Relocating Your Plastic Shed: A Step-By-Step Guide

how to move 8x8 plastic shed

Moving an 8x8 plastic shed is a challenging task that requires careful planning and execution. While some choose to disassemble their shed and re-install it in the new location, this guide will focus on moving your shed without taking it apart. First, measure the shed's dimensions, including height, width, and depth, to plan the move effectively and ensure it can fit through any obstacles. Next, empty the shed to reduce weight and secure any loose items to prevent damage. Then, secure all doors and windows, and cover the shed with a tarp to protect it during transit. If the shed has any weak points, reinforce them with additional support. Finally, you can use a variety of methods to move the shed, including rolling it on pipes, using a makeshift wooden sled, or towing it with a tractor or trailer. For larger sheds, consider using heavy equipment like a forklift, crane, or backhoe. Remember to always prioritize safety and stability during the moving process.

Characteristics Values
Size 8x8
Material Plastic
Preparation Empty the shed, remove windows and doors, measure the shed and clear the area around it
Technique Lift and drag, roll on pipes, use a trailer, disassemble
Tools Jacks, pipes, sled, tractor, forklift, crane, straps, boards, nails or screws

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Empty the shed

Emptying your shed is the first step in preparing to move it. Start by removing any non-structural items from the shed, such as windows, doors, shelves, and attachments to the walls, such as hooks, bars, or pegboards. If your shed has windows, carefully remove them by first loosening the trim with a screwdriver and cutting the caulk with a utility knife. Gently pry the window out of its frame with a pry bar, being careful not to push too hard to avoid breaking the glass.

Next, remove any items that are hazardous, such as propane tanks. Ensure that you move these properly by contacting your local waste management department for guidance. If your shed has electricity or running water, disconnect those lines before proceeding further.

Now, focus on the structural elements. If your shed has a roof, use a ladder and a saw to cut the roof into sections. You can then remove the roof sections by hand. If your shed has a metal roof, you may need to unscrew the metal panels with a drill or screwdriver and remove them carefully.

After addressing the roof, move on to the shed walls. There are multiple ways to remove them. One method is to cut through the siding near the corners, making vertical cuts next to the structural posts. This will weaken the support to the walls, allowing you to push them over by hand. This approach saves you from having to saw through the siding and helps keep it intact.

Finally, deal with the shed floor. Pull up the floorboards and then demolish the underlying floor frame. This step can be physically demanding but is not overly complicated. Once you've removed the floor, your shed should be completely empty and ready for the next steps in the moving process. Remember to always put safety first and be cautious of any sharp objects, such as rusty nails, during the emptying and moving process.

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Measure the shed

Moving an 8x8 plastic shed requires careful planning and preparation. Before you begin the process, it is important to measure your shed accurately to ensure it fits through all the necessary spaces during the move and ends up in the correct position in its new location.

To measure your shed, start by determining its height. Measure from the ground up to the eaves of the shed. If the shed is tall, consider using a ladder and ask someone to spot you for safety. Next, measure the length of the building along the gutter edge, including any roof overhang on both sides. Then, calculate the width/span, also including any roof overhang, by measuring across the gable end (the triangular upper part of a wall at the end of a ridged roof).

Now that you have the basic measurements, you can calculate the total area of your shed by using the formula: width x height x 2, length x height x 2. This will give you the total surface area of your shed, which is important for planning the move and ensuring it can be manoeuvred safely.

Remember, sheds are designed to be sturdy when on the ground, so you will need to take extra precautions when lifting, pushing, or pulling it during the move. Accurate measurements will help you plan how to best secure and support your shed during the relocation process.

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Secure the shed

Securing your shed is an important step in the moving process. Here are some detailed instructions to help you secure your 8x8 plastic shed safely:

First, carefully plan how you will move the shed. This includes considering the shed's size, condition, and distance of the move. Identify any weak points in the structure and address them beforehand. For example, if the shed has windows, remove them to prevent breakage during the move.

Next, stabilise the shed by reinforcing its structure. Attach boards with nails or screws into the studs from corner to corner on each wall, creating an X pattern across the walls and floor. This will help maintain the shed's shape during the move.

If you plan to drag the shed on a makeshift wooden sled or roll it on pipes, you will need to lift it to a suitable height. Use jacks to lift the shed, ensuring you have stable and level ground to work on. Dig small holes at each corner to place the jacks securely under the shed frame. You may need to lift one side at a time, propping it up with blocks or lumber before relocating the jacks to continue lifting. Make sure all jacks are secure and support the structure adequately.

