At Swift Move, we’re used to transporting everything from antique furniture to bulky commercial printers. But recently, we were asked to do something new: move an entire garden office from one location to another.
While we often move home offices, this job was different. It involved dismantling the actual structure—walls, roof, floor, electrics, and all—and rebuilding it safely at a new address. Not something we usually do, but we love a challenge.
To prepare, we reached out to experts who build outdoor buildings for a living. The insights we gained made all the difference. Below, we’ll walk you through how we took apart a large garden office and moved it without damage—plus how you can apply the same approach to your own heavy-duty summerhouse.
1. Evaluate the Structure
Before picking up any tools, we did a full walk-around inspection. Key areas we checked:
- What type of base was used (timber frame, concrete slab, paving)?
- Were panels screwed, nailed, or slotted together?
- Did the structure include insulation, plasterboard, or internal lining?
- Was it wired for electrics?
We also took lots of photos and used masking tape to label the corners and joints. That preparation saved us hours during the rebuild.
2. Power Down Safely
The garden office had mains electricity installed, complete with sockets and lighting. We brought in a qualified electrician to isolate the supply and disconnect all wiring safely.
Every wire was labelled for easy reconnection later. If your building has electrics, don’t skip this step—handling it wrong can be dangerous.
3. Clear the Interior
With power disconnected, we removed everything inside the office. This included desks, shelves, heaters, and any wall-mounted furniture.
Packing these up like a standard office move was straightforward. But it also gave us access to hidden fixings in the wall and floor.
4. Remove the Roof
The next step was removing the roof. This particular structure had an EPDM rubber membrane over OSB boards, which were screwed down.
We gently pulled back the rubber, unscrewed each board, and lowered them one at a time. Each panel was numbered and stacked in order of removal.
5. Dismantle Wall Panels
Wall sections were handled next. These were heavy, pre-insulated panels that needed two or more people to lift.
We took out screws, kept all brackets in labelled bags, and stacked each panel on padded blankets. The key here is method—take one panel down at a time and protect every surface as you go.
6. Remove the Floor Base
The base was a solid timber frame with rigid insulation and plywood flooring. It was extremely heavy and had to be lifted with care.
We used lifting straps, crowbars, and a sack truck to manoeuvre it out of place. If your building has a similar base, plan for at least three people and a clear exit path.
7. Load It Safely
Once dismantled, we began loading the van. Here’s how we did it:
- Roof panels and wall panels were loaded first, laid flat or upright depending on size
- Windows and glass doors were heavily padded and tied down
- The floor base was supported on timber blocks to avoid bowing
- All fixings and electrical parts were stored together in a labelled box
We used furniture blankets, ratchet straps, and stretch wrap to keep everything secure and protected.
8. Rebuild at the New Site
At the destination, reassembly was quick thanks to all the photos and labelling.
We laid the base first, secured the wall panels, fitted the roof, and reattached all external fixings. The electrician returned to reconnect the power, and the building was up and running by the afternoon.
Thinking of Moving One Yourself?
If you’re planning to move a garden shed and summerhouse, we recommend spending time on preparation. Take notes, photograph everything, label parts, and don’t rush the process. These buildings are designed to last, but only if handled carefully.
We owe a big thank you to the team at Midland Sheds and Summerhouses for their guidance. Their understanding of how these buildings are constructed helped us avoid costly mistakes.
Tools We Used
Here’s what came in handy during our move:
- Cordless drill with spare batteries
- Tape measure and labelling tape
- Rubber mallet and crowbar
- Furniture blankets and stretch wrap
- Pallet jack and lifting straps
- Weatherproof coverings (in case of rain)
- A certified electrician
- A van large enough for full-length panels
Final Thoughts
Moving a garden office might seem daunting, but with the right approach, it’s entirely manageable. Our team proved that even a heavy-duty outdoor building can be safely taken apart, transported, and reassembled without issue.
If you’ve got a garden building you need to move—whether it’s across the garden or across the county—Swift Move is here to help.
