Figuring out how to move a treadmill is a dreadful task that’s almost as dreadful as actually moving it. This guide uses our expert’s best tips and guidance to help you make the move. Move your treadmill from room to room, upstairs, or to an off-site location. Treadmills come in a variety of sizes and styles, and we will do our best to help you tackle the most difficult machines–large and heavy folding and non-folding treadmills. If you plan to move often, consider a compact treadmill that could make the process a little easier.
Moving a treadmill, like the NordicTrack 1250, isn’t always as simple as wheeling it around.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Moving a Treadmill
1. Consult the Treadmill Manual for Advice
If you can disassemble the treadmill somewhat or fully, moving the machine will be much easier. Look to the manual for instructions on if and how you can safely take the machine apart. And more importantly, you’ll want the manual to tell you how to put it back together. Make sure you know the location of the treadmill manual throughout the moving process.
2. Enlist Some Help
You’ll want to find at least one other person to help you move the treadmill, but honestly, the more the merrier. Two or even three others may make the process a lot easier to manage. Even if you can’t all get a hold on the treadmill at once, having a spotter or two is helpful. They can step in if one of the movers starts to fail. Pro Tip: find a dolly to help you roll treadmill parts around as much as possible.
3. Identify a Path
Before you start the actual moving process or start taking the treadmill apart, make sure you have the room to tackle the whole job. Identify the worst obstacles in your path: stairs, sharp corners, narrow doorways and passages, etc. Clear any clutter and furniture that can be moved. If there are unmovable features that may trip you up, plan to be cautious when moving across this section or secure a mat down over them for protection. Just make sure any padding or protection that you place along the path does not become an obstacle itself. Consider rolling the treadmill as far as possible.
4. Roll the Treadmill as Far as Possible
If the treadmill has transport wheels, roll it as far as possible before taking it apart.
5. Prepare the Treadmill
Run through the following points to prepare your treadmill for transport:
- Take the treadmill apart as much as possible.
- Secure the folding deck and other moving parts down to prevent movement during transport.
- Pad any sharp edges or protruding parts that could hurt the movers, the walls, or the treadmill itself if knocked against something.
- If there are nuts, bolts, or other small parts from taking the treadmill apart, store them in a bag and label them. Pro tip: secure this bag and the treadmill manual to the treadmill deck to keep them together.
6. Move the treadmill
Use a dolly to roll treadmill parts around or grab the treadmill by secure points along the frame. Avoid grabbing moving parts and placing your hands near pinch points. Communicate clearly with the others moving the treadmills. Take rest breaks when necessary. Have a plan for lifting and lowering the treadmill. Repeat the process until all treadmill parts are moved.
How to Move a Treadmill Upstairs
Before moving a treadmill to a new floor, consider how heavy the treadmill is and if the floor can safely support it.
There’s nothing more complicated than having an exercise room located upstairs. An upstairs treadmill comes with its own problems and considerations, but we will help you get it there. Moving a treadmill up or down stairs is very similar to the previous steps described. Follow the preceding steps. Also, consider the expert advice below.
- Find Help: Make sure you have help moving and spotting the treadmill. Having extra hands ready to step in should the person on the lower step grow too fatigued is beneficial.
- Take Measurements: Measure corners and stairwell widths to ensure that the treadmill can fit on all parts of the stairs. Don’t get to the top of the stairs and realize the treadmill can’t fit through the door!
- Be Realistic: If you and the available help cannot safely move the treadmill, consider hiring professionals. Take more breaks rather than pushing yourself too hard.
- As a Last Resort: You may be able to take the treadmill further apart than the manual describes. This may void your treadmill warranty, but if you have no other option, it could be the way to go. The treadmill can be broken down into a deck, belt, rollers, and so on. You may need an experienced professional to help you take it apart and/or put it back together. Keep in mind, these parts have to be replaced from time to time so your treadmill should be functional after reconstruction.
Other Options for Moving a Treadmill
Movers
If you have the option to hire professionals, do so. This can save you time and prevent injury. Professionals will transport your treadmill more effectively than you can on your own.
Rehoming the Treadmill
However, consider the cost of moving the treadmill. If you are moving to a new home and find that hiring movers is more expensive than the value of the treadmill, you could offer the treadmill to the new homeowners and invest in a new machine.
List the Treadmill for Sale or Free
Tons of treadmill owners list their treadmills for a lower price or free with the requirement that the new owners move the treadmill themselves. Be cautious using this tactic because the negotiation messages can be annoying. Additionally, buyers could show up underprepared and are likely not experienced. You may still have to help them to get the treadmill out of your home.
Pay for White Glove Delivery and Assembly
If you are buying a new treadmill, beware of the headache of having delivery people drop a giant machine in your driveway with no recourse for getting it inside. Paying for white glove delivery and assembly ensures your treadmill is delivered to the appropriate room and correctly assembled.
Pro tip: Many brands use third-party delivery and assembly companies. Thus, some of them may not have any previous experience with your machine. This is the most frequent complaint against treadmill brands for their delivery and assembly practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you move a treadmill by yourself?
Moving a treadmill by yourself is not recommended unless the treadmill is very compact and lightweight. Treadmills under 100 lbs that are designed for under-desk use or light activity may be more portable and suitable for transport by one user. To avoid damage to you, the treadmill, or your home, be realistic about your abilities and ask for as much help as necessary. Trust me, you would rather have too much help and make the moving process too easy rather than the reverse.
Can I take apart a treadmill to move it?
The treadmill manual and manufacturer will have more specific information for taking apart your machine. Some treadmill warranties may be voided if the treadmill is taken apart, especially by a non-professional. However, taking a treadmill apart to move it is often unavoidable. Taking apart a treadmill makes it significantly easier to move.
How many people does it take to move a treadmill?
Two or more people are necessary to move a treadmill. Three to four people is ideal. Two or three people can lift the treadmill while the fourth person ensures the path is clear and steps in to help as needed. Having one person act as a spotter in case one of the people carrying the treadmill gives out is a good idea.
How much does it cost to hire movers to move a treadmill?
The cost will vary by how large your machine is and if a moving truck is necessary. The typical moving cost ranges from $100 to $400.
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