How to Disassemble a Shed for Relocation

With years of experience in crafting and selling shed-building kits, we've honed our expertise in not just constructing these sturdy structures but also in taking them apart efficiently and safely.

Whether you're moving to a new home or simply repositioning your shed within your current space, knowing how to disassemble a shed for relocation is crucial if you want the easiest way to move a shed.

Our guide is designed to demystify the process, breaking it down into manageable steps, and ensuring that your shed's integrity is maintained throughout the move.

• How to Disassemble a Shed for Relocation
• How Long Does It Take to Disassemble a Shed?
• How Much Does It Cost to Disassemble a Shed?
• How to Disassemble a Shed for Relocation (FAQs)

How to Disassemble a Shed for Relocation

What You'll Need

Before diving into the nitty-gritty, let's gear up. From our experience, you'll need:

• A sturdy hammer
• An electric screwdriver (a real time-saver!)
• A flat-head screwdriver
• Durable gloves (trust me, you'll thank us later)
• A reliable ladder

Step 1: Remove Roof Coverings

Removing the roof coverings is the first critical step. If your shed has asphalt shingles be prepared to replace them post-move, as they often get damaged during the removal process.

For sheds with metal, fiberglass, or other types of roofing materials, the approach is more straightforward. Use an electric screwdriver to carefully unscrew each piece. It's important to keep track of all screws and fasteners - a magnetic tray can be a lifesaver here.

Gently lift and set aside each section of roofing, ensuring they're stored in a way that prevents bending or warping.

Step 2: Take Off Windows And Doors

When it comes to windows and doors, the key is delicacy. Start by carefully removing any glass panes to prevent breakage. For windows, this often involves unscrewing the hinges or latches that hold the panes in place.

With doors, you'll need to remove the hinges from the frame. Keep all hardware, like screws and hinges, organized and labeled for easy reassembly. If the doors are heavy, having a partner to help you lift them off the hinges is advisable.

If your shed kit comes with windows and/or doors already fitted onto the walls, then skip this step.

Step 3: Dismantle The Roof Structure

With the coverings off, the next challenge is the roof structure itself. This step requires patience and precision. Begin by unscrewing or prying off the roof boards. If your shed has a gabled roof, you'll also need to carefully dismantle the gables.

This is where teamwork comes into play - one person can unscrew while the other supports the structure to prevent any sudden falls. Remember to mark or label the pieces as you go, which will make reassembling much easier.

Step 4: Remove The Walls

In the case of Homestead Supplier shed kits, wall removal is a more straightforward process due to the pre-built panel design.

Begin by locating the screws or bolts that join the panels together, and unscrew or unbolt them using an electric screwdriver or wrench, keeping all hardware organized for later reassembly.

It's essential to have a partner assist in stabilizing and carefully removing each panel to avoid damage. Once removed, lay the panels flat or lean them against a secure surface, and if there's a delay in reassembling, cover them with a tarp to protect against the elements.

This approach ensures the panels remain in top condition for when you're ready to reassemble your shed in its new location.

Step 5: Take Up the Floor

Finally, focus on the floor. This can be one of the more physically demanding parts of the process, especially if the floorboards are thick or heavily secured. Use a combination of screwdrivers and pry bars to loosen and lift the boards.

It's often helpful to start at one corner and work your way across. If the floor is made up of large panels, you'll need several people to lift and move them to avoid injury or damage to the boards. As with the walls, label and stack the floor panels carefully for reassembly.

How Long Does It Take to Disassemble a Shed?

The time it takes to disassemble a shed can vary significantly based on several factors. Let's take a look at those factors:

Factors That Affect Disassembly Time

Size Of The Shed

The size of the shed is a primary factor in determining the time required for disassembly. Larger sheds not only have more components but also larger, heavier pieces that can be more cumbersome to handle.

A small shed might be disassembled in a few hours, while a larger one could take a full day or more.

In our experience, the complexity of the shed's design and type of shed also plays a role; sheds with intricate designs or additional features like lofts or multiple windows require more time to take apart carefully.

When planning your move, we recommend measuring your shed to give you a better idea of how long disassembly and reassembly will take.

Team Size

The number of people working on the disassembly significantly impacts the overall time. More hands on deck generally means quicker work, as tasks can be divided and executed simultaneously. However, it's important to strike a balance.

Too many people working in a confined space can lead to inefficiency and even accidents. Ideally, a team should be large enough to handle the workload but small enough to operate efficiently.

Skill Level

Experience plays a crucial role in the speed of disassembly. Experienced DIYers or professionals who are familiar with the construction and deconstruction of sheds can work much faster and more efficiently than beginners.

They are more likely to have a systematic approach, foresee potential issues, and know how to resolve them quickly. For someone with less experience, it's advisable to take things slowly to avoid mistakes that could cost more time in the long run.

Tools Available

Having the right tools at your disposal can significantly speed up the disassembly process. Power tools like electric screwdrivers, saws, and drills can make quick work of dismantling, as opposed to manual tools which require more time and physical effort.

Weather Conditions

Poor weather, such as rain, heavy winds, or extreme temperatures, can not only slow down the work but also make it unsafe. In such conditions, it might be necessary to take frequent breaks or even postpone work, thereby extending the overall time required.

We always recommend planning the disassembly for a day with favorable weather conditions.

How Much Does It Cost to Disassemble a Shed?

The cost of disassembling a shed largely depends on whether you choose to do it yourself or hire professionals.

If you're doing it yourself, the primary cost is your time and effort – what we like to call 'sweat equity'. You might need to purchase or rent some tools, but this cost is generally low.

DIY Costs

• Tool Rental/Purchase: If you don't have the necessary tools, you may need to buy or rent them. This can range from $20 to $100, depending on what you need.
• Disposal Fees: If you're not relocating the shed but rather dismantling it for disposal, you might incur fees at your local dump or recycling center.

Professional Disassembly Costs

• Labor Costs: Hiring professionals will cost more, but it ensures the job is done quickly and safely. Based on our research, professional disassembly can range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand, depending on the shed's size and complexity.
• Additional Services: If the service includes transportation and equipment to move a shed to a new location or disposal of an old shed, this will add to the cost.

Conclusion

Disassembling a shed for relocation might sound like a Herculean task, but with the right tools, a good plan, and a bit of elbow grease, it's entirely achievable. Remember, the key is to take it step by step and not rush the process.

Looking for a new shed for your new location instead? Homestead Supplier has you covered. From 12x16 sheds to 8 x 16 storage sheds and everything in between, we offer a range of shed kits for every need.

How to Disassemble a Shed for Relocation (FAQs)

Is disassembling a shed easy?

It's not a walk in the park, but it's definitely doable, especially with a helping hand and the right tools.

What should you do with an old shed?

If it's still in good shape, consider donating or selling it. If it's seen better days, recycling parts of it is a great option.

Can you move a shed by hand?

Moving an entire shed by hand isn't practical. It's best to dismantle it first to avoid damage and make the process manageable. While you can move it in-tact, this requires the proper equipment.

If you want to learn more, why not check out these articles below:

• How to Move a Shed Without Taking It Apart
• How to Raise a Shed
• How Much Does It Cost to Build a Shed?
• How Much Does It Cost to Turn a Shed Into a Tiny House?
• How to Measure a Shed
• How to Build a Lean to Shed
• How to Build a Shed Ramp
• How to Build a Shed Base
• How to Build Rafters for a Shed
• How Long Does It Take to Build a Shed?
• How to Build a Concrete Shed Base
• Best Bike Shed
• Best Wooden Sheds
• Best Time to Buy Sheds
• Barn vs Shed