Any move requires creativity, flexibility, and a smart, organized approach. When it comes to relocating heavy and sizable equipment, you have your work cut out for you. Figuring out how to move a treadmill takes time. If you don’t want to damage your drywall and furniture, pull a muscle, or scratch the equipment, you have to prepare for the job. We’ve created this guide to help you move your treadmill quickly and painlessly.
Step #1: Check the Weight and Size of the Treadmill
Before moving the treadmill, try to find the user’s manual. It contains two pieces of important information:
- Weight and size
- Folding and locking instructions
If you can’t find the owner’s manual, search for it online. If your folding treadmill doesn’t have a locking mechanism, you need to invest in ropes or straps to hold it together during the move.
The owner’s manual usually offers clear moving instructions that generally have to do with disassembling or folding the treadmill. Some treadmills may have wheels to facilitate the relocation.
If a treadmill is heavier than 45 pounds, you may need two people to move it. For heavy treadmills over 100 pounds, you may need three or more assistants. So check the size (width and length) of the treadmill, especially if it’s non-foldable. Make sure it can pass safely through all the doorways, including the elevator entrance, on the way to its new location. Sometimes it’s easier to unhinge a door then disassemble a treadmill.
Pro Tip for How to Move a Treadmill:
Consider renting a furniture dolly. By renting a furniture dolly, you can avoid the hassle of inviting several people to help you. It can also minimize the strain on your muscles when you are setting up fitness equipment in your own private mini gym. This piece of equipment will be useful throughout your move.
Step #2: Prepare the Treadmill for Disassembly and Moving
Figuring out how to move a treadmill starts with preparations. You need to unplug the equipment and follow the folding instructions from the owner’s manual.
Explore the Treadmill’s Moving Parts
If your treadmill is non-foldable, it might have some parts that you can adjust for easy transportation. You might be able to partially disassemble the treadmill (or at least remove the console). Check the owner’s manual for information.
Pro Tip for How to Move a Treadmill:
Find the safety key before you begin folding up your treadmill. This small, removable part locks into the equipment and holds everything in place. Don’t forget to lock the treadmill with the safety key so it doesn’t unfold at the most unexpected moment.
Buy the Necessary Supplies
Invest in ropes, straps, and moving blankets to ensure the safety of the surrounding walls and furniture during the move.
Treadmills are generally heavy and hard to move perfectly. Wrap the handrails and the frame in soft blankets. Then, if you hit anything while relocating the equipment, the moving blankets will soften the impact. Meanwhile, ropes or straps can hold the machine in place while it’s on the dolly.
Pro Tip for How to Move a Treadmill:
If you aren’t sure how to move a treadmill safely, then you may want to hire professional movers. This could save you time and worry while keeping your back safe from injury.
Step #3: Lift the Treadmill Safely
Whether you are using a furniture dolly or planning to move the treadmill on your own, you need to lift it properly. Never lift the machine with your back. You could sustain a serious injury. Follow these steps to protect yourself as you lift any heavy equipment:
- Stand straight up next to the treadmill with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Squat down as close to the treadmill as you can. Bend at the hips and knees. If the treadmill is extremely heavy, put one knee on the floor and the other in front of you, bent at 90°.
- Start lifting the treadmill upward slowly. Maintain a good posture by looking ahead, keeping your back straight, sticking your chest out, and moving your shoulders back. Poor posture can lead to muscle strains, headaches, and heart issues.
- When lifting the treadmill, straighten your hips and knees but not your back.
- Hold the treadmill close to your body. Don’t extend your hands or lift them above the shoulder level.
You need to set the treadmill down intermittently, but don’t bend over. No matter how hard it is to carry, bending your back to let go could lead to injuries. Put the treadmill down in the moving truck by bending your knees and hips while maintaining a good posture.
Pro Tip for How to Move a Treadmill:
When planning how to move a treadmill without a dolly, expect it to take some time. Any sudden movements, jerks, and drops could lead to injuries.
Step #4: Transport the Treadmill
You need to plan how to move the treadmill to its destination without hitting other objects along the way. You may have to unhinge doors or remove rugs for the dolly to pass through safely. Incorporate these tips into your plan:
- Clear the way so there is enough space for you to pass with the treadmill. It’s an excellent opportunity to declutter your home.
- If you are carrying the treadmill without a dolly, ask someone to direct you.
- Move the treadmill in stages. Make rest stops to prevent injuries.
Just like you prepared your moving path from your old home, it’s important to make sure you have a clear path to the treadmill’s destination. This can be tricky if you’re moving it upstairs or you’ve renovated your basement into a home gym, so measure the doorways and any corners you’ll need to turn.
Once you bring the treadmill to the new location, follow the above steps in reverse to unload, unwrap, and install it.
Pro Tip for How to Move a Treadmill:
At the new location, plug the equipment in and test it on the lowest setting to make sure everything is working properly after the move.
How to Move a Treadmill: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I move a treadmill upstairs?
A: When planning how to move a treadmill upstairs, remember not to do it alone. You’ll need help from at least one friend or mover. The preparation steps are the same. You may want to use a dolly to wheel the treadmill to the beginning of the stairs.
During the move, one person should be holding the belt, and the other should be at the opposite end of the treadmill. Grip the belt area carefully to avoid slips. Position the machine sideways. The person holding the belt should walk first. Make sure to move extremely carefully, and try not to hit surrounding objects.
One person should always maintain a secure grip on the treadmill when moving up and down the stairs. At the same time, the other mover should be responsible for angling it the right way when passing corners.
Q: How do I move a NordicTrack treadmill?
A: Figuring out how to move a NordicTrack treadmill starts with reading the user’s manual. NordicTrack usually gives clear instructions on how to fold or adjust their treadmills for safe moving.
You can take advantage of the above checklist to move all types of treadmills, from NordicTrack to ProForm and beyond.
Q: What is the best way to move a heavy elliptical machine?
A: Moving an elliptical machine is similar to moving a treadmill. You need to follow the instructions for folding, adjusting, or disassembling the equipment. Then you need to lift it onto a dolly, secure with straps, and proceed to the destination.
Q: Can I move a treadmill on my own?
A: If a treadmill weighs less than 45 pounds, then you may be able to move it on your own. However, when planning how to move a treadmill, always consider assistance. Even if it’s easy to lift the treadmill up, it may be hard to carry without someone controlling the process.
Q: How do I store a treadmill?
A: If you don’t have room in your new or temporary home for your treadmill, then consider keeping it in a storage unit or other storage place. Leave the treadmill unassembled, and remove the batteries from the console. Also, bag up any loose parts and tape the bag to the frame. These extra precautions ensure you won’t damage or lose track of the components. Treadmills are safe to store in dry, climate-controlled spaces.
The Takeaway
Moving a treadmill to a new home can be tough, especially you’re moving all of your belongings at once. To do everything properly, you need to invest in moving supplies and make proper preparations. If you aren’t sure you understand how to move a treadmill on your own, then consider asking a professional moving company for assistance.
Additional Moving Resources:
Moving and packing guides
- How to Move a Couch
- How to Move a Mattress
- How to Move a Refrigerator
- How to Move a Piano
- How to Move a Pool Table
- How to Pack Shoes for Moving
- How to Pack Dishes and Glasses
