Moving or Remodeling? How to Store a Washing Machine Without Damaging It

Josh Summerhays • September 18, 2026

A washing machine is one of those appliances that needs more preparation than simply unplugging it and moving it out of the laundry room. Water can remain in the hoses and pump, and the internal components need to be protected while the machine is being transported. A few careful steps before moving day can prevent problems when you're ready to install the washer again.

If a move or remodel has temporarily left you without room for a large appliance, our storage options in Brawley include drive-up units that can accommodate household items and major appliances. Our property is at 897 K Street, with access from Highway 86 and Main Street, so you can bring the washer directly to your unit rather than carrying it through an interior hallway.

Start With Your Washer's Manual

Before disconnecting anything, find the owner's manual or installation instructions for your exact washing machine. The basic preparation process is similar across many models, but the manufacturer's instructions should determine how you secure the drum, drain the machine, and prepare it for relocation. This matters particularly with front-load washers. Whirlpool instructs owners to use transport bolts when relocating certain front-load machines because the bolts stabilize the washer's support and suspension system. GE also directs owners of its front-load washers to reinstall the appropriate shipping bolts, spacers, and clamps before moving.

Don't assume that transport hardware from another washer will work. Requirements differ by model, and some manufacturers specify replacement rather than reused bolts. If you've lost the original hardware, check the model number and manufacturer instructions before buying or installing replacements.

Clean the Washer Before Storage

Give the washer a normal cleaning before disconnecting it. Remove any clothing, detergent residue, or debris from the drum and dispenser areas, then let the interior dry. You're preparing an appliance that won't be running for a while, so you don't want to close it up with moisture or residue still inside.

Pay attention to areas where water collects, including the detergent dispenser and the seal around the door on a front-load machine. Follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions rather than experimenting with cleaners that aren't recommended for your particular model. Once the washer is clean, leave enough time for the interior to dry before moving it. Packing the appliance immediately after its last load makes it harder for residual moisture to escape.

Shut Off the Water and Disconnect the Washer

Turn off both the hot and cold water supplies before removing the inlet hoses. Unplug the power cord as well. Keep a bucket and towels nearby because disconnecting a washer doesn't mean every part of the system is already dry. Carefully remove the inlet hoses and allow the remaining water to drain into the bucket. Disconnect the drain hose according to the washer's instructions and empty that too. Whirlpool's moving guidance specifically calls for shutting off the water, draining the inlet hoses, disconnecting the drain hose, and unplugging the machine before relocation.

Some front-load models require an additional step to drain water from the pump. GE, for example, tells owners of its front-load washers to drain the pump through the pump filter before moving the appliance. This is another reason to consult the instructions for your model instead of treating every washer the same way.

Keep the Hoses and Small Parts Together

Once the inlet and drain hoses are empty, keep them with the appliance so they're easy to find after your move or remodel. Whirlpool's instructions for several models recommend placing drained hoses inside the washer drum or basket and securing the power cord so it doesn't drag during transport. If you've removed small fittings or model-specific hardware, put those pieces in a labeled bag rather than leaving them loose inside the unit. Keep the owner's manual or installation instructions with them. When the washer comes back out of storage, you won't have to search through boxes for the parts needed to reconnect it.

It's also worth inspecting the hoses before storing them. Storage doesn't correct a worn hose, cracked fitting, or damaged connector. If something already needs replacement, make a note so it isn't forgotten when the washer is reinstalled.

Secure the Drum Before Moving a Front-Load Washer

The drum is one of the main reasons a front-load washer needs careful preparation. Its suspension is designed for normal washing cycles, not for bouncing around unrestrained in a moving truck. For models that require them, the correct shipping or transport bolts hold the tub and basket in position during relocation. Whirlpool notes that moving a front-load washer without the required transport bolts can result in internal suspension or structural damage. The company also recommends professional installation of new transport bolts for applicable models.

Top-load washers aren't necessarily prepared in the same way. GE's moving guidance for top-load and unitized models refers to reinstalling the appropriate shipping rod or shipping material when available. Follow the procedure for the specific washer rather than applying front-load instructions to a top-load machine.

