Let's be honest—your home gym wasn't cheap, and it definitely wasn't light. Whether you've invested in a full rack setup, a collection of dumbbells that could sink a small boat, or that treadmill you promised yourself you'd use daily (we don't judge), knowing how to move home gym equipment properly can save you from injury, damage, and a whole lot of regret.
As professional removalists, we've seen it all. We've rescued treadmills from doorways, navigated cross trainers around tight corners, and yes, we've even moved that intimidating power rack your partner thought would "never fit through the door." Here's everything you need to know to move your gym like a pro.
Home gym gear isn't like moving your couch. These pieces are heavy, oddly shaped, and often more delicate than they look. A quality treadmill can weigh anywhere from 80 to 150 kilograms, and those weights and bells? They're literally designed to be as heavy as possible. Plus, many machines have electronic components, hydraulics, or calibrated parts that can be damaged if handled roughly.
The good news? With the right approach, you can relocate your entire setup without breaking a sweat—or your equipment.
Before you touch a single dumbbell, walk through your gym and take stock of what you're dealing with. Make a list of every piece of equipment, noting which items can be disassembled and which need to stay intact. Check the manufacturer's website or dig out those instruction manuals you thought you'd never need again—most companies provide specific moving guidance.
Take measurements of your equipment and the doorways, hallways, and staircases it'll need to navigate. There's nothing worse than getting a 300-kilogram weight machine halfway down the stairs only to discover it won't make the turn at the bottom. This might be a good time to contact a mover interstate who can make your move so much smoother and stress free.
Here's where patience pays off. Most large gym equipment is designed to be assembled, which means it can be disassembled too. Start with the easy wins:
First: clean down your equipment thoroughly
Treadmills and cross trainers: Most fold or break down into 2-3 main sections. Remove the console carefully (these electronics are sensitive), then detach the arms or handles. Keep all bolts and screws in labelled zip-lock bags—trust us on this one. You might need to recalibrate some of the electronics on the equipment using software.
Weight benches and racks: These usually unbolt fairly easily. Remove any attachments, pull-up bars, or safety catches first. Wrap the padding in furniture blankets or old towels to prevent tears.
Multi-gyms: These are the trickiest. Take photos at each step of disassembly so you remember how the pulley systems and cables connect. Label each cable with masking tape if needed. Be careful not to kink the cables.
Free weights: Remove weight plates from bars and pack them in small, sturdy boxes. Never overload a single box—your back (and your floor) will thank you.
Other stuff: Don’t forget your belts, mats, resistance bands, straps, records, etc.
Professional movers don't just wing it, and neither should you. You'll need:
Once disassembled, wrap everything individually. Chrome bars scratch easily, and painted weight plates can chip. Use furniture blankets for the big pieces and bubble wrap for anything with a screen or digital display.
For items that can't be disassembled, like some premium treadmills or commercial-grade equipment, secure any moving parts. Tape down the belt on treadmills, lock any adjustable components, and use straps to keep folding sections from opening mid-move.
The order in which you load really matters. Heavy, stable items like weight plates and kettlebells go on the bottom and toward the front of the truck. Larger machines should be strapped upright against the walls when possible. Never lay a treadmill on its side unless the manual specifically says it's safe—you could damage the motor or belt alignment.
Keep related parts together. If you've disassembled a multi-gym, keep all its components in the same general area of the truck. Your future self, standing in your new home surrounded by mysterious bolts, will appreciate this.
Look, we get it. You're fit, you've got mates with utes, and you reckon you can handle it. But there are times when hiring a mover interstate or locally just makes sense:
Professional removalists have the equipment, insurance, and experience to move your gym safely. We've also got the injuries (and the lessons learned) from years of doing this, so that you don't have to learn the same lessons.
Once you've arrived at your new place, don't rush the setup. Take time to position equipment thoughtfully—you'll want to ensure there's enough clearance for movement and that heavy items are on structurally sound flooring. Take care and take your time setting up to protect your new home’s flooring and walls.
Reassemble carefully, referring to those photos you took during disassembly. Don't overtighten bolts initially; get everything finger-tight first, then go back and properly tighten once you've confirmed everything's aligned correctly. Always tighten in a diagonal manner in the same way that you tighten a car wheel to avoid misalignment.
Test each piece of equipment thoroughly before your first proper workout. Check that treadmill belts are tracking straight, weight stacks move smoothly, and all safety features engage properly.
Moving home gym equipment doesn't have to be a nightmare. With proper planning, the right tools, and a methodical approach, you can relocate your fitness setup safely and efficiently. Whether you're moving across town or using a mover interstate for a long-distance relocation, the key is treating your equipment with the respect it deserves.
And if you're reading this thinking, "Yeah, nah—I'd rather leave this to someone else," that's what we're here for. Professional removalists live for this stuff. We've got the gear, the know-how, and the insurance to make sure your gym arrives in perfect working order, ready for you to smash out that first post-move workout.
Because the only weight you should be lifting on moving day is the weight you choose to lift—not your entire treadmill.
Happy Moving!