Drain It Before You Move It
A washing machine holds gallons of water in the drum and the hoses — water you don't see until you tip it. Move it without draining and you'll flood the floor, the truck, and the new apartment's installation.
Shut Off the Water
Turn off both the hot and cold supply valves behind the machine before you touch a hose. Run a final drain cycle (or a spin cycle) to empty the drum.
Disconnect and Drain the Hoses
Unscrew the two supply hoses from the wall and from the back of the machine, and drain them into a bucket. Disconnect the drain hose from the wall standpipe and let it empty into the bucket too. Water will come out — expect a half gallon.
Keep It Upright
Like a fridge, a washer should be moved upright. The drum suspension and the internal braces are designed for vertical orientation. Tipping it lays residual water into the motor and the controls.
Secure the Drum
If the washer has a "transport bolt" kit (often in the manual or available from the manufacturer), install it to lock the drum. Without transport bolts, the drum bangs around in transit and damages the suspension. A blanket stuffed in the drum is a poor substitute but better than nothing.
Tape the Cord and Hoses to the Back
Tape the power cord and the three hoses to the back of the machine so they don't drag or catch on door frames. A snagged hose pulls the fitting and leaks at the new install.
Carry With Two and a Dolly
A washer weighs 150–200 lbs. Use an appliance dolly, strap it, and carry with two people. Don't drag it — the feet scratch and the cabinet warps.
Install at the New Place
Reconnect the supply hoses (new ones are better than reusing old, cracked ones), the drain hose, and level the machine with the adjustable feet. Run an empty cycle before the first real load to confirm no leaks.
Book NYC moving labor for appliances — drained, dolly, and careful.
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