Are you wondering how to move a garage or if that is even possible? Searching the internet on this subject can be overwhelming since there are many discussions and forums about moving a garage. We decided to go through all tips and tricks and present you with the best advice possible.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Relocate a Garage
No matter if you are planning to move it from one side of your backyard to another or to a state across the country, the first steps you need to take are the same. Let’s go through all the steps together:
Step 1. Follow These Tips for Packing Everything
If you are planning on long-distance moving, you are probably under a lot of pressure because you need to pack your entire house and, above all, to move your garage. First, you need to buy essential materials for packing and pack the garage. There are some tips and tricks to stress-free moving and some moving hacks you can try, but if you are tired of packing everything by yourself every time, you can always contact a professional long-distance moving company and invest in their packing service.
What not to pack when moving? There are probably many items that you store for years, but you haven’t used them in a while. This is an excellent occasion to get rid of some or all of them. You can try to sell them or you can donate unwanted items before moving. On the other hand, if you have valuables and delicate items like tools, electronics, antiques, etc., and there is no time for sales, you can hire long-distance moving experts that can safely store your items in storage space and then ship them to your new home.
Step 2. Reinforce Your Structure
After packing, you have to inspect the object. It would be best to contact an expert in this matter to see if your structure is in good condition for relocating. Do you have the floor installed? Is the roof stable enough? Is the structure attached to your house? Are walls solid enough to survive such a move? Find a contractor or a long-distance moving company if you are relocating it to another state to assess it. If everything is in good condition, you can start reinforcing your structure. The best way to do this is by nailing beams along all walls. You’ll achieve stronger reinforcement by fixing beams in the X pattern diagonally and parallel on every side of the building. You can strengthen the corners by nailing smaller planks to walls and parallel beams.
Step 3. Ensure a Clear Access
By clearing, we mean removing anything that can get in the way. If it is not on a flat surface, you will have to level it all up. Also, check if the gate is wide enough. If it is not, you might have to tear it down. Consider the size of your building and the maneuverability of a truck. Maybe you will have to learn how to deal with neighbors that complain about everything if it gets too loud. But make sure to throw a moving away party for your friends and neighbors that help you with this relocation. After all, this is not a one-person job.
Step 4. How Do You Lift a Garage?
You are probably wondering, how do you lift and move a small building? Or how do you move a shed sideways? Well, there are a few methods you can rely on. You can use a jack and trailer, or a more ancient method: rods and hands. Use a spike to dig out the garage, and then use a lot of thick iron rods to underline the construction. Your efforts have to be well-coordinated at the same time. All corners of the structure have to be lifted and then slightly moved on rods placed on the ground. Look at this video to see how others moved their construction.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Move a Garage
In recent years, the purchase of prefabricated garages and sheds increased, so it is not surprising that the demand for their relocation has also jumped. Numerous companies deal exclusively with this. But if there is no such long-distance moving service in your city, you can try to move it on your own. Here are some answers to questions you might have.
How Far Can I Move My Garage?
This depends on the size of the structure and its next location. Specifically, whether the routes to your destination are good. If the streets are narrow and winding, there is a high chance that the trailer will tip over or damage something. Flat roads are always better, so if the object is not too wide, relocating will be more comfortable. If you are thinking about hiring a professional company for this job, first check out what аre the prohibited items movers won’t move, and if your company of choice is doing structure relocation.
How Much Does It Cost to Move a Garage?
We mentioned that there are some permits you’ll need to obtain to move any building. Depending on the state, there can be a couple of fees and applications you need to fill, and all that can cost you around $100. Some of them are:
- Structure inspection and approval,
- Relocating permit,
- Building permit for the foundation in a new location.
The average labor cost for relocating a home is around $14 for square feet. The cost to move a garage can be higher or lower depending on the size and type of the structure and the distance between the new and old location.
Where Should a Detached Garage Be Located?
When we talked about permits, we mentioned a building permit. You’ll need this permit to build the foundation and floor for your structure. If you plan to have a detached garage, the floor and foundation are all you need to do for preparation. If you are moving in winter, this can take some extra time. Usually, people put them six feet from home, but this can also vary depending on your state’s regulations.
Frequent Mistakes People Make When Relocating a Structure From Their Property
One of the most common mistakes is that people don’t reinforce their structure well. They often forget to remove windows and doors and have the wrong estimate of the size and weight. These can all lead to breaking and damaging the structure during the process. If you plan to do this on your own, be careful because if a big construction falls apart on an open road, it can cause an accident. Maybe engaging professional long-distance movers is a better option. These are the top 5 moving apps you should check out if you wish to find them.
Is It an Issue to Move a Structure? Not When You Have Professionals by Your Side
Just a decade ago, car shipping was costly, but now it is frequently used by every American. Maybe in a couple of years, relocating garages will be more accessible to everyone. According to our research, relocating it is cheaper than building a new one, even if hiring professionals. So don’t wait too long, do your research and find reliable long-distance movers today.
