How Much Does It Cost To Move A Shed?

Upgraded Home Team
by Upgraded Home Team

There may be a time when you will need to move your shed. There are a variety of reasons why you may want or need to move your shed. No matter the reason, you will need to know how much it will cost.

The average cost to move a shed is $517, and labor costs $55 per hour. Homeowners have to spend another $3.00 per mile for transportation if the distance is greater than 50 miles. Additional costs include $4 per block, $72 for skids, and $75 to empty and prepare the shed.

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Reasons Why You May Want to Move Your Shed

Reasons for moving a shed vary. However, below are the primary reasons people end up moving their shed:

  • Relocating the storage shed to a new house
  • House Upgrades
  • Keeping the extra storage space
  • Making room for a new or bigger shed

Steps to Follow Before Your Shed is Moved

Before you move your shed, make sure you follow these steps to ensure no hassles during moving and no extra costs to you.

Step 1—Measure Your Shed

To get the width of your shed, start by measuring your shed at its widest points. After you have this number, add one foot to the measurement. This new calculation is your width.

This measurement can be used to ensure the shed can move between trees, plants, telephone poles, and fence lines. The measurement can also verify you can move the shed off your property or onto your new property.

Next, the shed should be measured at its highest peak. Then add three feet to the highest peak measurement. The new measurement will be used to verify the shed can fit under power lines, trees, shrubs, and house overhangs.

Step 2- Make Sure You Have the Proper Space

The new site you are moving your shed to should have plenty of space. The land the shed is placed on should also be level. A good drainage area should also be selected to place your new shed.

Make sure the shed’s new location is away from any gas or water lines. The shed also needs to be placed away from your septic tank.

You will also need to check for any potential roadblocks. Things like an in-ground sprinkler system, old oil tanks, or pet grave could be a potential barrier.

Step 3- Prepare for Your New Location

Have the perfect foundation for your new shed by using a concrete slab that is level. The slab should be four inches thick. It should be longer and wider than the shed by one foot. This extra space will prevent mud from being splashed on the shed from rainwater runoff.

A less expensive alternative to a concrete base is by using crushed stone or gravel. Make sure the gravel or stone is packed. You will also need to make sure it is level. The gravel or stone will serve as a base for your shed while still permitting water to drain away from your shed.

Concrete block piers are more common than the other foundations. They are also the most budget-friendly.

First, set the shed on the desired ground. Then you will jack the shed up. The blocks will then be placed beneath the runners of the shed. Place the blocks every four to six feet. Also, place the blocks on two to three runners.

Step 4- Empty Your Shed Before It is Moved

Most, if not all companies, that will move your shed require the shed to be empty before moving. This requirement is for the safety of the movers, equipment, and property. Emptying the shed before moving it also helps maintain the integrity of the shed.

Any objects that remain in the shed during the move will shift. This will result in damage to your shed. The moving objects could also result in the shed rolling over. If the shed rolls over, then this will cause the truck to roll over as well.

Shed Moving Costs-Do It Yourself

Moving a shed by yourself generally will only cost the rental of a trailer. In some cases, you may opt to rent a forklift. However, it is not recommended to move your shed by yourself.

Why You Shouldn’t Move Your Shed Yourself

If you are typically a do-it-yourself person, you would think moving shed yourself wouldn’t be any different. You may even think you can save some time and money.

But, if not done properly, moving your shed by yourself can be dangerous. Things like jacking, winching, and loading and unloading sheds cause extreme weight shifts.

These actions can also cause the flexing of the building. Flexing can cause damage to the runners or floor joists.

If the shed shifts off the trailer or jack, then this could result in bodily injury to yourself.

Costs-Trailer Rental

Trailer rental costs will vary by trailer size and location. Here are some costs if you want to rent a trailer:

CompanyLocationSizePrice
Barn Truck RentalsElmhurst, New York

Woodside, New York

Englewood, New Jersey

13 feet and 9 inches by 6 feet and 1 inch$99.95 per day
United RentalsNationwide6 feet by 14 feet$63 per day
United RentalsNationwide10 feet by 14 feet$230 per day
U-HaulNationwide6 feet by 12 feet$29.95
U-HaulNationwide6 feet by 12 feet with ramp$34.95

Costs-Forklift Rental

Forklift prices vary by size and lift capacity. Here are the costs associated with forklift rental:

CompanyLocationPrice
Sunbelt RentalsNationwide$330-$430 per day
United RentalsNationwide$247-$370

The timeframe is not specified

Big RentzNationwide$138-$259 per day

Additional costs may include delivery and pickup fees. These costs normally run between $50 and $100.

