Moving a washing machine without transit bolts: how to protect the drum

A washing machine is meant to travel with its transit bolts — long bolts that lock the drum in place. If you don't have them, the best move is to buy replacements for your model, because no home-made trick fully replaces them. When there's no time for that, you can limit the drum's movement (e.g. by packing it tightly with soft items), transport the machine upright and drive gently — but the risk of damage is higher. Below we explain why, and how to prepare a washing machine step by step.

What transit bolts are for

The drum of a washing machine isn't rigidly fixed. It hangs on springs and rests on shock absorbers so that vibrations during spinning don't reach the casing and the floor. In use, that's an advantage. In transport, it's a problem: the drum can swing freely at every brake, bend and speed bump.

Transit bolts go through the back panel and clamp the drum assembly to the casing. With them, the heavy drum travels together with the machine instead of banging around inside it.

Without them, the drum can hit the casing and pull on the springs and shock absorbers. Possible results are damaged shock absorbers, torn springs, a cracked tub or damaged bearings — and some of these only show up at the first spin. Manufacturers also clearly tell you in the manual to fit the bolts for transport, so moving the machine without them may matter for a warranty claim — check your warranty terms.

Where to look for the original bolts

Before looking for workarounds, check:

• The back of the machine — the bolts are sometimes taped there or kept in a bag by the hose.
• The bag with the manual — many people put the bolts there after the first installation.
• The basement, a storage cupboard, the toolbox — if a family member installed the machine.

If they're gone, transit bolts for your model can be bought as a spare part — from appliance parts shops or the manufacturer's service. You'll need the model number from the rating plate (usually on the door rim or the back). It's a small cost compared with repairing the drum suspension.

Moving a washing machine without transit bolts — when there's no other way

If the machine has to go today and the bolts are missing, you can reduce the risk — but not eliminate it. Careful, proven steps:

1. Limit the drum's movement. Pack the drum tightly with soft items — towels, a blanket, bedding — so nothing shifts inside. It doesn't lock the drum like the bolts do, but it reduces the swinging.
2. Transport the machine upright. The way it stands in the bathroom. Don't lay it on the door — the glass and hinge aren't made for that. If lying down is unavoidable, check the manual for which side the manufacturer allows.
3. Strap the machine to the vehicle's anchor points so it can't slide or tip.
4. Drive gently. Every hard brake and sharp turn means the drum hits the casing.
5. Don't lift it by the worktop — the top cover is often held by just a few screws. Lift from below, ideally with two people.

We don't recommend wedging the drum through a gap in the casing or pushing anything between the drum and the tub from the back — it's easy to damage parts you can't see.

Draining the water and securing the hoses

Even a "dry" machine holds leftover water after the last wash. Drain it, or it will leak in the vehicle or — in winter — freeze in the pump and hose.

1. Unplug the machine and turn off the water valve.
2. Unscrew the inlet hose from the valve and drain it into a bowl.
3. Empty the pump filter — usually behind a flap at the bottom front. Put a flat dish and a towel underneath; there's often more water than you'd expect.
4. Take out and dry the detergent drawer so leftovers don't leak in transit.
5. Coil the hoses and the cable and tape them to the back, or put them in the drum with the towels.
6. Secure the door with painter's tape so it doesn't swing open while carrying.

After transport: don't forget

• Remove the transit bolts before the first wash. Spinning with the bolts in can wreck the machine faster than transport without them. Keep them where you'll find them for the next move.
• In winter, wait until the machine reaches room temperature if it travelled in frost.
• Level the machine with its feet — a machine that isn't level jumps around when spinning.
• Run the first cycle empty or with a small load and listen for knocking during the spin. Loud banging is a sign to call a service technician before more damage is done.

Washing machine transport — cost and who can do it

You can move the machine yourself (you need a helper, straps and a vehicle it fits in upright), arrange delivery with the shop when buying a new one, or book transport with a driver. The price depends on distance, floor, lift and whether you need help carrying. We charge from 80 PLN per hour of work plus 100 PLN per 100 km; at night the hourly rate is higher (from 100 PLN per hour). Carrying the machine in is priced individually, depending on the floor and access.

Can a washing machine travel lying down?

Manufacturers strongly prefer upright transport. Upright, the machine travels the way it was designed: the drum hangs on its springs and the shock absorbers work in their own direction. Lying down, the drum's whole weight rests on parts that aren't made for it, and leftover water can run where it later causes a short circuit or a musty smell.

If the vehicle is too low and laying it down is unavoidable: check the manual for whether it's allowed and on which side, never lay it on the door or on its back with the hoses and cable underneath, put a blanket or cardboard underneath and strap it down, and after transport stand it upright for a few hours before connecting water and power.

Summary

A washing machine travels safest with its transit bolts — if you don't have them, buy replacements for your model. When there's no other option, pack the drum with soft items, transport the machine upright, strap it down and drive gently — and always remove the bolts before the first wash. Check the manufacturer's manual too.

Don't want the hassle? Send us a photo of the machine and the addresses — we'll quote the transport before the ride. Moving the whole flat? See small moves in Kraków.