How to Move a Hot Tub

Moving to a new home in or around New York City has unique challenges, from navigating narrow streets to managing tight schedules. At U.Santini Moving & Storage, we understand that one of the most daunting tasks homeowners face is relocating specialized items like hot tubs. Knowing how to move a hot tub in New York City and surrounding areas is valuable insight. This relaxing feature is heavy, bulky, and requires careful handling to prevent damage. Tight urban spaces, like walk-ups and small entryways, only complicate the process further, not to mention needing proper equipment to manage its weight. Additionally, hot tubs often need to be disassembled and reassembled correctly, which can take considerable expertise. That’s where we step in to make your move stress-free and seamless.

Why Trust U.Santini Moving & Storage?

U. Santini Moving & Storage is a fourth-generation local moving company that’s been a staple service provider since 1930. Our white-glove service experience and commitment to exceptional customer care have made us a leading moving and storage professional in New York City. We maintain our outstanding reputation and consistent customer satisfaction with impressive expertise in safely and successfully moving nearly any possessions you may find in a home, including hot tubs. Our comprehensive service collection includes full-service packing, storage, local and long-distance moving, estate moving, corporate and commercial moving, and real estate staging and decluttering. You can trust us to keep your valuable belongings in the best possible condition, whether we’re packing them into boxes, loading them on a truck, or storing them.

Tips for How to Move a Jacuzzi or Hot Tub

Moving a hot tub on your own can seem like a cost-effective solution, especially if you’re on a tight budget or working with limited time. However, the challenges of handling such a heavy and bulky item cannot be overlooked. Most hot tubs weigh around 500 pounds when empty, and when filled, they can easily reach up to 1,000 pounds. Their large, awkward shape also makes navigating doorways, stairs, and pathways particularly difficult. Without the right equipment or expertise, the process can quickly become overwhelming and even dangerous. That’s why our professional moving team ensures your hot tub is relocated safely and efficiently, giving you peace of mind every step of the way. We can also explain how to dispose of a hot tub if your model is broken or has lost its usefulness. Below, we’ve outlined some essential information to follow when moving your hot tub:

Hire a Moving Company

Moving a hot tub on your own is possible, but it’s a challenging and physically demanding task. Considering the effort and potential risks, it might not be worth adding more stress to an already busy move. Professional hot tub movers can take care of the heavy lifting for you, giving you the freedom to focus on other important aspects of your relocation. By leaving it to U.Santini Moving & Storage’s expert team, you can save time and energy and avoid unnecessary hassle.

Rent the Correct Equipment

Make sure you have the right tools for the job if you plan to move a hot tub on your own. The best way to transport a hot tub is by using specialized equipment, such as a hot tub dolly. This essential tool helps you safely roll the heavy spa onto a truck and into its new location without risking injury. Whether you rely on professional movers or gather a group of friends to help, a dolly is absolutely essential for heavy lifting and precise maneuvering. Many hardware stores and moving services offer equipment rentals specifically for moving hot tubs. Be sure to check with local providers to find out what’s available and make your moving process go as smoothly as possible.

Prepare & Move Your Hot Tub

Before moving a hot tub, it’s important to drain it at least 24 hours in advance. Start by unplugging the unit and ensuring the cord is safely out of the way. Disconnect any attached plumbing, then locate the drain valve on the tub. Attach a garden hose to the valve, open it, and let the water flow out. Once it’s fully drained, you can use a towel to wipe up any leftover moisture. On your moving day, you’ll want to make sure the hot tub cover is removed to avoid dealing with the added weight. Proper preparation ensures the move goes smoothly and protects the tub against damage during transport. Taking these crucial steps will save you time and hassle in the long run.

Carry Your Hot Tub to the Truck or Transportation

Hot tubs are extremely heavy, even when empty, so you should never try to move one by yourself. Instead, gather a group of people strong enough to lift and carry each side of the tub. Ideally, you’ll want at least three helpers in addition to yourself. Everyone should wear non-slip footwear and take proper safety precautions to prevent accidents. Please follow the steps below to safely and carefully carry and load your hot tub:

• Before lifting, place sheets of plywood under the hot tub to create a smooth platform for sliding it onto a dolly.
• Once your team is ready, carefully lift the hot tub just enough to slide the dolly underneath, then securely position it for transport.
• Use moving straps to stabilize the hot tub on the dolly and push it toward the truck.
• Once loaded onto the truck, strap it down tightly to prevent movement during transit.
• Ensure the hot tub dolly stays with the spa because it will make unloading it much easier when you reach your destination.

Unload & Reconnect Your Hot Tub at Its New Location

Once you’ve arrived at your new home, carefully unfasten the straps securing your hot tub. With the help of your moving team, slowly guide the hot tub off the truck and towards its designated spot. You should plan your route in advance to avoid any unnecessary obstacles or delays. U.Santini Moving & Storage urges you to take your time and make safety your top priority. Do you remember those plywood boards you prepared earlier? Place them in the area where your hot tub will sit. These will create a stable surface for moving the spa into position. Use the corners for leverage while shifting the hot tub off the dolly and onto the plywood. Once you’re satisfied with its placement, gently slide the boards out from underneath. Now it’s time to set up your hot tub. You’ll need to clean it thoroughly, connect the plumbing, plug it in, refill it, and finally, sit back and enjoy the hot, bubbling water.

Schedule Your Upcoming Move Today

U.Santini Moving & Storage is always ready to schedule a moving date and help you load and transport your hot tub, furniture, appliances, and other belongings to a new home. Our highly trained, seasoned, and friendly moving team is committed to providing an exceptional service experience every time. Get in touch with us today to start the process.