Top Tips to Easily Move Your Washer and Dryer into Storage
The Team at Base Self Storage has helped many people at 1718 W Base Line St move appliances into storage, and washing machines and dryers are probably the trickiest. They're heavy, awkward, and have specific prep requirements that people often skip. Then they wonder why their machines don't work when they pull them out of storage.
In this blog, we'll talk about how to actually move your washer and dryer into storage without destroying your back, your appliances, or your sanity.
Why People Store Washers and Dryers in San Bernardino
Before we get into the how, let's talk about the why. Understanding why helps you plan better. Moving between homes with a gap in dates. You're out of your old place but can't move into the new one yet, and your expensive appliances need somewhere to go. Downsizing to apartments or condos that include laundry. Your machines are too nice to sell, but your new place has shared laundry facilities.
Military deployment or temporary relocation. You're leaving San Bernardino temporarily and don't want to sell appliances you'll need when you return. Home renovations where the laundry room is being gutted. Storing machines protects them from construction damage. Upgrading appliances but keeping the old ones for a rental property you're planning to buy. Understanding your timeline helps determine how you prep the machines. Short-term storage (a few weeks) needs different preparation than long-term storage (several months or years).
Step 1: Prep Your Machines BEFORE Moving Day
This is where most people mess up. They try to prep machines while movers are waiting or, worse, they don't prep them at all and discover problems later.
Disconnect from the water supply and drain all water from hoses and the pump. Residual water can freeze, cause mold, or leak during transport. Run an empty cycle on the hottest setting with vinegar or washing machine cleaner. This removes soap residue, hard water deposits, and potential mold spores. Leave the door open for 24-48 hours to allow the space to air out completely. Mold loves damp, dark environments, such as washing machines. Remove and drain inlet hoses. These retain water that will drip everywhere during the move. Secure the drum. Front-load washers especially need the drum secured with shipping bolts or towels wedged to prevent damage during transport.
For dryers:
Disconnect from power and gas line. Gas lines must be capped by a professional. Clean the lint trap and vent thoroughly. Fire hazard, plus you don't want the lint smell permeating your stored dryer for months. Secure the drum and door. Tape the door shut so it doesn't swing open during transport. Remove or secure any loose parts or accessories. One customer didn't drain his washer properly. Water leaked throughout the move, soaked his truck, and created a rusty mess inside the machine. Don't be that guy.
Step 2: Get the Right Equipment
Washers and dryers are heavy (200-300 lbs each), bulky, and awkward to carry. Trying to muscle them without proper equipment is how people get hurt.
Get an appliance dolly. Most truck rental places like U-Haul have these. Moving straps or lifting straps. These help distribute weight and protect your back. Furniture sliders for moving across floors without damaging them. Moving blankets to protect appliances from scratches and dings. Heavy-duty gloves for grip and hand protection. At least one helper, preferably two. These aren't one-person jobs.
Step 3: Protect the Appliances During Transport
Even if you're only moving them from your house to our facility on Base Line Street, proper protection prevents damage. Moving blankets or furniture pads around the entire machine, secured with tape or shrink wrap. Extra padding on corners and edges where damage is most likely. Tape the doors shut on both machines to prevent them from flying open during transport. Secure hoses and cords to the back of machines with tape or zip ties to prevent them from dragging or getting caught on anything.
Washers and dryers go against the truck wall, secured with straps. They shouldn't be able to shift during transport. Never stack anything on top of appliances. They're not designed to support weight from above. If possible, transport upright. Some manuals suggest laying washers on their side, but it is always safer to do so upright.
Step 4: Navigate Doorways and Stairs
This is where most injuries happen. Appliances don't fit easily through standard doorways, and stairs are legitimately dangerous.
Measure the appliance dimensions. Measure all doorways, hallways, and turns you'll navigate. If measurements are close, physically test the path with cardboard cutouts before moving day.
Remove doors from hinges if needed for clearance. Way easier than trying to angle heavy appliances through tight spaces. Protect door frames with cardboard or blankets to prevent damage. Tilt machines slightly to fit through if needed, but keep the weight manageable.
Always have one person on the high side, one on the low side for balance and control. Take it slow. One step at a time. Rushing causes accidents. If the stairs are narrow or you're not confident, consider hiring professionals. Appliance moving services exist for good reason.
We've watched people try to maneuver washers down stairs alone in the San Bernardino summer heat. It never goes well. Get help.
Step 5: Storage Unit Setup
Once you're at Base Self Storage, proper placement in your unit matters.
Storage positioning:
Place appliances on pallets or boards, not directly on concrete. This allows airflow underneath and protects from moisture. Position away from unit doors to protect from potential temperature fluctuations when doors open. Leave space around appliances for air circulation. Don't pack boxes tight against them. Keep doors slightly ajar (prop with a towel) to allow airflow and prevent mold/mildew. Store hoses and cords in a labeled box or bag attached to the appliance..
Step 6: Prep for Eventual Removal
Think ahead to when you'll move these machines back out.
Documentation:
Take photos of appliances before storage showing their condition. Helpful for insurance and your own records.
Label everything clearly. Attach a tag listing what's inside the dryer drum (if you stored hoses or accessories there).
Keep instruction manuals with the appliances or in a clearly labeled box nearby.
Placement strategy:
If you'll need these machines before other stored items, position them near the unit entrance. Don't bury them behind everything else.
Stack in reverse order of what you'll need first.
Our Base Line Street Perspective
We're right here at 1718 W Base Line St, and we've helped enough people store appliances to know what works and what causes problems. The customers who prep properly, use proper equipment, and store correctly have zero issues. The ones who skip steps end up with damaged machines or injury.
Moving washers and dryers isn't complicated, but it does require proper preparation and care. These are expensive appliances that you want working perfectly when you retrieve them.
If you're storing appliances with us, we're happy to give you specific advice based on your machines and storage duration. We've got dollies available for customer use, and our facility is designed for easy loading and unloading.
Come check out our facility before your move. Seeing the space helps you plan logistics, and we can answer specific questions about your situation. No pressure to rent immediately. Just practical information so your move goes smoothly.
