How to Move a Treadmill Safely in 6 Smooth Steps
Recruit a friend or family member for help, and then stretch those hamstrings
- Furniture dolly
- Socket wrench
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Duct tape
- Moving blankets (for long-distance transportation)
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.
Read the Manufacturer's Instructions
Photo: mixetto / E+ / Getty Images‘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 them, 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).
Start by locating your manufacturer’s guidelines for your device online or in the pamphlet that came with the machine.
You’ll also find information about the weight and dimensions of your exercise equipment in these materials.
Your treadmill’s instructions can help you decide whether you can tackle the job solo or need help, plus its dimensions will determine whether it will fit in its new location.
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.
Protect yourself from injury by using a pair of lifting straps for moving.
If you don’t feel comfortable moving your treadmill on your own, a local moving company can make transporting your fitness equipment simple.
Clear a Path to Your Moving Vehicle
Photo: Johner Images / Johner Images Royalty-Free / Getty ImagesWhen moving your treadmill, the last thing you need is a trail of 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 that 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
Unplug Your Treadmill and Secure the Cord
Photo: dial-a-view / E+ / Getty ImagesBe 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.
Fold or Dismantle Your Treadmill
Once you understand the ins and outs of the machine, it’s time to do a little prep work. 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.
Lift or Roll the Treadmill Carefully
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
Count down 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.
Reassemble or Fold Out Your Treadmill
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 reassembled, inspect it for any damage before plugging it in.
Moving a Treadmill Yourself vs. Hiring Professional Movers
While moving a treadmill solo is possible, it’s not advisable. Treadmills are heavy and bulky, and the risk of damage to the machine is high—not to mention the risk of injury to yourself. If you want to avoid paying professional movers to relocate a treadmill, you’ll need at least one other person to assist you—especially if you need to move it up a flight of stairs or onto a moving truck. You may be able to disassemble the treadmill to make it easier to move, but the base will still be too heavy for most people to lift by themselves. Expect to pay $25 to $50 to buy or rent supplies for a DIY move like duct tape, moving blankets, and a dolly.
If you’re not confident in your ability to move the treadmill yourself or with a friend, hire a professional. A local moving company near you will have the equipment and the expertise to move your treadmill without damaging it or injuring themselves. Plus, professional movers carry liability insurance, so if your treadmill is damaged during the move, repair or replacement will be covered.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire Movers?
The cost to hire movers typically falls between $880 and $2,570, with an average price of $1,710. The exact cost will depend on the distance of the move, the size of your home, the day of the week or time of the year you move, and any extras like packing services or moving specialty items. Your geographic location can also affect the cost of hiring movers because the cost of fuel, tolls, and parking is higher in some areas than in others.
If you’re only moving a treadmill rather than the entire contents of your home, you can expect to pay less. The exact cost will depend on the treadmill's size and weight and the move's distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Yes, you can use a dolly to move a treadmill, though you won't always need one. If your treadmill has wheels and you’re moving it to a different location on the same floor, you can likely skip the dolly. But if you’re moving it up a flight of stairs or to a new home, a dolly can help you move it more easily.
