How to Move Commercial Gym Equipment

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: August 2, 2021

Whether you own a commercial gym or have commercial-grade gym equipment at home, moving it from one place to another presents the same logistical difficulties. The heavy weight and odd shapes of many types of equipment mean that you’ll have to take extra care when moving it. Following the right procedures and using strong packing materials ensures the safe arrival of your gym gear to its new home!

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:
Weights, Mats, and Small Items

1
Clean and disinfect all items before you pack them. Launder anything that’s machine washable, such as gym towels. Spray and wipe down all exercise equipment with disinfectant to kill any germs and bacteria.^{[1]
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- This ensures that items won’t transfer germs and bacteria to one another in transit and that you won’t be bringing any contaminants into the new space where your gym equipment is going.
2
Wrap metal weights in bubble wrap or newspaper to protect them. Tape around the bubble wrap or newspaper with packing tape to hold it in place. This prevents these items from getting chipped or scratched and keeps them from damaging other items they may bump into in transit.^{[2]
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- Don’t worry about wrapping rubber- or plastic-coated weights up, as they aren’t prone to damage like metal weights are.
- You can also use old towels or blankets to cover large things like barbells. Tape the towels or blankets around the items to keep them in place.
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3
Roll up things like yoga mats and gym towels to save space. Lay each mat and towel out flat and roll it up tightly. Secure rolled mats with carrying straps to keep them from coming undone during packing and moving.^{[3]
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- For other light, soft items like jump ropes and exercise bands, coil them up to save space.
- You could use big rubber bands to keep items rolled and coiled neatly.
4
Pack lightweight items like mats and towels together in boxes. Use any boxes that are large enough to hold the rolled items. Stack similar items neatly together in the boxes and seal them with packing tape when they’re full.^{[4]
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- Since these items are not too heavy, you don’t have to worry too much about the weight of the boxes.
5
Put dumbbells, hand weights, and weight plates in small, heavy-duty boxes. Use heavy-duty cardboard boxes reinforced with strong tape, like duct tape, or use shipping crates or plastic bins. Distribute weights evenly between boxes, so as not to overload any of them.^{[5]
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- Commercial moving companies that offer gym moving services usually can provide you with boxes and crates that are strong enough for heavy gym equipment.
- Always start by packing these smaller items first to give yourself more room to work when it comes time to pack up the bigger equipment.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:
Machines and Large Equipment

1
Unplug any electronic machines from the wall outlets. Do this for all your electronic machines like treadmills, ellipticals, and other cardio machines before you get them ready to move. This helps prevent any electrical accidents or damage to the power cords while you’re packing things up.^{[6]
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- Never take apart any type of electronic equipment while it is still connected to power.
2
Disassemble machines and large equipment as much as possible. Disconnect electronic consoles and frames from their bases. Disassemble everything large into manageable individual pieces.^{[7]
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- For example, take the hand rails and electronic consoles off of the bases of treadmills. Take apart any weight racks and weight machines that aren’t welded together.
- Consult the owner’s manual for any equipment that you’re not sure how to take apart.
3
Secure moving parts with packing tape, zip ties, bungee cords, or rope. Wrap the tape, zip ties, bungee cords, or rope tightly around things like cables and weights that are attached to machines. This ensures they won’t move during transit and helps prevent damage and injury.^{[8]
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- For instance, zip-tie cable weights in place so they don’t slide around when the weight machine is being moved.
4
Wrap individual pieces of disassembled equipment in bubble wrap. Cover sections like bases, electronic consoles, and racks in bubble wrap. Tape around it with packing tape to secure it.^{[9]
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- This prevents scratching and damage, both to the equipment and surrounding things like walls and floors.
5
Secure large items in wooden shipping crates, if desired. Carefully lift and place parts of different machines and equipment into rectangular or cubic shipping crates. Tie down items inside the crates with ratchet straps to prevent them from moving.^{[10]
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- You can rent shipping crates from moving companies. They can help keep expensive equipment from getting damaged in transit.
- Make sure you know how much weight each shipping crate can handle and don’t overload any of the crates.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:
Transportation

1
Have at least 2 people lift and carry heavy boxes and equipment. Get as many people as necessary to lift large items like bases of treadmills and weight racks. Don’t try to lift heavy boxes and equipment yourself or you may get injured.^{[11]
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- For example, stand at 1 end of a treadmill base and have another person stand at the other end. Squat down and lift up with your knees simultaneously.
- Hire a professional moving company that offers gym moving services if you don’t have enough people to help you lift and carry everything safely.
2
Use floor dollies for items that are too heavy to carry. Slide the dollies under things like shipping crates and large gym equipment that’s too heavy and awkward to lift. Wheel the equipment out slowly and carefully.^{[12]
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- For example, use a floor dolly to move a large shipping crate that contains a squat rack.
- It’s still a good idea to have 2 people carry equipment on a dolly. One person should focus on wheeling, while the other works as a spotter and helps support the weight as needed.
3
Load everything carefully into a moving truck and secure it in place. Carry and wheel your gym equipment up a loading ramp into the truck. Secure items in the truck with straps if they seem like they might move around during transport.^{[13]
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- For example, strap tall racks or machines to the walls of the moving truck to keep them from tipping over.
4
Cover anything that’s not in a box or crate with extra padding. Throw moving blankets, old bedding, or towels over any equipment that was too awkward to pack in a box or crate. This provides extra protection to prevent damage in transit.^{[14]
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- For instance, if you have loose barbells, prop them up in a corner and throw a large blanket over the top ends to keep them from bumping into things.
- Even with everything bubble wrapped, it doesn’t hurt to add more padding to prevent shifting and keep things from bumping into one another inside the truck.
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