Moving a softener to a new spot sounds like a simple lift and reconnect, but the work tends to fail at the ends of the process: the shutoff, the drain, and the outlet. Check those points before the unit moves, and do the work in an order that keeps water off the floor and the unit undamaged.
Check the new location first
Confirm the floor is level and can carry the weight of a full tank and the salt. Check that the drain is within reach of the drain line and that the drain height works with the unit. Make sure an outlet is close by, and that there is room in front of and around the unit for service and for filling salt. A spot that looks fine when you pick it can feel cramped once the tank is full.
Shut off, relieve pressure, and disconnect
Shut off the water supply to the unit, and turn off power at the outlet before you work near the controls. Relieve pressure by opening a faucet downstream. Then disconnect the drain line and the brine line, noting which connection is which before you loosen anything. Keep the old fittings if they are still in good shape, and set aside the parts you will need to reconnect.
Move the unit with care
Move the unit with two people, keep it upright, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for the tank and the control head. Avoid lifting by the control head or the drain fitting, since those are the parts most likely to crack or leak. Set the unit in its new spot before you reconnect anything.
Reconnect, then test
Reconnect the water lines and check every joint for leaks while the water is on. Reconnect the drain line at the height and with the connection the manufacturer specifies. Restore power, start a regeneration cycle, and check the water at the tap once the cycle finishes. If you see a leak, a loose fitting, or a drain that does not flow, shut the water off again before you touch anything else.
Know when to bring in a licensed person
Moving a softener that only needs its water lines and drain reconnected is a manageable task for many homeowners. If the new spot needs a new outlet, new drain plumbing, or a bypass arrangement you are unsure about, hire a licensed electrician or plumber for that part. Ask the installer before you start whether the move affects the warranty, since some warranties depend on who performed the work.