Move the Washer Upright

Keep the washing machine upright during transport unless its manufacturer explicitly instructs otherwise. Both Whirlpool and GE state that applicable washers should be transported upright to protect the tub, suspension, and other internal components. A washer is also heavy and awkward to handle. Whirlpool's installation materials specify using two or more people when moving or installing an appliance, while its moving guidance recommends equipment such as a dolly or moving straps. Don't rely on the door, control panel, hoses, or other projecting parts as handholds.

Protect the exterior from contact with doorframes, the moving vehicle, and other stored belongings. A moving blanket or similar protective covering can provide a barrier around the cabinet, but don't use the covering as a substitute for properly securing the appliance during transport.

Give the Washer a Stable Spot in Your Storage Unit

Once you reach the storage unit, place the washer upright on a stable, level surface. Avoid stacking boxes or other belongings on top of it. Heavy objects can damage the cabinet, while loose items placed around the machine can shift and make it difficult to retrieve later. At our Brawley property, every unit has drive-up access, so you can park directly in front of your space while unloading. That's particularly useful for a washing machine because it reduces how far you have to maneuver a heavy appliance after taking it out of the moving vehicle. Our size guide also identifies washers and dryers among the major appliances suited to some of our larger unit sizes.

If the washer is going into the unit along with furniture and moving boxes, decide where it belongs before filling the space. Keep a clear route to anything you'll need during the remodel. Our guide to getting more from your storage space is useful when you're organizing a larger household load rather than storing the washer by itself.

Don't Seal Moisture Inside

One of the most important storage steps happens before the washer reaches the unit: get as much residual water out as the manufacturer instructs and allow the appliance to dry. Don't wrap a damp machine tightly in plastic. A breathable protective covering is a better choice for keeping ordinary dust off the exterior once the machine is dry. Make sure the covering doesn't put pressure on controls, hinges, or hoses.

If you're preparing several household belongings at once, it's easy to rush the washer because it doesn't go into a box. Give it its own preparation time. Our article on common first-time storage rental mistakes is also worth reviewing before you load the rest of the unit.

Bringing the Washer Back Into Service

When the remodel is finished, or you're ready to move into your new home, don't plug the washer in and immediately start a load. Remove any transport hardware according to the manufacturer's instructions, reconnect the drain and water lines correctly, and make sure the machine is level. Check the hoses and connections for problems before running the washer. Whirlpool instructs owners to flush the water pipes and hoses, reconnect the inlet hoses, restore the water supply and power, and run a cleaning cycle after certain periods of non-use or moving. The exact procedure varies, so your washer's manual remains the best reference for putting your model back into service.

Shipping bolts deserve particular attention. They're intended to protect compatible front-load washers during transportation, not during operation. Whirlpool warns that leaving them installed when the washer is running can cause excessive vibration, noise, and damage.

Make Room for the Project Without Sacrificing the Washer

A renovation can leave a laundry room inaccessible for weeks, while a move may put you between homes before there's a place to reconnect your appliances. Either way, the safest approach is to prepare the washing machine for relocation according to its manufacturer, drain it carefully, keep it upright, and store its parts together.

Our drive-up units at 897 K Street are available in several sizes, including larger spaces intended for household moves and major appliances. If you're deciding where the washer and the rest of your belongings will fit during the project, you can explore storage options from Brawley Self Storage and compare the current choices with what you need to store.

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By Josh Summerhays • June 29, 2026

