Moving House? 5 Steps to Safely Transport Your Dishwasher

A standard dishwasher weighs around 50 kilograms, and replacing one, including installation, can cost over $1,000 AUD. That’s a heavy and expensive item to mishandle during a move. One wrong lift could lead to leaks, cracked hoses, or even a damaged motor. From detaching hoses to securing it for transport, this guide walks you through each step to move your dishwasher safely and avoid costly mistakes. It also explains when it’s smarter to let professionals handle the heavy lifting.

How to Transport a Dishwasher

Here are the five key steps to move your dishwasher without damage:

1. Disconnect: Turn off the water supply, unplug the power cord, and remove the hoses. Keep screws, clamps, and fittings in a small labelled bag so nothing goes missing.
2. Clean and Drain: Empty dishes, racks, and cutlery. Wipe the inside clean, drain the hoses, and leave the door open to dry.
3. Wrap and Protect: Prepare your dishwasher by taping the door shut, securing the racks, and wrapping the unit in blankets or bubble wrap to prevent scratches and dents.
4. Lift and Move: Use at least two people and a trolley or lifting straps. Always keep the dishwasher upright.
5. Secure in the Vehicle: Strap it tightly against the van wall so it cannot shift. Never place heavy boxes or furniture on top.

Follow these steps and your dishwasher will arrive at its new home dry, safe, and ready to reinstall.

For long-distance or interstate moves, consider Couriers & Freight’s Big & Bulky Delivery service for safe, insured appliance transport handled by professionals.

Move Heavy Appliances the Safe Way

Avoid damage and costly repairs. Book trusted big and bulky delivery with Couriers & Freight today.

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Step 1: Prepare Your Dishwasher

Getting your dishwasher ready before the move is one of the most important steps. Spending a few minutes preparing properly now can save you from costly mistakes later.

Key preparation tasks

1. Empty and clean the interior: Take out all dishes, cutlery, and racks. Wipe the inside thoroughly so no food or water is left behind. This helps prevent mould and odours while the dishwasher is in storage or on the truck.
2. Drain the hoses and dry the unit: Disconnect the water inlet and drain hoses. Let the dishwasher sit open for several hours so any leftover water can drain and the interior can dry completely.
3. Disconnect safely: Turn off the water supply and unplug the power cord. Use a wrench or screwdriver if you need help loosening the hoses.

Take note that water and electricity are a dangerous mix. If you are not confident doing this step yourself, call a licensed plumber or electrician.

Step 2: Pack and Protect Properly

Packing a dishwasher the right way is just as important as lifting it correctly. Dishwashers have delicate hoses, racks, and doors. Taking a little extra time to pack it properly helps you avoid scratches, leaks, and costly repairs later.

What you will need:

• Moving blankets or thick quilts
• Bubble wrap for fragile items
• Packing tape to hold coverings in place
• Strong straps to keep the unit stable in the van

Tips for packing dishwashers:

• Close and secure the door and racks so they cannot swing open.
• Wrap the outside of the machine to protect against dents and scratches.
• Use the original box and packaging if you still have it.
• Keep hoses, screws, and small fittings in a labelled bag so reconnecting them is quick and easy.

Step 3: Lifting and Moving Tips

Most dishwashers weigh between 35 and 50 kilograms, so never move one alone. Always work with at least two people. Plan the lift before you start. Know which path to move the dishwasher to and keep the path clear of any obstacles. Also, use moving tools to help with the lift.  

Moving tools

• Moving straps help you share the weight evenly and lift without straining your back.
• Dollies let you roll the dishwasher instead of carrying it across the room.
• Sliders make it easy to push the unit across hard floors without scratching them.

Step 4: Transporting the Dishwasher

Once your dishwasher is packed, the next step is getting it into the moving van safely. A dishwasher must stay upright the entire time. If you lay it flat, leftover water can leak out, and the pump or motor can be damaged. Both problems are expensive to fix and can easily be avoided with a little care.

Securing the load

• Keep the dishwasher standing upright from start to finish.
• Strap it firmly against the side wall of the van so it cannot shift around while driving.
• Do not put boxes or anything heavy on top of it.

If you are moving interstate or over a long distance, it is often safer to book a bulky item courier such as Couriers & Freight. Their trained teams handle heavy appliances daily, and every service includes insurance so you know your dishwasher is protected.

Step 5: Reinstalling at Your New Home

The hard part is over. Now it is time to reconnect your dishwasher and make sure it is working properly. 

Start by attaching the water hoses and plugging the unit back into the power point. Look closely at the hoses to be sure they are not bent or kinked, as this can cause leaks or poor water flow. 

Once everything is in place, run a quick cycle to test the connections and confirm the dishwasher is running smoothly. If you are not confident with any part of the process, call a licensed plumber to finish the job safely.

Reinstallation tips:

• Attach water hoses and plug in the power
• Check hoses for bends or kinks
• Run a short cycle to look for leaks
• Ask a plumber for help if you are unsure

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Dishwasher?

The answer depends mainly on three things: how far it is travelling, which courier you choose, and whether you add insurance. A short local move is usually the cheapest option, with prices starting from a few hundred AUD. If you need to move your dishwasher interstate, costs can climb to $600 or more, depending on the distance and service level.

For example, moving a dishwasher from Sydney to Melbourne with insurance often comes in around $500 to $600 AUD. Adding insurance is worth it because even a small mistake during transit can cause leaks or damage that cost far more to repair. Considering distance, courier service, and insurance together gives you the clearest idea of what to budget for.

If you’d rather not risk lifting and loading it yourself, professional couriers can make the process safer and far less stressful.

Why Choose Couriers & Freight for Dishwasher Transport?

A dishwasher is heavy, and buying a new one in Australia usually costs between $700 and $1,300 AUD. That is an expensive item to risk damaging during a move. Lifting and transporting it without the right equipment can also cause injuries. Choosing professional transport is the safer, smarter option, especially with Couriers & Freight’s white-glove delivery service for bulky appliances.

With Couriers & Freight, you get:

• Careful loading and unloading by trained staff
• Protective packing to keep your dishwasher safe in transit
• Placement at the destination, not just left at the door
• Tracking and insurance so you know your appliance is covered

Couriers & Freight offers nationwide coverage and experience with both home moves and business relocations. Learn more with our Big & Bulky Delivery service.

Book Safe Dishwasher Transport with Couriers & Freight

DIY moves are perfectly fine for short, local relocations if you have the right tools and an extra set of hands. But for longer distances, or if you want peace of mind, it’s worth relying on a professional courier. 

Couriers & Freight’s Big & Bulky Delivery service offers safe handling, insurance, and white-glove delivery, so your dishwasher arrives ready to plug in and use. Get a quick quote online and make your next move hassle-free.

Move Heavy Appliances the Safe Way

Avoid damage and costly repairs. Book trusted big and bulky delivery with Couriers & Freight today.

Get a Quote Now