How to Pack a Laundry Room

The laundry room often gets overlooked during a move since it has one purpose: washing laundry. Unless, it also has storage or pantry space attached, you probably only enter it on laundry day. Even if you use it more often, you may put off packing it because you intend to wash laundry up until the last day.

While your laundry room may seem straightforward to pack, it contains several items that need special consideration. For example, detergents and other products can’t be moved because they are hazardous, and your washing machine and dryer need to be prepped before the big day. Despite these issues, you shouldn’t have any problem packing yours up in no time with these easy steps.

Gather your supplies

Before you start packing, make sure you have the necessary supplies on hand. Having the items listed below will make packing the laundry room easier.

  • Trash bags for decluttering and donations
  • Strong cardboard boxes
  • Packing paper
  • Bubble wrap (optional)
  • Plastic wrap
  • Plastic baggies for parts and cords
  • Zip or twist ties for cords
  • Packing tape
  • Markers

Declutter the laundry room

Just like with any other room, packing the laundry room begins with decluttering. Go through your cabinets and drawers, and throw out or donate the items you no longer want or need. Identify any chemicals and hazardous materials, such as detergent and bleach, that you won’t be able to move to your new home (unless you drive them there yourself). Make a plan to use up what you can and either throw out the rest of donate to a friend or neighbor.

If you have attached storage or pantry space in the laundry room, take the time now to declutter it, too. Toss any expired canned and packaged food in addition to broken items, and donate or sell what you no longer want.

As you declutter, set aside anything that can double as a storage container during the move. Laundry baskets and hampers can hold pillows, bedding, towels and other light items. (Tuck a towel over the top of these or wrap them in plastic to keep the items clean.) Trash cans or other sturdy containers can transport dryer sheets, the iron and other essentials.

Address the washer and dryer

If you own the washing machine and dryer, you’ll need to decide if you want to take it with you. Sometimes, it’s not worth the trouble to move these large appliances, especially if they are older and will need to be replaced soon anyway. Consider selling them or offering them as a perk to the buyers as you market your home. Or, donate them to Goodwill or a charity.

On the other hand, if you don’t own the washing machine and dryer, you’ll want to ready them for the final walk through. Wipe the exterior and interior of both appliances. Then, pull out the lint filter, and remove any lint on it. If you use the washer and dryer again before moving, take a minute before leaving to make sure the appliances are still clean on moving day.

Consider other large items

Your laundry room may contain other large items you’ll need to address. If you installed shelves, hanging rods or attached drying racks, decide whether you want to remove these or leave them behind. Often, it’s not worth the extra effort to detach them and move them to your new house. Instead, purchase new ones when you arrive.

Similarly, the ironing board may not be worth packing since a new one costs as little as $20 and, on average, $50. If you decide to move it, though, fold it and wrap it in plastic wrap. The wrap will not only hold it in place but keep it clean. Standalone drying racks can be handled the same way, and rugs can be rolled up and secured with plastic wrap as well on moving day.

Start packing the laundry room

As moving day approaches, start packing smaller and decorative items. Heavier items should go in smaller boxes while lighter ones can go in larger boxes. Before sealing a box, make sure it is not too heavy to lift without causing injury. Continue your efforts by packing any items in attached storage or pantry space.

Once you’ve run your last load of laundry, turn your attention to the remaining items in the room. Some of these, like the iron, require special attention. Here’s what you need to consider.

Iron: Empty water from steamer, coil the electrical cord and secure the cord with a zip tie. If you have the original box, place it inside, making sure it is padded with paper. If you don’t have the original box, use a similar-sized box instead. Tape the box, and place it in a moving box. Be sure to note on the outside that the box contains your iron.

Detergent: As noted above, most moving companies will not transport laundry detergent and other hazardous materials, including bleach and liquid fabric softener. If you have remaining product, give these to a neighbor or throw them away. Or, you can transport them yourself if you are moving a short distance. Put each item in a plastic bag, seal and place it in a waste basket or bucket for transport. Use an old rag or towel to fill unused space and prevent the containers from jostling during the drive.

Hangars: Bundle several hangars (the number will depend on the thickness of the hangars), and secure them together using a rubber band or zip tie. Place the bundle at the bottom of a box. Top with light items like throw pillows, bedsheets or towels.

Clothes pins: Small items like clothes pins, loose buttons or hardware from shelves should be placed in a plastic bag and sealed. Tape the bag with hardware to the shelves, so you can easily find them when you are read to install at your new home.

Prepare the washing machine

Before moving your washing machine, take some time to prepare it. First, empty it of any clothes, and run a normal load with an empty load and no detergent. If your washing machine has a cleaning cycle, use it. Or, you can also use a commercial washing machine cleaner to remove soil, mineral and detergent deposits. Follow the directions on the manufacturer’s packaging.

Completely drain washing machine, and leave the lid open at least 24 hours to air dry the drum. If you have movers coming, they can take care of the rest. However, if you are moving the washing machine yourself, you’ll need to complete a few extra steps.

On moving day or the night before, unplug the washing machine, coil the plug and tape it to the appliance’s back. Using pliers, disconnect the supply hoses from the water supply and drain any excess water in a bucket. Secure the hose to the machine with plastic wrap.

Next, install transit or washer shipping bolts through the back of the machine to keep the drum stable during the move. If you don’t have the bolts already, these can be purchased online or from an appliance store for under $25. Close the lid and secure it with plastic wrap. Wrap the washing machine in moving blankets, and use another layer of plastic wrap to hold them in place.

Prepare dryer for moving

You don’t need to do anything if you hire professional movers, but do-it-yourselfers have a little work to do before strapping the dryer to a dolly. Start by emptying the dryer. With a gas dryer, you’ll need to turn off the gas, secure the gas line with a cap and disconnect the hose. Store the hose inside the dryer drum. If you have an electric dryer, simply unplug it, and secure the cord to the back with packing tape.

Next, disconnect the dryer vent house, and put it inside the drum. Wrap the dryer in moving blankets, and use plastic wrap to hold them in place.

Moving soon?

If moving seems like more work than you expected, let the professionals handle it. We have an extensive network of reputable and reliable movers who can pack and move your entire home. Plus, they’ll do all the heavy lifting, including moving the washing machine and dryer.