Do you leave the washer and dryer when you move?

Author: Prof. Jamar Kemmer II  |  Last update: Tuesday, February 10, 2026

There is no obligation or expectation to leave your appliances behind when you move. However, most first-time homebuyers tend to look for fully loaded homes that require minimal maintenance or purchases upfront.

Do you take a washing machine when you move house?

Often, the choice of whether or not to take your appliances with you depends on whether you're selling or renting the property. If you're moving out of a rented home, the appliances inside will typically belong to the property owner and, as such, you won't be able to take them with you.

Is a washer and dryer considered a fixture?

While fixtures can sometimes include personal items such as moveable furniture, artwork, and larger appliances, these items are generally considered personal property. For example, a ceiling fan would be considered a fixture under this law, but a washer and dryer would not.

Do you leave the washer and dryer when moving?

House appliances are heavy and awkward to move. If you are moving your household, leave the appliances with the house. The only exception may be the washer and dryer. New houses usually have all appliances except a washer and dryer.

Do you leave the washer and dryer when you sell a house?

Appliances aren't considered fixtures so they're not contractually required to be part of a home sale. You can leave them in for showing but make sure they're explicitly excluded in the listing description and of course, contract.

LifeHack: How to move washer and dryer in a minivan by oneself

Can you leave stuff behind when you sell your house as is?

As long as it's not specified in the contract, items not attached or built into the property typically do not stay behind. This applies to furniture and many other items that the new buyer may not want to deal with.

What appliances stay with the house?

Which Appliances Are Included In A Home Sale
  • HVAC units.
  • Rods, blinds and other window treatments.
  • Installed hardware, including doorknobs and bathroom fixtures.
  • Light fixtures, including chandeliers.
  • Ceiling fans.

Is it normal to take appliances when you move?

As you begin the packing process, carefully tucking away your plates, mugs and Tupperware, you may catch yourself looking around the kitchen and wondering if you need to take your dishwasher, fridge or stove with you to your new home. The short answer is no.

Can you leave the washer running when you leave the house?

Even though it's very tempting to leave the house and run errands with the washer or dryer running, you're setting yourself up for the risk of floods and fire.

How do I protect my washer and dryer when moving?

You will need packing tape, moving blankets, and water hoses. Packing tape is key to securing loose cords, hoses, and appliance doors during the move. Moving blankets will protect your appliances from scratches, dents, and other damage.

Does a new house come with a washer and dryer?

The answer is it varies depending on the new construction home. For example, your new construction home could come with a cooktop, microwave, and dishwasher but be missing other appliances like a refrigerator, cooking range, and washing machine.

What are permanent fixtures of a house?

A real estate fixture is any object permanently attached to a property by way of bolts, screws, nails, glue, cement or other means.

Do I have to leave curtain rods when I sell my house?

In most markets, the rule is window coverings stay with the house. There are gray areas, though, based on the type of treatment. Blinds and shades attached to the window and rods attached to the wall are usually considered fixtures. But drapes and curtains that can slide off a rod are considered personal property.

What to do with washer when moving?

Transporting the Washer:

Disconnect the drain from the drain system and drain any remaining water into a pan or bucket. Unplug the power cord. Place inlet hoses inside the washer basket. Drape the power cord and drain hose over the console and secure them with masking tape.

Should a house be clean when you move in?

We recommend cleaning before you move anything into your new home, as the cleaning will come much easier without all your belongings filling the space. If you won't have time to clean the space yourself (with everything else to take care of in the transition), consider hiring a move-in cleaning service.

Do you take your oven when you move?

If your oven is integrated (made and fitted as part of your kitchen), it will more often than not be left behind when you move. However, if your oven is free-standing, you can take it with you. Due to the shape and size of an oven, this is often quite a difficult task.

Do you leave washer and dryer when you move?

Appliances like refrigerators, washers and dryers are bulky and heavy, so they're sure to add to your moving costs. If you're not particularly attached to your appliances, moving a significant distance or planning to ship your items, they may be worth leaving behind.

Do you leave your washer and dryer when you sell your house?

Most appliances don't have to be included in the sale of a home. They aren't considered fixtures because they can be unplugged, and no property damage will result from their removal. However, things such as built-in ovens are considered structural parts of the home and would be included.

Is it okay to leave the dryer on when you leave the house?

Is it safe to run a clothes dryer if you're not home? No. To avoid a fire hazard you should always ensure that you don't leave your dryer running when you're not at home. There should also be enough airflow around the dryer at all times.

What stays with the house when you move?

Generally, certain items stay with the house when you sell and move. Here's what to expect: Built-ins: Built-in bookshelves, benches, and pull-out furniture generally stays inside the home. Landscaping: Trees, shrubs, and any flowers planted in the ground should stay in the yard.

What happens if you plug in a fridge after moving it?

If you've ever moved a fridge freezer, or even bought one brand new, you'll know that you are meant to give them time to settle once they've been put back down again. Waiting 24 hours before plugging in your fridge prevents compressor damage and ensures proper oil circulation.

Do you have to leave shelves when you move?

Sometimes, the best option is to leave the shelves behind. If the shelves are in good condition and suit the space, they could be a valuable asset for the next occupant. Be sure to communicate with your real estate agent or landlord about whether leaving the shelves is an option.

Is a washer and dryer considered appliances?

Major Appliance means a piece of equipment used in residential or commercial settings, including but not limited to, air conditioner, clothes washer, clothes dryer, dishwasher, refrigerator, microwave oven, stove, water heater, dehumidifier, garbage disposal, and trash compactor.

Do you leave mirrors when selling a house?

Mirrors. It is generally assumed that any mirrors hung in bathrooms (above the sink) will convey with the house. However, if they are just hanging it is possible the seller could remove it since it is technically not affixed.

Do you leave shower curtain rods when you move?

Just keep in mind that the curtain rods, brackets, and holdbacks are considered part of the property (because they're bolted to the wall), so they should be left to the new owner.

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