So, you've got a storage shed on your property, and for one reason or another, it needs to be moved. Maybe it's in the way of a new landscaping project, or perhaps you've realized a different spot in your yard would be more convenient for accessing your tools and stored items. Moving a storage shed might seem like a gargantuan task, but it's definitely doable, even without taking it apart. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know, from why you might need to move it to the step - by - step process of getting that shed to its new location. By the end, you'll be well - equipped to handle this project like a pro.
1. Why You Might Need to Move a Storage Shed?
Landscaping Changes
Imagine you've decided to revamp your backyard. You're planning to install a beautiful new flower bed, a relaxing koi pond, or a spacious patio. Your current storage shed's location could be right in the middle of your dream landscape. For example, if you want to plant a large tree that needs plenty of space to spread its roots, and your shed is occupying that prime real estate, it's time to think about moving the shed. According to a survey by the American Society of Landscape Architects, over 60% of homeowners who renovate their yards need to relocate at least one outdoor structure, like a storage shed.
Utility Access
Utility companies often require clear access to certain areas of your property for maintenance or repairs. If your storage shed is blocking access to a water main, an electrical panel, or a gas line, they'll ask you to move it. In some cases, it's not just a request but a necessity. For instance, if there's a leak in the water main that runs beneath your shed, the utility workers won't be able to fix it until the shed is out of the way. This ensures that any potential issues with your utilities can be resolved quickly and efficiently.
Shed Upgrades
You might have found an amazing new storage shed that better suits your needs, perhaps one with more space, better ventilation, or a more modern design. But you don't want to just get rid of your old shed. Instead, you can move it to another part of your yard. Maybe you can use it for storing less - frequently - used items, or as a dedicated space for a hobby. A lot of DIY enthusiasts have an old shed they move to make room for a new, improved one while still keeping the functionality of the old one.
Improving Aesthetics
Sometimes, it's all about how your yard looks. If your storage shed is an eyesore in its current location, moving it can significantly enhance the overall appearance of your outdoor space. For example, if it's currently in a highly visible area near the front of your house, moving it to a more secluded spot in the backyard can make your property look more organized and appealing. A well - placed shed can even add value to your home, according to real estate experts.
If you’re after a new shed that fits both function and looks, the AECOJOY 5x3 gray storage shed works well. Its compact design fits even small yards, and the neutral gray color blends easily with outdoor spaces—no more it sticking out as an eyesore. Plus, it has enough room for tools or seasonal items, so you can keep your old shed for hobbies while this one handles daily storage.
2. Key Preparations Before You Move a Storage Shed
Moving a storage shed isn’t something you can rush—skip prep, and you might end up with a broken shed, fines, or a stuck project. Just like prepping for a trip, you need to check the rules, fix up the shed, and clear the way first. Here are the three simple steps to get ready.
2.1 Check Local Rules and Permits
Don’t just move your storage shed—first, make sure it’s allowed. Most towns have rules for relocating outdoor structures, and ignoring them can get you fined.
Call your local zoning or building office and ask two things: Do I need a permit to move my storage shed? And are there size/weight limits? For example, a large shed for storage (over 100 square feet) almost always needs a permit. Small backyard storage sheds (under 50 square feet) might not—but always confirm. One homeowner in Iowa got a $180 fine for moving a 9x10 shed without checking, so it’s worth the 10 - minute call.
If you need a permit, fill out the paperwork early—it usually takes 3 - 5 days to process. Don’t wait until moving day to handle this.
2.2 Inspect and Reinforce the Shed Structure
Your storage shed might look strong, but rain, wind, and stored stuff can weaken it over time. If you skip checking, it could break while moving—especially if you’re new to how to relocate a shed.
First, empty the shed completely. Take out tools, boxes, and lawn gear—an empty shed is lighter and safer to move. A shed with a lawnmower and mulch bags can add 300+ lbs, so removing that weight helps a lot.
Then, walk around the shed and look for issues: loose boards, rotted wood at the base, or cracked roof parts. If a wall is wobbly, nail a 2x4 board diagonally from the top corner to the base to hold it steady. For metal sheds, tighten loose screws with a drill—missing screws can make panels pop out.
