How to Move a Gym, Garage, or Workshop: Heavy Equipment Done Right
How to Move a Gym, Garage, or Workshop: Heavy Equipment Done Right
A home gym or workshop is one of the most satisfying investments you can make in your home. It's also one of the most challenging things to move. Squat racks that weigh 400 lbs. Cable machines bolted to the floor. Tool chests loaded with a lifetime of equipment. None of it is easy, and none of it tolerates a careless approach.
At GoodGuys, we move large home gyms and workshops regularly. We've moved gyms on second and third floors of homes. We once moved a customer's entire basement workshop — 25,000 lbs of machinery — in a single job. If you have heavy equipment that needs to move, here's exactly how to do it right.
Moving a Home Gym
The Challenge with Gym Equipment
Extreme weight. A fully loaded power rack with plates can weigh 500–800 lbs.
Awkward dimensions. Power racks, cable machines, and multi-station units are large and rigid.
Multi-floor situations. Many Atlanta homes have gyms on the second or third floor, or in a basement.
Assembly complexity. Most gym equipment is assembled on-site and can't simply be picked up and moved as a unit.
What GoodGuys Does
Specialty equipment for heavy loads. We use furniture dollies, appliance dollies, and heavy-duty straps specifically designed for extreme weight.
Full disassembly and reassembly. GoodGuys disassembles and reassembles gym equipment as part of the move.
Multi-floor capability. We've moved full gyms from second and third floors of homes in Atlanta. Flag the floor situation when you book so we can bring the right crew size.
Protecting your floors. We use floor runners and furniture pads to protect every surface the equipment moves across.
Item-by-Item Gym Moving Guide
Power Racks and Squat Racks: Disassemble completely. Remove all weight plates before disassembly. Label hardware with tape and bags.
Cable Machines: Unload the weight stacks fully before moving. Disassemble the frame where possible, and wrap all cables and pulleys carefully.
Olympic Barbells and Weight Plates: Barbells should be transported horizontally in barbell holders or wrapped individually. Weight plates should be loaded into boxes or on plate tree racks.
Cardio Equipment: Fold treadmills where possible. Rowers can usually be broken down into two sections.
Rubber Flooring and Mats: Roll flooring tightly and secure with stretch wrap. Stack tiles flat and protect corners from chipping.
Moving a Garage Workshop
We once moved a customer's entire basement workshop that weighed 25,000 lbs. It was one of the most complex single-location moves we've done, and we completed it without a scratch.
What Customers Need to Do Before the Workshop Move
Drain all fluids from gas-powered equipment. Generators, air compressors with gas engines, lawnmowers, and pressure washers must have their fuel tanks drained before GoodGuys can transport them.
Remove bits, blades, and accessories. Table saw blades, router bits, and drill bits should be removed and packed separately in labeled containers.
Empty tool chests. Remove tools from all drawers and pack them in boxes or bins by drawer/category.
Item-by-Item Workshop Moving Guide
Tool Chests: Empty all drawers completely. Tape drawers shut. Use an appliance dolly with straps.
Table Saws, Band Saws, and Stationary Power Tools: Remove blades and fence systems. Transport on an appliance dolly with padding on all contact points.
Workbenches: Determine in advance whether the bench can be moved as a unit or needs to be disassembled.
Air Compressors: Drain the tank completely. Transport upright where possible.
Welders: Transport upright on an appliance dolly. Secure gas cylinders separately — they must be transported upright and strapped securely.
Pricing for Heavy Equipment Moves
GoodGuys' standard hourly rate applies to gym and workshop moves — $80/mover/hr on weekdays, $85/mover/hr on Saturdays, plus the $100 travel fee. Heavy equipment moves cost more than a standard household move for a straightforward reason: they take longer and require larger crews.
Crew size increases with load weight. A 500 lb power rack being moved down two flights of stairs requires 4 movers, not 2.
Disassembly and reassembly adds time. A full gym disassembly and reassembly can add 2–4 hours to a move.
Access challenges add time. Stairs, tight doorways, basement or upper-floor locations all add to the clock.
Heavy Equipment Moving Checklist
Before Moving Day
Drain fuel from all gas-powered equipment
Remove all blades, bits, and sharp accessories from power tools
Empty all tool chest drawers and pack tools in labeled bins
Remove all weight plates from racks and machines
Unload cable machine weight stacks
Identify floor level and access route for each major item
Flag all multi-floor equipment when booking
Moving Day
Confirm crew size is appropriate for the heaviest items
Ensure floor protection is in place before anything moves
Verify all hardware is bagged and labeled for reassembly
At the New Location
Confirm layout before crew begins reassembly
Test all equipment after reassembly before crew departs
Check tool calibration on precision machinery
Frequently Asked Questions
Does GoodGuys move home gyms on upper floors?
Yes — we've moved full home gyms from second and third floors of Atlanta homes. Let us know the floor situation when you book.
Will GoodGuys reassemble my power rack and cable machine?
Yes — full disassembly and reassembly of gym equipment is included in our service.
How heavy of a load can GoodGuys handle?
We've moved a 25,000 lb basement workshop in a single job. There's no home gym or workshop we can't handle with the right crew and equipment.
Do I need to empty my tool chest before GoodGuys moves it?
Yes — always empty tool chests before moving.
Does GoodGuys move gas-powered equipment?
Yes, as long as fuel tanks are fully drained before the move.
How much does it cost to move a home gym or workshop?
Our standard rate of $80/mover/hr (weekdays) or $85/mover/hr (Saturdays) applies, plus a $100 travel fee. Get a free estimate here.
Have a serious home gym or workshop that needs to move? Get a free estimate from GoodGuys and tell us what you're working with — we’ve seen it all, and we’ll move it right.