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Washing machine
How to pack a washing machine
Without suitable packaging, even if the courier is careful, transport can cause damage to your washing machine. This page outlines the steps to protect a washing machine before transport.
Why packaging is essential
An object that’s not well protected can arrive scratched, damaged, or broken, even if the carrier is as careful as possible.
With Cocolis, your items travel with individuals or professionals on journeys they're already making. They are handled during loading, in transit, and unloading—each a moment where good packaging makes all the difference.
An object can arrive scratched, broken, or incomplete. These situations are rare but avoidable and almost never happen when an item is properly packed from the start.
Prepare your washing machine before packing
Disconnect the washing machine from the power supply and water inlet. Unscrew the water inlet hose and let it drain before storing. Make sure the drum is empty and dry. If you do not have the drum locking bolts for your washing machine, inform the carrier and ask them to handle the appliance with extra care.
This is also a good moment to gather your materials and plan the right protection for each part. Good packaging preparation happens before you start, not as you go along.
Steps to pack a washing machine
- Completely drain the washing machine by running an empty spin cycle, then open the drain filter located at the front bottom to release any remaining water. Keep a cloth handy—there is always a bit of water left.
- If you kept the drum locking bolts, reinstall them before transport. Without these, the drum of the washing machine can move and may damage the appliance during the journey.
- Keep the door or lid closed by securing it with tape placed over cardboard.
- Protect the outer surfaces with cardboard held by tape, focusing on the corners and the control panel.
- Transport the washing machine upright and stable – repeated jolts are more damaging than occasional small bumps.
Good habits to know
The essential points to avoid problems during transport
Adapt packaging to the item
Packaging isn’t universal. Take into account the fragility, weight, and shape of your washing machine to choose the right protection – the main thing is that the item is well protected during transport.
Don’t seal the packaging too soon
Leave your washing machine visible when the courier arrives. They must be able to check its condition before taking charge and take photos with and without protection. Seal the packaging only afterwards.
Take photos before shipping
Photograph your item before and after packing. In case of a problem, these photos are your only evidence of its initial condition.
Inform about special requirements
Some items have specific requirements: must be kept upright, particular handling direction, extra fragility. Clearly inform the courier about these before departure.
Never stick tape on surfaces
Brown tape can leave marks or damage finishes. Never stick it directly to an item – always use an intermediate layer.
Frequent mistakes & things to watch out for
Some mistakes happen regularly and explain most damage on arrival.
The drum is the most sensitive part of the washing machine during transport. Without drum locking bolts, it moves freely and can hit the tub during the journey, causing internal damage that’s not immediately visible. If you no longer have these bolts, check whether they are available from the manufacturer or a spare parts supplier before transport.
Transporting washing machine with Cocolis
Simpler, more human transport
With Cocolis, your item doesn't go through a warehouse, isn't passed from hand to hand and doesn't endure multiple re-loadings. It's delivered directly from point A to point B, in a single trip, by an individual or professional already making the journey.
In reality, it’s often someone like your neighbour or cousin making the trip for their own reasons who takes special care of what they're carrying. It's not a courier under pressure to deliver dozens of parcels a day. This difference means a lot in how your item is handled.
Fewer handlings also means less risk. But your item will still be loaded and unloaded, and a sudden brake can happen: correct packing is still essential to protect sensitive areas at these key moments.
Practically, packing doesn't need to be designed to withstand a whole logistics chain. It just needs to provide effective protection for a single journey—which is achievable by everyone.
Frequently asked questions
Send a washing machine with no nasty surprises
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