How to Move a Shed – a Step-by-Step Guide

Different Types of Backyard Sheds

Before we delve deeper into the right ways for moving your shed, let’s take a quick look into the several different types of these constructions:

• Smaller portable yard sheds. These constructions are usually small and light enough for you to be able to move or roll them with the help of a couple of friends. You could even load them on the back of your pickup truck.
• Larger portable sheds. These usually won’t fit on a truck – you’ll need a trailer. You should also get extra equipment and more people to lift them off the ground since they are very heavy, or, ideally, professional moving services.
• Sheds that need a forklift. This is the largest type of sheds – you will not be able to lift this one or roll to the transportation vehicle that easily. Renting a forklift, however, usually means that you need at least some experience with forklift controls for using it or you’ll have to hire a licensed operator.
• Disassemblable sheds. These are the easiest to move – simply take them apart and move each piece by using a dolly or in the back of your pickup truck. It is important to take pictures before you disassemble them and of each piece individually so that you could assemble them in your yard.
• Fixed sheds. These are usually of the highest quality and cannot be moved. They are usually cemented into the ground and require a city permit to be builtin your yard in the first place. You won’t be able to take this shed to your new home.

How to Move a Shed, Can You Roll it or Do You Need Heavy Machinery?

Depending on the type of your shed construction, you will want to get organized and use different methods to move it or roll to the transportation vehicle. However, here are some general steps and tips that apply to all cases.

Take Everything Out

Before you even think about moving your shed, you need to empty it. All of its contents should be packed and protected separately. This means that you will also have to learn some packing tips and tricks, like how to secure fragile objects, how to wrap large objects, etc.

In addition to that, you might also want to donate furniture before moving in case you have some old pieces in your shed that you don’t use or won’t be using in the residence you’ve moved to. Everything that you decide to take with you to your new home, however, should be included in your photo inventory.

Prepare the Area

If you’re dealing with heavy but movable construction, you will want to make sure the pathway to the vehicle or trailer is clear. Prepare the area by removing all furniture and smaller items on the way, like flower pots, and other garden installations that could stand in the way.

Tips to Help You Decide on the Method and How to Get the Right Equipment

Depending on the size and the weight of the structure, as well as on your personal preference, there are a number of different methods you can resort to. These include:

• Manpower. Have a couple of people over to help you lift the heavy shed. You should use a jack to lift the construction and good quality gloves for everyone.
• Forklift. If you have experience of using one, jack the shed up enough for the fork to fit under it. Carefully carry the shed to the trailer on the forklift.
• Rollers and pipes. Find some sturdy pipes or other similarly shaped objects to create a so-called conveyor belt. Jack the construction of the ground and place the pipes underneath. Push the outhouse, take the pipe from the back and place it in the front, and keep repeating until you’ve reached the truck. You will still require the help of your friends to lift the construction from the pipes to the truck.

Once you have decided on the method you will be using, your only job will be to find the best equipment to jack it up and roll it to the truck. However, if you hire moving experts, they will come equipped with everything you need. In fact, you could even get boxes and packing supplies for the rest of your home from them.

Moving the Construction

Now that you know how you’re going to carry out this task, it’s time to do it. Get a few people over to help you and be aware of your limits. Avoid transporting your outhouse in bad weather, and especially snow, hail, or rain, it would be best to just wait for good weather conditions for this task. Make sure you get enough sleep the day before, stay hydrated, and do not get down to work hungry, an outhouse is not an easy thing to be moved. You have a difficult day ahead of you, so it is important that you feel up to the task.

Moving a Disassemblable Shed on a Dolly

It would be best if the construction in the back of your yard can be disassembled. These are the easiest to move. All you have to do is empty it and carefully take it apart. Make sure you take photos of the construction while it is still in one piece, as that will make the reassembly much easier. Get a couple of zip-lock bags where you will store all the smaller items like bolts, screws, and other smaller pieces. Simply protect every part of the construction with some blankets and load it onto the moving truck.

Moving and Protecting the Contents of the Shed

Now you know how to move the outhouse from your yard itself. But what about everything that was inside? Different types of objects require different forms of protection, but here are some general rules:

• Make sure everything is dry and clean. You don’t want any moisture or dirt building up in your boxes. The
• Buy or rent moving supplies. Unless you plan to hire professional packers, you’ll need to obtain things like boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, plastic wrap, foam peanuts, duct tape, and markers, dollies, etc.
• Store items in original packages. Items like tools usually come in their own cases. It is always best to use those if you have them – they are made to perfectly fit the dimensions of their contents and protect them from all sides.
• Have an inventory list. Keeping track of what goes where and labeling your boxes are the best steps to successful unpacking. As with everything surrounding your relocation, you should organize each step. It is much easier if you are systematic.

Additional Steps to Take If You Want to Rent a Storage Room

If you’re planning to place the contents of your yard shed in a storage unit for some time, there are some additional steps you should take. Your main concern should be to protect your belongings from moisture as best as you can while in storage. If you don’t, your tools could get rusty and other items could grow mold on them. At that point, you might as well just throw them out. So make sure you buy waterproof packing materials and seal all your boxes properly. You should use packing tape and shrink wrap to properly seal all your packages and containers and isolate them from the moisture.

You should also take the time to label every package with a detailed list of its contents. It’s not too likely that you’ll just remember where everything is when you decide to take your things out of the storage unit. On top of that, mark the more fragile objects appropriately and avoid placing them on the bottom of the pile.