If you intend to roll the shed on pipes, choose pipes that are longer than the shed and sturdy enough to hold its weight. Thicker-walled Schedule 40 PVC pipes with a diameter of at least 4 inches are often suitable for smaller sheds. Space out three pipes underneath the shed to support its weight, positioning them perpendicular to the direction of movement. If the ground is soft, use two pairs of long, wide boards as tracks for the pipes to roll on.

Finally, if you plan to use a forklift, crane, or "Mule" (a highly manoeuvrable forklift), ensure the shed is properly secured to the machine with heavy-duty strapping before relocating it.

By following these steps, you can securely prepare your 8x8 plastic shed for its upcoming move.

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Prepare the pipes and tracks

Space out the pipes beneath the shed to support its weight and place them perpendicular to the direction you'll be moving in so they can roll forward in that direction. If you need to turn the shed, place the pipes at an angle relative to the direction of travel. As you roll, the whole thing should turn.

If you're moving the shed over soft ground, use two pairs of long, wide boards as tracks over which to roll the pipes. 2" x 10" boards may be a good choice, and consider doubling them to create a 4" base to ensure the boards do not fail. Lay them out like railroad tracks pointing in the direction you're heading; place one pair of boards beneath the pipes and shed, and one pair in front of that. As you run out of track, place another set overlapping the original so the rollers will not fall into a crack between the ends.

If you're using wooden tracks underneath the pipes, reposition them as you go. Think of it as laying a railroad track in front of a slowly moving train by ripping up and reusing the tracks that are now behind the shed.

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Lift and move the shed

Moving an 8x8 plastic shed requires careful planning and execution. Here is a step-by-step guide to lifting and moving the shed:

Preparation:

Firstly, empty the shed of all its contents. This will make the shed lighter and easier to move. It is also important to assess the shed's current location and plan a route to its new location, considering any obstacles like trees or fences.

Securing the shed:

Before lifting, it is crucial to secure the shed structure. Remove any windows, as the shifting of the structure during the move could break them. Help the shed retain its shape by attaching boards with nails or screws into the studs from corner to corner on each wall and in an X pattern across the floor. Add additional diagonal supports across window and door openings, as these are weak points during the move.

Lifting the shed:

There are several methods to lift the shed. One common method is to use jacks to lift the shed. Dig four access holes at each corner of the shed to place the jacks securely under the shed frame. If the shed is smaller, you may only need to dig two access holes on opposite sides. Alternatively, if the shed is on a concrete or brick pad, you can skip digging and carefully tip and lift the shed to fit the jack underneath, ensuring you support the structural integrity first.

Another method is to use a length of steel angle iron. Attach it by drilling holes at each stud location and bolting it in place just high enough to fit the jacks underneath.

If you have multiple jacks, you can lift the entire structure at once. Otherwise, you may need to lift one side at a time, propping it up securely with blocks or lumber before relocating the jack to continue lifting.

Moving the shed:

Once the shed is lifted, you can move it in several ways. One method is to roll the shed on pipes. Choose pipes that are longer than the shed and sturdy enough to hold its weight. Space out three pipes beneath the shed to support its weight, perpendicular to the direction you'll be moving. As you roll, the shed will move forward in that direction. If you need to turn the shed, place the pipes at an angle.

Another method is to use a makeshift wooden sled or a conveyor system, which requires less lifting of the shed. If you're moving the shed a long distance, you may want to use a flatbed trailer or truck.

Anchoring:

Once you have moved the shed to its new location, ensure it is properly anchored to prevent any shifting or movement due to wind or other factors. Anchoring can be done using concrete anchors, auger anchors, or other suitable methods depending on the shed's size and weight.

Remember to always use proper lifting techniques and equipment to ensure safety and avoid damage to the shed or injuries to people involved in the move.

Frequently asked questions

Measure the shed's dimensions, including height, width, depth, and any overhangs or eaves. Remove any items from inside the shed and secure all doors and windows. Remove any bolts connecting the shed to a foundation and any anchoring to the ground.

You will need a few people to help you, jacks to lift the shed, and sturdy pipes to roll the shed on. Alternatively, you can use a tractor, forklift, or crane.

If you are rolling the shed, you will need to dig holes to place the jacks and lift the shed. Place the pipes under the shed perpendicular to the direction you want to move it and roll the shed. If you are using a tractor, forklift, or crane, attach lifting straps or chains to the shed's frame and place it on a trailer.

Check local regulations and zoning laws to ensure your move is permissible. Ensure the path is clear of debris and that the shed will fit through any gates, over bridges, or under power lines.

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