When you’re dedicated to fitness and wellbeing, it’s helpful to be able to squeeze in a workout in the comfort of your own home. Weight machines, treadmills, elliptical machines – these days you can own just about any type of fitness equipment you want. Whether you use it regularly or it’s more about the intention, it’s there, in all its big, heavy, awkwardness… when it comes time for a move.
This could be the workout of your life. You could choose to hire professionals with the specific expertise to move fitness equipment, or you can ask some strong friends to help. Either way, here is what you need to know about packing your home gym for the move.
Clean and organize your gear
Workout equipment gets dirty, that’s just fact. So when packing your home gym, take the time to wipe down the handrails, dust off the parts you never touch, and while you’re at it, check for any loose screws or broken pieces before you start disassembling anything. You don’t want to start with a dirty workout station at your new home, do you?
If you have free weights or other small items, organize them into groupings that make sense for packing. Locate missing pairs and label anything that needs it – is that a 10 pound or 15-pound weight?
Choose packing containers that are built for the job
Let’s face it, cardboard boxes probably won’t cut it for much beyond your workout DVDs. Milk crates or sturdy plastic tubs will work best for transporting weights; just be sure not to overload them to the point where they can’t be lifted. Use bubble wrap, old towels, or packing paper to keep your weights from shifting and breaking the box during the move, and clearly label the box as “HEAVY” to avoid injury to any unsuspecting movers.
Large equipment: disassemble carefully
Chances are you don’t remember how on earth you got that stationary bicycle together in the first place, but now you have to get it apart. If you have the manual still, great! Follow the directions to pack your exercise equipment. If not, start by grabbing some small plastic bags, masking tape, and a permanent marker to label everything clearly. Only take apart the pieces you can confidently put back together, and label them with the tape and marker in a way that makes sense to you. Affix the bags of screws and other small bits to the equipment itself for safe keeping.
Tip: Securely tape any electrical cords to the machine, and remove and store any cupholders or other easily removed items that could accidentally be broken. For treadmills or other collapsible equipment, make sure everything is locked in place and secure before attempting to lift.
Use a furniture dolly and a friend
Many fitness items aren’t that heavy, but their large, awkward shape makes them difficult to move on your own. Ask a friend or family member to help you load the item onto a furniture dolly to be loaded out the garage door or, in more unfortunate situations, up the basement stairs. If a dolly it not available a thick moving blanket can do the trick to protect your floors and the machine.
Moving a home gym could be a recipe for injury – or it could be a practice in methodical packing and cooperation. Done carefully and with the help of friends, you’ll be working out at your new home in no time. Or, at least, intending to…
Once you’re moved in, be sure to read our blog on how to set up a home gym.
