5 Steps To Determine The Cost to Move A Shed

Storage sheds are large, bulky items…not the kind of thing you’d want to transport every day! So if you’re considering having a storage shed or other outbuilding moved, one big question is, “How much does it cost to move a shed?”

While it’s hard to nail down a specific number in an article like this, there are several factors that will determine whether your shed moving cost will be on the higher or lower end. Whether you’re moving and want to bring your current shed along or you’re considering a bargain shed that’s “free if you move,” these factors can help you decide if the cost to move the shed is worth it in the end.

#1. How Your Shed Is Built

cost to move a shed that is fully assembled

Sheds can be built in a number of different ways, and the construction style can play a big role in the cost when it’s time to move the shed. Many sheds these days, especially smaller ones, are constructed fully-assembled and delivered in a single piece. However, there are still plenty of sheds custom-built on-site as well.

If your shed was built with a wooden floor and runners underneath (like the one pictured,) it was almost certainly delivered fully assembled. In that case, it will generally be pretty straightforward to load it up and move it again, assuming it’s still in good condition.

If your shed has a concrete floor, it is more likely to have been built on-site. Sheds built on-site can be more difficult and expensive to move in some (though not all) cases. A custom-built shed may require added bracing or disassembly to move. Some shed movers, including Hometown Structures, will not move a shed if it requires disassembly.

If the shed you’re moving is something other than a typical storage building (for instance, a horse barn or garage,) it can also affect the cost. Be sure to communicate with your shed mover about any unusual construction features or building designs.

Good interior and exterior photos are important for accurately determining the cost to move your shed (and whether it’s possible to move it at all.) Here at Hometown Structures, when we give quotes to move a shed in Massachusetts, we always require a photo of the building so we can determine its construction style and movability. Be sure to contact the shed moving company you’re considering and provide any information/photos they need related to the design of your shed.

#2. Shed Size

This one is a no-brainer. The larger the building, the more work is involved to move it. Plus, certain shed sizes can be subject to extra government requirements if they’ll be moved over public roads. In particular, height and width are key dimensions when calculating the cost to move a shed.

The height of your shed can affect what permits a shed mover needs to acquire and, in some cases, what routes can be traveled. Here at Hometown Structures, we don’t move any sheds over 11′ tall. (Note that if your shed has a cupola or weathervane over 11′, it may be possible to remove it for transportation; see the next section for more details.)

Width is another key consideration, as wider sheds may require oversize load permits and, in some states, even escort vehicles. DOT permit requirements vary widely by state, so this may or may not be a shed moving cost factor depending on your location.

Length generally has less effect on the cost of moving a shed. However, if your shed is particularly long (36’+), it may be something to take into account.

At Hometown Structures, we’ll move sheds with dimensions from 6’x6′ to 12’x36′.

#3. Any Potential Add-Ons

cost to move a storage shed

Your current shed may or may not have options that were custom-built or included in the shed. Depending on what these add-ons are, they may affect the cost to move your shed.

Cupolas and weathervanes are particularly common additions that can affect shed moving due to their height. Generally, these items can be removed for transportation and replaced once the shed is in its new location.

If your shed has had a major modification, like the addition of a lean-to or porch, it may affect whether your shed can be moved at all.

Not sure if your shed has any add-ons that will affect moving? No problem! You can usually send a photo of your shed to the shed moving company and they can help determine that for you!

#4. How Far You Are Moving the Shed

Transportation distance is another key ingredient in the cost to move a shed. Moving a shed to a different part of your property will generally be less expensive than transporting it over the road to a new location.

Moving a Shed Within a Property

what does it cost to move a shed

Maybe you’re moving a shed to build a new foundation and replacing it at the same spot. Maybe you’re updating the layout or landscaping of your property and want to place your building elsewhere. Whatever the case, a professional shed mover will know how to move a shed of any type and can make the process of relocating a building much simpler.

Most shed movers have a minimum price for moving a shed on a property. That covers their expenses for traveling to and from your location, loading and unloading the building, and the overhead costs of their shed moving equipment.

Moving a Shed to Another Location

average cost to move a shed

Moving a shed to a different property is the most common reason folks request a shed moving quote. Whether you’re moving and want to take your current shed along, or you just found a great deal on a used shed and need to get it home, the cost to move a shed is usually a great deal compared with buying a new structure.

In addition to the minimum costs for bringing their equipment to your location, shed movers will typically have a per mile price for each loaded mile they travel to the shed’s new location. Depending on local or state regulations, there may be additional permit costs as well.

#5. Condition of the Foundation

Shed foundations are probably the most overlooked part of the cost to move a shed. Since a shed foundation cannot be moved, you will need to have a new one installed wherever you plan on moving the shed.

Some shed movers will include a “shed foundation” as part of their standard shed moving costs. If that’s the case with a shed mover you’re considering, be sure to find out exactly what type of “foundation” or leveling they plan to use. More often than not, the “foundation” is simply stacks of concrete blocks under the shed. Shed foundation blocks are not a great option for most sheds; they don’t support the building evenly, can void any manufacturer warranties that may still apply to the building, and can open the door for numerous other problems down the road. (This article highlights many of the problems with shed foundation blocks.)

A better shed foundation option is a compacted gravel pad that will support your structure evenly while still allowing water to drain away from the building. Here at Hometown Structures, we offer site preparation as an extra part of the shed moving process (you can request foundation pricing as part of your shed moving quote.) If the shed mover you’re considering doesn’t offer gravel foundations, you may want to look for a company to install the new foundation before you have the shed moved. You can learn more about what we recommend for shed site preparation here.

Foundations are a required part of a shed move so that the building can sit evenly and avoid any possible damages from rotting from the ground surface, sinking into the ground, etc.

Find Out the Cost to Move Your Shed Today

The most accurate way to find the cost to move a shed is to request quotes from local shed moving companies in your area. That way you can get pricing that includes permits, escort fees, and other localized shed moving costs.

If you’re looking for help moving a shed in Massachusetts, we’d be glad to give you a quote ourselves! You can tell us a little about your shed and upload a photo through our shed move quote request form.

Photo Credits: Carolina Shed Transports, Byler Barns