How much does it cost to move a shed in the UK?

Worried about leaving your beautiful custom-built shed behind? With professional help, moving a shed is entirely possible. They have the skills and equipment to safely transport large structures, allowing you to bring your shed to your new home.

 Learn about the typical costs to move a shed in this guide, so you can properly plan your budget and enjoy a smooth, stress-free move. 

What is the average cost of moving a shed in the UK?

Moving a shed requires hiring a ‘Man and Van’ removal service, which can cost around £13 to £50 per hour. However, prices can change, depending on the distance of the move, total labour hours, equipment needed, and other factors that we’ll discuss later. 

For now, here’s a rough estimate of shed moving service prices in the UK: 

What factors affect the costs of moving a shed?

 Rear view of a white camper or mobile shed being transported on the highway (Source: iStock)

Understanding these factors helps you know how much it costs to transport a shed and avoid the potential hidden fees. 

Distance of the move

The farther the destination is, the higher the shed moving costs. Aside from transport fees, movers need to obtain permits, use more fuel, hire more people, and drive large trucks over longer distances to move a shed. As a result, prices are higher.                                              

Local moves

If your family plans to move within the same suburb or city, you’ll only need minimal shed-moving equipment, such as a single Luton van (3.5 tonnes). Compact transport could be an option, too, if the shed can be disassembled and assembled. 

Since local moves involve short distances, fuel costs are minimal, so the total estimated cost of getting a shed moved for local moves can be as low as £60 to £100 per hour for two movers and a Luton van. However, prices can increase if a large shed is difficult to access with a crane or forklift.

Long-distance moves    

Since the distance is much longer than local moves, you’ll typically need larger vehicles like double Luton vans or a Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV), as well as a driver, load coordinator, crane, and forklift operators. Overnight layovers may also occur, as movers need breaks in between, so expect to cover the extra costs for accommodation and meals. 

Moreover, long-distance moves can result in high fuel consumption due to the need to transport wide, oversized loads. If we consider all of these factors, along with the required manpower and equipment, the overall estimated costs would be around:

• 50–100 miles: £400 to £800+

• 100–250 miles: £800 to £1,200+

Movers and equipment needed

Moving portable buildings like outdoor sheds requires at least three to five people to disassemble and assemble the structure, guide transport, and manage equipment. However, you may need additional manpower for larger, heavier wooden sheds, leading to higher shed transportation costs. 

Equipment is another factor to consider. To move larger sheds, like workshops or extensive storage buildings, you’ll need specialised equipment, such as cranes, forklifts, and custom transport support frames. Pilot vehicles are also necessary, especially for interstate moves, because they usually guide the haulage trucks to find the best routes and help navigate narrow or challenging terrain.

Type, condition, and foundation of the shed

The price to move a shed will depend on its material, size, and design. For instance, if a small shed is made from lightweight timber or resin, moving costs are lower since it’s easy to lift. Portable or prefab sheds are also the simplest and most affordable to move because they are ‘skid-mounted’, making them easier to move. 

Meanwhile, medium storage sheds of wood or metal are heavier and often bolted or attached to a strong base or slab. Also, wooden structures can crack when lifted, requiring movers to handle them carefully. Since these portable buildings are trickier to move, expect higher labour and equipment costs. 

Colorbond steel sheds and custom cabin sheds are among the heavier sheds, making them difficult to move. Colorbond steel sheds are anchored to concrete slabs, so movers must unbolt or dismantle panels, which could be labour-intensive. 

On the other hand, custom cabin sheds are fixed to vertical columns or ‘piers’ and flat concrete or ‘slabs’ with internal wiring and plumbing, so moving them can be extra expensive. 

Check out this comparison table for different shed types and the difficulty of moving:

Access and logistics

Prefabricated shed in the process of being moved off a trailer (Source: iStock)

Since moving a shed often requires larger haulage trucks and heavier equipment, movers must find accessible routes for a safe and efficient move. This can take time if the destination requires them to pass through narrow roads and rough or sloped terrain. And remember that the more time spent on the road, the higher the labour fees. 

You might also need to obtain permits when moving a shed with large haulage trucks, which can add to the total shed relocation cost. Some local councils require permits for crossing public roads, so be prepared for additional charges.

Timing of the move

Prices for shed moving services can fluctuate. For instance, a price hike of around 20% to 40% often occurs from June to September because most people prefer to schedule their moves during these months, when the weather is warm and school holidays are in effect. Availability will be limited, so rates will be higher, and some removal companies may even add premium charges to accommodate tight schedules. 

