slide out when you tilt the machine. This throws off your balance and can cause the whole unit to tip. It is a recipe for disaster, so always remove the drawers first.

Pull the drawer out until it stops. Then, press down on the release tabs on the inside tracks. Lift the drawer up and out. Research suggests that reducing the total weight also reduces your risk of muscle strain. Take the drawers to the moving truck separately or put them in a safe spot.

What to Do With the Drawers and Hardware

Do not just toss the drawers in the back of a truck. You might scratch the front panels. Wrap them in moving blankets or towels. Place them flat so they do not warp. Put the screws and small parts in a zip-lock bag and tape it to the side of the machine. You will thank yourself later when you try to reinstall them.

Gathering the Right Tools for the Job

You cannot do this with just a strong back. The right tools make the move safer and quicker. We have seen people try to use a hand truck meant for boxes, and it almost always ends badly. Invest in the proper equipment or rent it from a local hardware store.

You will need an appliance dolly with straps. This has a wide base and a strap that goes around the machine to hold it in place. You also want moving blankets, heavy-duty tape, a utility knife, and a ratchet strap. If you have stairs, you will need a second dolly or a helper who knows how to take the weight.

• Appliance dolly with a ratchet strap to secure the unit.
• Moving blankets to protect the finish and your walls.
• Ratchet straps to keep the machines stable on the dolly.
• Furniture sliders for moving across hard floors.
• Utility knife to cut tape and open boxes.
• Plywood boards to bridge small gaps or steps.

Lifting and Moving the Unit Correctly

Lifting is where most people injure themselves. Your knees are stronger than your back. Bend at the knees, not the waist. Keep your core tight and your back straight. The goal is to tip the unit back onto the dolly, not to deadlift it off the ground.

To start, position the dolly against the side of the machine, not the front. The front has the control panels and the pedestal handles. Tipping it from the front puts pressure on the control board. Instead, tip it from the side to protect the fragile electronics. Many experts say always tilt from the side for this exact reason.

The Proper Lifting Maneuver

The “tip and roll” method is the most efficient. Have your helper hold the top of the machine to steady it. You grab the bottom edge on the side. Rock the machine gently to find its balance point. Then, tip it back slowly onto the dolly base. Go slow and communicate with your partner. Do not rush this step.

Once the unit is on the dolly, tilt it back so the weight rests on the wheels. Then, secure the ratchet strap around the body of the machines. You want it snug but not so tight that it dents the metal. A good rule of thumb is that you should not be able to move the machine with your hand.

Why You Should Not Separate Them

Many people think they need to unbolt the washer and dryer from the pedestals. You really do not need to do this unless you are going down a flight of stairs. The pedestal is bolted to the machine for a reason. They are designed to move as one unit. Taking them apart creates more work and more risk of losing parts.

If you do have stairs, that is a different story. Separate them to lower the total weight. A washer alone is heavy. A washer on a pedestal is a tall, top-heavy load. On a staircase, that height can cause you to lose your center of gravity. Use plywood boards to bridge the stairs and slide the unit down slowly.

Navigating Doorways and Hallways

This is the moment where most DIY moves fall apart. You reach the door and the machine does not fit. We found that measuring is not optional; it is essential. Grab a tape measure and check the width of every doorway, hallway, and stairwell in your path. Compare that to the width of your machines.

Do not forget to add a few inches for the dolly and the straps. If the doorway is too narrow, you might need to remove the doors from their hinges. That is usually easier than trying to squeeze a 200-pound appliance past a door jam. To remove a door, just pop out the hinge pins with a screwdriver.

Protecting Your Floors on the Way Out

Your floors will take a beating during this move. The wheels on a dolly are hard plastic and can scratch wood or tile. Lay down cardboard or old rugs along the path. This creates a smooth surface and prevents debris from scratching the floor. It also makes the whole trip easier to navigate.

For carpet, plastic runners work best. The dolly wheels can dig into the carpet and leave track marks.

