Not all portable buildings are created equal—especially when it comes time to move them. At Outback Transport, we’ve hauled everything from backyard sheds to full-sized portable cabins across North Idaho and the greater Spokane area. One of the most common questions we get is: “Is moving a cabin any different from moving a shed?” The short answer? Absolutely.
If you’re thinking about relocating a portable building, here’s what sets shed moving apart from cabin moving—and why it matters for your project.
Shed Moving: Quick, Light, and Usually Simple
Let’s start with the basics. Most sheds are relatively small structures built for utility—think garden storage, lawn tools, maybe a workshop bench or two. They usually measure somewhere between 8×10 to 12×20 feet and don’t include things like insulation, electrical wiring, or plumbing.
Because of their size and simplicity, shed moves tend to be more straightforward. We can often get a shed prepped, loaded, and delivered in just a few hours—especially if the ground is level and the structure is in decent shape.
But even simple jobs require experience. Some sheds weren’t built with moving in mind, so we may need to brace the frame or lift with extra care to prevent warping or cracking. And if it’s been sitting directly on the ground for a decade? You’d be surprised how often we find rot or weak points underneath.
Cabin Moving: A Whole New Level
Now, cabins—those are a different story.
Many portable cabins are built for part-time or even full-time living. They often come equipped with heavy insulation, electrical panels, furniture, and even plumbing fixtures. Cabins tend to sit on built-in skids, which helps with transport, but they’re still much heavier and more structurally complex than the average shed.
Moving a cabin isn’t just about loading it onto a trailer and hitting the road. We must evaluate weight distribution, secure interior items, check clearance heights, and often coordinate with local authorities for wide load permits or pilot car support. If you’ve ever seen one of our trucks rolling down the highway from Lewiston to Spokane with a full-sized mini home behind it, you’ll know it’s not a job we take lightly.
The Details That Make the Difference
Here are a few of the things we look at before moving any structure:
- How was it built? Sheds are often framed lightly and nailed together with simplicity in mind. Cabins are built sturdier, but that can also mean they’re harder to shift without cracking drywall or trim.
- How is it anchored? Sheds are frequently just resting on blocks or gravel pads. Cabins may be attached to a more permanent foundation or have utilities that need to be disconnected first.
- What’s inside? A shed might have a few rakes and a lawnmower. A cabin could have a full bed, heater, mini-fridge, and other household items. Everything has to be secured before a move.
- Where’s it going? A shed move across a property in Post Falls is a lot different than hauling a cabin from Grangeville up to Bonners Ferry.
Price & Planning: What You Should Expect
Naturally, shed moves are usually less expensive than cabin relocations. They take less time, require less equipment, and usually don’t need permits. Cabin moves are more involved—and priced accordingly.
But no matter what kind of structure you’re working with, we’re upfront about every detail. From the quote to the scheduling to the day-of move, our team keeps you in the loop so there are no surprises.
We also handle the hard parts—like bringing our own skids if your shed doesn’t have any, or arranging pilot cars for your wide-load cabin move across state lines. It’s all part of what we do.
Need Help Figuring Out What You’re Working With?
Sometimes people call us not sure whether their building is considered a shed or a cabin. That’s totally fine—we’ve seen enough to tell the difference in a few questions. If we can move it safely, we will. If not, we’ll point you in the right direction.
At the end of the day, it’s not just about whether it’s a shed or a cabin—it’s about getting your building from point A to point B without damage, stress, or extra headaches.
Want to talk through a specific building move? Contact Outback Transport LLC at 208.490.1482 today or visit us online for more information!
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