How Do You Store a Rower?
Sep 2, 2026 / Public Storage
Store a rowing machine by unplugging it, cleaning the frame and moving parts, folding or separating it according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and placing it on a raised, level surface. Keep the rower covered with breathable fabric, store accessories in a labeled container, and leave enough room to retrieve the machine without moving other equipment.
Rowing machines can include rails, chains or belts, electronic displays, flywheels, resistance systems, and wood or metal components. Clean and dry every part before storage, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific model.
Rowing Machine Storage Essentials:
- Unplug powered rowing machines before cleaning or moving them.
- Wipe the seat, handle, footrests, frame, rail, and display with a soft cloth.
- Let all parts dry fully before folding or covering the machine.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for folding, separating, or transporting the rower.
- Secure the seat according to the manufacturer’s guidance before moving the machine.
- Remove detachable accessories and place them in a labeled container.
- Empty and dry water-resistance tanks before storage.
- Cover the rower with a moving blanket, cotton sheet, or breathable furniture cover.
- Place the rower on a rubber mat, pallet, or other raised level surface.
- Do not stack boxes, weights, or furniture on the rowing machine.
Rowing Machine Storage Steps at a Glance:
How Do You Clean a Rowing Machine Before Storage?
Clean a rowing machine before storage by wiping the seat, rail, handle, footrests, frame, and accessible display areas with a soft cloth. Use only cleaning methods approved by the manufacturer, especially around electronic displays, sensors, flywheels, and resistance systems.
Remove dust from the rail and moving parts, then let the rower dry fully before folding, covering, or moving it into storage. Do not spray liquids directly onto electronic components.
How Should You Store a Chain, Belt, or Flywheel Rower?
Store a chain, belt, or flywheel rower by cleaning the rail and frame, then following the manufacturer’s maintenance and storage instructions. Some models may require specific preparation for chains, belts, resistance dials, or flywheel housings.
Do not place oils, lubricants, cleaners, or other liquid maintenance products in a storage unit. Complete any manufacturer-approved maintenance before moving the rowing machine into storage.
How Do You Store a Water Rowing Machine?
Store a water rowing machine only after emptying the tank and drying the machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not place a water-filled rowing machine in a storage unit.
Remove water as directed by the manufacturer, dry the tank and exterior components, and keep the rower upright or in the position specified for transport and storage. Review the manual before refilling the tank when you bring the machine back into use.
How Should You Fold or Disassemble a Rowing Machine?
Fold or disassemble a rowing machine only according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Many rowers fold at a rail hinge, stand upright, or separate into sections for transport.
Before moving the rower:
- Remove detachable accessories, monitor arms, or removable components as directed.
- Place bolts, straps, or small parts in a labeled bag or container.
- Secure the seat in the position identified by the manufacturer.
- Wrap the handle with a soft cloth if needed.
- Fold or separate the rower using the approved mechanism.
- Keep the machine balanced during transport.
Do not force hinges, rails, or folding locks that do not move as expected.
Should You Use Climate-Controlled Storage for a Rowing Machine?
Climate-controlled storage can be useful for rowing machines because high heat and changing humidity can affect electronic displays, wiring, resistance systems, rails, belts, chains, wood components, grips, and metal hardware. Heat can contribute to changes in plastic, foam, and electronic components, while humidity can affect metal parts and wood-based materials.
More than 90% of Public Storage properties offer climate-controlled units. These units are designed to help maintain more consistent temperature or humidity levels than non-climate-controlled storage.
Clean and dry the rower fully, empty any water-resistance tank, use a breathable cover, and place the machine on a raised, level surface before storage.
Do You Need Drive-Up Storage for a Rowing Machine?
Drive-up storage can be useful for a rowing machine because rowers are long, bulky, and difficult to carry through hallways or elevators. Vehicle access near the unit can shorten the distance between your car, van, or moving truck and the storage space during move-in and move-out.
More than 45% of Public Storage properties offer drive-up access units. This option can help when you are moving a rowing machine with treadmills, weights, benches, exercise bikes, or other large home-gym equipment.
Choose drive-up storage when you plan to:
- Load a folded or separated rowing machine from a vehicle
- Move a long rail, flywheel housing, or resistance tank
- Store the rower with other fitness equipment
- Make several trips while organizing a garage, basement, or spare room
- Retrieve the rowing machine during a home move or room revamp
Measure the rower’s length, height, width, and folded dimensions before reserving a unit. Place the machine along a wall or in a designated fitness area, keep it fully supported, and leave a clear walkway around it.
Where Should You Place a Rowing Machine in a Storage Unit?
Place a rowing machine along a wall or in a designated fitness-equipment area. Keep it on a rubber mat, pallet, or other raised level surface instead of directly on the floor.
Store heavier fitness equipment at floor level and keep lighter accessories on shelving. Do not place weights, boxes, or furniture on the rower, rail, display, handle, or resistance system.
How Should You Check a Rowing Machine After Storage?
Check a rowing machine before using it again by inspecting the rail, seat, handle, footrests, chain or belt, resistance system, display, power cord, and visible hardware. Wipe away dust and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for setup and maintenance.
For water rowers, refill the tank only according to the manufacturer’s guidance. Test the machine at a low resistance setting before returning to your regular workout routine.
Put Away Your Rowing Machine With a Clear Plan.
A rowing machine is easier to store when it is unplugged, clean, dry, folded or separated correctly, and placed on a raised, level surface. Keep accessories labeled, protect the machine with breathable fabric, and leave enough space for easy retrieval.
Find a Public Storage location near you to reserve climate-controlled or drive-up space for rowing machines, home-gym equipment, furniture, and household belongings that do not fit your everyday layout.
An organized fitness-storage plan can make the next workout setup easier to start.
Rowing Machine Storage FAQs
Can you store a rowing machine in a storage unit?
Yes. Store a rowing machine after cleaning and drying it, folding or separating it according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and placing it on a raised, level surface.
Can you store a water rowing machine with water in the tank?
No. Empty and dry the water tank according to the manufacturer’s instructions before storing the rowing machine.
Should you use climate-controlled storage for a rowing machine?
Climate-controlled storage can be useful for rowing machine electronics, wood components, metal hardware, resistance systems, and grips. More than 90% of Public Storage properties offer climate-controlled units.
Is drive-up storage useful for a rowing machine?
Yes. Drive-up storage can make it easier to load and unload a long, bulky rowing machine from a vehicle. More than 45% of Public Storage properties offer drive-up access units.
Can you stack boxes on a stored rowing machine?
No. Keep boxes, weights, furniture, and other heavy items off the rowing machine, rail, display, and resistance system.
