Moving a shed is no small project. Whether you’re rearranging your backyard, relocating to a new home, or preparing for a landscaping upgrade, knowing how to move a shed safely can save you time, money, and major headaches. With the right planning, tools, and method, you can transport even large sheds without causing damage to the structure — or yourself.

This guide covers everything you need to know, including cost breakdowns, DIY vs. professional options, tools required, step-by-step methods, and expert safety tips.

Table of Contents

1. What to Know Before Moving a Shed
2. Tools Needed to Move a Shed
3. Methods: How to Move a Shed Safely
4. Cost to Move a Shed (DIY vs. Professional)
5. Permits, Regulations & Safety Requirements
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
7. FAQs
8. Conclusion

What to Know Before Moving a Shed

Before you begin the process, evaluate the following:

1. Shed Size and Weight

• Small plastic sheds: 100–300 lbs
• Medium wooden sheds: 1,000–2,500 lbs
• Large sheds with floors: 3,000–6,000+ lbs

Manufacturers like Tuff Shed and Lifetime list weight specs online.

2. Shed Condition

Check for:

• Rot or termite damage
• Weak flooring
• Loose siding
• Roof instability

If the structure seems compromised, reinforce it or hire pros.

3. Ground Conditions

Avoid moving sheds on:

• Soft soil
• Mud
• Hills over 10° incline
• Rocky terrain

You may need plywood boards for traction.

Tools Needed to Move a Shed

To move a shed, you’ll typically need the following:

Recommended DIY Tools

How to Move a Shed Safely (Step-By-Step)

Below are the three most reliable methods to move a shed depending on size, budget, and terrain.

Move a Shed on Rollers (Best for Short Distances)

This is the classic way to move a shed across a yard.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Clear the area
   Remove bushes, debris, rocks, and obstacles.
2. Empty the shed
   Reduces weight and prevents internal damage.
3. Lift the shed using jacks
   Raise each corner a few inches at a time.
4. Place lumber beams under the shed frame
   These act as rails.
5. Position PVC or metal rollers beneath the beams
   Space rollers about 12–18 inches apart.
6. Push or winch the shed slowly
   Move the rollers from the back to the front as the shed moves.
7. Lower the shed in its new location

Pros

• Low cost
• No heavy machinery
• Very gentle on the shed

Cons

• Requires manpower
• Slow process

Using a Trailer (Best for Long Distances)

How to Move a Shed With a Trailer

1. Jack up the shed and slide beams underneath.
2. Back the trailer up to the shed.
3. Use ramps or winch to pull shed onto trailer.
4. Secure tightly with ratchet straps.
5. Drive slowly (under 25 mph recommended).
6. Reverse process to unload.

Ideal for:

• Moving a shed to a new home
• Transporting across town

Pros

• Fast and efficient
• Works for medium and large sheds

Cons

• Requires a heavy-duty trailer
• Shed must be structurally strong

Hire Shed-Moving Professionals

Professionals use hydraulic equipment and custom trailers designed for shed transportation.

What Pros Typically Include

• Site inspection
• Shrub/tree trimming if needed
• Shed disassembly (if required)
• Transport and relocation
• Re-leveling and foundation setup

Best For

• Large sheds (10×16, 12×20, etc.)
• Sheds on uneven terrain
• High-value structures

Cost to Move a Shed

How much it costs depends on size, distance, and condition.

Average Shed Moving Costs

Extra Fees Professionals May Charge

• Distance over 50 miles
• Reassembly or repairs
• Foundation work
• Difficult terrain

According to HomeAdvisor, national averages fall between $225–$1,500+ depending on complexity.

Permits & Regulations for Moving a Shed

Depending on where you live, you may need:

You May Need a Permit If:

• Shed is over 120 sq ft
• Moving the shed to a front or side yard
• Transporting on public roads

Safety Tips When Moving a Shed

• Wear gloves, boots, and eye protection.
• Never place hands under shed beams.
• Move slowly and avoid sudden shifts.
• Inspect jacks regularly to avoid collapse.
• Keep children and pets away from work area.

Tip: If your shed weighs over 3,000 lbs, don’t attempt DIY.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not checking for rot before lifting
• Moving a shed with items inside
• Skipping foundation leveling after relocation
• Using too few rollers
• Pulling from the roof (causes collapsing)

Real-World Example

A homeowner in Ohio needed to move a 10×12 wooden shed 150 feet to make room for a driveway. Using jacks, PVC rollers, and a winch, three people moved the shed in under three hours — total cost under $120.

However, moving the same shed across town (10 miles away) required a professional mover and cost $420, including re-leveling.

FAQ: How to Move a Shed

1. Can you move a shed without tearing it apart?

Yes. Most sheds — especially wood and metal — can be moved intact using rollers, sleds, or trailers.

2. How do you move a shed by yourself?

Use jacks to lift it, place rollers or skids, and slowly pull it using a come-along. However, for safety, at least two people are recommended.

3. Is it cheaper to move or rebuild a shed?

For sheds under 8×10, rebuilding is sometimes cheaper. For larger sheds, moving is almost always more cost-effective.

4. Do you need a permit to move a shed?

You may need one if moving to a different property or if the shed exceeds local size limits (often 120 sq ft).

Conclusion: The Best Way to Move a Shed Safely

Learning how to move a shed safely comes down to the right method, tools, and preparation. For short distances, rollers or sleds are affordable and reliable. For longer relocations, a trailer — or even better, professional movers — ensures your shed arrives intact and level. By following the guidance in this article, you can protect your shed, avoid costly mistakes, and complete the move with confidence.