Cost to Move a Shed-Hiring a Company

If you are not comfortable moving a shed on your own, you will need to hire a company that can move the shed for you.

Moving companies will move and also set your shed in its new location. Prices will vary based on location, shed size, and distance.

Listed below are some prices from different companies to help give you an idea of how much it will cost to move your shed. All prices are only estimates, and the company will need to be contacted for exact pricing.

Cost to Move a Shed—Example #1
Company—Top Notch
Location—Springfield, Illinois
Shed SizePrice
8 feet wide up to 16 feet long$335
10 feet wide up to 16 feet long$435
12feet wide up to 16 feet long$545
Longer than 16 feetAdd $55
Potential Additional Costs with Top Notch
ItemCost
Extra Blocks$4 per block
Skids to Move Shed$60, $85 for larger buildings
If the shed is not ready (shed must be empty in order to move)$75
Any distance greater than 50 miles$3.00 per mile
Over 1 ½ hours of service (First 1 ½ of service is included in the price)$55 per hour

Other notes from this company:

Depending on your shed, a wide load permit may be needed if the building is wider than 8 feet ½ inches. Sheds must be escorted by a flag car if they are wider than 12 feet 1 inch. Flag cars are also required for sheds taller than 14 feet.

Cost to Move a Shed – Example #2
Company—Backyard Storage Sheds
Location: Trinity, North Carolina
Shed SizePrice
8 feet wide up to 16 feet long$300
10 feet wide up to 16 feet long$375
12 feet wide up to 16 feet long$450
Longer than 16 feetAdd $100
Potential Additional Costs with Backyard Storage Sheds
ItemCost
Extra Blocks$3 per block
Skids to Move Shed$100, $185 for larger buildings, plus material costs
If the shed is not ready (shed must be empty in order to move)No price specified
Any distance greater than 40 miles$3.00 per mile

Other notes from this company:

This company will only move sheds in North Carolina. The size of the shed and construction of the building are used in determining pricing. Other determining factors include accessibility and site conditions.

The residential building code states permits are required for accessory structures such as sheds if any dimension exceeds 12 feet.

Cost to Move a Shed-Example #3
Company: Bravard
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Shed SizePrice
8 feet by 10 feet$250
10 feet by 12 feet$350
12 feet by 12 feet$500
Wider sheds less than 11 feet tallStarting at $500
Sheds over 11 feet tallStarting at $700
Potential Additional Costs with Bravard
ItemCost
Extra BlocksNo price specified
Skids to Move ShedNo price specified
If the shed is not ready (shed must be empty in order to move)No price specified
Distance of moveNo price specified
If their vehicle gets stuck, the cost to have it pulled outNo price specified
Permit RequirementsNo price specified
Location RestrictionsNo price specified

Other notes from this company:

While the prices for any additional costs were not specified on their website, it should be noted that each item was listed as a potential additional cost. It is important to keep these costs in mind if doing business with the above company.

Cost to Move a Shed—Example #4
Company: Carolina Shed Transporters
Location: Whiteville, North Carolina
Shed SizePrice
8 feet wide up to 32 feet long$300
10 feet wide up to 32 feet long$300
12 feet wide up to 32 feet long$300
Sheds moved on the same property$250

Potential Additional Costs with Carolina Shed Transporters
ItemCost
Any distance greater than 50 miles$2.00 per mile

Other notes from this company:

The above additional cost is the only potential additional cost listed on their website. You will want to verify there are no other additional costs by contacting the company directly.

This company will move sheds anywhere in North Carolina and South Carolina. Sheds moved over the road can be up to 12 feet by 32 feet. Sheds can also be no taller than 11 feet.

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Related Questions

How far does the shed have to be away from my house?

This may vary by location. In one example, a shed that does not have water or power connected to it must be a minimum of 40 feet away. However, you will need to check your building permit or local building codes for the exact amount of space.


Do I need a permit to move a shed?

This will depend on your location. Each state is different, but generally, each state considers a load wider than 8.5 feet an oversize load, since this is based on the standard width of a travel lane on the highway.Any load wider than 8.5 feet will require a permit. Once the width exceeds twelve or fourteen feet, depending on the state, there will be additional requirements. Those requirements include having an escort vehicle and having travel times and routes that are limited.You can expect to pay fees ranging from $15 to more than $70 depending on your state if you need a permit. You may also have to pay a $15 application processing fee.

Upgraded Home Team
Upgraded Home Team

We are a team of passionate homeowners, home improvement pros, and DIY enthusiasts who enjoy sharing home improvement, housekeeping, decorating, and more with other homeowners! Whether you're looking for a step-by-step guide on fixing an appliance or the cost of installing a fence, we've here to help.

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