Is It Worth Moving a Garden Shed?

Before investing time and money into moving a shed, honestly assess whether relocation makes financial and practical sense.

When Moving a Shed Is Worth It

Relocating your shed makes sense when:

• The structure is solid with no rot or decay
• It's relatively new or custom-built with sentimental value
• The move is local or short-distance
• The shed fits the layout of your new garden
• The shed was expensive to purchase originally

In these cases, dismantling, transporting, and reassembling the shed is a practical, cost-effective solution.

When Replacing a Shed Is the Better Option

In many situations, buying a new shed is actually cheaper and easier:

• Timber shows signs of rot or warping
• Panels are already loose or damaged
• Access is severely restricted (impossible to dismantle sections)
• The shed won't fit your new garden layout
• It's an old, budget plastic shed with minimal value
• Transport and labour costs exceed replacement price

From our experience with hundreds of London moves, we often advise customers to remove and dispose of old sheds before the move. The money saved on transport and labour often exceeds the cost of a new, modern shed.

What Affects the Difficulty of Moving a Garden Shed?

Every shed presents unique challenges. Understanding these factors helps you plan realistically.

Size, Weight, and Construction Type

• Small plastic sheds (6×4 feet) are lighter and easier to dismantle
• Large timber sheds (12×10 feet or larger) can weigh several hundred kilos when assembled
• Tongue-and-groove construction is stronger but significantly heavier than overlap sheds
• Metal sheds are lighter but require careful handling to prevent rust and dents

Foundation Type

• Concrete slab bases mean the shed must be fully dismantled (the slab stays)
• Timber bases may be moved as a unit with the structure
• Fixed or bolted bases require additional labour and time to disconnect

Garden Access

This is often the biggest challenge we encounter in London and suburban areas:

• Narrow side passages or alleyways
• Steps leading to the garden
• Raised garden levels with no rear access
• No access at all (terraced houses with fenced gardens)
• Shared alleyways with strict usage agreements
• Fences or extensions blocking direct routes

Poor access often determines whether a shed can be moved at all. If the dismantled panels cannot physically exit the property, professional removal and disposal may be your only option.

Preparing Your Shed for Moving

Proper preparation is essential for a safe, damage-free move.

Empty the Shed Completely

• Remove all contents and shelves
• Clear hooks, brackets, and internal fixings
• Reduce internal weight as much as possible
• Dispose of unwanted items (great decluttering opportunity)

Reinforce the Structure

This critical step prevents panels from flexing or splitting during transport:

• Brace doors and windows internally with timber supports
• Add temporary cross-bracing across long wall sections
• Secure loose panels with additional screws (temporary only)
• Inspect for pre-existing damage before moving begins

Disconnect All Utilities

If your shed has utilities:

• Electricity: Switch off at the breaker and disconnect safely (hire a qualified electrician if needed)
• Water supply: Turn off the water, drain all pipes
• Lighting: Remove fixtures or disable circuits

Never move a shed with active utilities connected. This is a safety hazard and will damage equipment during transport.

How to Move a Garden Shed: Your Main Options

There are three realistic approaches to moving a shed:

Moving Without Dismantling

This approach is rarely practical and carries high risks:

• Suitable only for very small sheds with clear, straight access
• Requires specialist lifting equipment (forklifts, heavy-duty dollies)
• High risk of structural twisting and damage
• Can cause damage to surrounding property (fences, paving, landscaping)

This method is generally not recommended unless the shed is extremely small and access is completely clear.

Dismantling and Reassembling (Most Common)

This is the safest and most practical method for most situations:

• Roof removed first to reduce weight and improve access to fixings
• Panels taken down methodically in sequence, one at a time
• All fixings and hardware labelled and stored safely in sealed bags
• Components protected with blankets during transport
• Reassembled systematically at the new location

This method takes longer but produces the best results. Most sheds are designed to be dismantled, though care is required to avoid splitting timber panels.

