How Long Can a Washer and Dryer Stay in Storage?

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September 15th, 2026

How to Prepare Appliances for Storage

Preparing your washer for storage isn’t difficult, but it requires some attention to detail. Preventing moisture buildup and mold is extremely important when you need to store a washer long-term. When washers finish a load and drain the water, there is still a lot of moisture trapped inside the washer hoses, drain pump, and other parts of the washer. If stored with water trapped inside, mold and mildew can build up quickly and may even corrode certain internal components of the appliance. Before moving the washer, disconnect everything, including the water supply, electric cables, and any other connections. Be sure to turn off the water supply to the washer before removing any water lines. The washer is likely to purge a little water out, so be ready to wipe up anything that comes out of the open connections. It may take time for any residual water to drip out. If possible, leave the washer in a room with good airflow for 24 hours. Look at the washer disconnect instructions in the correct manual online to make sure you aren’t missing any steps. Scrub and wipe down the washer to remove any potential bacteria, and then you’re ready to store your washer and dryer.

Transporting Your Washer and Dryer to Awesome Possum Storage

If you’re not having professional movers transport your washer and dryer and other home appliances to the storage facility, be sure to get help from a family member or friend. Moving large appliances by yourself isn’t safe and can hurt you or damage your vehicle and appliance. Using an appliance dolly, dolly truck, or hand truck is usually the safest way to move a washer or dryer. Most of the time, your washer will have moving components that rely on balance to work properly, so keeping your washer upright as much as possible will protect it. Any sudden impacts, jolts, or falls can damage the suspension, so move slowly and plan your route ahead of time to avoid confusion. The drum inside a dryer is much more durable, but moving a dryer should still be done with caution.

What Type of Storage Unit is Best to Store A Washer and Dryer

When selecting a storage unit with Awesome Possum Storage, we offer a few different options. The most suitable storage option for home appliances is climate-controlled storage. A climate-controlled storage unit maintains consistent temperature and humidity levels, which prevents washers and dryers from rusting. The electric components inside home appliances should be protected from the outdoor elements. If necessary, outdoor storage units that are not climate-controlled can work for appliance storage for short-term storage; however, we don’t recommend it. We sometimes see people using their outdoor storage to hold a washing machine or dryer while they are moving. With an outdoor storage unit, you can drive right up to the door to load and unload your appliances. This is great for someone who needs to store some larger, bulkier appliances for a very short time. Any long-term storage will likely cause rust and other mechanical issues. The high moisture levels of the humid air can damage the metal components inside your washer or dryer. If you have any questions about storing your washer and dryer, or how to rent a storage unit, contact Awesome Possum today.

What Appliances Can You Store in Self Storage?

Generally speaking, all home appliances are allowed at Awesome Possum Storage. Before you store any appliances that need water or gas to run, be sure to completely clean and purge them. Both residual water and gas can be dangerous and cause damage to your appliances. Awesome Possum Storage allows ovens, refrigerators, dryers, dishwashers, laundry machines, grills, stoves, range hoods, and other common household appliances. As long as the appliances are cleaned well, won’t leak water, oil, or any other liquids, and are stored properly, you’re in the clear! No fuel is allowed to be stored, even in a climate-controlled storage unit. This includes gasoline, propane, and most other types of fuel. This is both for the safety of our customers and to prevent unexpected issues at our storage unit facility.

Mistakes to Avoid When Storing Laundry Units

Thankfully, most of the common issues people run into with appliance storage are fairly simple to avoid. If you’re properly cleaning out your washer and dryer for storage, disconnecting everything properly, and ensuring it’s prepped for transportation, you shouldn't run into too many problems. One of the most crucial steps is to ensure there is no water left in your washer. Properly draining the entire washer and cleaning all of the water out will prevent mold and unnecessary damage from occurring. When preparing home appliances for storage, it’s not uncommon for customers to forget they need to clean out detergent drawers. When transporting a washer and dryer, don’t tip them on their side. Keep the appliances upright the entire time.

Amenities Provided at Awesome Possum Storage

We have designed our storage facility to provide high-quality amenities that both make our customers’ lives easier while keeping their storage unit safe. With a fully fenced-in facility and controlled gate entry, nobody enters the property without proper access codes. We have 24-hour surveillance and can see every single person who enters the property. Customers are able to come by and access their storage 24 hours a day, so they never have to schedule their lives around our business hours. To learn more, check out our website or contact us to speak with one of our team members.

Store Your Dryer and Washer with Awesome Possum Storage

Awesome Possum offers a wide range of storage units with different amenities and sizes. With indoor units that are climate-controlled, you can safely store your dryer, washer, and other home appliances long-term. Take advantage of our larger units, which can store large pieces of furniture, perfect for both temporary and long-term storage solutions. By keeping your appliances in a climate-controlled environment, you’re greatly reducing any potential damage they could get from extreme outdoor temperatures and moisture levels. To learn more about available units or to come in for a tour, reach out to the Awesome Possum Storage offices today.