Moving a front loading washer

By Eric Anders • Sep 26th, 2011 • Category: Appliance Service

During a recent road trip, we got behind a young couple pulling a small utility trailer that contained a fairly new and very expensive matching Kenmore front load washer and dryer set. Neither appliance was padded or even well secured. Both bounced up and down and slide across the trailer floor each time the car hit a bump or negotiated a curve.

When the SUV pulled in next to us at the rest area, I mentioned they might want to tighten the straps if they wanted to avoid an unfortunate accident or damage to their cargo. As he reworked the ropes, she told me they’d found these ‘deals’ on Craigslist. I asked if the seller had provided the cargo bolts to secure the drums before they moved them. The jostling I’d noticed told me they weren’t in place.

They hadn’t.

I showed ‘em the holes where the bolts had been removed during the original installation and explained how they could try to wedge the drums to prevent movement. I suggested they might want to find a local appliance store to see if they could purchase a ‘Shipping Kit’ if they still had a ways to travel. Service repairs on these particular models can be very, very costly.

Her face turned ashen.

A lot of consumers are attracted to the convenience and energy savings that modern front load washers and dryers provide over the longer life of the machines. When you acquire one of these new units, it’s important to save the original shipping/stabilizer bolts, spacers and installation tools. Place all items in a small bag with the operating instructions and either affix the bag to the machine or keep it nearby.

When relocating, make sure you either install the shipping bolts before transporting or advise your household goods carrier that you have the necessary components so that your qualified mover or third party appliance technician can install and deinstall them.

If you didn’t keep or can’t locate them, it’s best to order the necessary parts several weeks before your planned moving day. Most movers don’t normally carry replacements and third party services may not stock them for your particular brand. It could take some time to order from the manufacturer.

A good place to check for part numbers and availability is at a reputable appliance parts store (see AppliancePartsPros.com, Inc. below ). There is also a more expensive universal washing machine stabilization pack on the market that doesn't use bolts but requires some special equipment and a bit more effort.

Front load appliances aren’t the only ones susceptible to transit damage if not properly locked down. Top load models should also be secured with a universal washer pack or by carefully stuffing towels between the tub and sides of the interior wall of the washer. .

In today’s do-it-yourself economy, inexperienced or uninformed consumers involved in any type of moving project can expect some setbacks. Taking the initiative, however, often isn’t the same as having experience. Sometime it pays to ask an appliance technician, piano mover, electrical engineer, building superintendent or relocation specialist for their professional advice. It’s usually free and every bit worth the price.

This easy-to-use search will help you find appliance parts quickly. Begin by entering your appliance model number.
Example: LSQ8243HQ0
Where can I find the model number? The model tag is usually in a visible location, on the front of the appliance (not on the back).

GE recalls front load washers due to fire and shock hazards – RELORoundtable

What matters most when planning a move? - RELORoundtable

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