Professional Shed Moving Services

For larger sheds, restricted access, or moves that are part of a house relocation, professional help offers:

• Experienced, trained teams familiar with shed dismantling
• Proper equipment (dollies, lifting straps, protective blankets)
• Insurance coverage protecting your property and the shed
• Significantly lower cost when included with house removals
• Guarantee that the shed arrives damage-free

Tools and Equipment Needed to Move a Shed

Essential Tools for Dismantling

• Screwdriver set (both Phillips and flat-head)
• Power drill with mixed bits
• Pry bar or crowbar for gentle panel separation
• Hammer for gentle tapping
• Adjustable spanners for bolted connections
• Tape measure for accurate planning
• Safety gloves (heavy-duty work gloves)
• Eye protection (safety glasses)

Equipment for Lifting and Transport

• Furniture dollies with wheels for moving panels
• Lifting straps or harnesses for safe handling
• Timber bearers/supports for protecting panels during loading
• Moving blankets for wrapping components
• Dust sheets for protecting surrounding areas
• Labels and markers for identifying components
• Sealed bags or containers for storing fixings and hardware

Many DIY shed moves fail simply because the proper equipment isn't available. Without dollies and lifting straps, you risk serious injury and property damage.

Moving a Shed With Limited or No Access

This is one of the most common problems in London properties. If your shed:

• Cannot fit through existing doors or passages
• Has no side or rear access to the garden
• Is blocked by extensions, fences, or neighbouring boundaries
• Is in a terraced house with a completely enclosed garden

Then full dismantling is mandatory. Even dismantled panels may be impossible to safely remove without breaking windows, fences, or causing structural damage to the property.

What to Do With Inaccessible Sheds

When access is genuinely impossible:

• Professional removal and disposal may be your only option
• Specialist contractors with cranes can sometimes lift sheds over buildings
• Cost-benefit analysis: Compare removal costs vs. replacement expense

We often recommend that customers in this situation dispose of the shed and purchase a new one for their new home—it's frequently cheaper and less stressful.

Do You Need Permission to Move a Garden Shed?

Planning Permission

In most cases, planning permission is NOT required to move a shed within your garden. However, restrictions may apply if:

• The shed is unusually large (over 4 × 3 metres)
• The new position is very close to property boundaries
• Your property is listed or in a conservation area
• Local council specific bylaws apply in your area

When moving to a new property: Check with the new local authority's planning department if you're unsure. A quick phone call can clarify requirements.

Transport and Road Access

For moves involving vans or loading from the street:

• Parking restrictions may apply in your area
• Permits could be required for extended vehicle parking
• Narrow roads need careful planning for large vehicle access
• London boroughs often have strict street parking rules

Contact your local council or moving company to confirm any restrictions before the move date.

Preparing the New Location for Your Shed

Choose the Right Foundation

Never place a shed directly on soil or grass. Suitable bases include:

• Concrete slab: Most durable; should be 4 inches thick
• Paving slabs: Quick to install; good for drainage
• Pressure-treated timber base: Rustic look; requires maintenance
• Gravel pad: Budget-friendly; less durable long-term

Ensure Level Ground and Proper Drainage

An uneven foundation causes:

• Doors that stick or won't close
• Stress on the structure and accelerated aging
• Water pooling inside the shed during heavy rain
• Shortened lifespan of the shed (wood rot, rust)

Use a spirit level to check the foundation before installing the shed. Proper drainage around the base (sloped ground away from the shed) is equally important.

Can You Move a Garden Shed Yourself?

It's technically possible to move a shed as a DIY project, but there are significant risks:

Risks of DIY Shed Moving

• Personal injury: Back injuries, crushed fingers, falling components
• Property damage: Dents, scratches, split panels, broken windows
• Structural damage: Warped panels that won't fit together on reassembly
• Damage to surroundings: Fence damage, paving cracks, landscaping destruction
• Wasted time and stress if things go wrong mid-move

Financial Reality

Many homeowners are surprised to discover that adding shed dismantling to a professional house move often costs less than renting equipment and a van separately.

Consider:

• Van rental: £40–60 per day
• Equipment rental (dollies, straps): £30–50
• Your time and labour (full day or more)
• Risk of damage or injury

Professional movers often quote £400–800 for shed dismantling and reassembly as part of a house move—which frequently works out cheaper than DIY when you factor in all costs.

When to Use Professional Help to Move a Shed

Professional help is strongly recommended when:

• The shed is large or heavy (8×10 feet or larger)
• Access is restricted or problematic
• The move is part of a house relocation
• You're concerned about safety risks
• The shed has special construction (double-thickness walls, heavy roof)
• You want insurance protection for your belongings

Professional removers:

• Have experience dismantling hundreds of sheds
• Understand structural stresses and how to avoid damage
• Have proper equipment and insurance
• Can complete the job safely and efficiently
• Provide peace of mind that nothing will be damaged

Frequently Asked Questions