You've decided it's time to move your storage shed, but you're not quite sure where to start. Don't worry – we've got you covered!
In this article, we'll guide you through the process of assessing your shed's current status, planning and preparation, various techniques for moving a shed, and whether or not to hire professionals.
We'll also provide information on costs associated with relocating a shed, potential challenges you may encounter along the way, and safety measures to ensure that your move goes smoothly.
First assess the size and weight of your shed as well as any potential obstacles in its path. This will help you determine whether relocating your shed is feasible on your own or if you should enlist the help of professionals. Make sure to clear out any items inside and around the shed to lighten the load and provide you clear visibility to verify the integrity of the structure.
First inspect the shed's overall integrity to ensure that it can withstand the stress of being moved.
Examine the foundation, walls, roof, and doors for any signs of rot or damage that could compromise your shed's structure during the moving process. Additionally, look at how your shed is built; some sheds are constructed with specific points to lift up the frame while while others may require more support under the foundation to move.
When evaluating your shed, keep these four key factors in mind:
Before you start the process of moving your garden shed, take the time to analyze the path between its current location and its new home. Make sure that there aren't any obstructions or hazards in the way that could damage your shed or cause injury to yourself & your team while relocating it.
If possible, reinforce the shed floor by adding additional support beams; this'll provide extra stability when it's time to lift and move your structure.
Once you have planned out a clear route for moving your shed, gather all necessary tools and equipment needed for the job. This may include jacks or hydraulic lifts if you're lifting the entire shed intact, dollies or heavy-duty rollers for transportation, ropes or straps for stabilizing during movement, and any tools required for dismantling the shed if that's part of your relocation plan.
Enlist some friends or family members to help with lifting and maneuvering during the move – having extra hands on deck can make all the difference between a smooth relocation experience and one fraught with difficulties.
Hand-moving your shed can be a labor-intensive process, but it's possible, especially if you have a small structure (8x8 or smaller) and some helping hands. Before moving the shed, ensure it's not bolted to any foundation. Attach long 2x4s to the sides of the shed to serve as handles for lifting. Four people can easily lift and carry the shed to the new location. If you're only two, create a handle-like structure using scrap pieces of 2x4s. Remember to lift with your legs, not your back. This is only recommended for a small shed (less than 100 sq ft.).
If your shed is larger, using pipes or rollers can be a feasible approach to roll the shed, especially if you lack heavy machinery. This method involves jacking up your shed, placing rollers under it, and moving it over these rollers, much like a conveyor belt. You will need a floor jack, cinder blocks, rollers (PVC pipe or timbers), several long planks, and some help to push or a vehicle to pull. Remember to securely attach runners to the bottom of your shed and lay down track runners on the ground to guide your shed's path. Keep in mind one may have to move rollers from the back of the shed to the front of the shed if you do not have enough rollers for the entire pathway.
Moving rollers, small tracked units used by movers, can be an efficient alternative way to move a shed, particularly in cramped spaces. You need to rent these rollers, jack up your shed, and place runners on the ground as tracks for the rollers. Be cautious as you move, going slower than you would with long pipes or timbers to prevent rollers from derailing.
If you have access to truck or tractor, consider converting your shed into a sled and pull it. Attach the skids to a chain or heavy-duty strap and bolt it to your machine. Make sure when you're moving a shed on skids, you drag it slowly to ensure no damage from bumps or uneven surfaces while towing.
In some cases, dismantling the shed is the safest and most practical option especially if they are on the larger side. Carefully remove panels, studs, and all other parts, ensuring you save all hardware and fasteners for reassembly. This approach is a bit time-consuming but can minimize potential damage.
If you own a forklift or a tractor with forks, you’re in luck. You can simply slide the forks under your shed, lift, and tilt backwards. However, reinforce door and window openings before moving to prevent potential structural damage.
If you need to move a shed out of your backyard, a trailer is ideal. Make sure you have enough horsepower in the truck and a large enough flatbed trailer. Jack up your shed and slide the trailer underneath. Remember to secure your shed properly to the trailer to prevent any accidents while moving.
When it comes to relocating your garden storage structure, deciding between a do-it-yourself approach and hiring professionals can be an interesting decision.
If you have experience with construction or heavy equipment operation, moving a large shed on your own might be feasible; however, if you're not confident in your abilities or would prefer not to take any risks, hiring professional shed movers might be the best way to move your structure.
Additionally, consider the time it will take you to learn how to move the shed yourself versus having a professional team handle the task efficiently and safely.
Ultimately, whether you choose to undertake this project yourself or hire professionals will depend on your specific situation and preferences; just remember that safety should always come first when undertaking such tasks.
Navigating the costs, challenges, and safety concerns of relocating your garden storage may be overwhelming.
One of the primary factors to consider is the cost associated with moving a shed. If you're planning on attempting a DIY move, you'll need to factor in the cost of renting equipment like a shed mover or trailer, as well as any additional tools or materials needed for securing the shed during transport. Alternatively, if you decide to hire professionals for your shed moving project, keep in mind that their fees will likely depend on factors such as size and distance.
| Size of Shed | DIY Cost ($) | Professional Service Cost ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Small (up to 100 sq ft) | 50 - 200 | 200 - 500 |
| Medium (100 - 200 sq ft) | 200 - 500 | 500 - 1,000 |
| Large (200+ sq ft) | 500 - 1,000 | 1,000 - 2,500 |
Challenges and safety concerns are also crucial aspects of the process that should not be overlooked when preparing to move a shed. Be aware of potential obstacles on your property like fences, trees, or uneven terrain that may pose difficulties when trying to navigate with heavy equipment or while maneuvering your storage structure.
Additionally, ensure all necessary precautions are taken during transportation by checking local regulations regarding permits and restrictions for hauling large loads on public roads. Prioritize safety at every step—from lifting and securing the shed onto a trailer up until its final placement—to avoid accidents and prevent damage to both people and property involved in this ambitious undertaking.
It is recommended that you move the shed from the back first since this will provide more clearance and make it easier to maneuver. You should position the path to tow your shed across the yard.
Yes, you will need to jack the shed up high in order to roll the shed properly. This will allow you to create clearance and make it easier to maneuver the shed.
You can lower the shed by releasing the jack slowly and carefully. Make sure that the shed is supported and stable before you release the jack completely.
You can use blocks or other materials to raise the shed off the ground enough to place the jack underneath the shed. Make sure that the blocks are stable and secure before raising the shed.
If you need to move a shed that is too big to handle, you may need to take the shed apart and move it in sections. This will require more time and effort, but it may be necessary for larger sheds.
If you only need to move the shed a short distance, you can use blocks and jacks to lift the shed off the ground and move it manually. This is a good option for smaller sheds that are not too heavy.
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