How to move a shed

Whether it is to another property or just across the yard, sometimes the garden or tool shed has to go. But how do you exactly do it? This guide will tell you exactly how to move a shed:

• What should be included in your plan

• The structures you can move

• The steps to relocate a shed by hand without dismantling it

• DIY vs professional shed removal

Are all sheds movable?

Before planning to move a shed by hand, determine if it will be worth the effort. You might not be able to drag it across the property if:

• It is directly attached to another building, such as a garage, a barn, or the main house.

• It is fixed on the ground through a solid foundation.

• The shed is dilapidated. (Replacing it could even be a better option.)

• The structure is too large.

What if the building is neither of these? Can you move it? Yes, but ensure that it can withstand any significant movement:

• The walls and roof of the shed are not damaged or weak.

• All the windows and doors are securely shut, with no drafts coming through any seam.

• There is a secure foundation below the shed. This way, you can lift it without damaging any underlying structures.

• You do not see visible cracks or holes in the woodwork of the shed that could cause it to collapse during the lifting process.

• All nails and screws have been adequately secured, with no loose parts that could come undone during the move.

What do you need when moving a garden shed?

If the shed seems to be in excellent condition for moving, you can proceed to the following planning stages. A part of learning how to move a wood shed involves:

1. Getting the permit

2. Setting aside a budget

3. Gathering the tools you need

4. Prepping the shed, yard, and new location

Let’s begin with the permits. Do you need one? It depends on where you live (or planning to relocate). Usually, in the UK, you do not need any permission if the sheds are small, measuring 8x10 metres. Furthermore: 

1. It is single-storey with eaves height that meets the council guidelines.

2. As an outbuilding, its size is no more than 50% of the total land area surrounding the house.

3. You are not moving the shed to a designated land or the grounds of a listed building.

To be safe, call or visit your council or planning commission for ideas or questions. 

Now, let’s talk about your budget. How much does it cost to move a shed? This one depends on many factors:

• Size, weight, and condition of the structure

• Specialised equipment or machine used

• Your timeline

• Number of people who will move the shed

• Distance of the new location

Usually, the average hourly rate starts at £350. You can spend less by hiring local movers.

Finally, let’s say you already have the permits (or do not need one) and have enough resources to hire moving specialists or do the job yourself. What materials should you have to begin the work? The essential pieces of equipment you need to move a shed include:

• Jacks

• Pry or crowbars

• Ropes and straps

• Metal or PVC pipes

• Sliding boards or wood tracks

• Gloves

How to move a shed across a yard by hand

1. Plan the move with these tips:

• Choose a good day to move a shed. Ensure that the weather is fine, as rain and snow can make navigating the path difficult. 

• Prepare the terrain and level it if necessary.

• Get rid of obstacles along the way.

• Remove things that can fall inside the shed. Otherwise, secure them properly.

• Perform last-minute repairs, such as loose screws or nails.

2. Loosen the shed. Use a crow or pry bar to gradually lift the shed and loosen it from its foundation or support.

3. Lift the shed. How do you lift and move a shed? You can insert a bottle, hydraulic, or car jack in one of the corners of the building and gently pump the handle to lift the shed off the ground gradually. Secure the jack and do the same for the other corners. Aim at least six inches distance from the earth. 

4. Place your makeshift rollers. Insert a PVC or metal pipe and layer it with durable wood boards. Place them perpendicularly under the shed, ensuring the boards go past the centre of the shed. Once these are in their position, remove the jacks.

5. Secure everything. With your sturdy rope, tie the house to the pipe.

6. Slowly move the shed. Be patient and check the rollers occasionally to guarantee that none, including the structure, are slipping.

7. Gently lay down the shed in its new location. Start at the back, which is the one facing against the new location.

How to dismantle a shed to move it

Sometimes you need to tear apart a shed because you are building a new one or do not want to use it anymore. Here’s how to do it:

1. Empty the shed of all items and disconnect utilities like electricity or water.

2. Unscrew and remove doors, windows, and other hardware that can be taken down safely.

3. Disassemble components such as shelves or cabinets, and keep screws organised in labelled containers.

4. Take off the siding and roof panels, carefully storing them securely until they’re ready to be relocated.

5. If applicable, loosen the shed's foundation by unscrewing bolts between the leg plates and floor joists.

How to move a wood shed: DIY vs professional

The directions above are for how to move a heavy or small garden shed. And as you can see, it is doable as a DIY project. However, the best way to move a shed is to work with a professional mover for the following reasons:

• Moving a shed even across the backyard is time-consuming, back-breaking work. Unless you have the strength and the stamina to do it, you are only making yourself prone to injuries.

• Despite comprehensive planning, many things can still happen during the move. A moving expert can foresee these problems and prepare for them. Many can also perform immediate repairs and have general liability insurance.

• The task might require special machines or equipment that you have to rent, especially when lifting heavy sheds. The most reliable moving teams can already include the cost of these tools in their quotes. 

• Sometimes the shed needs disassembly to move it properly. You might not have the permit, experience, and expertise to do it well. 

Is it better to build a new shed instead?

Sheds can be expensive, so unless they are already run-down or immovable, consider moving them instead. Airtasker can help you connect with experienced professional building movers in your area. You can post a task, get quotes, and then pick the best professional for your needs.