If your driveway is getting crowded, start with the basics: what are you parking, how often will you need it, and does outdoor storage fit the way you actually use it? That is usually how we talk through boat, RV, truck, car, and motorcycle storage here in Brawley. A lot of folks do not need anything complicated. They just need a practical place to keep the extra vehicle or trailer out of the way, close enough to reach without turning every pickup into a project. At our K Street spot, we keep outdoor parking as a straightforward option for vehicles and recreational storage. It is open-air, unpaved parking, so the right fit depends on what you are storing and how you plan to use it. Start With What You’re Parking The first thing we would ask is simple: are you storing something you use every week, every season, or only once in a while? That answer matters more than most people think. If you are parking a truck or motorcycle you expect to reach regularly, you will want to think about how quickly you can get in, park, and get back on the road. If it is a boat or RV that mostly comes out for trips, the bigger issue is making sure outdoor parking makes sense for the way you maintain it between uses. We list parking for boats, RVs, trucks, cars, and motorcycles, but each item has its own practical needs. A motorcycle may need extra attention to covers and tire care. A boat may need a good pre-storage cleanup. An RV usually takes more planning because there are more things to secure before it sits. A quick owner tip: do the boring prep before you park it. Remove loose items, check that covers are tied down, and make sure nothing can blow open or rattle loose during a windy Imperial Valley day. Know What Outdoor Parking Does and Does Not Mean Outdoor parking is a good fit when you mainly need space. It is not the same as covered storage, indoor storage, or climate-controlled storage. Our parking is open-air, with no coverage, and it is not climate controlled. That is worth saying plainly because it affects how you should prepare your vehicle, boat, or RV. We do not want you guessing. If you are storing something that needs shade, indoor protection, or temperature control, outdoor parking may not be the right match. For a lot of Brawley storage needs, though, outdoor parking is the practical answer. You get the extra room without trying to squeeze a trailer beside the house, keep a boat in the driveway, or make a truck compete with daily parking at home. Before you rent, look at the item you are storing and ask yourself what it needs to sit well outside. A fitted cover, tire protection, battery plan, and regular check-ins can make a big difference. Think About Brawley Access Before You Choose Usually, what we would tell you is this: pick storage you will actually use. Our address is 897 K Street, close to Highway 86 and Main Street, which helps if you are coming from around Brawley or nearby parts of Imperial County. That matters with vehicle storage because a parking spot that is hard to reach tends to become a hassle fast. If you are dropping off a trailer after a trip, you probably do not want to wind through town any longer than necessary. If you are grabbing a motorcycle or checking on a parked vehicle, a simple route can save you time on every visit. You can start by checking our current storage and parking options online. Availability changes, so if the parking option is what you need, it is worth checking before you plan your move-in. Prep Your Boat, RV, or Vehicle Before It Sits A little prep up front prevents a lot of frustration later. Here is the short version we would give you over the phone: clean it, cover it if needed, remove anything valuable, and make it easy to inspect later. For boats and RVs, empty food, trash, and anything that could attract pests. For trucks, cars, and motorcycles, think through battery care, tire pressure, fuel level, and whether the vehicle will need to be moved or checked during storage. Keep your keys, registration, and insurance documents somewhere safe at home, not tucked inside where you might forget them. Take a few photos before you park, too. That is not fancy advice, but it helps you remember the condition and setup if you are storing for more than a few weeks. If you are also storing boxes, household items, or gear along with a move, our storage size guide can help you think through unit space separately from parking. Parking solves the vehicle problem. A storage unit solves the boxed-and-bulky-items problem. Ask Us Before You Guess A question we get a lot is some version of “Will this work for what I’m parking?” That is exactly the kind of thing we would rather help with before you rent. Tell us what you are storing, how often you expect to use it, and whether you need vehicle parking only or a storage unit too. We can point you toward the most practical next step based on what is currently available. You can read through common questions on our self storage FAQ , call us, or use the contact page if you want to send a question first. If outdoor parking is the right fit, we will help you keep it simple. If it is not, we would rather tell you that up front. Questions We Get About Vehicle Storage in Brawley Can I store a boat or RV with you? Yes, we list outdoor parking for boats and RVs. The important part is that it is open-air parking with no coverage, so you should prepare your boat or RV for outdoor storage before leaving it parked. Current availability can change, so check online or call us before you plan the drop-off. Is outdoor parking right for a vehicle I use often? It can be, especially if you mostly need extra room at home and want the vehicle accessible in Brawley. We would think about how often you plan to pick it up, how easy your route is to K Street, and whether outdoor, uncovered parking fits the condition of the vehicle. Should I rent a storage unit too? Maybe. Parking is for the vehicle, boat, RV, trailer, truck, car, or motorcycle itself. If you also have boxes, tools, household items, camping gear, or business supplies, a separate drive-up unit may make more sense for those belongings. Tell us what you are storing, and we will help you think it through.

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