How to Move a Treadmill

Treadmills are heavy and bulky, but if you need to move one, don’t despair. Depending on your treadmill, there are different options for moving it. If your treadmill has wheels, you can just tip it and roll it along. If the treadmill doesn’t have wheels, you’ll want to move it on a furniture dolly. If you have to go up or down stairs, you’ll have to be very careful and might want to hire movers. With these different techniques, moving your treadmill becomes a simple task.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Rolling the Treadmill

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1
Roll the treadmill if it has wheels and you don’t need to go up stairs. Check the path that you are going to roll the treadmill to make sure it’s clear of obstacles. Prop open any doors you have to go through, and prepare the space where you want the treadmill to go.^{[1]XResearch source}
- Remember to turn off and unplug your treadmill before you begin.
2
Fold the treadmill if possible. Not all treadmills fold, but if yours does, it will make it easier to move. Make sure it’s not plugged into the wall before you start folding. Some treadmills fold down, while other times, the belt folds up. Check the manual for specific instructions on your treadmill.^{[2]XResearch source}
- Check that once it’s folded, it’s locked into place, so it doesn’t get damaged during moving.
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3
Tip the folded treadmill onto its wheels. Hold one handrail with one hand and the frame with the other. Put one foot against the treadmill’s wheel to help keep it in place as you tilt the treadmill up.
- Depending on how heavy your treadmill is, you might want someone to help you tip and move the treadmill.
4
Tip an unfolded treadmill onto its wheels with the help of a friend. If you couldn’t fold it, have one person stand at the front of the treadmill and one at the back. You should each be both be able to lift about 45 pounds (20 kg). The person standing by the console grabs the uprights and pulls forward and down. The other person should hold the opposite end to keep it steady.^{[3]XResearch source}
- If you’re not strong enough, consider hiring movers.
5
Push the treadmill into the new location. One person walks backward, and the other forward, as you maneuver the treadmill from one room to the other. Be especially careful when you are going through doorways.^{[4]XResearch source}
- Once it’s in it’s new location, unfold it if it was folded, and plug it in.
- Test the treadmill at a low speed to make sure everything’s functioning before you start running on it.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using a Furniture Dolly

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Use a flat dolly, which is a wooden platform on wheels. If you are moving a very short distance, you might not need one, but it can really help ease the process. You can buy a furniture dolly for about $20, or rent one for a day for cheaper.
2
Fold the treadmill if possible. Your treadmill might not fold. If you’re unsure, check the user manual for instructions. Depending on your treadmill, you might have to fold the top down or the bottom up.^{[5]XResearch source}
- If your treadmill doesn’t fold, don’t worry, you can still move it with the dolly.
Treadmills can be very heavy, over 300 pounds (140 kg). Get at least one helper, though you might want three. If you and your friends aren’t strong enough to lift the treadmill, consider hiring movers.
4
Lift the treadmill onto the dolly and roll to new location. Lift carefully, using your legs, not your back. Bend at the hips and knees and then stand up using your legs to lift. Avoid turning or twisting while holding the treadmill.^{[6]XResearch source}
- Make sure the treadmill is centered and secure on the dolly.
- Be extra careful when going through doorways to avoid chipping paint.
5
Reassemble the treadmill once it’s in the new location. If you folded it, unlock it and unfold the treadmill. Be sure it locks into its new position. Plug it in and look it over to make sure everything is in place.^{[7]XResearch source}
- Before you use the treadmill, check over it one more time.
- Test it at a very low speed before you use it again.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Moving the Treadmill Up or Down Stairs

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1
Check your owner’s manual for information on disassembly. Figure out how heavy your treadmill is to help you plan if you will be able to carry it up the stairs, or if you need to disassemble it or hire movers. Find out from the manual if it’s possible to disassemble the treadmill into pieces.^{[8]XResearch source}
- If you don’t have a copy of the owner’s manual anymore, look it up online using the model number on your treadmill.
2
Disassemble and wrap the treadmill pieces if possible. Separate the parts according to instructions in the user’s manual. You might have to remove bolts with pliers to take pieces apart. Wrap each section in moving blankets.^{[9]XExpert SourceMarty Stevens-Heebner, SMM-C, CPO®
Certified Professional Organizer & Senior Move ManagerExpert Interview. 14 January 2020.} It’s especially important to use moving blankets if you have drywall, because the treadmill might chip the wall if you accidentally bump up against it on the stairs.
- If you can’t disassemble the treadmill, you might still want to wrap the corners of your treadmill to protect your walls.
3
Carry the wrapped treadmill (or treadmill pieces) with another person helping. One person should stand at the front of the treadmill, and the other at the back. It could be helpful to have a third person spot. Be careful, because it can be pretty dangerous to move a treadmill up or down stairs. If the person on top loses their grip, the heavy treadmill could injure the person on the bottom. Lifting with your legs, carefully and slowly take the treadmill up or down the stairs.
- Consider hiring movers to help you with this task. If you don’t think you will be able to carry the treadmill or the treadmill pieces, don’t attempt it.
4
Reassemble the treadmill in its new position. Check over your treadmill to make sure everything is locked into place. Plug it in and test it on a very low speed to ensure that the belt runs smoothly.
- Now you’re ready to workout again!

Expert Q&A

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Can you take apart a treadmill to move it?
Marty Stevens-Heebner, SMM-C, CPO®
Certified Professional Organizer & Senior Move Manager
Marty Stevens-Heebner is a Certified Professional Organizer (CPO) and Founder of Clear Home Solutions, a home organizing and senior moving management company based in Southern California. Marty is the President of the National Association of Senior and Specialty Move Managers (NASMM), with certifications in Senior and Specialty Move Management, Professional Organizing, and Aging in Place. Clear Home Solutions was the first nationally accredited firm in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. Marty is the first Certified Senior Move Manager (SMM-C) in the United States and has been acknowledged as a Hoarding Specialist and ADHD Specialist through the Institute for Challenging Disorganization. Marty also hosts How to Move Your Mom (and still be on speaking terms afterward), a podcast dedicated to later life and all its idiosyncrasies. She received her B.A. in History from Cornell University and an MFA from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Marty Stevens-Heebner, SMM-C, CPO®
Certified Professional Organizer & Senior Move Manager
Expert Answer
Yes! Disassemble the treadmill and wrap the pieces in a blanket or large towel to keep them safe while you move it. You can reassemble it once it's in the new location.
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Question
Will movers move a treadmill?
Marty Stevens-Heebner, SMM-C, CPO®
Certified Professional Organizer & Senior Move Manager
Marty Stevens-Heebner is a Certified Professional Organizer (CPO) and Founder of Clear Home Solutions, a home organizing and senior moving management company based in Southern California. Marty is the President of the National Association of Senior and Specialty Move Managers (NASMM), with certifications in Senior and Specialty Move Management, Professional Organizing, and Aging in Place. Clear Home Solutions was the first nationally accredited firm in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. Marty is the first Certified Senior Move Manager (SMM-C) in the United States and has been acknowledged as a Hoarding Specialist and ADHD Specialist through the Institute for Challenging Disorganization. Marty also hosts How to Move Your Mom (and still be on speaking terms afterward), a podcast dedicated to later life and all its idiosyncrasies. She received her B.A. in History from Cornell University and an MFA from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Marty Stevens-Heebner, SMM-C, CPO®
Certified Professional Organizer & Senior Move Manager
Expert Answer
Yes, you can hire professional movers to move your treadmill. When you call to schedule them, let them know you need help moving the treadmill.
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Tips

If you are confused at any point, check your user’s manual for what to do.
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Many treadmills have a mat underneath, so make sure to move this too.
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