Moving a storage shed costs anywhere from $200 to $1,000 for local moves. Most people pay around $500 on average. The final price tag depends on several key factors.
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Shed Information
Your shed’s moving costs can add up quickly. A simple move within your property might work differently than shipping it across state lines. Long-distance moves over 100 miles become a big deal as it means that costs can reach $3,000 to $6,000. The size of your shed, distance to the new location, and required labor all play crucial roles in determining the final price. A local move on your property might only set you back $250 to $375. Extra-wide sheds going long distances could cost between $6,000 and $7,500.
This piece breaks down everything about storage shed moving costs in 2025. You’ll learn about transportation fees, labor costs, permit requirements, and equipment needs. We’ll give you the knowledge to plan your budget for the entire relocation project.
Understanding the Cost to Move a Shed
Storage shed moving prices can differ quite a bit based on several significant factors. The cost depends mainly on the structure’s size and how far it needs to be moved.
Average cost range for 2025
Moving a storage shed costs between $300 to $1,500 for local moves within 50 miles. Long-distance relocations cost $3,000 to $6,000. These prices reflect current market rates as of mid-2025.
Here’s what you’ll pay based on shed size:
- Small sheds (6’x8′ to 8’x10′): $150-$1,000 locally, $3,000-$4,500 long-distance
- Medium sheds (8’x12′ to 10’x12′): $450-$1,300 locally, $3,500-$5,000 long-distance
- Large sheds (12’x12′ to 12’x20′): $600-$1,500 locally, $4,000-$6,000 long-distance
You’ll pay between $250 and $375 to move your shed to a different spot on your property.
Local vs. long-distance move pricing
Distance plays a huge role in your total cost. Moving your shed locally costs nowhere near as much as shipping it across state lines or to distant locations.
Local moves (under 100 miles) include these costs:
- Onsite moves: $250-$375
- Cross-town relocations: $400-$500
- Hourly labor charges: $25-$50 per hour
- Mileage rates: $1-$2 per mile
Long-distance relocations (over 100 miles) come with premium pricing:
- Standard long-distance moves: approximately $4,000
- Extra-wide or oversized loads: $6,000-$7,500
This is a big deal as it means that long-distance moves need special permits, escort vehicles, and extra fuel and labor costs.
When moving a shed makes financial sense
Moving your existing shed costs less than buying a new one. You might also find a great deal on a used shed somewhere else, and transportation costs usually stay reasonable compared to buying new.
Moving your shed makes sense if:
- You’re moving to a new home and want to keep your quality shed
- Your property renovations need temporary shed relocation
- Your shed has significant monetary or sentimental value
- You’ve spotted a great deal on a used shed that needs transport
The cost to move a shed is worth it compared to replacement costs, especially for well-built structures that would cost a lot to replace.
Key Factors That Affect Shed Moving Costs
The final price of moving your backyard structure depends on several key factors. You’ll need to understand these variables to budget your shed moving project accurately.
Shed size and weight
Your storage building‘s dimensions and mass affect transportation costs directly. Large structures need specialized equipment such as hydraulic jacks, dollies, or cranes based on their size. Moving metal sheds costs 20-30% less than wooden ones of the same size because they weigh less. Small sheds typically measure 8’x12′, medium ones are around 10’x10′, and large sheds measure about 12’x12’.
Distance and mileage rates
Mileage charges go beyond simple local versus long-distance calculations. Professional movers charge $1.00 to $2.00 per mile, and rates go up for bigger vehicles. The base price usually includes the first 50 miles, with an additional $3.00 per loaded mile after that.
Labor and hourly charges
The base price includes about 1.5 hours to load and unload your shed. Extra labor costs $50.00 to $70.00 per hour. Regular handymen charge $40.00-$75.00 per hour, while specialized moving companies with proper equipment ask for $75.00-$125.00 per hour.
Permits and legal requirements
You’ll need various permits to move sheds, especially when crossing public roads or state lines. Permit costs vary by location – from $15.00 in Texas to $500.00 in Virginia. Some cities base their charges on structure size, like $10.00 per 100 square feet plus extra fees.
Accessibility and terrain challenges
Site conditions at both locations can add to your costs. Access problems like narrow passages, steep slopes, or obstacles might add $100.00-$300.00 to the total. Removing fences costs $50.00-$300.00, dealing with tree obstacles runs $50.00-$80.00 per hour, and creating temporary pathways on uneven ground costs $100.00-$300.00.
