How To Move Shed

That shed in your backyard – has it become an eyesore, a hindrance, or simply in the wrong place? Moving a shed might seem like a daunting task, conjuring images of heavy machinery and complicated maneuvers. But relocating your shed can drastically improve your property's functionality and aesthetics. Perhaps you're clearing space for a new garden, building a deck, or the shed is simply positioned poorly for drainage or sunlight. Whatever the reason, taking control and moving your shed can unlock new possibilities for your outdoor space, ultimately enhancing your property value and enjoyment.

Moving a shed allows you to optimize your backyard layout, prevent potential damage from poor positioning (like water pooling around the foundation), and even repurpose the shed for a new function in a more suitable location. A well-placed shed can be an asset rather than a liability, offering convenient storage, a workshop area, or even a charming garden feature. By carefully planning and executing the move, you can avoid costly repairs or even the need to purchase a new shed altogether. This guide provides you with the knowledge to decide whether a DIY shed move or professional service is the best option for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving a Shed

What's the best way to move a shed myself versus hiring someone?

The best way to decide whether to move a shed yourself or hire someone depends heavily on the shed's size and construction, the distance of the move, your budget, your physical capabilities, and your comfort level with potential risks. Smaller, lighter sheds on relatively flat ground and short distances are often manageable DIY projects, while larger, heavier sheds or moves involving complex terrain and long distances are usually best left to professionals.

Moving a shed yourself can save money, but it requires careful planning, the right equipment, and significant physical effort. You'll need to assess the shed's construction to determine the best lifting and transport methods. Consider renting equipment like dollies, rollers, or even a trailer. Disconnecting utilities (electricity, water) is essential, and you might need to disassemble parts of the shed (e.g., removing the door or windows) to reduce weight and size. Be realistic about your abilities and the help you can enlist; moving a shed is rarely a one-person job. Furthermore, DIY moves carry inherent risks of injury or damage to the shed and surrounding property. Hiring professionals, on the other hand, offers convenience, expertise, and reduced risk. Professional shed movers have the specialized equipment and experience to move sheds safely and efficiently, even in challenging situations. They handle everything from permits (if required) to leveling the shed at its new location. While it's more expensive upfront, it can save you time, effort, and potential headaches down the line. Get quotes from multiple companies and ensure they are licensed and insured to protect yourself from liability in case of accidents or damage. The cost is an investment in peace of mind and the preservation of your shed.

How do I prepare the new location before moving the shed?

Preparing the new location is crucial for a successful shed move. The key is to ensure a level, stable, and accessible site that meets your needs and local regulations. This involves clearing the area, creating a proper foundation, and planning for access.

Before moving the shed, thoroughly clear the new site of any obstacles. This includes removing trees, shrubs, rocks, debris, and any existing structures that might be in the way. Check for underground utilities like gas lines, water pipes, and electrical cables before you start digging; call your local utility company to mark these if you're unsure of their location. Consider the shed's future orientation and its proximity to property lines, ensuring compliance with local zoning ordinances and setback requirements. Getting these clearances done beforehand minimizes delays and complications during the moving process. Creating a solid foundation is vital to prevent your shed from settling unevenly, which can cause structural problems like warped doors and windows. Common foundation options include a gravel pad, concrete slab, or wooden skid foundation. A gravel pad is a cost-effective choice; excavate the area, lay down landscape fabric to prevent weed growth, and then add compacted gravel to create a level surface. A concrete slab offers the most stable and durable option but requires more effort and expense. Skid foundations are suitable for smaller sheds and allow for easier relocation in the future. Regardless of your choice, ensure the foundation is slightly larger than the shed's footprint to provide adequate support and prevent water from pooling around the base. Finally, consider access to the new location. Ensure there's a clear path for the shed to be moved from its old location to its new one, free of obstructions like fences, trees, or narrow gates. You might need to temporarily remove sections of fencing or trim tree branches. Also, think about how you'll get materials and equipment to the site for any foundation work or landscaping you plan to do after the move. Planning for access prevents unnecessary challenges and ensures a smoother, more efficient moving process.

What are the different methods for moving a shed, and which is best for my situation?

The primary methods for moving a shed are disassembling it and reassembling it at the new location, using a shed-moving trailer, using rollers and manpower/a vehicle to pull it, or hiring professional movers. The best method depends on the shed's size, construction, distance to be moved, budget, and your physical capabilities.

Moving a shed involves a trade-off between cost, effort, and the risk of damage. Disassembling and reassembling is typically the cheapest option but requires significant time, carpentry skills, and careful documentation to ensure proper reconstruction. This is best for sheds built from kits or with simple construction. Using a shed-moving trailer is suitable for intact sheds that can be lifted onto the trailer. You may need to rent a trailer specifically designed for shed moving, and have a vehicle capable of towing it safely. Ensure you have enough space to maneuver the trailer at both the origin and destination points. Rollers involve placing cylindrical objects (pipes or specialized rollers) under the shed and physically pushing or pulling it. This method is best for shorter distances over relatively level ground. It demands considerable manpower or the use of a vehicle to pull the shed, and careful planning to ensure a smooth path. Hiring professional movers is the most expensive option, but it minimizes your effort and risk of damage, particularly for large or complex sheds. They have specialized equipment and insurance to cover any unforeseen issues during the move. When deciding, consider obtaining quotes from professional movers and weigh that against the cost and effort associated with DIY options.

