A sauna is an expensive investment, so it makes sense that you want to hold on to it when you’re planning a move. Plus, there’s nothing like heat to soothe sore muscles after a move.
The U.S. sauna market is still pretty young, which means that there’s a good chance your new home won’t come equipped with one. However, this is projected to grow by more than $150 million by 2029, meaning a sauna could be a serious value-add if you’re planning to sell in the next decade.
If you’re determined to take your sauna with you, we have good news: it’s totally doable. In this guide, we’ll walk through all the steps involved in moving a sauna, so you can plan your move with confidence.
Can You Move a Sauna?
Yes, you absolutely can move a sauna. However, whether it’s practical for you depends on a few factors.
First, make sure the sauna is yours to move. If it’s hardwired into your home and you sell the house, the new owners might expect it to be included.
Next, consider whether the sauna can actually be physically moved, and if you want to deal with the disassembly and reinstallation process. Saunas that are built into the house can be extremely difficult to take apart. Additionally, you may need a contractor to install a new moisture barrier, address drainage issues, handle wiring, and perform reconstruction in your new home. And that’s assuming your new place has the space for a sauna.
Freestanding models, such as barrel saunas and plug-in infrared cabins, are much easier to move.
Things to Consider Before Moving Your Sauna
Here are some things to think about before you decide to move your sauna:
- Size and weight. Make sure it’s feasible to move the sauna, benches, stove, and piping. Large saunas may require a bigger and more expensive moving truck.
- Electrical and plumbing connections. Check how the sauna is connected to water, drainage, and electricity. Can you disconnect it yourself, or will you need to hire a pro?
- Indoor vs. outdoor setup. Think about what will be left behind if you remove the sauna. You might also need to deal with a concrete pad or a wooden deck outdoors. Indoors, you might need to refinish the walls or floors.
- Accessibility and moving path. Make sure there’s space to transport the sauna to the moving truck.
- Whether it’s worth moving vs. buying new. Estimate costs for renting a larger truck and hiring electricians, plumbers, specialized movers (ask about their experience), or contractors. Compare the total to the cost of a new sauna to determine if it’s worth it.
How to Move Your Sauna, Step-by-Step
The best way to ensure your sauna gets to your new place safely and easily is preparation. Here’s everything you need to add to your moving checklist when relocating a sauna.
Step 1: Safety First
Keep these tips in mind as you move your sauna:
- Disconnect all electrical connections before starting the disassembly process. If that involves complex wiring, consult an electrician.
- Give the sauna time to cool and dry completely before you start the disassembly process, especially if it has been used recently.
- Use the appropriate tools for disassembling the sauna to prevent accidents and damage.
- Be very careful with glass doors. They are, of course, fragile and can be awkward to carry. It’s usually a two-person job, so make sure you plan to get help from friends, family, or professionals.
- Use a dolly or a cart to move the big sections, and always lift with your knees rather than your back to prevent injuries. Don’t try to do this alone, either!
- Secure all sauna parts with heavy-duty straps inside the moving truck. Shake them to make sure they can’t move around too much.
- Install the sauna with secure fittings during reassembly to prevent any safety issues down the line. If you’re hardwiring the stove or lights, hire an electrician to make sure the work is up to code.
Step 2: Pre-Move Preparation
Once your sauna is completely cool and dry, it’s time to start the prep work. First, turn off any electrical connections. If it’s a plug-in model, simply unplug it. If it’s hardwired, you may need to shut off the breaker and/or consult with an electrician. It’s always better to bring in a professional to reduce the risk of fires or damage to the wires.
While you’re at it, do some cleaning. Wipe down benches, walls, and floors, and vacuum the interior to remove any loose stones, sand, or other debris. If your sauna has a wood-burning stove, don’t forget to sweep out the ashes.
Then, find the user manual (if you have it), and gather the tools you need. Then, take some photos to document the sauna’s general setup before disassembling. Keep your phone handy to take some pictures as you take it apart — they’ll be a lifesaver when it’s time to put it back together.
Step 3: Disassembling the Sauna
Here are some general things to consider when taking apart your sauna for transportation:
- Check the warranty: Disassembling and moving your sauna might void the warranty. You might want to consider an alternative if your sauna is still protected.
- Leave it to the pros: If you’re unsure about any step or don’t have the necessary equipment, consider hiring a sauna installation company or professionals who specialize in moving bulky items. It’s not worth hurting yourself or damaging expensive equipment.
- Start outside and move in: Exterior accessories, such as lights or decorative items, should be removed first. Then, remove the interior benches, supports, backrests, and stove rails. These can usually be removed without tools, but some may be screwed in place. If you have a traditional sauna, carefully remove the rocks from the stove basket — just make absolutely sure they’re cool first. Then, take out the stove and stovepipe.
- Pack it up: Different parts of your sauna might require different packing supplies. Fragile items, like the heater or stove, should be wrapped in bubble wrap or moving blankets. Put the sauna rocks in a sturdy container, and fill the extra space with packing material to prevent excessive movement. Door handles, latches, screws, and bolts should be bagged and labeled clearly. You should also label each wall panel, if your sauna’s construction allows for it, and protect them with foam pads.
