How To Move A Shed

by Movivan | Created Jan 2024 | Updated Jan 2026

Moving a garden shed often looks simple at first, but in reality it can be one of the more challenging parts of a house move. Sheds are heavy, awkward to handle, and usually positioned at the far end of a garden with limited access. If they are not prepared or moved correctly, sheds can easily be damaged — or cause damage to your property or injuries to those moving them.

In this guide, our experienced removals team at Movivan Removals explains how to move a garden shed safely, when it’s worth doing, and when professional help is the smarter option. This advice is based on real removals experience from hundreds of London and Surrey moves.

Table of contents

Is It Worth Moving a Shed or Replacing It?

Before doing anything else, it’s important to decide whether your shed is actually worth moving.

When Moving a Shed Makes Sense

Moving a shed is usually worthwhile when:

The shed is structurally sound with no rot or major damage
It is relatively new or custom-built
The move is local or short-distance
The shed fits well in your new garden

In such cases, dismantling and reassembling the shed can be a cost-effective and practical solution.

When Replacing a Shed Is the Better Option

In some situations, replacing the shed makes more sense:

The timber frame is rotten or warped
Panels are already loose or damaged
Access is extremely restricted
The shed will not fit the new garden layout

From experience, we often advise customers to remove and dispose of old sheds before moving, as transport and labour costs can exceed the price of a new shed.

What Affects the Difficulty of Moving a Shed?

No two sheds are the same. Several factors determine how complex the move will be.

Size, Weight, and Construction Type

Small plastic or metal sheds are lighter and easier to dismantle
Large timber sheds can weigh several hundred kilos once assembled
Tongue-and-groove sheds are stronger but heavier than overlap sheds

Base Type

Sheds on concrete slabs usually need full dismantling
Timber bases may be moved in sections
Fixed or bolted bases increase labour and time

Access to the Garden

Access is one of the biggest challenges we see:

Narrow side passages
Steps or raised gardens
No rear access (common in terraced houses)
Shared alleyways or neighbouring boundaries

In London especially, access limitations often decide whether a shed can be moved at all.

Preparing a Shed for Moving

Good preparation reduces damage and speeds up the move.

Emptying and Securing the Shed

Remove all contents
Clear shelves and hooks
Reduce internal weight as much as possible

This is also a good opportunity to declutter and dispose of unwanted items.

Reinforcing the Structure

To prevent panels from flexing or splitting:

Brace doors and windows internally
Add temporary timber supports across long walls
Secure loose panels with screws

This step is often overlooked but makes a big difference.

Disconnecting Utilities

If your shed has:

Electricity
Lighting
Water supply

Make sure everything is safely disconnected before moving. This should be done by a qualified professional if required.

How to Move a Shed: Your Main Options

There are three realistic ways to move a shed.

Moving a Shed Without Dismantling

This is only suitable for:

Very small sheds
Clear, straight access
Solid lifting equipment

Even then, there is a high risk of twisting the structure.

Dismantling and Reassembling a Shed

This is the most common and safest method:

Roof removed first
Panels taken down one by one
Fixings labelled and stored
Shed rebuilt at the new location

Most sheds are designed to be dismantled, but care is required to avoid splitting panels.

Professional Shed Moving

For larger sheds, restricted access, or when the shed is part of a house move, professional handling is often the safest option. At Movivan, shed dismantling and reassembly is typically included as part of a house removals service, which often works out cheaper than hiring equipment and a van separately.

Tools and Equipment Needed to Move a Shed

Tools for Dismantling

Screwdrivers or drill
Pry bar
Hammer
Adjustable spanner
Safety gloves and eye protection

Equipment for Lifting and Transport

Furniture dollies
Lifting straps
Timber bearers
Protective blankets

Many DIY attempts fail simply because the right equipment is missing.

Moving a Shed With Limited or No Access

This is one of the most common problems we encounter.

If the shed:

Cannot fit through doors
Has no side or rear access
Is blocked by extensions or fences

Then full dismantling is required. In some cases, even dismantled panels cannot be safely removed without specialist handling. When access is impossible, removal and disposal may be the most cost-effective solution.

Do You Need Permission to Move a Shed?

Planning Permission Considerations

In most cases, planning permission is not required to move a shed, but restrictions may apply if:

The shed is unusually large
The new position is close to boundaries
The property is listed

Transport and Road Access

For moves involving vans or loading from the street:

Parking restrictions may apply
Permits could be required
Narrow roads need careful planning

This is particularly relevant in London boroughs.

Preparing the New Location for Your Shed

Choosing the Right Foundation

A shed should never be placed directly on soil. Suitable bases include:

Concrete slab
Paving slabs
Pressure-treated timber base

Ensuring Level and Drainage

An uneven base will:

Cause doors to stick
Stress the structure
Shorten the shed’s lifespan

Drainage around the base is just as important as level ground.

Can You Move a Shed Yourself?

It is possible, but it’s not always advisable.

DIY shed moving carries risks:

Personal injury
Damage to panels or roof
Damage to fences, walls, or paving
Wasted time if things go wrong

In many cases, customers are surprised to find that adding shed dismantling and reassembly to a professional house move costs less than renting equipment and a van for the day.

When to Use Professional Help to Move a Shed

Professional help is strongly recommended when:

The shed is large or heavy
Access is restricted
The move is part of a house relocation
Safety is a concern

An experienced removals team can dismantle, transport, and reassemble a shed efficiently while protecting your property.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the biggest cause of shed damage during transport?
The most common cause is structural twisting caused by lifting panels without proper bracing. This is why sheds should be dismantled in sequence and reinforced before transport.

Can a shed be moved if it was originally built on a fixed concrete base?
Yes, but the shed must be fully dismantled. The concrete base itself cannot be moved, and a new base will need to be prepared at the destination.

How do professionals prevent panels from splitting during reassembly?
Experienced movers pre-drill fixing points, reuse original fixings where possible, and avoid over-tightening screws, which is a common cause of timber splitting.

Need Help Moving a Garden Shed?

If your shed is large, awkward to access, or part of a house move, getting professional help can save time, prevent damage, and avoid injury. Our experienced team at Movivan Removals regularly handles shed dismantling, transport, and reassembly as part of a safe, well-planned move.

👉 Get a free, no-obligation quote or call us on 020800 33260.

Careful handling • Experienced movers • Clear pricing