Do I need a permit to move my shed?

Whether you need a permit to move your shed depends entirely on local regulations, including city, county, and even homeowner association rules. Generally, if you're moving the shed within your own property, a permit might not be required. However, if the move involves transporting the shed across public roads or onto a different property, permits are much more likely to be necessary.

Even moving a shed within your property lines can sometimes trigger permit requirements, especially if the new location impacts drainage, utility easements, or property setbacks. Setbacks are the minimum distances a structure must be from property lines, and violating these can lead to fines or orders to move the shed again. Local ordinances often specify maximum shed sizes and heights that influence permit needs as well. To avoid potential problems and legal issues, it is crucial to contact your local building department or planning office *before* you move your shed. Explain the details of your move, including the shed's dimensions, its current location, and its intended new location. They can provide you with specific information about permit requirements, application procedures, and any necessary inspections. Neglecting to obtain required permits can lead to hefty fines, legal complications, and potentially having to undo the move at your own expense.

How do I move a shed that has a concrete floor?

Moving a shed with a concrete floor is significantly more challenging than moving one with a wooden base because of the weight and rigidity of the concrete. The most practical approach involves hiring professional movers specializing in shed relocation. They typically use specialized equipment like a flatbed trailer, a crane, or a shed-moving machine to lift and transport the entire structure safely.

Attempting to move a concrete-floored shed yourself without the proper equipment and expertise is highly discouraged. The weight of the concrete could easily cause damage to the shed, the surrounding landscape, or, most importantly, cause serious injury. The concrete floor is not designed to be easily detached or maneuvered. Professionals have the necessary insurance and experience to handle the complexities involved, including navigating permits and ensuring the shed is properly secured during transport.

Before contacting movers, carefully consider the new location for your shed. Ensure that the ground is level and prepared to support the weight of the shed and concrete floor. Check local regulations regarding shed placement and permits, as these may influence the moving process. Obtain quotes from multiple moving companies, comparing their experience with concrete-floored sheds, insurance coverage, and equipment used. This will help you choose the best and safest option for relocating your shed.

How can I minimize damage to my shed during the move?

The best way to minimize damage to your shed during a move is by thoroughly preparing it for transport, carefully selecting the appropriate moving method, and exercising extreme caution throughout the entire process. This includes reinforcing structural weaknesses, securing loose components, properly supporting the shed during lifting and transport, and choosing a reputable and experienced moving company if you're not doing it yourself.

Moving a shed is inherently risky, and some minor scrapes or dings might be unavoidable. However, meticulous preparation significantly reduces the likelihood of major structural damage. Before the move, inspect the shed thoroughly, paying close attention to the roof, walls, and floor. Reinforce any areas that appear weak or unstable. Secure all doors, windows, and any other detachable elements. Consider using straps or braces to add extra support, especially if the shed is made of lightweight materials. Remove or securely fasten any items stored inside the shed to prevent them from shifting and causing damage. Choosing the right moving method is crucial. Smaller sheds might be moved intact on a flatbed trailer, while larger or more fragile sheds might require disassembly and reassembly at the new location. If you're hiring movers, ensure they have experience moving sheds and possess the necessary equipment. Discuss the moving plan in detail and address any concerns you have about potential damage. Whether you're moving the shed yourself or hiring professionals, prioritize slow and steady movements to avoid sudden jolts or impacts. Finally, ensure the path is clear of obstacles and the landing site is properly prepared before the shed arrives.

What kind of equipment will I need to move a shed?

The equipment required to move a shed depends heavily on its size, weight, and the distance it needs to be moved. However, at minimum, you'll likely need sturdy levers or pry bars, heavy-duty rollers or pipes, and a towing vehicle capable of pulling the shed’s weight, potentially a truck or tractor. You’ll also need appropriate safety gear like work gloves and potentially eye protection.

Moving a shed across even a short distance requires careful planning and the right tools. For smaller sheds, you might get away with using a combination of pry bars to lift one side at a time, placing rollers underneath, and then gradually pushing or pulling it along. Larger sheds will necessitate more robust equipment. Consider renting or borrowing dollies designed for heavy loads. These dollies, often equipped with pneumatic tires, can make maneuvering a heavy shed significantly easier, especially over uneven terrain. If you plan to drag the shed, protect its base with plywood or similar material to prevent damage during the move. Beyond the core moving equipment, don't underestimate the importance of securing the shed itself. Strapping the shed together, especially if it's slightly unstable or has removable parts, can prevent it from shifting or falling apart during the move. Ratchet straps are excellent for this purpose. Furthermore, clear the path of any obstacles – low-hanging branches, rocks, or debris – to ensure a smooth and safe move. Finally, having extra hands on deck is always beneficial; moving a shed is rarely a one-person job. Here's a short list of potential equipment to consider:

And that's it! Shed-moving mastery unlocked. Hopefully, this has given you the confidence (and the know-how!) to tackle that shed relocation like a pro. Thanks for reading, and be sure to pop back again soon for more helpful DIY tips and tricks. Good luck with your project!