Moving Small Buildings and Bins

Hi All,

We are starting a farmstead from scratch and would like to take advantage of all the smaller farm buildings and grain bins that go unused in the area. Thoughts on the most effective and affordable way to move them? I have my eye on a couple of garages (one is a two stall the other is a three), some small/medium sized granary/feed shed type buildings, and some small grain bins.

I figured I would use some bottle jacks (thought about getting fancy and going with air powered hydraulic ones from Harbor Freight), put up some bracing to hold everything together, lift, set it on a trailer, move it and then repeat the process in reverse. I was hoping I could put in sufficient bracing to lift from the inside, at least initially, and then put beams under the whole thing as needed.

What am I missing? Any tips or tricks? I'm debating what kind of capacity the jacks and trailer will require.

Thank You!

Try to get paid to remove old buildings.

Lots of bracing required. On anything that rests on a concrete floor with no wooden floor above, it's important to tie the walls together well. If buildings need to be cut into two or more pieces, build all support walls and install bracing before cutting.

I've moved a couple small buildings myself and have prepared about 50 for moving by a house moving company. Once you have a particular one in mind, post photos here and send me a PM. Photos of interior and exterior and of framing will help.

Get each building checked for asbestos and other toxic substances before committing.

Edit - I see you are new here Jon. Welcome. You'll find many others willing to share their knowledge here. You can search key words, whenever you have a question. Also check the related topics at the bottom of the page.

Yup, yup, and yup. You cannot over-brace. I've used a big hay wagon to move a clubhouse. Kinda fun really, but can get dangerous suddenly! Clearance to electric lines is critical.

Thank you Dale and Tim! Great information. As soon as I figure out which buildings I'm going to move, I'll post some pictures.