This is super important for large shed for storage. A 16x20 shed with a weak frame could split if you move it with a tractor. An hour of reinforcing now saves you from rebuilding later.
2.3 Clear the Moving Path
Nothing ruins a shed move faster than hitting a rock, bush, or tangled hose. Clearing the path is a must, whether you’re moving the shed 10 feet or 100 feet.
First, measure your shed’s width—then make the path 1 foot wider on all sides. For an 8x10 shed, that’s a 10x12 - foot path—enough room to move without scraping fences.
Then, pick up rocks, branches, and tools. Cut back overgrown bushes or low tree limbs—they can scratch the shed or get stuck on it. If there’s a small hill, smooth the dirt with a rake so the shed doesn’t tip.
You can mark the path with spray paint or stakes and string to stay on track (helpful if you’re using a tractor or ATV to move a storage shed). A pro tip: Water the grass on the path the day before—wet grass is easier to move over than dry soil.
3. Effective Methods to Move a Storage Shed
Now that you’ve prepped everything, it’s time to move your storage shed! The right way depends on how far you’re moving it and how big the shed is—no fancy tools needed for short moves. Let’s break down the four easiest methods.
3.1 Rollers or PVC Pipes (Short Distances)
If you’re moving the storage shed less than 50 feet (like across the yard), use PVC pipes or metal rollers—this is cheap and easy.
Here’s how: Lift one side of the shed 4–6 inches with a jack, then slide 4–6 pipes/rollers under the base (space them 1–2 feet apart). Get 2–3 friends to push the shed slowly— the rollers will spin and move it forward. Every few feet, take the rollers from the back and put them in front (they’ll slide out as you go).
This works best for small backyard storage sheds (under 8x10 feet)—they’re light enough to push. A 6x8 wooden shed only weighs about 300 lbs, so 3 people can move it in 15–20 minutes. Just make sure the ground is flat—if there’s a slope, have someone hold the back to slow it down. It’s one of the most common ways to move a storage shed short distances!
3.2 Skids + Tractor/ATV (Large Sheds, Medium Distances)
If you have a large shed for storage (over 10x12 feet) or need to move it 50–200 feet, use skids (thick 4x4 or 2x6 boards) and a tractor/ATV to pull it.
First, lift the shed with a jack (use multiple jacks for big sheds) and slide 2–3 skids under the base (run them front to back for stability). Attach a tow strap to the skids (not the shed walls—you don’t want to break them!) and hook the other end to your tractor/ATV.
Drive slowly (under 5 mph) and have a friend walk beside the shed to watch for obstacles and guide you. A 12x16 metal shed (800–1,000 lbs) is easy for a tractor to pull on skids. This is perfect if you’re learning how to relocate a shed that’s too heavy to push.
3.3 Jack and Dolly (Medium - Sized Sheds)
For medium sheds (8x10 to 10x12 feet) or if you don’t have a tractor, use two dollies (the 4 - wheel flat kind)—it’s simple to roll.
Lift one side of the shed 4–6 inches with a jack, slide a dolly under, and strap the shed to the dolly (so it doesn’t slide). Do the same for the other side with a second dolly. Then 2 people can push the shed to its new spot.
This works well on concrete or gravel, and is great for small backyard storage sheds or medium metal sheds. A 9x10 plastic shed (400 lbs) can be moved around a patio or through a narrow gate easily—just don’t lift the shed too high with the jack (to avoid tipping).
3.4 Trailer/Flatbed (Long Distances)
If you need to move the storage shed over 200 feet (like to a new property), use a trailer or flatbed—it’s the only safe way for long moves.
Rent a trailer bigger than your shed (add 1 foot to each side). Lift the shed with a jack, slide ramps onto the trailer (keep ramps gentle—no steeper than 30 degrees), and push/pull the shed onto the trailer (get 3–4 people or use a tractor).
Secure the shed with heavy straps (hook to trailer tie - downs, wrap around the shed frame). This is the best way to move a storage shed long distances—whether it’s a large shed for storage or small one. Just make sure your vehicle can pull the trailer (don’t exceed its weight limit).
