Moving a large storage shed or garden shed might seem like an impossible task, or one that could be very costly if done incorrectly. Some people suggest using 4×4 pickups and drag chains, but that can wreak havoc on your shed and your yard. Others recommend rolling sheds with galvanized pipes, which can be too expensive and unnecessary. The truth is, moving a shed with PVC pipes works incredibly well, especially using schedule 40 PVC pipe, which is readily available for most people.
Table of Contents
- Required Tools
- Move a Shed with PVC Pipes in 6 Easy Steps
- Jack up the shed and insert the PVC pipes
- Understand the deeper details
- Ready to go!
- Keep the pipes aligned
- Final shed positioning
- Balance it
- Final Location
We recently moved a 12×10 shed across rough terrain, around obstacles, and even around a tree. The process was quick, easy, and didn’t cause any damage.
Here’s how we moved the shed using PVC pipe (we’ll let the pictures do most of the talking). We’ll outline each step necessary to guide you through the process. But before we start, make sure you have the tools and parts you need:
- Floor jacks (two will make it easier)
- 8 pieces (or more) of 6″ PVC pipe (between 6-8 feet long)
- Concrete or blocks to use as pads
- Pressure-treated or cedar spacers
- Two 2x4x12s
- 4 feet of horizontal space
- 3-4 friends to lend a hand
Jack up the Shed and Insert the PVC Pipes
The first step, after emptying the shed and planning your route, is to jack up the shed and run PVC pipes underneath the entire structure. Make sure you know how to use a floor jack safely. Any 2-ton jack will work fine for this project, although bottle jacks may require extra clearance.
To raise the shed, use the floor jack. You don’t need a high-tech NASCAR-style jack like we used. Once the shed is lifted, insert the PVC pipes underneath. We positioned the pipes under the shed’s floor joists, which run parallel to the PVC pipes and rest on two large 4×4 posts. If your shed is aligned differently, insert your own 2x4s over the PVC pipes and through the supporting 4×4 posts to roll it in the correct direction. We adjusted the orientation towards the end to push the shed back into place.
Understand Deeper Details
The only tricky part in the first step is understanding how the joists run beneath the shed floor. In our case, the floor joists run parallel to the PVC pipes, and they all rest on the 4×4 posts. We kept these posts on top of the PVC pipes. If your shed is aligned differently, just insert your own 2x4s over the PVC and through the supporting 4×4 posts, allowing you to roll in the correct direction. We only adjusted the orientation towards the end when we had to push the shed back into place.
Ready to Go!
Once the 6″ PVC pipe is under the shed, you can start rolling. The idea is to hang the shed slightly over the PVC pipe and roll it gently. As the shed rolls off the back pipe, bring it to the front and keep rolling. However, you might encounter some obstacles along the way that require adjustments.
Keep the Pipes Aligned
After encountering obstacles, twist the shed to go around them. The shed slides easily on the smooth plastic PVC, making it effortless to maneuver around trees or other obstructions. Once you’ve cleared the obstacle, realign the PVC pipes to continue moving in the desired direction.
Final Shed Positioning
When the shed reaches its new location, you’ll need to push it back into place. This requires rotating the PVC pipes 90 degrees and providing something for them to roll around. If you have two 4×4 brackets, insert a couple of 2×4 brackets onto the PVC pipe, which you’ve now rotated 90 degrees to roll the shed back into place. A good floor jack will come in handy here.
Balance It
Once the shed is in its final position, use a level to determine any support needed. Pad uneven areas with pressure-treated wood or cedar spacers to ensure the shed is level and positioned correctly.
The Final Location
Here is an image of the shed in its final position, filled and braced. The entire process took us about an hour to complete, from loosening the hurricane straps to finishing. The most challenging part was securing the PVC pipes, which required a few friends to provide enough strength. Moving a shed using PVC pipes is an achievable task for novices, offering a safe, easy, and convenient way to relocate any shed with an integrated floor.
Moving a shed doesn’t have to be daunting or expensive. By utilizing PVC pipes and following these simple 6 steps, you can relocate your shed with ease. Happy shed moving!