Whether you’re revamping the landscape around a shed, repositioning one for less sun exposure, or doing anything else that requires moving it, I’ll show you how to do it safely and efficiently without damaging it. These are the different methods, including DIY options that can save you time and money.
1. Gather Tools and Materials
Before moving any type of large structure or item, you’ll need a few tools and equipment to safely lift and transport it without damage. For storage sheds, we recommend the following:
| Tools | Materials |
|---|---|
 Pry bar/crowbar |  Protective gear (gloves, safety glasses) |
 Floor jacks |  Moving supplies (dollies, straps) |
 Screwdrivers |  Utility knife (if needed for disconnection) |
 Wrenches |  Trash bags (for hardware and debris) |
 Hammer |  Tape (for labeling parts if disassembling) |
2. Consider Potential Challenges
Similar to the process of buying a new shed, you’ll want to consider any challenges you may face while moving it from its current location to installing it in its new location.
You’ll first want to consider the type of shed you’re moving, whether it’s a particularly heavy shed that you use for housing bigger equipment or a smaller, lightweight shed you use for gardening tools or yard supplies. You may need to find at least a couple of people to help you.
Regardless of the type of shed you want to move, careful planning is the key to success. Here are a few factors to consider before you attempt to move a shed:
- Current condition. Not all sheds are sturdy enough to be moved. Hiring a professional shed removal service may be better if your shed is too old, damaged, and perhaps dangerous to relocate. For example, older plastic sheds that have already started breaking down may fall into this category.
- Rules/regulations. Check with your HOA or local building codes first about spacing rules if you have to move your shed due to property line concerns, such as placement too close to a neighbor’s fence.
- Size and weight. Analyze how large or heavy your shed is to move on your own. This will give you an idea of how many people or what type of machine assistance you’ll need. For example, a large shed or one that weighs over 500 lbs will require at least two people and a machine lift.
3. Choose a Moving Method
From machine rental to common household items, there are a few practical ways to move a shed efficiently. Tools, equipment, and materials will vary by moving method, but you’ll most likely need floor jacks to lift the shed as well as tie-down straps for support.
Here’s a glance at all the ways to move a shed and their typical cost:
| Method | Best for | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
 By hand | Small, lightweight sheds moving a short distance | Little to nothing if you have the help |
 Dollies | Lightweight sheds moving across the same yard | $100–$500 for a DIY move |
 Rolling on PVC or metal pipes | Small sheds, about 10×12 or smaller, moving within the same yard | $100–$500 for a DIY move |
 Skids | Sheds on a wood skid foundation, pulled by a lawn tractor or winch | $100–$500 for a DIY move |
 Forklift | Larger, heavier sheds on firm, open ground | $250–$450 per day, plus $150–$400 delivery |
 Trailer or flatbed | Medium sheds going to a new address | $600–$2,000 for a local move |
 Professional shed movers with a hydraulic lift | Large sheds or tight backyards | $910–$2,530 to hire movers |
 Crane lifting | Very large sheds or sites with no ground access | $500–$2,000+ for simple lifts; Up to $15,000+ for crane-assisted or extra-wide moves |
Method 1: By Hand
If it’s a small, lightweight shed and you’re only moving it a short distance in your yard, you may be able to lift and carry it with help from two or three people. In cases where your shed is heavier than you expected, it may be possible to disassemble the shed and move it by hand.
Safety tip: Even for smaller shed sizes (less than 64 sq. ft.), dismantling it first will help avoid damage and make the moving process easier.
Method 2: Dollies
Another way to move a lightweight shed is with a cargo dolly. With the help of another person, you can slide the shed onto one or more dollies and roll it to its new location. For a slightly heavier shed, you may need to place a dolly at each corner of the shed and pull it with a vehicle, such as a riding mower.
Method 3: Rolling on PVC pipes
Similar to using a dolly, it’s possible to roll a slightly heavier shed on top of steel or PVC pipes. Think of this method as a “conveyor system” where the pipes serve as the rollers beneath the shed base.
Safety tip: A short yard distance can have hazards like electrical wires and uneven ground. Be sure to scan and clear the pathway before moving.
Method 4: Skids/Lumber
If your shed has a wood foundation, you can relocate it by pulling it (likely using a vehicle) from the lumber or “skids” underneath. The skids make the foundation portable, functioning as a sled that supports the base of the shed. You’ll need to lift the shed with a jack and attach hooks from the skids to the pulling vehicle.