Booking on a weekend is also costlier and often comes with a flat surcharge. The same increased rate may apply to end-of-month dates, since demand tends to increase during these periods as leases often end. 

You might want to plan in advance or time the move for a weekday. Movers typically offer discounts and promotions for off-peak dates.

Insurance and liability

Since sheds are large, heavy, and often complex to move, having insurance gives you extra protection against damage or loss. Although it adds to the overall cost, insurance offers far better coverage than relying solely on the mover’s liability. Movers typically limit what they’ll pay (often to a small capped amount), and only if you can prove the damage or loss was due to their negligence. 

Consider availing some of these insurance options for moving sheds: 

Removals insurance

This is the most comprehensive option as it covers the entire process of moving a shed. This means you’ll be compensated if the shed or its parts are damaged during disassembly, loading, unloading, or transportation.

However, to get the most from the insurance, it’s crucial to declare the full value of your shed and its contents in advance. Otherwise, movers may limit their liability, so you’ll end up losing more.

Goods in transit insurance

It’s called ‘Goods in Transit’ insurance because it covers damage, loss, or theft only if the shed and its parts are inside a moving vehicle and assembled and lifted onto a trailer. This type of insurance is usually included in the mover’s fee, but with limited terms. A capped limit is set per item, so check the policy with your chosen shed removal service provider. 

Contents insurance

If you have an existing home contents insurance, check whether your policy includes ‘contents in transit.’ This is often already included, and the great thing about it is that it protects the contents of your shed, such as tools, equipment, bikes, and more. Similar to other goods-in-transit insurance, you’ll need to declare the full value of your items to ensure you receive the appropriate compensation.

Below is a table to compare the coverage of each insurance type.

Additional services

Moving a shed involves more than just transportation. You’ll need to account for pre-move preparations, such as emptying the shed to reduce its weight and ensure a safe relocation. While some movers offer this as an additional service, it often comes at an extra cost. 

Other services you might need include:

• Shed installation: Once relocated, proper installation ensures the shed is securely set up and ready for use in its new location.

• Disassembling and reassembling: Sheds are typically large and heavy, so hiring professionals to disassemble them before transport and reassemble them at the destination is often necessary. 

• Structural reinforcement: If your shed has damaged and rotten wooden parts, it may require roof repairs, partial reconstruction, or new cladding.

• Detaching from the foundation: Sheds attached to concrete footings or walls can be hard to disconnect and may require the expertise of a carpenter.

What are some ways to save on shed moving?

Wide shed or modular building on trailer moving down a rural road (Source: iStock)

Learn how to lower moving shed costs with these practical tips and tricks:

Move during off-peak seasons

Moving during the cooler months (January to March) can help you save money. The cost of moving a shed is lower during these months since demand is lower. You can even negotiate the price, especially if you’re flexible with the dates. 

Booking on weekdays, specifically Tuesday to Thursday, is a good idea, as those days are typically the cheapest. Movers are less busy, so you may get rates as low as 20% to 30% cheaper. 

Choose the right equipment

Although choosing a smaller truck is much cheaper, you’ll compromise service quality and risk the safety of transporting your shed. This is why you should consult a haulage company about the right equipment and vehicle for your specific shed load. 

Prepare and empty the shed

Remove all items from your shed before the move. This helps reduce the shed’s overall load, making moving easier and safer. If possible, dismantle your shed so the movers can proceed with the move right away upon arrival, helping reduce labour charges.

What should you look for in shed movers?

  Mobile shed or modular unit on a flatbed trailer in transit (Source: iStock)

Hiring the right people to transport a shed is key to a safe and efficient move. Here are some of the essential things to look for when choosing shed movers:

• Expertise and experience: Each removal company has its own area of expertise, so look for those specialising in transport services. Specifically, seek out companies with proven experience in handling various shed loads.

• Specialised equipment and vehicles: Shed movers should have the right tools, such as tilt trays and advanced hydraulic systems, to ensure your shed is moved efficiently.

• Adequate insurance: Moving portable structures like sheds involves risks, so choose a company that offers insurance to protect your belongings during transit.

• Transparent pricing: If possible, request fixed quotes. However, if the company charges by the hour, ask for a detailed written estimate that includes potential extra fees for permits, loading and unloading, fuel, and access challenges.

Have your shed moved with Airtasker

Don’t let your shed sit unused or fall apart when you can have it moved instead. With Airtasker, you can easily connect with skilled Taskers who can handle heavy lifting and transport sheds. The process is simple: Post a task, review offers, and pick the best pro for your needs. Whatever you’re moving, you can make the experience hassle-free with Airtasker.