Moving large items like treadmills can be challenging—as both bodily injury and expensive damages to the equipment itself will occur if transported incorrectly. Before you start, think through your moving plan, learn more about this heavy equipment’s setup and attachments, and gather the following supplies needed to move a treadmill:
- Furniture dolly for treadmills without wheels
- Packing tape
- Moving blankets or bubble wrap
- Moving gloves
- Moving straps
- Tools recommended in the treadmill manual (e.g., wrenches, screwdrivers)
Now that you’ve got your supplies gathered, here’s your step-by-step guide to prepare, pack, and move a treadmill safely and efficiently.
Step 1: Check the Owner’s Manual
When moving a treadmill, first consult your owner’s manual for specific guidance, since different types of treadmills will vary in size, weight, dimensions, maintenance, and assembly. If you can’t find your manual or don’t have one, you can always look up the make and model online. Here are a few important questions to address before you start:
- Does the treadmill fold in half?
- Does it have wheels for easy rolling?
- What does the machine weigh?
- Does the manual explain how to disassemble the treadmill?
- Are your doorways wide enough for the treadmill to fit through?
Step 2: Unplug the Treadmill & Remove the Safety Key
Always unplug your treadmill before moving it to avoid accidental activation! Once unplugged, fold up the cord and secure it with packing tape to prevent it from snagging or tangling during the move. Then remove the safety key, store it in a plastic bag, and tape it to a secure, out-of-the-way spot on the treadmill so you don’t lose it during transit.
Step 3: Fold or Disassemble the Treadmill
Folding treadmills typically have a locking mechanism to keep them folded securely in place, making them perfect for moving and storage. However, if your model doesn’t fold, the owner’s manual should provide steps on how to disassemble the treadmill. While moving a fully intact treadmill is possible, some models may come with extra accessories or have a unique shape that makes them easier to maneuver if at least partially disassembled.
Step 4: Clear a Path to the Moving Truck
A top tip for moving furniture, clearing a path from the room your treadmill is in to the moving truck is essential. Move any furniture, tables, shelves, or other obstacles out of the way, and consider securing floor protection along the path. Measure your treadmill in this stage (while it’s folded and locked, or disassembled), and compare it to the width of your door frames. Some treadmills may be too wide to fit through standard doorways, but often benefit from the extra space given if you remove the door and jamb.
Step 5: Load the Treadmill Onto a Furniture Dolly
A furniture dolly is essential for treadmills without wheels, especially if it weighs more than 100 pounds. Load the treadmill onto the dolly by having two people lift each side of the machine to set it on the dolly—if you have more than one helper, have one slide the dolly underneath the lifted machine to make the transfer easier. Center the treadmill on the dolly to evenly distribute its weight and make it easier to control as you transport it to your moving vehicle.
Step 6: Roll the Treadmill to the Moving Truck
Whether you’re moving a treadmill with wheels or transporting it on a dolly, be sure to have a person at each end, with one holding the upright bars and the other gripping under the belt section. Carefully tip the treadmill back onto its wheels, then slowly roll it to the desired location, ensuring the person walking backward is guided to avoid obstacles.
If your machine is currently located on an upper floor, here are a few tips on how to move a treadmill downstairs:
- Have the stronger person on the lower end going down first to handle most of the weight.
- The person on the upper end should keep a firm grip—moving gloves can make this easier and more comfortable.
- Guide the dolly down one step at a time, pulling it back instead of pushing.
- Keep the treadmill at a 45-degree angle for best control.
- Communicate constantly with your partner to ensure safety.
Step 7: Load the Treadmill Onto the Moving Truck
Carefully roll the dolly or treadmill up the ramp and onto the moving truck—if your moving vehicle doesn’t have a ramp, enlist help from an extra person or two to lift it up and inside, using proper lifting techniques to reduce the risk of injury. Wrap the treadmill in moving blankets or bubble wrap to help protect it and the surrounding objects from scratches in transit. Finally, anchor the treadmill to the wall with moving straps to keep it stable during the drive.
Step 8: Reassemble the Treadmill After Moving It
After you’ve decided where you want it to go in your home, use the above tips to safely and efficiently transport it from the moving vehicle to its new space. Remember to consult your owner’s manual for guidance on treadmill assembly. If applicable, unfold and lock the treadmill back in its upright position, and return the safety key to its proper place. When the treadmill is back together, plug it back in, and ensure it’s fully functional and wasn’t damaged during the move with a quick test before athletic use.
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