Saunas come in different makes and models, which means that not all of these tips will apply to yours. Make sure you consult the manual or manufacturer to know for sure what tools and methods you need to disassemble and pack your sauna.
Step 4: Unloading and Transport
Saunas have a lot of large parts, which means you’ll need the right vehicle for safe transport. You may need to rent a U-Haul or moving truck. In fact, you may want to consider a truck or trailer equipped with a ramp to make loading and unloading easier. Ensure everything is securely tied down so it doesn’t move around while you’re driving.
“If you don’t photograph every step of the disassembly process, it’s easy to forget what part goes where. A quick photo can help you remember how the components connect and in what order.”
Better yet, consider hiring professional movers with experience handling delicate and heavy items, and rely on their transportation. While they should have the know-how to move your sauna safely and soundly, accidents can still happen, so you may want to purchase additional moving insurance.
Step 5: Reassembling the Sauna
Once you’re at the new location, it’s time to choose the spot for your sauna. You’ll want to consider factors like access to electrical outlets, ventilation, space, and aesthetics. If you can visit your new place before the moving day, try to scout the perfect spot.
Use your manual and your photos to reassemble the sauna. Again, if you’re not confident in this process, consider hiring a professional or handyman to help with the reassembly. An electrician is especially helpful.
Double-check all electrical connections and test the sauna to ensure it’s working correctly.
Step 6: Post-Move Maintenance
Once you’ve reassembled your sauna, it’s a good idea to go through a few checks before using it, just to be sure there are no issues:
- First, you should perform a thorough inspection of the sauna’s interior and exterior to confirm there’s no damage from the move.
- Then, test the heating elements and ventilation system to ensure they’re functioning correctly. Check for any signs of malfunction or damage, and verify that the heating elements reach the right temperature by placing a thermometer inside.
- During this initial run, check for any unusual smells or signs of smoke, which can indicate a problem. If you installed any new components, you might want to allow for off-gassing by running the sauna at a high temperature before using it. Leave the doors open to release fumes.
Keep in mind that wood can expand or contract based on humidity and temperature. If the sauna is moved to a different environment, allowing it some time to acclimate before use can help you avoid issues like warping or cracking.
Special Considerations for Outdoor or Barrel Saunas
If you’re moving a barrel sauna or outdoor sauna, you may be able to save time and effort by transporting it in one piece. But, this option is only feasible for short-distance moves. For longer trips, you should disassemble the sauna to prevent structural damage.
Here are some things to consider when deciding how to move a barrel sauna or outdoor sauna:
- Vehicle type: You’ll probably need to move the sauna using a flatbed truck or trailer. Consider how you’ll get it onto the truck — usually, a forklift or crane — and factor in the cost of the vehicle and a driver, if necessary.
- Weatherproofing: Plan how you’ll protect the sauna from the elements. Large, durable tarps can prevent water and debris from getting inside the sauna.
- Site preparation: Before installing the sauna at your new home, you’ll need to level the site and build a concrete, wooden, or gravel pad. You may also need bolts or other anchors to keep the structure upright.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
As you plan how to move the sauna, decide if you can realistically manage the process yourself. Unless you have experience moving large, bulky objects and have plenty of friends or family to help, it might be better to hire movers. For large, custom-built, or high-value saunas, you can hire a sauna specialist to manage the disassembly and packing process. They may also be able to help you deal with warranty concerns. Saunas are expensive, and the pros can ensure that yours arrives at its destination safely and damage-free.
“Saunas have a lot of large parts, which means you’ll need the right vehicle for safe transport…In fact, you may want to consider a truck or trailer equipped with a ramp to make loading and unloading easier.”
Confident with the moving process, but can’t lift the pieces alone? You can also hire labor-only movers to help with loading and unloading.
At HireAHelper, we make it easy to hire movers — our platform provides instant quotes, so you can compare local companies. Once you’ve found the perfect one, you can reserve your date and book online in minutes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The best way to move a sauna is with extreme care. It might take a little longer, but you’ll protect your investment and prevent accidental damage. Here are some of the most common sauna-moving mistakes and ways to avoid them:
- Not labeling parts: Without labels, a sauna looks like a pile of hardware and wood planks. Save yourself the hassle, and label every part clearly. Put screws and bolts into small plastic bags, and write where they go on the sauna. Be as specific as possible.
- Forgetting to take photos: If you don’t photograph every step of the disassembly process, it’s easy to forget what part goes where. A quick photo can help you remember how the components connect and in what order.
- Transporting while damp: If the sauna isn’t dry, the heat and humidity in the moving truck can cause splitting or warping. The sauna probably won’t be the first thing you pack, but the drying process should be early on. Open the doors and vents, and give it time to dry. Running a fan or firing up the stove (without steam) can speed up the process.
- Reinstalling incorrectly: A common mistake is forgetting to check your new site for ventilation and a level surface, which can result in fires or tipping. Check the manual to make sure the spot is safe, and bring in a contractor to confirm.
Moving a sauna requires a bit of legwork, but it’s possible. However, if you work gradually, pack carefully, and prep the new site thoroughly, you’ll be enjoying a good sauna session in your new home before you know it.