A stacked washer and dryer weighs around 350lbs and without the correct technique, can be very challenging to move. Fortunately, there are effective techniques to move the dryer off the washer separately or to easily move the washer and dryer as a unit.
Move a stacked washer and dryer by first undoing the stacking kit from behind the appliances. Then slide the combined units out together slightly do de-attach hoses before wiggling the dryer onto a wheely garbage can. If the stacking kit is inaccessible, you’ll need to slide both units out before removing the dryer.
Some cupboards that house stacked washing machines and dryers can be really tight, so it’s important to follow specific steps in successfully removing the appliances. Within this article, I take you through the most effective techniques for doing so.
What is the Best Way to Move a Stacked Washer and Dryer?
There are two ways to move a stacked washer dryer: as separate units or as a paired unit. As separate units, you’ll need to disconnect the stacking kit first which can be challenging especially if your washing machine and dryer are in a small cupboard.
For this reason, even if the dryer needs repairing, often professionals will remove the stacked unit before detaching the dryer.
Note: the dryer should always be located on top of the washer since it’s around 100 lbs lighter than a washer.
Also remember that once you’re finished and are replacing the dryer or unit, secure the drain tube and test whether all the pipes are secure before sliding it back.
Within this article, I’ll explain the best ways to safely move stacked washer-dryer units both individually and together.
4 easy steps to moving A Stacked Washer Dryer Individually
Moving a stacked washer and dryer as separate units are the same as simply removing the dryer from the top of the washing machine. This can be advantageous because it’s less work and means you don’t need to disconnect all the pipes and wiring from the washing machine.
When I move my stacked washer/dryer I always remove the cupboard doors first too as shown in the picture below. This gives me far more space to work with.
Within this section, I’ll tell you how to remove the dryer only from the stacked washer-dryer units.
Step 1: Turn Off The Gas Supply And Disconnect The Dryer
The first steps you’ll want to take to ensure safety is the following:
Before you do anything, turn off the power: Locate the electrical breaker or fuse for the dryer and switch it off to cut off the power supply.
- Unplug the power cord: Once the power is off, unplug the dryer from the electrical outlet.
- Shut off the gas supply (if applicable): If your dryer operates on gas, you’ll need to shut off the gas supply before disconnecting it.
- Disconnect the gas line (if applicable): If you’ve shut off the gas supply, you can now disconnect the gas line from the dryer.
- Detach the vent hose: Locate the vent hose, which is usually connected to the back of the dryer, and disconnect it from where it enters the wall.
- Remove the drain hose (if applicable). They can be screwed on really tight so you’ll probably need to use a pair of pliers.
Note: Depending on the location of your stacked washer/dryer unit, you may need to slide both units back slightly before being able to complete the disconnection instructions above (step 3 in my instructions).
Step 2: Assess How Your Stacked Washer Dryer Are Connected
Stackables are usually placed one at a time with the upper unit clipping into the lower unit with a ‘stacking kit’. The purpose of the stacking kit is to keep the dryer safely on top of the washing machine, especially when it’s spinning. The stacking kit is normally behind the washer dryer and is disassembled by simply removing the screws or bolts holding it in place.
If you’re unable to access the stacking kit you may need to slide both units out together before unscrewing it (step 3).
Step 3: Slide Both Units Out Slightly Together
If you’ve been able to disconnect all relevant connections and undo the stacking kit then you can skip this section. The lines (water, power, gas, vent) are almost always long enough to get the unit free of the closet and then reach behind it. Check as you go, using a mirror if need be.
You’ll probably need to move both units together and here’s how you do that:
- Spray something slippery underneath the feet of your washing machine. Something like White Lithium Grease (on Amazon) works well, but you could also use oil or soapy water.
- Optional step: Remove the washing machine door for more leverage. For the next step, you’ll be pulling the washing machine from the inside and some people find it easier to remove the door. It’s normally just two Phillips head screws.
- Pull the washing machine from inside the drum (but don’t grab the drum itself and be careful of the rubber gasket), left then right. Pull at a slight angle to start ‘walking’ it forward. Each next pull should be on the opposing side, walking it out. Remember to use your legs and not your back, and not to pull too hard as you don’t want to damage a water line. Use a flashlight or phone to take a picture if it gets stuck.
Once you’ve done this you should be able to undo the stacking bracket and disconnect the various cables mentioned previously.
Step 4: Pull The Dryer Onto A Garbage Can (Or Lift It Off)
For this step, you’ll need to find an object that you can slide your dryer onto. In the past, I’ve found a garbage can that works really well because it’s roughly the same height as the washing machine and has wheels. Compost bins or recycling bins are the same. In any case, try and find something strong and at the same height or shorter than your washing machine.
