Overview

Moving a portable garden shed might seem simple, but without the right preparation, it can quickly turn into a costly mistake. Whether you're rearranging your backyard layout, preparing to sell your home, or just looking for better sun exposure, shed relocation requires planning and the right techniques. In this blog, Smart Shed walks you through everything you need to know to move your garden shed safely and effectively.

Introduction

Garden sheds used to be immobile structures, often built on concrete pads or cinder blocks. They were anchored so firmly into place that moving them meant disassembling or demolishing them. Portable sheds have changed that.

Portable sheds offer the flexibility to adapt to future needs and preferences without generating the waste of complete tear-downs and rebuilds. However, the right preparation and processes are necessary to ensure your shed reaches its new location intact and stays that way. Whether you're moving it a few feet or to a whole new site, this guide will help ensure the job gets done right.

The Rise of the Portable Garden Shed

The shift toward portability is more than just a trend. It reflects a growing movement towards versatility, sustainability, and value. Portable garden sheds make it possible to relocate structures without the waste of building anew when moving homes, undergoing property renovations, or even just improving the functionality of a backyard layout. If a garden shed is the first step in an overall landscape transformation, the portability factor becomes invaluable.

What Makes a Shed Truly Portable?

Not all sheds can be moved, even if they look like they can. A truly portable shed is one that has been constructed with specific structural reinforcements and material choices that can withstand the stress of lifting, transport, and repositioning. Shed portability is usually built into the structure from the beginning.

Features that make a shed portable include:

Pressure-treated skids
Strong floor joists
Reinforced walls and roofs
Features like radiant barriers in the roof
Long-life siding
Weather-resistant floor coatings

These features can improve the shed's ability to endure the elements and structural strain during and after a move. The more rugged the shed, the more easily it can survive the upheaval of relocation.

Preparing Your Garden Shed Move

Before lifting a single tool, it's essential to plan thoroughly. Start by evaluating the shed’s condition. Check for rot, loose panels, rusted nails, or structural weaknesses. If any part of the shed is compromised, it’s best to address those issues first. Moving a weakened shed can cause damage not just to the structure but to the equipment you use to move it.

Measure Your Shed

Measure the shed’s dimensions and compare them to any gates, fences, or tight corners it might need to pass through. Don’t forget to account for roof overhangs or skids that extend beyond the main footprint.

Consider Permits for Shed Placement

Another consideration is permitting. Some municipalities require permits for moving large structures on or off a property, even if they’re not being transported by road. If you're using professional movers or heavy equipment, ensure they are licensed and insured.

Assess Your Route

Finally, assess the route. If you're moving the shed across your property, the path should be clear of tree roots, stones, or muddy areas that could complicate the process. If the move involves loading onto a trailer, measure the trailer bed and verify it can support the shed’s weight and size.

Empty the Shed: Lighten the Load

It may be tempting to leave some lightweight items inside, especially if your shed isn’t packed wall-to-wall. Resist that urge. Every pound matters when it comes to relocating a structure. The lighter your shed, the easier and safer it is to move.

Empty everything from the interior, including shelving, wall hooks, and floor mats. This also gives you a great opportunity to assess the floor and interior walls for any hidden damage. Use the moment to clean and inspect the inside of the shed, preparing it for a new setup in its future location.

Raising the Shed Safely

Depending on its size and construction, there are a few primary ways to lift a garden shed. For smaller sheds, a group of strong individuals using floor jacks and support beams can slowly and evenly raise the shed off the ground. Once lifted, skids, rollers, or even slide boards can be inserted underneath to facilitate movement.

Larger sheds will likely require mechanical assistance. Hydraulic jacks are often used in tandem with a trailer to lift and stabilize the structure before transport. In some cases, a crane or forklift may be the best solution, especially if the shed is too heavy or the ground is uneven.

Regardless of the method, the shed should always be lifted evenly on all sides. Uneven lifting can twist the frame or crack siding, leading to expensive repairs. Slow and steady is the name of the game.

Transporting Your Shed

Once the shed is off the ground, it can be moved in a few ways, depending on the distance and terrain. For very short distances, placing round fence posts or sturdy PVC piping beneath the shed can allow it to roll slowly to its new position. This method works well for flat, dry lawns.

If the shed needs to be moved across rougher terrain or over longer distances, a flatbed trailer is typically the best option. Position the shed centrally on the trailer to distribute weight evenly. Secure it using ratchet straps rated for heavy loads, and pad any corners that might come into contact with hard surfaces during transport.

Preparing the New Site

Before placing the shed in its new location, it's essential to prepare the foundation. A solid, level base is critical to long-term stability and protection against moisture damage.

Gravel pads are a popular choice, as they allow for drainage while providing a firm foundation. Ensure the site is slightly raised from the surrounding ground level to avoid water pooling. Concrete pads are more permanent and provide excellent stability, though they cost more and are less flexible.

Strategic Shed Placement

Choosing where to place your shed isn’t just about convenience. The location can influence the longevity and utility of the structure. First, consider sunlight and shade. If your shed stores garden tools or contains plants, placing it where it gets morning sunlight may be beneficial. Too much direct sun, however, could lead to overheating inside the structure. Trees can provide helpful shade, but be wary of overhanging limbs that could fall or drop debris.

Access is another factor. You want the shed to be accessible year-round. Avoid placing it in a low-lying area prone to pooling water or snowdrift buildup. A path or stepping stones leading to the shed can enhance usability and curb appeal.

Security should not be overlooked, either. Placing the shed in a visible area can deter potential theft. If the shed will house high-value equipment, consider its proximity to security lighting or even a camera system.

Final Checks and Shed Maintenance

Once your shed is in place, it’s time to do a final walkthrough. Inspect all corners for stress cracks, misaligned panels, or structural warping. Reattach any shelving, hooks, or accessories that were removed earlier. Make sure the doors open and close smoothly and that the structure is sitting level on its foundation.

Take note of how the new site handles water runoff. After the first rain, check to make sure no water is pooling around the base. It’s easier to make small adjustments early than to wait until moisture causes long-term damage.

Now’s also a great time to consider upgrades. Maybe you want to add insulation, reinforce shelving, or install solar lighting. Having just moved your shed, you’re already halfway into a renovation mindset.

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Moving Your Shed

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is underestimating the weight of a shed. Even small structures can weigh over 1,000 pounds. Always use proper lifting equipment and don't rely solely on manual lifting unless the shed is particularly lightweight.

Other common mistakes include:

Failing to assess the new location properly: Moving a shed only to realize the ground is uneven or prone to flooding is a frustrating mistake. Take your time with prep work.
Failing to secure the structure during transport: A few ratchet straps might seem like enough, but if the shed shifts even slightly during a move, it can cause irreversible damage. Always over-prepare.
Rushing the move: The more careful and deliberate you are during every step (lifting, moving, resetting), the more likely your shed will survive unscathed.

A New Beginning for Your Shed

Relocating a garden shed may sound daunting, but with the right approach, it’s completely doable. Whether you’re shifting it a few feet or transporting it across town, planning, preparation, and patience go a long way toward ensuring a successful move.

If you haven’t yet invested in a shed and you’re thinking long-term, it’s worth considering one built specifically for durability and portability. As many have come to learn, Smart Shed builds the best portable garden sheds in the region. You can learn about our shed options by browsing our site or contacting us at (706) 405-4637.