Are you buying your neighbor’s shed or just need to move yours to a different location? Even though most sheds aren’t humongous structures, even efficiency apartments are larger than most sheds. 

However, this doesn’t mean moving a shed is a simple task. You’re going to need a plan and be ready to put in some hard work. To help make the process go as smoothly as possible, here are some important tips for relocating a shed.

The Three Stages of Moving a Shed

Since relocating a shed is a process, it helps to divide it up into three parts. This not only helps keep everything organized but also makes the process seem a little less daunting. The three stages are prepping, lifting, and transporting. You’re going to need different tools for each process.

• Prepping requires precision tools. You’re going to need a pry bar and a blade saw. Make sure the saw uses a thin blade. The goal is to take the side apart without causing any damage. You’re also going to need some nails and screws, along with some scrap wood to reinforce sections of the shed. If the shed is bolted to the foundation, a reciprocating saw is usually enough to cut through the metal anchor.
• Lifting the shed. A jack should be enough to lift the shed off the foundation. Make sure the jack is rated for the shed’s weight.
• Transporting the shed. How you transport the shed depends on the distance to the new location. If you’re going across the yard, a furniture dolly or pallet jack may be all you need. If you’re traveling down the street, you’re going to need a vehicle. Other items include some plywood sheets, ratchet straps, and possibly some help. Larger sheds typically require more than one person to safely move.

Don’t try to move a large shed by yourself. You risk damaging the shed and possibly injuring yourself. Your safety should always be a priority.

Steps For Moving a Shed

Before you start disassembling the shed or loading it straight onto the dolly, it’s a good idea to have a plan—this means assessing the shed and planning the safest route. 

When assessing the shed, look at its condition. Can the shed withstand the move or do you need to disassemble it? The weight and size of the shed are other considerations. This will let you know the type of transport and if one person can handle the job.

As you’re planning the transportation route, check for any hazards. For example, are there any low tree branches or electrical lines that might create a hazard? What about hills and bumpy paths? All of these questions can help determine which route will safely get your shed to the new location. Once you have a moving plan, it’s time to start getting ready to transport the shed.

Get the New Location Ready

Having the location ready before transporting the shed makes everything easier. Level the ground, you don’t want your shed sitting at an angle. Pour the concrete for the new foundation. 

Remember, concrete typically takes around 24 to 48 hours to dry. If you want to reduce your carbon footprint, consider using green concrete. This is an eco-friendly option to traditional concrete.

Other types of shed foundations are gravel and treated lumber. If this is what you’re going with, you don’t have to sit through a drying period.

Get Rid of Any Unnecessary Weight

Take a look inside the shed, is anything still being stored inside? You want to take everything out of the shed before trying to transport it. This typically includes removing any shelving. 

Sheds often come with shelves and other storage solutions. Use the pry bar and blade saw to carefully remove shelving and any other built-ins. If the material is in good condition, you can reattach everything once the shed is situated in the new location.

Check the condition of the roof. If there’s plenty of rust or holes, throw the old roof away. Otherwise, set the roof aside since it’s reusable. Don’t forget about the doors. Removing the doors can significantly lighten the shed’s weight.

Reinforce the Frame

Grab the pieces of wood and some nails. The shed’s frame probably needs some support to make it through the move. Nail the supports diagonally across any door and window openings. Do the same across each connecting wall section. The supports should help ensure the frame can withstand the move.

Lift the Shed

Use the jack to lift the shed just enough to slide a sheet of plywood underneath. This provides extra support and makes the shed easier to move from the jack to the transport vehicle. 

Some sheds already have a sheet of plywood underneath. Others are resting on lumber skids. If this applies to your situation, you can use the existing skids or plywood.

Move the Shed

If you’re loading the shed onto the back of a pickup, make sure the tailgate is down. Carefully set the shed down on the transport vehicle and slowly pull the jack away. Take the ratchet straps and secure the shed. You want to ensure the shed can’t slide around during transport.

You may want to use some plywood sheeting to build a makeshift ramp. This can make it easier to get a shed in the truck. If you’re moving a large shed, you may need to swap the jack out for a forklift. After securing the shed, it’s time to move it to the new location.

Reset and Reassemble

Congratulations, you’re almost finished. You’re down to the last couple of steps, and these are the easier ones. You’re going to need to reset the shed. Since you’ve taken care of prepping the base, all that’s left to do is set the frame in the precise spot.

After setting the shed, start reassembling the various parts. Replace anything that’s damaged and you’re ready to start putting everything back inside the shed.

Moving a Shed Doesn’t Need to Be Complicated

With a little planning, you can successfully move a shed to a new location. While it’s true that the job will require some hard work, having a solid plan in place can significantly lighten the load. 

By organizing the process and breaking it down into manageable steps, you’ll make the move smoother and more efficient, saving yourself time and effort in the long run.