If you can’t find anything the right height, at this stage you could simply lift the dryer off instead.
Once on the garbage can, you should be able to wheel the dryer to wherever you’d like and job’s a good ‘un!
Moving A Stacked Washer Dryer As A Unit
The alternative is to remove the washer and dryer as a stacked unit. Whilst this is heavier, some people say this is safer and potentially easier as you don’t need to remove the stacking system. You may also need to move the stacked washer dryer together before being able to unbolt the stacking kit.
Before I get into this section, I want to recommend a few products. I hadn’t come across these previously, but doing a lot of research into moving large appliances there’s some pretty cool technology out there I wouldn’t have previously considered:
The Air Sled (on Amazon). This is a really cool device that basically has two very thin inflatable sleds that slide underneath your stacked washer/dryer. The motor inflates the sleds and you’re able to easily slide out the appliance.
A furniture jack (on Amazon) allows the user to easily raise loads of up to 660 lbs. This would be particularly useful if you wanted to momentarily raise your washing machine, for example to get it over the lip of a cupboard.
A furniture mover (on Amazon) lets you raise furniture or appliances (up to 1100 lbs) and then slide some wheels underneath, enabling you to wheel heavy items around. Depending on the setup of your stacked washer and dryer, this could work a treat!
Move a stacked unit by following these steps:
- Carefully Pull the Unit Away From the Wall
Carefully pull the unit away from the wall by wiggling it gently from the sides. Pull it just far enough from the wall so you can easily access the hoses and electrical outlet.
You may want to spray underneath the washing machine with grease to make it slide (furniture polish works really well) or to also utilize any of the products I mentioned above. The Air Sled is particularly effective.
- Turn Off and Unplug the Power Supply
Turn off the power to the machine from the wall outlet or breaker panel and unplug its electrical cord. Tape the cord to the back of the dryer so it doesn’t get in the way while you’re on the move.
If your machine has a gas dryer, you might want to call a licensed professional to shut off the gas supply, disconnect, and plug the line feeding the unit.
- Detach the Drain Hose
Turn off the water supply to the washer, then locate the large, plastic drain hose. Remove it from its current position and place it in the laundry sink or into a bucket to drain any residual water.
It’s best to set the washer to a spin cycle to remove any water that’s left in it through the drain line. And for best results, you should leave it to dry out with the lid open for a day or two before the move.
- Disconnect the Hot and Cold Water Hoses
The inlet hoses for the washer are usually found at the back of the unit, and you want to double-check that you’ve closed their respective water valves before disconnecting them. Some washers have hoses you can easily disconnect, but others need an adjustable wrench to detach.
Once you’ve detached each hose, place it in a laundry sink or bucket to drain residual water. Once they’re dry, put them in a sealable bag for transportation.
- Secure the Shipping Bolts
Your stacked washer/dryer has an agitator and tub that move around during the wash cycle. While the feature comes in handy for getting out tough stains, dirt, and grime, it can also pose a problem during the move. This happens when the two components aren’t properly secured.
Check your appliance manual to determine where the shipping bolts are located on the washer unit. You’ll need them to secure the tub in place so it doesn’t shift about as you move the machine.
If your washer doesn’t have shipping bolts, you can wedge a piece of foam or cardboard between the drum and frame to restrict their movement.
- Detach the Ventilation Hose
The ventilation hose is a flexible pipe with a relatively larger diameter that channels the exhaust from the dryer to the outside of your home. It’s typically secured with simple clamps that you can quickly loosen or cut off with a pair of wire cutters.
Detach the vent hose and ensure it’s clean before putting it in a sealable bag. While you can put it inside the dryer during transportation, it’s best to transport it separately so things don’t tumble into each other and loosen.
- Use a Dolly to Move the Machine OR undo the stacking kit.
Once the washer dryer is out of the cupboard, you should be able to undo the stacking kit or continue moving it. If you are able to undo the stacking kit, go back to the first section where I explain how to just remove the dryer.
Or, use a dolly to haul the stacked washer and dryer from your home onto a moving truck (or wherever you’d like to move it). You can purchase a dolly or appliance cart from a home renovation store. You can also hire one from a moving truck rental company.
And as practical and sensible as it can be, this part needs at least two people. Have your helping partner hold the cart in place and pull the stacked machine as you push and gently lift it onto the dolly.
Can a Stacked Washer and Dryer Be Moved On Its Side?
You should always keep a stacked washer and dryer standing upright as you move it and don’t move it on its side. Laying the machine on its side can cause the inner and outer tubs to bump against each other, which can cause damage.
The bumping can misalign the tubs and alter the way your unit works. It can also damage the suspension or loosen the support pads. You should also secure the drum with shipping bolts or washer locks that you insert in the back of the machine.
