How can you easily move your home gym? Whether you recently bought a new house or just signed a lease, everything from your free weights to an awkwardly-shaped elliptical machine need to go from point A to point B. Before you start to prep and pack, take a look at what you need to know about moving a home gym safely and efficiently.

Should You Move Everything Yourself?

The answer to this question depends on what you plan to move. If your home gym currently consists of a few yoga mats, one small set of hand weights, and a laptop to watch fitness classes on, you can safely move your “gym” without much extra assistance. But if your home fitness studio includes a more elaborate set-up, heavy machinery, or fragile items, you will need help from a professional contractor.

Heavy, awkwardly-shaped equipment (such as stationary bikes, treadmills, and elliptical machines) aren’t easy to move on your own. Even though a DIY move may sound like a money-saving strategy, it could put your gym equipment at risk. Along with the possibility of damaging delicate machinery with the wrong moving techniques, an attempt to lift, carry, or transport these items without professional help could result in a physical injury.

A moving contractor has the experience, know-how, and equipment to efficiently transport your home gym. This type of help allows you to concentrate on the rest of your move and can reduce the risks related to lifting and carrying over-sized items.

How Should You Choose a Moving Company to Transport Gym Equipment?

Some types of home gym equipment can prove challenging to move – even to a professional. You need a contractor with experience moving these types of items. If the mover doesn’t have the right equipment to safely lift and carry a treadmill, elliptical, or other over-weight machine, you will need to find a company that does.

How Should You Pack Exercise Equipment?

Again, this also depends on what you need to move. A yoga mat and a treadmill are two very different items to move. Each home gym piece requires a specific prep and packing strategy.

Before you pack anything, make sure each item is clean, sanitized, and dry. Remove any buildup or debris from the items. Wipe or spray anything you touch regularly, such as yoga mats, the handrails of a treadmill, or your free weights.

Put your home gym towels in the washer/dryer before you pack them. Make sure everything is completely dry prior to packing. Damp gym equipment provides the perfect place for mold to grow – especially in warm or humid weather/indoor settings.

Smaller, lighter items (such as your yoga mat and gym towels) can go into cardboard boxes, tote bags, or even clean garbage bags. Small, but heavy, items (such as weights) require a different type of packing option. Your hand weights and dumbbells will easily break through the bottom of one flimsy cardboard box. Instead of boxes, use sturdy plastic bins or wrap these items in towels to move separately.

Large, heavy equipment (such as a treadmill, stationary bike, or elliptical machine) won’t require a box, bin, or bag. Cover these machines with moving quilts or blankets for protection during the move. Not only will the blankets or quilts protect the items, these covers will also keep walls and door frames safe from scratches and dents.

Should You Disassemble Exercise Equipment for a Move?

You might take apart tables, chairs, desks, and dresser drawers to make your move easier. While these types of home furnishings are relatively easy to reassemble, high-tech gym equipment isn’t. Unless you have extensive experience or expertise in gym machinery, don’t disassemble the equipment. Even though some items are heavy to move, an experienced contractor can get the job done without you wasting half a day trying to remove handrails from a treadmill.

Do you need help with your next move? Contact Island Movers for more information.