We get it—when you’ve got a shed, small cabin, or outbuilding that just needs to shift a few feet across your property, doing it yourself might seem like a simple way to save time and money. But after years of helping homeowners across North Idaho and Spokane move portable buildings, we’ve seen how quickly a “simple” in-yard move can get complicated.
The truth is, even a short-distance move can lead to real headaches if you’re not fully prepared. From physical injuries to busted siding or torn-up lawns, the risks are very real—and the costs can add up fast.
Here are the biggest pitfalls we see when folks try to move their structures themselves.
Risk #1: Injuries That Could Have Been Prevented
You don’t need a huge building to get hurt moving one. A basic shed or small outbuilding is still heavy, awkward, and unpredictable once it’s off the ground. We’ve heard stories of pinched fingers, twisted backs, dropped corners, and even more serious injuries.
Even if you’ve got a few strong friends helping, muscle alone isn’t enough. Without the right equipment or experience, it’s easy for things to shift suddenly or get off balance—especially on sloped or uneven terrain.
Professional movers, like our crew at Outback Transport, rely on years of experience and equipment designed specifically for this job. We’ve got the tools, safety training, and techniques to move your building safely—without anyone throwing out their back in the process.
Risk #2: Cracking, Twisting, or Breaking Your Building
Buildings are designed to sit still—not be pulled across the yard like a wagon. We’ve seen shed walls buckle, roof panels crack, and floors split because a DIY mover didn’t realize where the structure was vulnerable.
Even small tilts or jerky movements during a move can cause long-term damage. Door frames can go out of square, windows may never close right again, and structural connections can shift.
When we move a structure, we don’t just lift and go—we assess where it needs support, how it should be lifted, and how to prevent stress on weak spots. We take our time, so your building comes through the move in one piece.
Risk #3: Yard and Landscape Damage
DIY movers often focus so much on the structure itself that they forget to think about what it’s moving over. Without proper protection, the path your building takes can leave a trail of damage.
We’ve seen deep ruts in yards, crushed flower beds, and broken sprinkler heads just from one afternoon of moving a shed without preparation. It’s a tough way to lose months of yard work in a matter of hours.
When you hire professionals, we plan out the whole route, not just the start and end points. We use things like plywood boards, pads, and protective gear to ensure your lawn and landscaping come through the move untouched.
Risk #4: Poor Placement That Creates New Problems
Here’s one of the most frustrating issues we see: a DIY move goes smoothly… until the shed is down, and someone realizes it’s in the wrong spot.
Maybe the new location is uneven. Maybe water pools underneath when it rains. Maybe the building now blocks another part of the yard or sits too close to a fence line. Whatever the issue, fixing it after the fact means doing the entire move all over again.
As professionals, we help clients avoid this trap. We plan for drainage, stability, sun exposure, access paths, and even HOA or local setback requirements. You get more than just a relocated building—you get a smarter layout that works long-term.
Risk #5: DIY Isn’t Always the Cheaper Option
It’s easy to assume that doing it yourself will save you money—but when something goes wrong, those savings disappear fast.
Equipment rentals, tool purchases, repair materials, landscaping fixes, and even medical bills can creep into your budget before you know it. And once you’ve put time, money, and effort into a move that didn’t go as planned, calling in a professional becomes the only option—and a more expensive one than if you’d called us from the start.
Hiring a crew like Outback Transport means no surprise costs, no repeat attempts, and no spending your weekend stressed out and sore. We get the job done right the first time.
A Safer, Smarter Way to Move Your Shed
We know the appeal of a DIY project. And sure, for a small, lightweight structure and a flat, obstacle-free yard, it might be doable. But most properties and buildings don’t meet all those ideal conditions—and that’s where the trouble starts.
At Outback Transport, we’ve moved everything from backyard sheds to portable cabins and even small business structures. We bring the equipment, experience, and planning it takes to relocate your building without the risk and without the guesswork.
If you’re thinking about an in-yard move and aren’t sure where to start, just reach out. We’ll help you figure out if it’s something you can manage on your own—or if it’s safer (and smarter) to let the pros handle it.
Ready to move your building safely? Contact Outback Transport today—we’re here to help you make the right move, every time.
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