Moving Appliances in Denver: Washer, Dryer & More

1. Moving a Washer and Dryer

Washers and dryers are among the most commonly moved appliances, and they require careful preparation to avoid water damage, electrical issues, or mechanical problems at your new home. Here is the step-by-step process our crew follows for every washer and dryer move in Denver.

Preparing the Washer

• Turn off both hot and cold water supply valves behind the washer
• Run a short spin cycle to drain remaining water from the drum, hoses, and pump
• Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet
• Disconnect the water supply hoses and drain them into a bucket or towel
• Disconnect the drain hose from the standpipe or utility sink
• If you have the original shipping bolts, reinstall them to lock the drum in place during transit. Without them, pack towels or blankets tightly around the drum to prevent it from shifting
• Leave the lid or door open for several hours before the move to let the drum dry completely

Preparing the Dryer

• Unplug the power cord. For electric dryers, this is a heavy 240-volt plug
• Disconnect the dryer vent hose from both the dryer and the wall duct
• Clean the lint trap and the vent hose. A clogged vent connected at the new home is a fire hazard
• Tape the power cord to the back of the dryer so it does not drag on the floor
• If the dryer has a stacking kit, it must be separated from the washer before moving

3. Moving a Refrigerator

Refrigerators are the heaviest and tallest appliance in most homes. A standard side-by-side refrigerator weighs 250 to 350 pounds and stands over six feet tall. Moving one requires an appliance dolly, at least two experienced movers, and careful planning around doorways and corners.

• Empty all food, beverages, and condiments. Donate unopened items or pack them in a cooler
• Remove all shelves, drawers, and ice trays. Wrap them individually and pack in a box
• Unplug the refrigerator at least 24 hours before the move to allow the coils to fully defrost
• Place towels around the base to catch meltwater during defrosting
• Clean the interior with a baking soda solution and prop the doors open to prevent mold
• If the refrigerator has a water line for an ice maker or dispenser, turn off the water valve and disconnect the line
• On moving day, secure the doors with moving straps or appliance tape. Do not use duct tape, which can damage the finish
• Always transport the refrigerator upright. Laying it on its side can cause compressor oil to flow into the cooling lines

At your new home, wait at least four hours after the refrigerator is in position before plugging it in. This allows the compressor oil to settle back into place. Plugging in too early can damage the compressor and shorten the appliance's lifespan.

4. Moving a Dishwasher

Dishwashers are built-in appliances, which means they need to be physically removed from the cabinetry before they can be moved. This involves disconnecting the water supply, the drain line, and the electrical connection, then unscrewing the unit from the countertop.

• Turn off the water supply valve under the kitchen sink
• Turn off the circuit breaker for the dishwasher at the electrical panel
• Run a short cycle to drain any standing water from the unit
• Disconnect the water supply line, drain hose, and electrical connection
• Remove the mounting screws from the countertop underside and carefully slide the unit out
• Wrap the dishwasher in moving blankets and transport it upright to prevent damage to the door seal and pump

Dishwasher removal and reinstallation can be included in your moving quote. If you are also moving other heavy items, check out our guide to moving heavy and specialty items in Denver.

5. Protecting Your Floors

Appliances are heavy enough to dent hardwood, crack tile, and gouge laminate if dragged even a few inches. Denver homes, especially older ones in neighborhoods like Wash Park, Park Hill, and Highlands, often have original hardwood floors that are expensive to repair or refinish. Floor protection is not optional when moving appliances.

• Masonite boards: We place hardboard sheets along the entire path from the appliance to the truck to distribute weight
• Heavy-duty floor runners: Adhesive-backed runners protect carpet and provide a smooth rolling surface
• Furniture sliders: Large felt or plastic sliders placed under appliance feet allow controlled sliding without floor contact
• Appliance dollies: Our dollies have non-marking rubber wheels that grip without scratching
• Door frame protectors: Padded guards prevent the appliance from chipping or denting door frames as it passes through

Our crews bring all of this equipment standard on every move. You do not need to purchase any floor protection materials yourself. For more on how we protect your home, see our 10 tips for a stress-free move in Denver.

6. Appliance Moving Pricing

Appliance moving is included in your overall move when the appliances go from one home to another. Our disconnect and reconnect services are priced as add-ons so you only pay for what you need.

• Washer and dryer pair disconnect and reconnect: $89 (electric dryers and standard washers only)
• Single washer or dryer disconnect and reconnect: $49
• Refrigerator with water line disconnect and reconnect: included with standard appliance handling
• Dishwasher removal and reinstallation: available as part of a custom quote
• Floor protection: included on every move at no additional charge

For a complete breakdown of moving costs in the Denver area, visit our Denver moving cost guide.