Always tilt the dolly back when moving so the weight is on the wheels, not on the floor. This takes the pressure off the front of the dolly and makes it easier to roll. It also prevents the bottom of the machine from scraping across the threshold.

Dealing With Stairs and Tight Corners

Stairs are the hardest obstacle you will face. If you have more than one or two steps, call in professional movers. That is not a joke. Research from safety organizations point to stairs as the most common place for appliance-related injuries. The risk is not worth the money you will save.

If you only have a few steps, you can manage it with a second strong person. Go down the stairs backward. The person at the top holds the dolly handles. The person at the bottom acts as a brake and steers the wheels. Use moving straps over your shoulders to take the weight off your arms.

The Backward Descent Method

Going down stairs, the machine should face you. That means the dolly goes down first, and the machine is tilted back toward you. This way, you are holding the machine up, not pushing it down. If you push it down, gravity takes over and you lose control fast. Your legs should do the work. Think of it like a slow, controlled squat.

Always us a spotter to walk ahead and warn you about steps. Do not try to carry the machine up stairs by hand without a dolly. That is a fast way to throw your back out or break the machine. The dolly is your best friend here.

Securing the Machines for Transport

You are not done once the unit is on the dolly. If you are loading it into a truck, you need to keep it from moving. The biggest risk during transport is tipping, especially in corners. Secure the machine to the inside wall of the truck with ratchet straps. Use furniture blankets to pad it on all sides.

Position the washer and dryer against the bulkhead (the front wall of the truck). Put them back-to-back or side by side, depending on the truck size. Use straps to anchor them to the tie-down hooks in the floor. This keeps them from sliding forward when you brake. We found it best to tighten the strap over the top of the machines, not just around the base.

Always place the heaviest machine (usually the washer) on the bottom if you are stacking anything. Never stack boxes on top of the machines. The weight can crush the thin metal panels on top. It is also a fall hazard when you unload. The machines should always be the last things loaded and the first things unloaded.

Moving Them Like a Pro

With the right prep and a calm mindset, moving washer and dryer with pedestal is totally doable. Just remember the key points: protect your back, measure your doorways, and do not rush. It is a heavy job, but it is a one-time effort. If you feel unsure at any point, pause and reassess.

When you reach your new spot, hook everything back up. Remember to check for leaks on the water lines. Wait for a few hours and run a short cycle to make sure everything works. We hope this guide helps you tackle this task like a pro

Conclusion

Moving a washer and dryer with pedestals comes down to smart prep and safe lifting. You can do this yourself if you measure your path, remove the drawers, and use a proper appliance dolly. The trick is to keep the machines together as one unit and always tilt from the side.

Your back and your floors will thank you when you take it slow. Do not rush the job or skip the straps. If the path gets complicated with stairs or tight corners, call in pros. It is worth the money for peace of mind.

Your next step is simple: grab your tape measure and check every doorway right now. Then gather your dolly and blankets. You have got this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to remove the pedestals to move my washer and dryer?

No, you do not need to remove the pedestals for a flat move. They are bolted on for a reason and move safely as one unit. You should only separate them if you are navigating stairs or very tight spaces.

How much does a washer and dryer with pedestals weigh together?

A standard washer weighs around 150 to 200 pounds. A dryer weighs about 100 to 150 pounds. Adding pedestals adds roughly 25 to 40 pounds per machine. That puts your total moving load between 300 and 400 pounds.

What happens if the washer and dryer do not fit through the doorway?

You can remove the interior doors from their hinges to gain extra clearance. You can also measure the machine diagonally, not just the width. If it still does not fit, you may need to tilt the unit at an angle to squeeze through.

Can I move a washer and dryer alone without a dolly?

You should not try to lift these machines by hand alone. They are too heavy and too awkward to carry safely. We found that using furniture sliders on a flat floor is the only safe solo method. For anything else, get a helper and a dolly.

How long does it take to move washer and dryer with pedestals?

Plan for about two to three hours from start to finish. Prepping the machines takes around 20 minutes. The actual moving time depends on your path and distance. Loading and strapping the units in the truck adds another 30 minutes.