Moving a wooden shed, whether across your property or to a new location entirely, requires careful planning and the right techniques to ensure safety and prevent damage. For short distances, common methods involve lifting the shed and rolling it on pipes.
Essential Steps for Relocating a Wooden Shed
Relocating a wooden shed can be a manageable DIY project for shorter distances, provided you have the necessary tools and a clear understanding of the process. For longer hauls or very large sheds, professional assistance might be warranted.
Preparation Before Moving Your Shed
Before you attempt to move your shed, thorough preparation is crucial for a smooth and safe relocation.
- Empty the Shed Completely: Remove all contents from the shed to reduce its weight and prevent items from shifting or causing damage during the move.
- Inspect the Shed's Condition: Check the shed for any loose boards, weak spots, or structural damage. Reinforce any areas that seem unstable to prevent further damage during transit.
- Clear the Path: Ensure the path from the shed's current location to its new spot is clear of obstacles, debris, and any uneven terrain. Leveling the ground where the shed will be moved is also important.
- Prepare the New Foundation: The new location should have a level and stable foundation ready to receive the shed. This could be a gravel base, concrete slab, or concrete blocks.
Lifting the Shed Safely
Once prepared, the next step is to safely lift the shed off its existing foundation.
- Utilize Automobile Jacks: As a practical method, using an automobile jack(s), lift the shed up only as high as you need. Position the jacks strategically at multiple points along the shed's frame, ensuring stability as you lift. Lift incrementally and insert sturdy wooden blocks or concrete pavers underneath the shed as you go, creating a stable base to rest on.
- Insert Support Beams: Once lifted sufficiently, slide robust support beams or skids (e.g., 4x4 or 6x6 timbers) underneath the shed, perpendicular to its length, to distribute its weight evenly and provide a surface for moving.
Moving the Shed Across Your Property (Using Pipes)
For moving a shed across shorter distances on your property, a simple yet effective "conveyor system" method can be employed.
- Roll on Metal Pipes: If you are just moving a shed across your property, you can use metal pipes underneath the shed and roll the shed over the pipes in a conveyor system movement to get it to your desired spot.
- Place several sturdy metal pipes (e.g., 2-3 inch diameter, strong enough to bear the weight) perpendicular to the direction of travel, underneath the support beams you previously inserted.
- As you gently push or pull the shed, it will roll over the pipes. As the shed rolls off a pipe at the back, move that pipe to the front, continuously creating a rolling path. This method allows you to incrementally move the shed with controlled effort.
- Secure the Shed: Use ropes or chains to pull the shed, ensuring even tension to maintain its direction and prevent it from veering off course.
Alternative Methods for Shed Relocation
While the jack-and-pipe method is excellent for short-distance DIY moves, other solutions exist for different scenarios.
Using Skids or Beams
For moving a shed over relatively smooth terrain, you can secure the shed to a set of heavy-duty skids or wooden beams. These skids allow you to slide or drag the shed. This method often requires a vehicle (like a truck or ATV) equipped to pull heavy loads, or a robust winch system.
Employing a Shed Dolly or Trailer
Specialized shed dollies are designed with large wheels and strong frames to support and transport sheds. These can be rented or purchased and are ideal for moving sheds across slightly longer distances or over less uniform terrain than pipes allow. For even longer distances, a flatbed trailer or a dedicated shed trailer can be used, often requiring a truck for towing.
Hiring Professional Movers
For very large, heavy, or custom sheds, or if the moving distance is significant (e.g., moving to a different property), hiring professional shed movers is the safest and most efficient option. They possess specialized equipment, like hydraulic shed movers and large trucks, and expertise to handle the complexities of relocation, ensuring your shed arrives at its new location intact.
Important Considerations for a Smooth Move
- Safety First: Always prioritize safety. Wear appropriate protective gear, have helpers, and never attempt to lift or move more than you can safely handle.
- Weather Conditions: Avoid moving a shed during adverse weather conditions, such as high winds, heavy rain, or icy conditions, which can increase risks.
- Permits: Check with your local municipality if any permits are required for moving a structure of your shed's size, especially if it involves crossing public property or roads.
Moving a wooden shed can be a straightforward process with the right approach and adherence to safety guidelines, allowing you to repurpose your space effectively.