A lawn tractor or ATV can pull a small shed on skids across flat, firm ground. For heavier sheds or uphill pulls, a hand winch or come-along anchored to a truck or a sturdy tree gives you slow, controlled pulling power. Hook to the skids, not the walls, and keep everyone well clear of the cable.
Method 5: Forklift Truck
If you have the budget for a machine rental, a forklift can do the trick. Forklifts can carry larger, heavier equipment. With this method, consider wrapping straps around the shed to keep it secured to the forklift truck. You will need heavy-equipment experience or a professional forklift operator to use the machine.
Method 6: Trailer
Flatbed trailers are popular rentals for moving large structures across long distances, such as to a new home or property across town. It’s strongly recommended to use tie-down straps for this method, too, to ensure a larger shed is secured properly and won’t slide or tilt while driving on public roads (this is a necessity). You’ll also need a truck with enough horsepower to pull the trailer.
Before renting a trailer, check state transportation laws about any driving requirements or restrictions. Pulling certain structures on the highway or beyond certain speed limits may be too risky.
Method 7: Professional Shed Movers With a Hydraulic Lift
Large sheds are a job for professional shed movers. Most bring a shed mule, a compact tracked machine with hydraulic arms that slide under the shed base, lift it, and drive it to its new spot. Many are remote-controlled, so they fit through gates and around trees that a truck and trailer can’t reach.
A lot of shed moving companies also handle shed delivery for builders, so they already own the trailers and lifts. Professional shed moving services usually cover loading, transport, setting the shed on its new base, and leveling it.
Method 8: Crane Lifting
A crane makes sense when there’s no ground route to the new spot. That might mean lifting a shed over a house, a fence line, or a steep slope. It also covers very large sheds that are too heavy for a shed mule. The operator rigs straps under the shed base, lifts it straight up, and sets it on the new foundation. Always hire a licensed, insured crane operator.
4. Create a Moving Plan
Once you have a method in mind for moving your shed, you can create a proper moving plan. Create the best strategy for your shed’s move with the following tips.
Survey the New Location
Is the new site within the same property or beyond your yard? Do you need to pour a new concrete slab or establish another type of foundation? Are you planning to convert your larger shed into a living area, such as a tiny house, that could potentially require plumbing and installation of metal pipes?
Asking yourself these types of questions will help you determine what equipment you’ll need to prepare the new location for shed installation.
New Site Preparation
Your shed will only last as long as the base under it. Get the new site ready before moving day so you only have to set the shed down once. Check off these steps before the shed arrives:
Level the ground
Strip the sod, tamp the soil, and check it with a level corner to corner. An uneven base twists the frame and jams the doors.
Install a gravel pad
A compacted 4- to 6-inch gravel pad drains well and is easy to level. Make it about 2 feet wider and longer than the shed. Our guide to gravel foundations for storage sheds walks through it.
Pour concrete for bigger sheds
A concrete slab gives large metal sheds a solid surface for anchors.
Check setback requirements
Local zoning sets minimum distances from property lines, fences, and other buildings. Confirm them before you level a single inch.
Plan utility connections
If the shed needs power or water, plan the trench now. Call 811 a few days before you dig to get buried lines marked.
Measure Pathway Clearances
Keep in mind your shed’s size and any safety precautions while moving it around or off your property. For example, you’ll want to make sure the fence or yard gates are wide enough to move the shed through and that you won’t hit any trees or damage anything.
Consider the Shed Design
Think about the type of shed you have, including its style, materials, and additional features. For a shed that is bolted to the foundation, it may be easier and worthwhile to just order a new shed.
Customize and order a new metal storage shed.
5. Prepare the Shed
With a plan in place, the next step is to prepare your shed for moving based on your method of choice. This includes:
Clearing It Out
Empty out the shed, removing all items inside: garden tools, lawn equipment, boxes, scrap wood, and anything else kept there. This step will help reduce the shed’s weight and prevent items inside from getting damaged while moving.
Disconnecting Utilities
Be sure to disconnect water, electricity, and all other utilities running to your shed beforehand. You may need to hire a professional to perform this step safely.
Reinforcing Entryways
Secure all doors and windows, even removing them if needed, to prevent them from moving and breaking during relocation. These open points are weaker areas of the shed structure and may warp from tugging and shifting during the move.
Disassembling (If Applicable)
You may need to disassemble the shed or remove any connected features that might get damaged along the way, such as mounted shed lighting.
