Shed moving costs: What factors impact your final cost

If your property storage needs have outgrown your available space, a backyard shed provides that perfect extra storage solution. Not just practical for storing garden tools and seasonal items, a well-designed shed can actually boost a property’s market value by adding functional square footage that appeals to potential buyers looking for versatile outdoor space.

Several key factors affect average shed moving costs: size, construction type, accessibility issues, moving distance, and foundation requirements at the new location. To help you budget better, this post will lay out all the variables to consider for this project. 

How much does it cost to move a shed?

Need to relocate that backyard shed? The price tag depends largely on two key factors: how big your shed is and how far it needs to travel. For instance, a small garden shed moved locally might cost just a few hundred dollars, while that same shed transported across state lines could set you back several thousand. Larger structures with complex designs naturally increase those costs even further.

To help you plan more effectively, we’ve broken down typical professional shed moving costs below. These ranges reflect what most homeowners can expect to pay when hiring qualified professionals who bring the right equipment and expertise to your project.

Factors affecting average shed moving costs

Beyond size and distance, several crucial factors can significantly impact your final shed moving bill. Understanding these variables helps you plan more effectively and avoid budget surprises.

Construction materials matter

Metal sheds typically cost 20-30% less to relocate than wooden structures of the same size. Why? Metal sheds weigh less and can often be partially disassembled, reducing labor and equipment requirements. A wooden shed’s solid construction means moving it as one unit, requiring more manpower and specialized equipment.

Site accessibility challenges

Limited access at either location can quickly add $100-$300 to your bill. Narrow gates, steep slopes, tree obstacles, or tight corners all require additional planning and sometimes specialized equipment:

• Fence removal: $50-$300
• Tree removal: $50-$80 per hour
• Temporary pathway creation: $100-$300

Professional expertise level

General handymen typically charge $40-$75/hour for shed moving, while specialized structure moving companies with proper equipment and insurance range from $75-$125/hour. The investment in professionals often pays off through faster completion and reduced risk of damage to your shed or property.

Building and rebuilding

Some sheds – especially bigger ones – require solid foundations. You also need to consider the ground in your shed’s new location. If your shed becomes damaged during the move, professionals can rebuild its broken components. On average, shed repairs cost $957, with the actual range between $461 and $1,453.

Oversized load permits

States have different load permits. What these essentially do is let you have oversized and/or overweight vehicles carry large things, like big sheds, over public roads. You can put a big shed on the back of a trailer bed, but authorities might flag you if you’re carrying something huge without the necessary permit. Here’s an overview of load permit costs in the US:

Other shed-moving particulars

Moving a shed involves more than simply ripping out the structure from its current placement and transferring it elsewhere. Depending on how you had the shed built, removing ramps will cost you an additional $25 to $50. If moving your shed would require additional skids, expect to pay $50 to $75.

Preparing for shed moving

There are a few things you need to do before having your shed moved:

1. Empty the shed. This is also a good opportunity to organize its contents.
2. Take note of the measurements. Include a bit of allowance, especially for height, to prevent the shed from hitting something on the road during the move.

Post a task for shed moving

Demolishing a shed or any other moving task can be tedious for anyone who doesn't have the necessary skills, expertise, or experience. If you're considering the perks of a DIY project, you're better off seeking help from a professional.

Are you ready to book a Tasker for your shed-moving project? Write and post a task on our platform. Include these details to receive competitive offers matching your needs and preferences:

• Shed dimensions. Add 36 inches/3 feet to the height for added clearance.
• Whether the move will be same-site or long-distance
• Condition of the shed and possible damage points in transit. 
• Other particulars that you’d like to include during the move.