You now know all the key ways to move a storage shed! But tiny backyard sheds and big storage sheds need slightly different care, right? Next, we’ll cover special cases: moving different types of storage sheds—so you can match the method to your shed perfectly. No more guesswork!
4. Special Cases: Moving Different Types of Storage Sheds
Not all storage sheds move the same way—small backyard storage sheds and large shed for storage have different weights and builds, so you’ll need to tweak your approach. Let’s keep it simple for each type.
4.1 Small Backyard Storage Sheds
Small sheds (under 8x10 feet, like 6x8) are light (200–400 lbs)—you don’t need heavy tools here. The roller/PVC pipe or jack and dolly method works best.
First, empty the shed (you’ll cut 50–100 lbs of weight) and check for weak spots. If it’s a plastic shed, tape loose panels with duct tape to stop them popping out. If it’s wooden, add a 2x4 brace to wobbly walls.
For example, a 6x8 plastic small backyard storage shed can be moved by 2 people: slide 4 PVC pipes under the base, push slowly, and move the back pipes to the front as you go. You’ll get it from the patio to the garden in 10 minutes—no hassle.
4.2 Large Shed for Storage
Large sheds (over 10x12 feet, like 12x16) are heavy (800–1,500 lbs)—never push them by hand. Use the skids + tractor/ATV method for medium distances, or a trailer for long ones.
First, reinforce the base with 3–4 thick skids (4x6 boards work) to spread weight. Tighten loose roof shingles or metal edges too—wind can bend them mid-move. Empty the shed first (remove 200–300 lbs of tools or furniture) to make pulling easier.
A 12x16 wooden large shed for storage? Hook a tractor to the skids, drive slow (3–4 mph), and have 2 friends guide it. You’ll move it 100 feet in 5 minutes, and the shed stays intact.
5. After the Move: Setting Up Your Storage Shed
You got the shed to its new spot—now set it up right so it lasts. Focus on two key steps: leveling and choosing a foundation.
5.1 How to Level and Secure the Shed
An uneven shed causes doors to stick and floors to warp. Grab a 4–6 foot level and check the floor (front to back, side to side). If one side is low, slide wooden shims or concrete blocks under the base until it’s even.
Then secure it to the ground. For small sheds: Hammer metal stakes by the corners and screw them to the frame. For large sheds: Use more stakes (6–8 total) or concrete anchors to stop wind from moving it. This takes 30 minutes, but it keeps the shed stable for years.
5.2 Foundation Options for Longevity
A good foundation keeps the shed off wet ground (no rot!). Pick one based on your shed size:
Gravel: Best for small/medium sheds. Dig a 4–6 inch deep area (same size as the shed), fill with compacted gravel. Cheap and done in 1–2 hours—great for small backyard storage sheds.
Concrete Blocks: For large sheds. Place blocks (6x8x16 inches) under the base (2–3 feet apart) to spread weight. Works for large shed for storage holding heavy tools.
Concrete Slab: Most durable (but more work). Pour a 4–6 inch slab, let it dry 24–48 hours. Perfect for big sheds that need extra stability.
A small shed can use gravel, while a large one needs blocks or a slab—this keeps your shed strong for years, even after moving. If you’re getting the AECOJOY lean-to shed, its 48-square-foot size and 143-pound weight mean concrete blocks or a gravel foundation work best. Both options will support its heft and keep the metal base from sitting on wet ground, protecting against rust long-term.
Conclusion
Moving a storage shed without taking it apart might sound tricky at first, but it all comes down to three simple steps: prep, pick the right method, and set it up well.
Once the shed is in its new spot, level it properly and add a good foundation (gravel for small sheds, concrete blocks or slabs for large ones). This keeps the shed stable and stops rot, so it lasts for years.
Whether you’re moving a tiny small backyard storage shed across the lawn or a big large shed for storage to a new spot, following these steps means you won’t need to dismantle anything—and you’ll get the job done safely. Now you can enjoy your shed in its new home, knowing it’s set up right!
