July 5, 2025, 4:13 am | Read time: 5 minutes

Transporting a washing machine during a move can go wrong in many ways. In the worst-case scenario, the machine may not work properly in the new home and require repairs. MyHOMEBOOK author Stephan Lamprecht shares tips in this article on how to prevent such issues.

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Attention, Transport Lock!

When a new washing machine is delivered and installed, the transport staff usually leave behind a bag with a few tools, centered around a massive screw. Often, the parts are clearly marked in red. These are the transport locks that the manufacturer installs directly at the factory. All washing machine manufacturers recommend keeping these original parts well. This means they should be stored in a place that the new owners can easily remember.

It’s likely that everyone has at some point come across screws, bolts, and other metal parts in the basement or workshop whose purpose seemed unknown. Therefore, it is highly recommended to label the transport locks additionally. Ideally, also directly with the name and model of the machine. Otherwise, you might end up with a sizable collection in the basement, and no one can decide which lock belongs to which machine. There is no standard for these locks. These original parts fit the respective device perfectly and are indispensable in the event of a move.

Why Transport Locks Are So Important for the Machine

The construction of various washing machine models does not differ significantly. Inside, there is a tub where the detergent runs. Inside the tub rotates the part visible to all users, the drum. Especially during spinning, impressive centrifugal forces are generated. To prevent the machine from vibrating too much and to keep everything in place both outside and inside, springs and shock absorbers are installed inside.

A series of counterweights play an important role here, which can theoretically be attached at any point in the machine. They are also the reason why the washing machine is significantly heavier compared to other devices of similar size. Without a transport lock, the movable parts can move freely inside the machine during transport.

However, the entire construction is not designed for this. The shock absorbers and springs are dimensioned for the load during washing and not for jerky movements, such as those that could occur when carrying or transporting with a hand truck over stairs. Without the transport lock, various problems can occur:

• The drum or tub can hit the outer walls. The tension could cause springs to overstretch or even break.
• The various bearings, which are needed for the movements inside, are also sensitive. They do not tolerate unilateral movements very well.
• Impacts could also affect the detergent pump. Even hairline cracks in the pump housing caused by a striking tub can lead to leaks.

The transport lock prevents all of this by stopping the swinging. Incidentally, the use of transport locks can also directly impact the insurance coverage of the moving goods if a professional company is hired. The company can refuse to cover damages if the machine has to be transported without a lock.

Also interesting: Connecting a Washing Machine – Instructions in 7 Steps

And if the Transport Lock Is Missing?

Regardless of whether with private helpers or a moving company: The first choice for protecting the machine remains the locks that match the device. It is advisable to lay out the original parts in advance of the move or order replacements from the manufacturers. The producers’ shops usually list suitable locks for years.

If these cannot be obtained, improvisation is necessary. This is still better than moving the machine completely without a lock.

• With long carriage bolts and washers, a lock can be improvised.
• More time-consuming, because the machine’s housing must be opened, is the option to wrap one or more moving blankets tightly around the drum.

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How to Prepare a Washing Machine for Transport Before Moving

Transporting a washing machine during a move is not entirely straightforward. Due to its design, there is always some water in the machine. If this spills on the stairs while carrying, it poses a risk of accidents. Additionally, there are other movable parts besides the drum that can cause complications. Those who systematically prepare the transport have the best chance of ensuring that both the machine and the helpers arrive safely at the destination.

1. First, shut off the water supply at the wall connection.
2. Then disconnect the hoses at the inlet and outlet. Caution: Both contain residual water. This should be caught with a bucket.
3. To be on the safe side, wrap the open ends with cloths and secure them with rubber bands or strings.
4. In the next step, open the lint filter according to the machine’s instructions and catch the water from it. This can be one to two liters. The catch container should be correspondingly large.
5. To catch the rest, two people tilt the machine slightly forward until no more water comes out.
6. Then wipe the machine dry so it doesn’t slip out of hands.
7. Only now are the transport locks screwed in. The drum should not move during a check. If it does, the locks are not screwed in tightly enough.
8. Finally, secure everything that could move unintentionally with packing tape. Tape the hoses to the housing, and secure the detergent compartment and door with tape as well.

Important: The washing machine should always be transported upright. Although it looks like a closed system from the outside, it is surprisingly open in construction. And the residual moisture cannot be completely removed from the housing. Therefore, some water could run toward the control panel, where the electronics are located. As is well known, water and electronics do not mix well.