So, you like working out. Creating a home gym was a great decision that you’ve never regretted. But now you’re moving. How do you get the equipment on the truck, then off, into your new place, and properly set up? Fitness equipment requires special attention when moving due to its weight. You likely won’t have what you need to get it from location A to B. You should consider getting moving assistance from a team of professional movers like Maffucci.

We offer specialized moving services to make your experience go smoothly. Our team will work with you to ensure each aspect of your move, from small to big, is taken care of. Don’t hurt your back trying to move your gym on your own. Call Maffucci Moving & Storage for help getting it to your new home.

How to Move Specialized Equipment

Exercise equipment doesn’t just apply to oversized bulky items. Smaller, lightweight items like yoga mats, jump ropes, and fitness balls also fall into this category of specialized equipment. For things like these, you can get away with keeping them in plastic storage bins and not worry about needing to pack them any particular way. But, the bigger the equipment, the more carefully it needs to be moved. When prepping for a move, clean off all the equipment, find a specialized mover that won’t charge extra for heavy items, and have additional help on standby. To determine how to pack up your home gym, keep reading.

For lightweight items:

1. Wrap them in packing paper
2. Place them in a moving box
3. Fill the box with other lightweight items that won’t damage the fitness equipment
4. Fill any open spaces with crumpled packing paper to ensure a tight fit
5. Close the box and clearly label it

Moving Weights

Place weights under 30 pounds into a small box and fill it with other light items. Then, place the box on the bottom of a stack to avoid crushing anything below it. For weights over 30 pounds, put them directly on the floor of the moving trailer and secure them so they don’t roll around. If you don’t have as much room as you used to in your new home, consider putting some of the equipment in storage.

Moving Heavy Equipment

Specialized equipment requires specialized movers, but it doesn’t have to be overly complicated. Maffucci has been in the business for decades, so we’ve learned what works and what doesn’t. For example, using basic moving crates for large exercise equipment isn’t ideal. Instead, choose a heavy-duty crate that can handle a bigger item. For disassembling and packing heavy workout machines, we recommend consulting with manufacturers’ websites to see if they have any guidelines for moving lists. If you still have your manual, it might also be listed there. While you’re looking for more specific instructions, get started by:

1. Removing any extra parts
2. Placing any nuts and bolts in a labeled zip-lock bag taped to the equipment
3. Stabilizing any folding parts with any applicable locking pins or knobs
4. Wrapping removed parts with packing paper and box them up
5. Wrapping the entire machine in paper padding or moving blankets

Helpful Tips and Tricks

When moving exercise equipment, we recommend that you take pictures as you remove parts so you know what goes where; use cardboard to layer edges and minimize damage; have a furniture dolly for objects weighing more than 100 pounds; move smaller items first; and get help from others with heavy items to avoid injury. Other tips include:

• Removing your gym flooring last.
• Placing tubs in the truck and load weights into them to prevent breaking.
• Using gloves to improve your grip.
• Purchasing packing materials ahead of time (plastic bags, rope, tape, and scissors).
• Lifting with your legs to avoid injury.
• Using cushions to protect equipment from scratches/dents.
• Loading heavy equipment last to make the most of space.
• Securing items are fastened in the vehicle with straps, bungee cords, or tie-downs.

What to Do After the Move

Once you get to your new house, unpack and reassemble your equipment. Before anything gets taken out of the boxes, make a game plan for the layout of your new gym, prioritizing safety and accessibility. Pay close attention to the assembly directions, which can be found in the same place as the disassembly instructions. We also recommend referring back to any photos you took during packing to ensure they return correctly.

After you’ve finished unpacking and have had a chance to settle in, test out each piece of equipment before using it, make sure each piece is functioning correctly without any damage. If you do see any issues, address them right away.

Ready for Reassembling

Knowing where to get started can be daunting when you’re reassembling your home gym after a move. However, successfully putting your equipment back together is possible! All you need to do is follow a few steps.

1. Read the manual before beginning
2. Clear the designated areas surrounding the space
3. Gather the necessary tools (screwdrivers, wrenches, Allen keys, hammer/mallet)
4. Follow the instructions to a T
5. Double-check the manual and verify everything is in place correctly

Once you’ve finished putting it back together, run a test. Remember to check the machine’s calibration to ensure it’s operating correctly. If something seems off, make adjustments for optimal performance. Check cables, belts, and moving parts, as they may have loosened during the move. When the equipment is up and running correctly, set a schedule to check it regularly so it stays in top condition.

FAQs

How can I move an elliptical machine?

First, unplug the machine, then unscrew and unbolt the individual pieces (handlebars, pedals, base, and console). Separately wrap the parts and put them in boxes. If you’ve got it, put the machine in the original packaging.

What’s the best way to move weights?

Put no more than four hand weights to prevent a box from being too heavy. Fill the remaining space with light objects like towels, workout clothes, and resistance bands.

How can I make moving day easier?

Other than working with our residential and commercial movers, we recommend taping the power cords to the equipment to prevent them from dragging and causing a safety hazard, taking pictures when dissembling to remember how it goes, wearing gloves to protect your hands, and putting screws, bolts, and other parts in labeled ziplock bags.

Call Maffucci Moving & Storage for help with the Big Stuff During a Move.

Moving is a big task, and moving exercise equipment is an even bigger. But it’s not impossible.

When you hire an experienced specialized mover, your stress will evaporate in minutes! Our team of residential and commercial movers offers clients an entirely personalized moving experience to set your worries at ease.

Reach out to Maffucci Moving & Storage for a free moving quote. Whether you’re just starting to plan or are ready to move, our team provides tailored advice and assistance to ensure your move is as affordable as possible.