How to Move a Shed in 90 Seconds

Sheds are undeniably crucial elements of our garden. Useful garden buildings that help to store our tools, furniture, bicycles and much more, they're really a fundamental part of everyday garden life.

There does come a time however when you may need to move your shed to make room for a new garden feature. And that's not always as easy as it might seem.

If you've been tasked with moving a garden shed by hand, you're likely already dreading the very thought of it. Moving a shed can vary in complexity depending on a number of factors including its size and condition. You'll also want to consider the distance of the move and how feasible it is to do by hand, or if you'll need to take the shed apart fully.

In our guide, we'll talk you through the steps of moving a garden shed, helping to make the process as easy as possible with minimal fuss.

Is It Possible To Move A Shed Without Dismantling?

It is entirely possible to move a garden shed without dismantling the entire thing. However, there are a few things that you'll need to consider to ensure that this option is possible. First of all, the size of your shed really matters. The larger your shed, the more it weighs and the more difficult it'll be to move without dismantling the entire thing.

When moving a garden shed it's not simply a case of lifting it and setting it back down again. You're going to need assistance.

Different Methods Of Moving A Shed

There are a few ways in which you can move your garden shed when the time comes. Depending on your shed's size, you're going to need to choose the most suitable option.

Pipe rolling method – ancient Egyptians used this method to move large and heavy stones when building the pyramids. It involves the use of pipes which are slid under the structure, then using gravity and momentum to move the shed in your desired direction.

A Forklift/trailer – if you have a much larger shed to move, you'll need to use a forklift to lift the structure and potentially a trailer to transport it to its new destination.

How To Move A Garden Shed

There are a number of steps you should follow when moving a garden shed. If your shed is small enough to move using the pipe method, we've set out the steps below for you:

1. Empty your shed – even an empty shed can still weigh a ton! Make sure that you've fully removed everything inside and stored your items elsewhere during the move.
2. Get your equipment together – If you're using the pipe method, you'll want to make sure you have enough pipes (we recommend 10-12) for the move, a toolkit and heavy-duty jacks.
3. Prepare your garden/space for the move – make sure that your garden or outdoor space is completely clear of any obstacles before you begin moving your shed.
4. Secure the shed structure for moving – take the time to secure your shed fully before looking to move it. Sheds are designed to remain stable on the ground, so you'll need to put support in place for the structure's weak points. You can do this by removing any windows and by attaching boards to the shed and its floor in an 'X' shape, to help keep its shape during the move.
5. Use a spade to dig your shed out – sheds sink into the ground and are inevitably hard to lift once this has occurred. Using your spade, you'll need to start digging to create 'gripping points' around the shed. This will help to create space for you to place jacks underneath the shed to lift it. We'd recommend digging to around half a foot deep.
6. Lift the shed – this is where the more difficult part comes in. You'll likely need the assistance of some power jacks or at least some helping hands to move the shed onto pipes. Slide the pipes underneath using wooden tracks if needed. The pipe method will involve lifting at least one side of the shed to roll the pipes underneath. Generally, this requires a few people to help out.
7. Use the pipes to move the shed – using the PVC pipes, begin to roll the shed in the desired direction. The important part here is making sure that you've cleared away any potential obstacles and to keep the pipes aligned.
8. Place the shed back down – once you've got the shed to where it needs to be, you'll need to use jacks again to keep it lifted as yourself and any helpers remove the pipes. When the PVC pipes have been removed you can simply let your shed settle into its new spot in the garden.

Moving Larger Sheds

With small to medium-sized sheds, the job can be done without the need for expert help or equipment. However, when moving larger sheds, it isn't wise to attempt the task yourself because of the risk of injury.

Repositioning a large shed in a garden or outdoor space will usually require that you either dismantle it altogether and rebuild or use a trailer. We wouldn't recommend using the pipe method for large sheds.

Reach out for expert help if you don't feel confident moving a shed yourself. In the case of larger sheds, you'll need to dig out the shed as with the pipe method and use jacks to lift it onto a trailer. Be sure to reinforce the structure of the shed with extra wooden planks, we'd always suggest using an X-shape across the floor of the shed to keep it from flexing during movement.

Once the shed has been placed onto the trailer, you'll need to carefully lower it down and using jacks again, position it in your desired spot.

GARDENING TIPS STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX

Subscribe now for UK gardening tips and £££ savings on DIY tools!

I would like to receive news and special offers.

Evie Graham

Evie has always loved nature and being outdoors. Today she spends every spare moment she can amongst it as her way to relax and unwind. Having grown up in a family with a deep passion for gardening, she grew up learning about plants and hopes to pass on her knowledge to others through writing. Her favourite plant is a fern, as it's a beautiful nostalgic reminder of exploring woodland settings when younger.

How to Move a Shed in 90 Seconds

Source: https://horticulture.co.uk/how-to-move-a-garden-shed/

Share this post