How to Move a Garden Shed: Relocating Storage Spaces Safely

Last Updated on January 10, 2023

Moving your shed from one location to another might seem daunting, but it can actually be quite easy. That is if you know how to control the weight and use the right technique. This article explores how to move a garden shed using several techniques, each one designed for different types of sheds and the distance travelled.

Assess the Project

There are three main factors you need to consider when determining how to move your shed.

• How big is your shed?
• How far do you want to move your shed?
• What tools do you have at your disposal?

The answers to these questions will determine the method you use to move the garden shed and how much time you will need to complete the project.

Tips to Consider Before Moving Your Shed

Before you start any procedure used to move a shed, there are a few important things to accomplish.

• Chose a technique. There are many ways to move a shed. Pick the one that is most convenient for you. We will discuss these techniques in more detail later.
• Have your tools ready. After determining which technique you will be using to move your shed, gather the necessary tools and supplies. This could include jacks, PVC pipes, lumber, nylon rope, or tie straps.
• Empty your shed. Of course, you will want to empty the shed, so it is as light as possible for the move.
• Clear the path. Check the area from the shed’s current location in your yard to the place where it will be moving. Ensure there aren’t any low hanging wires or tree branches in your yard that could get in the way.
• Clear the landing area. If you don’t have one already, you may want to place a brick or concrete base on the area where you will move the shed onto. This will help prevent rot and possible vermin infestations.
• Secure any weak points in the shed’s structure. To do this, you will want to remove any windows and reinforce window frames, nail or screw in boards from corner to corner on each side of the shed to reinforce the walls, install an X pattern of boards on the floor for further reinforcement, and secure the doors.
• Practice safety. Always use precaution during the move since we do not want any accidents to occur.

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How to Move A Shed: Easy-to-Follow Guide

For methods one and two, you will need to start by lifting the shed. This initial step is not needed in method number three, but it is the least likely method to be used as it is reserved for larger sheds or fragile sheds.

Lifting the Shed

How do you lift a garden shed? It seems like quite a big task, but it’s actually quite easy when done correctly and with the proper tools.

• If your shed is not on a concrete slab or is too big to lift and tip manually, you will need to dig under the shed to position the jacks in place. In most cases, you will not need to dig a complete circle around the shed. Instead, only dig access points for the jacks, one in each corner, or possible only on either side for smaller sheds.
• After you dig the access points, or if your shed is on a concrete slab or brick surface, insert a hydraulic air jack in the first corner or corners and slowly start to lift. Depending on the size of the shed, you may be able to use car jacks, but they will require more effort. Take care not to lift the shed more than is needed for transport. When it is lower to the ground, you run less risk of damaging the structure, making it easier to keep it level.
• After one side is lifted, insert cinder blocks or bricks to keep it elevated and then move to the other side and repeat. If you are using two jacks, make sure to operate them simultaneously and keep them level.
• Once your shed is elevated and stable, inspect the underside of the floorboards and repair any rotted portions to ensure stability during the move. You may also want to install skids on the bottom, similar to the braces placed on the interior walls if your shed does not already have them built-in.

Different Transport Methods

Method #1: Rolling on Pipes or PVC

This option is best for moving a shed short distances. This is a manual process that uses rollers. It doesn’t require heavy machinery, minus the jacks used for lifting it off of the ground. However, this method will often require you to enlist help from a family member or a couple of other people depending on the size of the shed.

• After the shed has been lifted, we recommend placing two long boards underneath to act as tracks. Place the boards to face the direction you want to travel, just like with train tracks. Place two more boards in front of the shed aligned with the tracks below, so the shed remains n tracks as it moves.
• Next, place UVC pipes or PVC pipes on top of the tracks to form a type of conveyor belt. Take care to space out the pipes evenly underneath the shed and lay them perpendicular to the final destination, so they roll in the right direction. We recommend using three to five pipes, depending on the size of your shed. Make sure the pipes are strong enough to support the weight of the shed and are as long as, if not slightly, longer than the shed itself, so they are easier to keep aligned. PVC pipes are often used for construction purposes and are highly versatile. 40 PVC with thick walls that is at least 10 cm in diameter should work for most garden sheds.
• Once you are aligned and ready to go, start slowly pushing the side of the shed in the direction, you want it to travel.
• As it moves, a pipe will pop out on the end you are pushing from. When this happens, stop pushing and position the piece on the front side, so the shed has something to roll onto as it moves forward.
• Then start the moving steps again. Roll, reposition, repeat.
• Once the shed reaches its new home or spot in your yard, remove the rollers and the tracks.
• Finally, reverse the initial jacking procedure, and the job is complete.

Method #2: Flatbed Trailer or Truck Bed

This method should be used to move your storage building longer distances and require a trailer or large truck bed. However, truck beds are often too small. It is a good choice if you are moving the building to a position at a new home. This method may also be used for larger sheds that would be less manageable on rollers. We recommend getting help from a couple of people when moving your shed in this manner.

• First, if your storage building or shed has shingles cover them with a tarp. When you start driving, your speed will cause higher winds, which could damage the roof, but you should be all set as long as they are covered.
• After your shed has been lifted, you should be able to slide the flatbed underneath the inverted part. You may be able to get away with only lifting one side with this method.
• With the flatbed inserted underneath the front part, you may be able to slide it all the way underneath on smaller sheds.
• Otherwise, wrap straps around the sides of the building and use them to pull the shed all the way on to the trailer bed or truck bed. We find that a combination of pushing and pulling works best, hence the need for help from additional people.
• Once the structure is completely on the trailer, use the straps to attach it securely to your truck. Keep in mind, moving your shed could be dangerous if it is not secure during transport.
• Once you arrive at the shed’s new home, simply reverse the process and lower it back onto the ground.

Method #3: Dissasemble and Reassemble

Disassembling your shed and reassembling it part by part is generally viewed as a last resort.

This option is usually reserved for extra-large sheds or older, more fragile sheds because it is considerably more labour-intensive and time-consuming.

Even though this method for moving a shed takes a lot of time, it allows you to go as far as you like while preserving the shed’s integrity.

Reasons to Move Your Garden Shed

There are several reasons people find themselves wanting to move their sheds. The first is the weather. You may also want to move it to a shadier spot, if your garden shed is not insulated or if it is in a location where it gets direct sunlight all day.

Also related to weather concerns, if your shed was placed in your lawn in a natural drainage area for rainwater and other moisture, you might want to move it to a location on slightly higher ground to keep the base as dry as possible.

You may also consider moving your storage space closer to your home or garden to increase efficiency. The closer your tools are, the less time it will take to retrieve them.

Lastly, if you plan to change your garden and lawn landscaping, you may also want to move your garden shed to a location better suited to the new design.

How Difficult Is It to Move a Garden Shed?

The difficulty level surrounding moving a garden shed depends on two things, the size of the shed and the distance it is being moved. If you are only moving a smaller shed across your lawn, the process could actually be quite easy. However, the larger the shed becomes and the farther it needs to travel, the harder it will move.

Time to Get Moving

Now that you have read through our step-by-step techniques, you should know all about how to move a garden shed.

Whether you use pipes or a trailer, just remember the three main factors. How far is the place you want to move your shed? How big is the shed? And, what tools do you already have at your disposal? Once you have the answers to these questions, you should be all set.

Let us know what you think and how your project goes in the comments below.