Moving a portable building—like a shed, storage unit, or tiny home—sounds like a big job, and it can be if you don’t have the right help. Whether you’re rearranging your backyard or relocating across the state, finding trustworthy portable building movers near you is key to getting it done without stress or damage. In this article, I’ll break down what you need to know about hiring portable building movers, how they work, what to expect, and tips for choosing the best ones for your needs. Let’s dive in with a friendly vibe and keep it simple so you can move your building with confidence.
What Do Portable Building Movers Do?
Portable building movers specialize in relocating structures like sheds, garages, portable offices, or even small cabins. These aren’t your typical moving companies that handle furniture or boxes—they’ve got the equipment and know-how to lift, transport, and set up heavy buildings without breaking them or your lawn. They use tools like hydraulic trailers, shed mules, or even cranes to get the job done safely.
For example, if you’ve got a shed in your backyard that needs to move to a new spot or a new property, these pros can lift it onto a trailer, drive it to the new location, and place it exactly where you want it. Some companies can even move buildings across state lines or handle oversized structures with special permits. It’s all about making sure your building gets from point A to point B in one piece.
Why Hire Professional Portable Building Movers?
You might think, “Can’t I just borrow a trailer and move it myself?” Honestly, it’s not that simple. Portable buildings are heavy, and moving them without the right gear can damage the structure, your property, or even cause injury. Here’s why going pro makes sense:
Specialized Equipment: Movers use custom trailers or tools like the Mule, a remote-controlled lift that can slide your shed into tight spots without tearing up your yard.
Experience: These folks know how to handle different building sizes, from small 8×8 sheds to larger 12×30 structures, and they can navigate obstacles like trees or fences.
Permits and Safety: If your building is wider than 8.5 feet, you’ll likely need a wide-load permit. Pros handle this for you, ensuring everything’s legal and safe.
Time and Stress Savings: Moving a shed can take hours or days if you’re DIY-ing. Professionals often finish in an hour or two if the site’s ready.
Plus, many companies are insured, so if something goes wrong, you’re covered. That’s peace of mind you can’t get from a DIY attempt.
How to Find Portable Building Movers Near Me
Finding the right movers starts with a quick search for “portable building movers near me.” Here’s how to narrow it down:
Check Local Listings: Websites like PlumbStarPlumbing.com (okay, not plumbing, but similar local service sites), Airtasker, or Thumbtack can connect you with movers in your area. Look for companies with good reviews and clear contact info.
Ask About Experience: Make sure they’ve moved buildings like yours before. A shed is different from a shipping container, and you want someone who knows the difference.
Get Quotes: Most movers offer free estimates. Be ready to share your building’s size (like 10×12 feet) and the distance of the move. For example, some charge $250 minimum for small sheds or $3 per mile beyond 50 miles.
Verify Insurance and Permits: Ask if they’re licensed and insured, and confirm they handle any necessary permits for oversized loads.
Read Reviews: Look for feedback about their care with property—like not ruining your lawn—and how punctual they are.
You can also check out companies like Southwest Portable Building Movers in New Mexico or Texas Building Movers for regional expertise.
What to Expect During the Move
Once you’ve hired a mover, here’s how the process usually goes:
Site Prep: Clear the path to your building and the new spot. Remove stuff inside the shed to avoid damage during transport.
Loading: Movers use a trailer or a shed mule to lift the building. If it’s over 8 feet wide, they might need skids (wooden supports) to stabilize it, which could cost extra, like $60-$85.
Transport: They’ll tow the building to the new location, using a flatbed or rollback trailer for bigger structures. For long moves, they’ll secure permits if needed.
Unloading and Setup: At the new site, they’ll place the building and level it using blocks (sometimes an extra $4 per block). Some companies, like Lark Portable Buildings, use custom trailers to minimize lawn damage.
The whole job might take 1-2 hours for a local move if everything’s prepped. Longer moves, like 100+ miles, could take a day, especially if permits or escorts are involved.
Costs to Consider
Pricing depends on a few things: the size of your building, the distance of the move, and any extra services. Here’s a rough guide based on common practices:
Base Cost: Starts around $250 for small sheds (8×8) within a short distance.
Mileage: Many charge $3 per mile after the first 50 miles.
Extras: Adding skids ($60-$85), extra blocks ($4 each), or permits for oversized buildings can bump up the cost.
Hourly Rates: If the job takes longer than expected (like over 1.5 hours), expect $55/hour for labor and equipment.
Always get a detailed quote upfront to avoid surprises. Some companies, like Heavy Haulers, offer free estimates with no deposit, which is nice.
Tips for a Smooth Move
To make sure everything goes off without a hitch:
Measure Your Building: Know the dimensions (length, width, height) so movers can bring the right trailer.
Clear the Path: Move any obstacles like lawn furniture or low-hanging branches.
Check Accessibility: Make sure the truck and trailer can get to both the old and new spots. You’ll need at least 14 feet of width for a 12-foot-wide building.
Ask About Reassembly: If your building needs to be taken apart, confirm whether they’ll put it back together or if you need a separate installer.
Why It’s Worth It
Hiring portable building movers near you saves time, protects your property, and ensures your shed or office lands safely. Companies like BigN Portable Building Movers or Cross T Solutions focus on careful handling and customer satisfaction, so you’re not left with a damaged building or a torn-up yard. Whether it’s a short move across your property or a long haul to a new home, these pros make it manageable.
So, next time you’re googling “portable building movers near me,” you’ll know what to look for. Check out local options, get a few quotes, and pick a team with the right tools and experience. Your shed deserves a smooth ride!
FAQs
What types of buildings can portable movers handle?
They can move sheds, storage units, portable offices, tiny homes, and even shipping containers, as long as they’re under size limits (like 12×30 feet for some companies).
How much does it cost to move a portable building?
Costs start around $250 for small sheds locally, with $3 per mile added after 50 miles. Extras like skids or permits can increase the price.
Do I need to empty my shed before moving it?
Yes, you should remove all contents to prevent damage during transport.
Can movers handle long-distance relocations?
Yes, many companies move buildings across states, handling permits for oversized loads if needed.
What equipment do portable building movers use?
They use hydraulic trailers, shed mules, or cranes to lift and transport buildings safely.
How do I prepare my site for the move?
Clear paths, remove obstacles, and ensure there’s enough space for the truck and trailer to access both locations.
