So, you’ve decided it’s time for a change in your backyard and moving your shed is part of the plan. Maybe you need to make room for a new garden bed or play area, or perhaps you just want to rearrange the layout of your outdoor space. Whatever the reason, relocating a shed can seem like a daunting task – but fear not! With some careful planning, the right tools and techniques, and maybe even some help from friends, you can move your shed with ease. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through all the steps needed to safely and efficiently move your shed from one spot in your yard to another. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and let’s get started!
Assessing Your Shed
Before anything else, take a good look at your shed. Is it in good condition? Can it handle being moved without falling apart? If there are any signs of rot or structural damage, consider repairing these issues before attempting to move the structure.
Next, determine how heavy and large your shed is. This information will be useful when choosing the appropriate equipment for moving it later on.
Lastly, measure out both its current location and where you want it moved. You’ll need these measurements when planning how best to approach moving day.
Gathering Tools & Equipment
Once you know what kind of shape your shed is in and have an idea of its size and weight; gather all necessary materials:
- Heavy-duty jacks (hydraulic or otherwise)
- Heavy-duty rollers (such as PVC pipes) or dollies
- Large pry bar
- Shovels
- Tape measure
- Stakes & string (for marking out new location)
- Planks of wood (for creating a ramp if necessary)
It’s essential that whatever tools you use are capable of handling both size AND weight of your shed. Safety first!
Preparing the New Location
Before moving your shed, you need to make sure its new spot is ready to go. Start by marking out the exact dimensions using stakes and string – this will give you a visual guide when placing your shed later on.
Next, level the ground as best as possible within these markers. A flat surface is crucial for ensuring that your shed sits properly and doesn’t shift over time.
If there are any large rocks or roots in the way, remove them now so they won’t cause issues down the line.
Lastly, consider laying down a gravel or concrete foundation to further stabilize your shed once it’s in place (especially if it didn’t have one before). This step isn’t strictly necessary but can be helpful for long-term stability and drainage purposes.
Lifting Your Shed
Now that everything’s prepped and ready, it’s time for some heavy lifting! Using jacks, lift each corner of your shed until it’s high enough off the ground to slide rollers or dollies underneath. Be sure that all sides are lifted evenly so no undue stress is put on any one area of the structure.
Once it’s been safely raised off the ground, insert rollers or dollies beneath (making sure they’re evenly spaced) and lower your shed onto them. Take a moment to ensure that everything feels stable before proceeding; this may involve adjusting their positioning slightly if needed.
Moving Your Shed
With your shed lifted and supported by rollers or dollies, you’re finally ready to start moving it! Slowly push forward on one side while someone else guides from behind — communication is key here since both parties must work together smoothly for even movement across your yard.
It may be tempting to try pushing faster once things seem like they’re going well; resist this urge! Moving slowly ensures safer transport overall avoids potential accidents due to sudden shifts in weight distribution during quick movements.
When approaching any slopes or rough terrain, proceed with extra caution. If needed, create a makeshift ramp using planks of wood to help ease your shed over these obstacles.
Positioning Your Shed
As you approach the new location, double-check that it’s still properly marked and leveled. Once you’re confident in its placement, slowly roll your shed into position within the marked area.
Once it’s in place, use jacks to lift each corner off rollers/dollies one at a time until they can be safely removed. Then lower your shed back down onto its new foundation (if applicable) and ensure that everything is sitting evenly.
Securing Your Shed
With your shed now in its new home, take some time to make sure it’s properly secured:
- Check for even weight distribution on all sides.
- Make sure there are no gaps between the bottom edge of your shed and ground/foundation; if necessary, add shims or other materials to close these spaces.
- Anchor any corners as needed — this may involve attaching L-brackets from inside walls directly into the foundation beneath (especially important if you live in an area prone to high winds).
Lastly, reinstall any windows/doors removed earlier and give everything a once-over for stability before moving items back inside.
Final Thoughts
Moving a shed may seem like an overwhelming task at first glance but breaking it down into manageable steps makes things much more doable! Just remember: plan ahead, gather proper tools & equipment beforehand, and don’t hesitate to ask friends for help along the way. By following our guide above step-by-step; you’ll soon have successfully relocated your backyard haven without breaking a sweat. Happy moving!
