Quick summary (October 2026): To move a washing machine safely, drain any water left in it, disconnect the hoses, and lock the drum with the transit bolts before it goes anywhere. Beko’s guidance is to secure the drum with the manufacturer’s transit bolts, move the machine on a dolly with straps, and remove the bolts again before using it. A typical washing machine is about 60cm wide, 85cm high and 60cm deep, so it fits in any of The Van Man Co’s van sizes, and drivers bring blankets, straps and a trolley. To see drivers and prices, start with the Bristol man and van page.
Moving a washing machine safely needs three things: drain it, lock the drum, and keep it steady on the way.
It’s fairly straightforward once you know about the transit bolts. The main risk in a move is the drum swinging about inside, and the bolts stop that.
The other thing to plan is the lift. A washing machine is heavy, awkward and low to the ground, so it’s a two-person job on stairs.
Before moving day
Do this the day before if you can, so the hoses have time to dry out.
- Drain it. If there’s water left in the machine, drain it before moving. On many machines the filter at the bottom front has a small drain hose, and your manual will show where. Have towels and a shallow tray ready.
- Disconnect the hoses. Turn off the water supply, then disconnect the inlet hose or hoses from the back of the machine and the drain hose from the waste pipe. Let them drip dry.
- Unplug it and tape the cable to the back so it doesn’t catch on door frames.
- Find the transit bolts. They’re the long bolts that came out of the back when it was first installed. If you kept them, they’re often taped to the back or in the kitchen drawer.
Fit the transit bolts
The transit bolts lock the drum to the frame so it can’t swing around on the journey. Beko says to secure the drum with the transit bolts provided by the manufacturer before moving it. Screw them back into the holes in the rear panel, following your manual.
If you’ve lost them, replacement bolts can usually be ordered using the model number, and it’s worth getting a set before the move rather than risking the drum. Padding around the drum isn’t a real substitute for the bolts.
Getting it out and into the van
Lift it onto a sack barrow or dolly and strap it on, lifting with your legs rather than your back (HSE has more on lifting safely). Two people make this much easier, especially on stairs and through doorways. Keep it upright where you can.
In the van, strap it upright against the side wall so it can’t slide or tip. It doesn’t need a big van on its own: at about 85cm tall it fits in any of our van sizes, even the medium van. If the fridge freezer is coming too, our 3D van size calculator checks the headroom for you, as a tall one won’t stand up in a medium van. With The Van Man Co, drivers bring blankets, straps and a trolley, so the kit is covered.
After the move
- Remove the transit bolts before you use it. Make sure they’re fully loosened before you take them out, and keep them somewhere safe for next time.
- Reconnect the hoses and check the connections for leaks.
- Level the machine using the adjustable feet, so it doesn’t walk across the floor on a spin.
- Run an empty cycle to check it’s working properly before you put a load in.
Beko is clear that the bolts come out before you use it, so that one is worth a sticky note on the door.
Booking a washing machine move
We move single items like washing machines, fridges and sofas, as well as full flat and house moves. The price is an estimate based on time and distance, including the driver’s travel to your pickup and back from your drop-off, and some drivers offer an extra pair of hands for heavy items. See our small furniture moving and delivery service, or local drivers on the man and van page for Bristol or anywhere else in the UK. Moving a fridge as well? There’s a separate guide on how to move a fridge in a van.
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FAQs
Do I need transit bolts to move a washing machine?
Yes, ideally. They lock the drum so it can’t swing around on the journey. Beko’s guidance is to secure the drum with the manufacturer’s transit bolts before moving, and to remove them again before using the machine.
What if I’ve lost the transit bolts?
Replacement bolts can usually be ordered using the model number on the machine. It’s worth getting a set before the move rather than relying on padding.
Can a washing machine go in a medium van?
Yes. A typical washing machine is about 60cm wide, 85cm high and 60cm deep, so it fits in a medium van with room to spare.
How long after moving can I use my washing machine?
Once the transit bolts are out, the hoses are reconnected and it’s level, you can run it. Beko suggests running an empty cycle first to check it’s working properly.
