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Best Ways to Move a Shed: Expert Advice
So your shed isn’t quite where you needed it to be. Many people get so excited about the prospect of getting a new shed that they skip important parts of the planning process. The shed is built close to the neighboring property lines, it wasn’t built to hurricane-rated standards, or it simply doesn’t get enough sunlight.
If you need to move your shed, the following questions have probably arised:
- Will my shed withstand the move?
- Do I have the right access path on my property to move it?
- Is the cost to move a shed worth it? Is it better to just replace it?
- Do I need a permit to move a shed on the same property?
In this article, we’ll compare moving a shed yourself with hiring a professional, outline the most common methods used for each approach, and help you determine which option makes the most sense based on the circumstances above.
The Case For Doing it Yourself
There are many cases where doing it yourself actually makes the most sense. However, it’s important to evaluate which factors are most important to you – affordability, control, time spent, potential damage, or other factors – along with what’s even possible given your shed’s size, condition, move path, and so on. We’ll break down the pros and cons of DIY, along with what a DIY shed move would look like, to help you evaluate if a DIY shed move is truly the right option for you.
Why DIY?
So, in what cases does it make sense to move your shed yourself? There are a few reasons why DIY may make more sense:
- Short Distance Moves: If you’re only moving a shed 10-15 feet, it may be overkill to hire a team or use heavy-duty equipment. Plus, it shouldn’t take more than an afternoon.
- The Shed is Small & Lightweight: This helps avoid common pitfalls, such as injury during heavier lifting and the potential for structural issues during the move. Plus, they are easier to move without specialized equipment.
- Total Control Over the Project: You maintain control over where the shed is moved, how it is transported, and the project timeline, rather than deferring those decisions to a professional.
- Cut Back on Costs: If your shed meets the above criteria, making DIY a plausible option, then it also makes sense because it can save you significantly on added costs. However, there are certain scenarios where the added cost will actually save you in the long run, which we’ll cover in more depth below.
Tools You’ll Need
If you decide to move forward with the DIY option, make sure you have the required tools and equipment for the move:
- High-lift jacks
- Pipe rollers
- Planks
- Ratchet straps
- Ropes
- Dolly
- Pallet Jack
- Trailers
- Tractors
- Forklifts
DIY Methods
- Rolling on Pipes: Place wooden planks along the path and set pipe rollers under the shed, spaced evenly to support the weight. Push slowly, moving the rear roller forward as you go. Adjust the direction by angling the front rollers slightly.
- Drag on Skids: Attach 4×4 skids underneath the base of the shed and secure them with metal brackets or screws. Use ropes or chains to move the shed with a vehicle. To protect your lawn, put plywood sheets under the skid path.
- Trailer Transport: Use jacks to elevate the shed until a trailer can slide underneath. Ensure even weight distribution. Tie the shed down with ratchet straps and protect vulnerable areas with tarps. Confirm road clearance and obtain any necessary permits before transporting. Lift the shed with jacks high enough to slide a trailer underneath. Strap it down securely with heavy-duty ratchet straps. Cover shingles and windows with tarps or boards for protection.
Pros of DIY
- Lower Direct Cost
- Personal Control
- Flexibility
- More practical for smaller moves
Cons of DIY
- Risk of structural damage or injury if you lack experience
- Requires equipment you may not already own
- Time consuming
- Many considerations, including shed weight, movement path, site prep, leveling, permitting, etc.
The Case for Hiring a Professional
You can move a shed yourself, but there are many situations where hiring a professional is the best option. Their experience and efficiency can prevent potential pitfalls of DIY shed moves, and in some cases, a shed may be unable to be moved without professional assistance.
Why Professionals?
So why go with a professional? Here are the reasons why a professional shed mover may be the right option for you:
- Use Specialized Equipment: Professional movers use tools like shed mules to navigate tight spaces and position the shed precisely, reducing the risk of damage to both the structure and your property.
- Protect Structural Integrity: Experience matters when moving a shed. Professionals know how to lift, secure, and transport it properly, which lowers the risk of cracks, warping, or other structural damage.
- Hurricane-Ready Site Preparation Services: Achieving a level shed and solid foundation can be difficult without experience. Professional movers ensure proper leveling and base preparation, helping your shed stand up to Florida’s wind and hurricane conditions.
- Manage Permits and Logistics: Experienced shed movers assess the best relocation method and handle local building code and HOA requirements, taking the guesswork and administrative burden off your plate.
Methods Professionals Use
- Shed Mule: A mule is a compact, motorized shed forklift with high-flotation tires. It’s designed to support your shed during the move while also fitting tight access spots and preventing damage to your property. This is often the safest and most efficient method to move a shed.
- Crane: This method is typically used only when a shed needs to be lifted over obstacles, relocated across uneven terrain, or placed in a confined area with limited ground access. The crew secures the shed with rigging straps attached to designated lift points, distributing the weight evenly and preventing structural stress. It can be expensive, so movers may recommend rebuilding over crane moves, unless the existing shed is large, well-built, or customized.
- Trailer: Sheds can be transported on a flatbed or equipment trailer for long-distance moves. Using hydraulic jacks, the shed is lifted onto the trailer bed. It’s then secured with heavy-duty straps and protective padding at contact points.
Pros of Professional Moving
- Experience
- Expertise
- Damage Prevention
- Proper Methodology
- Familiarity with code requirements
Cons of Professional Moving
- Higher Cost
- Less control over timing and methods
DIY vs. Professional Shed Moving: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | DIY Method | Professional Moving |
| Small Shed (up to 80 sq.ft.) | ✓ | – (they can, but it’s more expensive) |
| Large Shed (120 sq.ft. +) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Shed in Good Condition | ✓ | ✗ |
| Shed in Bad Condition | ✗ | ✓ |
| Short Distance Move | ✓ | ✗ |
| Long Distance Move | ✗ | ✓ |
| Low Upfront Cost | ✓ | ✗ |
| Legal Compliance | ✗ | ✓ |
| Zero Physical Risk | ✗ | ✓ |
| Guaranteed Protection | ✗ | ✓ |
Which is the Best Way to Move a Shed?
This all depends on your specific situation. As highlighted above, depending on your existing shed, a different moving method or professional expertise may be required. You can use the chart above to determine which method is most suitable for your specific situation. If you need help determining which method makes the most sense, contact South Country Sheds. We’d be happy to walk you through your options.
Shed Moving Services You Can Trust
At South Country Sheds, we work with ShedPro LLC to move all of our sheds to your property. They ensure they are properly transported and secured on your property on a level foundation, able to withstand Florida wind and hurricane conditions. If you already have a shed on your property that you’d like to move, we highly recommend them as a trusted option for shed relocation.