Checking Permits
Many towns require a permit for sheds over a certain size, and moving one to a new spot can count as a new placement. Call your local building or zoning office before moving day. Ask whether you need a permit, what setbacks apply, and whether the new spot sits on an easement. If you have an HOA, get its approval in writing. Permits and fees for a shed move typically run $10 to $80.
6. Lift and Transport
For a smaller shed, use lifting jacks or a team of helpers to raise it slightly. If you have a larger shed, use a machine lift. Mind the material of your shed during this process. For example, a wooden shed can be easily damaged while lifting.
Once lifted, slide the shed onto dollies or a trailer using ramps and secure it to the platform using straps. This will prevent the shed from shifting during transit. Whether driving with a flatbed or towing the shed to the new location, make sure you maintain a safe speed on the road. Also, be aware of the shed’s width on narrow turns.
7. Set and Reassemble
Once at the new location, slowly lower and place the shed (or individual parts) on the foundation. If disassembled, you can now reconnect the shed following your tape labels or the shed’s manual. Depending on the weather conditions and foundation type, you may need to install bolts or anchors to help the shed stay in place and reinstall insulation in your metal shed.
Consider having a qualified professional handle any previously disconnected electrical wiring or plumbing. Once all utilities and parts are properly installed, you can return items and organize the shed for easy access.
8. Perform Post-Move Shed Inspection
After successfully moving and reinstalling your shed, there are a few important tasks to ensure structural integrity:
- Repairing minor damages. Check that the doors and windows function properly, the siding is intact, etc.
- Leveling the shed foundation. Confirm the base is flat and already adjusted as needed.
- Landscaping around the shed. Make sure the new shed placement isn’t too close to branches, fencing, or other yard objects that would prevent easy access.
Moving a Metal Shed vs. Wood Shed
Your shed’s material changes how hard the move will be. A metal shed is usually the easier and cheaper of the two to relocate. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Factor | Metal shed | Wood shed |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Lighter for its size | Heavier, especially with a wood floor |
| Rigidity in transport | Steel frame keeps its shape | Joints and trim can shift or crack |
| Disassembly | Bolted frame and panels come apart | Usually moved whole |
| Common methods | Disassembly, trailer, or crane | PVC pipes, skids, shed mule, or trailer |
| Moving cost | Usually lower; less equipment needed | Higher for large sheds |
When It’s Cheaper to Buy a New Shed
Sometimes the smartest shed relocation is no relocation at all. Once you add labor, equipment, and a new base, moving a shed can easily cost thousands of dollars. If your shed is aging, that money may go further toward a new one.
Buying new usually makes more sense in these situations:
The shed is worn out
Rot, rust-through, or a sagging roof won’t survive a move well.
The move needs heavy equipment
A crane or long-distance haul can cost more than the shed is worth.
The shed doesn’t fit your needs
If you need more space, moving the old one only moves the problem.
Repairs will follow
Cracked trim, jammed doors, and damaged siding add up after a rough move.
Customize and Order a New Metal Shed
Moving a shed comes down to size, distance, and access. Small sheds can roll across the yard on PVC pipes or slide on skids behind a lawn tractor. Medium sheds usually ride a trailer or flatbed to a new address. Large sheds call for professional shed movers with a shed mule or, when there’s no ground route, a crane. Whichever method you pick, empty and brace the shed, level the new site, and check your local permit rules before moving day.
If the move would cost more than your aging shed is worth, it may be time to start fresh. Durable metal sheds from Alan’s Factory Outlet offer a low-maintenance storage solution that resists many common issues such as rot, pests, and weather-related wear. Metal construction is also fire- and insect-resistant, helping provide reliable protection for your stored items. Plus, our sheds are made in the USA and include free delivery and installation within our service area.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving a Shed
Most shed moves cost $200 to $1,000. Hiring professional shed movers typically runs $910 to $2,530, and crane-assisted or extra-wide moves can reach $5,000 to $15,000 or more. Distance, shed size, and site access drive the final price.
Yes. Metal sheds are often easier to move than wood ones because they’re lighter and hold their shape. You can unbolt the anchors and move the shed as a whole with a trailer or crane, or take it apart and reassemble it at the new site.
Often, yes. Many towns treat a moved shed as a new placement, so it may need a permit and must meet setback rules. Hauling it on public roads can also require an oversize load permit. Check with your local building office and HOA first.
A 10×12 shed sits at the edge of what you can move yourself. To move it across the same yard, lift it with a floor jack and roll it on PVC pipes, or pull it on skids with a lawn tractor. To move it to a new address, use a trailer or hire professional shed movers. Local moves for a 10×12 shed typically cost $600 to $2,000.
