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

Moving to a new home and wondering if you can bring your backyard shed? Fortunately, you can, thanks to professional movers. However, this can be costly, so it’s important to plan in advance and budget carefully to avoid unnecessary expenses. 

Keep reading to discover how much it costs to move a shed in the US and pick up some tips on saving money on shed moving costs. 

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

Professional shed moving services can cost as low as $119 for local moves and as much as $6,000 for long-distance ones. However, shed moving prices can change, depending on the distance of the move, total labor hours, equipment needed, and other factors that we’ll discuss later. 

For now, here’s a rough estimate of shed moving costs in various cities in the US:

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 have a shed moved and avoid the potential hidden fees. 

Distance of the move

The farther the destination is, the higher the cost of moving the shed. 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 pickup trucks with trailers, tilt beds, and custom dollies. Trailer trucks 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 shed moving costs for local moves can be as low as $300. However, prices can rise to $1,500 if a large shed is difficult to access with a crane or forklift. 

Regional moves

Moving a shed to a nearby city or regional town requires heavier flatbed trucks with a crane or hotshot trailers that are  30-40 ft. long. You’ll also have to take into account the fuel surcharges and required oversized load permits for moving large sheds in long-distance regional moves, so expect higher costs. For reference, regional moves can range from $1,200 to $3,500 (or more), depending on the shed size, access, and required permits. 

Interstate moves

Since the distance is much longer than local and regional moves, you’ll typically need more equipment (such as full-sized hotshot trailers, gooseneck trailers, or step-deck flatbeds) and movers, including a driver, load coordinator, crane and forklift operators, and an escort vehicle driver. Overnight layovers may also occur since the movers need to take breaks in between, so expect to cover the extra costs for the accommodation and meals. 

Moreover, interstate moves can incur high fuel costs and require multiple state permits for transporting wide and oversize loads across borders. If we consider all of these factors, along with the required manpower and equipment, the overall estimated costs would be around $3,000 to $15,000 (or more). 

Here’s a table of shed moving types and associated costs for easier comparison:

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 specialized 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 labor 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 labor-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 labor 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 states require permits when crossing public roads, so be prepared for potential extra charges.

Timing of the move

Prices for shed moving services can fluctuate during the summer months (May to September), typically increasing by around 20-30%. Most people prefer to schedule their moves during these months because of the warm weather and school holidays, especially around December and January. Availability will be limited, so rates are higher. Some shed moving companies would even add premium charges to accommodate tight schedules. 

Booking on a weekend is also more expensive, with prices rising by 10-20%. The same increased rate may apply to end-of-month dates, since demand often increases as leases end during these periods. 

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

Check out the table below to better understand the price difference during peak and off-peak seasons:

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: 

Building move insurance

Building move insurance is the best option for moving large custom-built sheds as it covers structural damage during lifting the shed off its foundation, transporting, loading and unloading, and temporary storage. The movers are held responsible if their equipment fails or if they mishandle the items. However, you may still be liable for any pre-existing damage to your shed.

Full value protection (FVP)

Full value protection is an optional upgrade offered by your chosen moving company. However, upgrading to FVP is highly recommended as it covers full repair, replacement, or compensation if your shed is damaged. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to declare the full market value of your shed upfront to make the most of this insurance option.

Third-party moving insurance

Third-party moving insurance is additional protection available from independent insurance providers. This can be a great alternative if your mover doesn’t offer FVP, as it may cover structural damage, theft, collision, weather-related loss, and storage, depending on the policy.

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 siding.

• 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 (October to April) 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 Tuesdays and Wednesdays, is a good idea as they’re typically the cheapest days. Movers are less busy on these days, so you may get discounted hourly rates. 

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 labor 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 moving 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.

• Specialized 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.