Types of Shed Moves and Their Costs
Storage shed moving prices vary based on the type of move you need. You’ll find different costs for everything from simple backyard moves to long-distance transportation. Each move comes with its own challenges and price points.
Onsite move (same property)
Moving your shed to a new spot on your property costs between $250 and $375. This price gives you the special equipment needed to lift and move your structure safely. Even short-distance moves need proper machinery and expert handling. The price goes up to $600 to $700 when your building is more than 2 hours away from the company’s base. This covers the crew’s travel time and equipment transportation.
Local move (under 100 miles)
Moving sheds within your town or nearby areas (under 100 miles) costs between $400 and $500. These moves cost less because service providers don’t have to travel far. The base price covers the first 25 miles. You’ll pay about $4.50 per loaded mile after that. Companies usually give you one hour each for loading and unloading in the base price. Extra time costs around $75 per hour.
Long-distance move (over 100 miles)
Long-distance moves cost much more. You should expect to pay around $4,000. This price covers extended travel time, fuel costs, crew accommodation, and special permits. The big difference between local and long-distance prices isn’t just about miles. Moving large structures through different jurisdictions needs complex planning and coordination.
Extra-wide or oversized load moves
Large sheds or small garages need special handling and cost between $6,000 and $7,500. These higher rates cover special permits and escort vehicles needed to move safely and legally. Oversized loads that exceed state limits need extra care and paperwork. Each state defines “oversized” differently, but it usually means structures wider than normal road lanes or those exceeding height and weight limits.
DIY vs. Hiring Professionals: What to Expect
Moving your shed presents two options – doing it yourself or hiring professionals. Your choice depends on how much you want to save versus the convenience and risks involved. Both approaches have their merits based on your specific needs and available resources.
Cost to move a shed yourself
The DIY route costs between $100 and $500, which saves you substantial money compared to professional services. This amount mainly covers what you need to rent equipment and buy materials. Professional movers charge $300 to $1,500 for local moves and the price goes up substantially for longer distances. In spite of that, DIY expenses can add up fast if you need a moving truck ($20 to $3,500) or something gets damaged during the move.
Required tools and equipment
You’ll need specific tools at each stage to move a shed by yourself:
- Prepping: Thin-blade saws, pry bars, furring strips, reciprocating saw
- Lifting: Floor or bottle jacks, plywood sheets, ratchet straps
- Transporting: Pallet jack, furniture dolly, PVC tubes or heavy machinery
The wrong equipment could damage your shed and property. Moving also requires a large pickup truck or rental vehicle that can handle big loads.
When to hire a shed moving company
Professional movers become crucial in several cases:
You should hire experts for custom-built sheds, structures without skids, or buildings larger than 12ร20ร10 feet. Expert help becomes necessary for moving sheds between states since each state needs specific permits. It also makes sense to think over professional services if your shed’s in great shape and worth a lot.
Pros and cons of each approach
DIY Pros: You’ll spend less money upfront, control everything yourself, and feel good about doing it on your own.
DIY Cons: You might get hurt, damage something, spend too much time (about 48 hours to finish), and lack insurance protection.
Professional Pros: You get expertise and special equipment, insurance coverage, faster completion, and proper permit handling.
Professional Cons: You pay more upfront, have less control over the process, and might face scheduling issues.
The DIY route might look cheaper at first, but hiring professionals ended up giving better value through quicker completion and lower risk of damage.
Final Thoughts on Shed Moving Costs
Moving a storage shed is way more complex than most homeowners think. Our piece shows costs that can range from $200 for simple onsite moves to $7,500 when you need to transport extra-wide sheds long distance. Your final price depends on many factors – the shed’s size and weight, how far you’re moving it, required permits, and access at both locations.
Take time to figure out if moving your shed makes sense. A quality shed’s relocation usually costs less than buying a new one. But you need to think about permits and whether both locations will work for the move.
DIY moves look cheaper with upfront costs of $100-$500. Professional services are a great way to get expertise, equipment access, and insurance coverage. These benefits make their $300-$1,500 price range worth it for local moves. Large sheds and long-distance moves need professional help even though they cost more.
Get detailed quotes from several shed moving companies. Each quote should list every expense – mileage, labor, and permit fees. Good planning and a realistic budget will help avoid surprise costs during your move.
Note that the cheapest option might cost you more down the road. A well-executed move protects your investment and your shed will keep serving its purpose for years, whatever its new location may be.