Moving a shed, cabin, or workshop across your own yard might not seem like a big deal—until you try to do it. We’ve helped enough folks in North Idaho and Spokane to know that what looks like a simple weekend job can quickly turn into a frustrating project when the small details get overlooked.
If you’re thinking about shifting a portable building to a new spot on your property, here are five things you’ll want to double-check before getting started.
1. The True Weight—and Condition—of Your Structure
It’s easy to underestimate just how heavy a shed or portable building really is, especially once it’s been sitting in place for years. Over time, these structures tend to collect more than just tools—they often have added shelves, upgrades, and in some cases, a few critters making themselves at home.
But weight is only half the issue. The building also needs to be strong enough to handle being lifted and moved. We’ve seen floors that buckle and walls that shift just because no one noticed a bit of water damage or dry rot beforehand.
Before any move, we recommend giving your building a once-over: check the corners, flooring, roof, and any structural points for damage. If something looks questionable, take care of it first. It’s a lot easier (and cheaper) to make a quick repair before the move than to fix a building that breaks during the process.
2. What’s Beneath the Surface: Irrigation, Wires, and Hidden Surprises
You’re not digging a foundation, so it’s easy to forget about what’s underground. But many yards have shallow sprinkler systems, low-voltage garden lighting, or invisible utility lines running right through potential move paths or future shed sites.
We always advise homeowners to locate and mark out anything that might be under the area where the structure will be moved—or where it will be placed. Even light rolling equipment can crush a sprinkler line, and the last thing you want is to discover a leak or short circuit a few days later.
Take time to trace where things are. If you’re not sure, it’s worth a call to a local utility marking service or checking your home’s plans if you have them handy.
3. Clearance Along the Route
One of the biggest surprises for homeowners is just how tight a yard can be when you’re trying to move a large structure through it. You might have enough room around the building, but do you have a clear path to where it’s going?
Tree branches, fence posts, raised garden beds, AC units, or even a boulder you forgot was there can suddenly be in the way. What’s more, the structure often must be tilted or angled to get through narrow spaces—and if you haven’t accounted for that extra space, things can get jammed up fast.
We always recommend walking the path and measuring the tight spots. Even better, do it with someone else who can help spot anything you might miss. Planning this part ahead of time helps the move go smoothly and prevents unexpected detours or damage.
4. Ground Conditions and Yard Terrain
Looks can be deceiving. That grassy patch might seem firm enough, but after a recent rain—or even from just regular watering—it could be too soft to support a heavy load. The result? Your building could sink, tilt, or get stuck halfway to its new home.
We’ve seen buildings lean off-kilter or equipment bog down in spots that didn’t look problematic at first glance. It’s one of the most common issues we encounter during local in-yard moves.
Before the big day, walk the entire path and new placement site. Look for dips, soft spots, slopes, or areas with runoff. If needed, plywood tracks or boards can be laid down to create a more stable surface. A little prep here can save a lot of time and stress.
5. Rules, Permits, and Neighbor Concerns
Most people are surprised to find out that even moving a structure across your own yard can sometimes come with rules or restrictions. Depending on your local municipality or homeowners’ association, you may need to check in before making any changes to building placement.
Setback requirements, property line rules, or even neighbor visibility concerns might apply, especially in suburban or HOA-regulated neighborhoods. In some areas, the placement of outbuildings can impact everything from drainage plans to resale value.
It’s always better to make a quick call to your local city office or HOA board to verify what’s allowed. A little paperwork upfront is much better than having to move the structure again later or deal with complaints.
Plan for Obstacles That May Arise in the Relocation Process
At Outback Transport, we’ve helped move just about every kind of portable building you can imagine—from simple backyard sheds to cabin-style structures used for businesses. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that planning makes all the difference.
By thinking through things like weight, condition, access, ground support, and rules ahead of time, you can avoid the common headaches we see all too often.
If you’re not sure whether your building is a good candidate for an in-yard move—or feeling overwhelmed—don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always happy to answer your questions and help you figure out the safest, easiest way to relocate your structure on your property.
Contact us today at Outback Transport and let’s make your next move stress-free—no surprises, no wasted weekends.
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