Recruit a friend or family member for help, and then stretch those hamstrings
Calling all cardio junkies: Have you considered how to move a treadmill to your new home? Whether you’re moving homes or building a home gym in your current location, it’s essential to consider how to move a treadmill.
This process starts with recruiting at least one other person for help, so start by grabbing a friend or a family member. Then, use this six-step guide to move a treadmill safely with assistance, and check out our guidelines for solo moving, too.
It's important to move heavy furniture safely to avoid personal injury or property damage. The safest option is to hire professional movers with the right tools, equipment, and experience to move heavy furniture efficiently.
‘Treadmill’ is a broad term that encompasses many models, styles, and brands. While every treadmill can give you a killer cardio workout without having to run outside, each model has different features that you need to consider before moving it—especially if you’re taking it upstairs or downstairs. Here are some examples of how treadmills may differ:
Some treadmills can be securely folded for moving or easy storage, while others require dismantling.
Some treadmills have wheels to help you move it, while others don’t.
Some treadmills have electronic components, such as TV screens, that require you to carefully disassemble and transport them separately.
Some treadmills have very heavy motors, while others are lighter weight (often newer models).
1. Start by locating your manufacturer’s guidelines for your device online or in the pamphlet that came with the machine.
2. You’ll also find information about the weight and dimensions of your exercise equipment in these materials.
3. Your treadmill’s instructions can help you decide if you can tackle the job solo or need help, plus its dimensions will determine whether it will fit in its new location.
4. If you have no choice but to move your treadmill by yourself, you should dismantle your treadmill (separate the frame from the motor) for safe travel.
5. Protect yourself from injury by using a pair of lifting straps for moving.
6. If you don’t feel comfortable moving your treadmill on your own, a local moving company can make transporting your fitness equipment simple.
When moving your treadmill, the last thing you need are safety hazards on your way upstairs, downstairs, or out the door. Clear any obstructions and rearrange objects to give yourself a clear path out the door and into the moving vehicle.
Ensure that you map out your course and discuss the route with your lifting partner. For example, if you’ll need to climb or descend a staircase, discuss beforehand whether you’ll pause before taking it on. Additional steps you may need to take include:
Unhinging doors the treadmill won’t fit through
Positioning the moving vehicle as close to the exit as possible to shorten the distance you must travel
Making sure the outside area is free of ice, puddles, or any other slippery spots
Be sure to unplug your device from the wall before moving it. The cord will likely hang free, so you should secure it using duct tape if there isn’t a designated place to hook it.
Some treadmills also come with a safety key, which you should remove before relocating your cardio device. The safety key is small, so ensure that it’s in a safe place to avoid losing or breaking it during the move.
Once you understand the ins and outs of the machine, it’s time to do a little prepwork. If your treadmill folds, it should be easy to lock it into place. If your folding treadmill is old or the lock that holds it upright isn’t in the best shape (meaning it might not stay in place folded like it’s supposed to), consider reinforcing it with duct tape or a bungee cord.
If your treadmill doesn’t fold, you’ll need to use either a Phillips head screwdriver or a socket wrench to disassemble it. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions or an online tutorial video to take your device apart correctly. Keep an airtight bag handy to store any loose nuts, bolts, or screws.
Now it’s time to move your device. It’s paramount that you practice proper lifting techniques to ensure that you move your treadmill safely. When lifting heavy objects like a treadmill, follow these guidelines:
Maintain a flat back (no curve in your spine)
Bend your knees to get low
Securely grip two stable points of the treadmill
Pick the treadmill up driving your heels through the ground
Countdown with your partner and lift at the same time
Take breaks as you travel with the treadmill. If you’re stowing your treadmill in a moving truck or next to valuable objects, place a moving blanket underneath it to reduce shifting and prevent scratches.
When you reach your destination, set your treadmill in its new location carefully. If it’s disassembled, place each piece roughly in the location it needs to be for setup. For example, set the motor on the ground and the frame in the space where it will be secured to the base, and leave the handrails off to the side for securing after.
Then, use your screwdriver to put the pieces of your treadmill back together. Once your device is back to its normal shape, inspect it for any damage before plugging it in.
We don’t advise it. Any time a piece of furniture or equipment weighs over 50 pounds, it’s better to have at least one other person help you move it to reduce the risk of injuries or damage to the item. While many treadmills have wheels to assist with repositioning them, they aren’t much help when lifting the treadmill on and off dollies or truck beds. The one exception is the option to dismantle your treadmill into smaller components for the move. However, even after disassembling the treadmill, the base may be too heavy to move on your own, although it will be much easier than grappling with a whole treadmill.
At the low end, a simple consumer treadmill may weigh around 200 pounds. At the high end, large treadmills made for gym use with lots of bells and whistles can weigh up to 500 pounds. Research your treadmill’s make and model to determine its exact weight before attempting to move it.
It’s not required. Some treadmills aren’t designed for dismantling, so you’ll need to move in one piece. Others can be quickly disassembled and reassembled, so taking them apart is a great way to save on space and make the move easier. Consult your treadmill’s user manual for more information and to find the best option.
If you can move a treadmill with the help of family and friends, it shouldn’t cost much at all. You may have to rent a furniture dolly, but treadmills don’t require much else. If you want to hire a professional mover for a treadmill, expect to pay between $40 to $400 for a basic treadmill move and up to $600 for larger, more complicated treadmills.
