Sometimes, the building on your property just isn’t in the right spot anymore. Maybe you’ve added a garden, installed a fence, or just want to improve how your yard flows. Whatever the reason, moving a structure—whether it’s a shed, cabin, or garden building—within your own property can be a smart move. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy.
At Outback Transport, we help property owners in North Idaho and the Greater Spokane area move their sheds and portable structures across their yards safely and efficiently. Here’s what you need to know before making the move.
Why Move a Structure Within Your Property?
There are plenty of good reasons to shift a shed or small cabin from one spot in the yard to another. We’ve seen clients make the move because:
- They’re expanding a garden or patio.
- A shed is blocking the sun—or the view.
- A new fence or driveway changed the flow of the yard.
- The ground under the structure is no longer level or drains poorly.
- They just want better access, especially during winter.
Repositioning a structure you already own is often more affordable than replacing it, and it lets you make the most of your space without sacrificing function or style.
What to Consider Before You Move
On paper, moving a shed across your yard might sound as simple as picking it up and setting it down again. But if you’ve ever tried it, you know it’s a bit more complicated than that.
1. Is Your Shed or Structure Moveable?
Start by checking the condition of the building. We’ve moved everything from newer portable cabins to older sheds, but not all buildings are built to withstand the stress of being lifted and transported. Look for weak spots, sagging, or damage that might require reinforcement. In some cases, a few minor fixes can make a big difference.
2. Is the New Location Ready?
You might have the perfect new spot picked out, but does it check all the boxes?
- Is the ground level and well-drained?
- Will the building get the right amount of sun or shade?
- Is it easy to access year-round?
- Are there any zoning or HOA restrictions?
We’ve worked with clients who’ve had to shift their plans because of poor drainage or utility line placements. A little planning upfront saves big headaches later.
3. What Are the Obstacles?
Tight gate openings, low-hanging trees, fences, or uneven terrain can make moving a building just a few feet feel like moving it across town. Before we begin any job, we walk the property to identify these issues and find workarounds. We also check for buried lines and any restrictions from city or neighborhood rules—even for in-yard moves.
Can You Move It Yourself?
If you’ve got experience with heavy equipment and the right tools, maybe. But for most people, this kind of job isn’t a weekend DIY project. We’ve been called in more than once to help after a DIY attempt didn’t go as planned.
Here’s what to think about:
- Renting moving equipment isn’t always cheap—and using it isn’t always intuitive.
- You risk damaging the structure or your yard.
- It’s easy to underestimate how heavy and fragile portable buildings can be.
- There’s a risk of injury without proper lifting and bracing.
It’s not just about muscle—it’s about know-how. Our crew has years of experience navigating tight spaces, tricky slopes, and soft lawns. We’ve got our own skids and even pilot car services when needed.
How We Handle In-Yard Moves
When you call Outback Transport for an in-yard relocation, here’s how we approach the job.
Step 1: Site Visit and Assessment
We walk the site with you to look at both the current and future location. We’re checking for grade, soil stability, clearance, and any barriers that could affect the move.
Step 2: Prepare the Structure
Depending on the structure’s design, we may need to remove steps, ramps, or skirting. if needed, we’ll help assess if bracing is required before the move.
Step 3: Load and Move
Using our equipment—including a shed mule, hydraulic systems, and trailers—we carefully lift and move your building. We place protective materials along the path if needed to avoid damaging your yard or landscaping.
Step 4: Placement and Leveling
Once we reach the new location, we’ll set the structure down with precision and make sure it’s level and secure. We’ll also help you make sure everything still functions—doors open smoothly, windows aren’t jammed, and the building feels just right.
What Affects the Cost?
“How much will this cost?” is a question we hear all the time—and it’s a fair one.
Here are some of the biggest factors that influence price:
- Size and weight of the building: Heavier and larger structures require more effort and equipment.
- Accessibility: If we need to work around trees, fences, or soft ground, that adds time and care.
- Structural condition: Buildings needing reinforcement or repairs before moving will add to cost.
- Special equipment or permits: While rare for in-yard moves, we’ve occasionally needed additional gear or paperwork depending on the situation.
That said, an in-yard relocation is nearly always more cost-effective than tearing down and rebuilding—or worse, buying a new structure altogether.
Trust the Pros to Get It Done Right
We know sheds and cabins inside and out. Our team at Outback Transport has helped property owners across North Idaho and Spokane move everything from backyard offices to tool sheds, chicken coops, and even small coffee shop units.
It’s not just about moving a building—it’s about doing it safely, efficiently, and without surprises. We treat your structure and your property like they’re our own, and we’ll make sure the move adds value—not problems—to your space.
If you’re ready to move your structure or just want to talk through your options, contact Outback Transport. We’re happy to answer your questions and let you know if your project is a good fit for our equipment and expertise.
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