How to Move a Swing Set: Step-by-Step Guide to Moving a Swing Set

Whether moving cross-country with an old playset or buying a second-hand set from a private sale, we’re going to teach you how to move a swing set so you can relocate with confidence and convenience!

Even the largest moving vans cannot accommodate most fully built swing sets, so you’ll have to disassemble your set carefully to transport it to its destination. However, moving a swing set safely is possible with careful preparation.

We’ll discuss everything you need to know, including the cost to move a swing set, whether buying a new one is a better option, and the best way to move a swing set. Let’s jump right in.

Can You Move a Swing Set?

Before we discuss costs or techniques, can you move a swing set in the first place?

If you want to learn how to move a swing set without taking it apart, you are likely out of luck except with extremely basic playsets or standalone swing set accessories like swings connected to a tree.

For most sets, you must learn how to disassemble, safely transport, and reassemble them completely.

The best way to move a swing set will depend on the type of playset you are working with. The extra features or materials within also directly impact the overall cost.

Moving a swing set is an option, but there’s a lot to consider. We’ll cover techniques later, but first, how much does it cost to move a swing set?

How Much Does it Cost to Move a Swing Set?

Between assembly, shipping, and transportation, moving a swing set can be surprisingly expensive. While DIY can save some costs, you need a fair amount of experience to ensure the moving process goes smoothly and without damage to your set.

Factors Affecting the Cost to Move a Swing Set

Moving a swing set is not a cookie-cutter process for homeowners., even when working with the same model of playset.

• Swing Set Size: As a general rule, the larger your swing set, the more it will cost to transport.
• Moving Distance: Even when disassembled, most swing sets require a large moving truck. Moving a swing set across town may only cost $1-300 for transportation, while a cross-country trip could cost thousands of dollars.
• DIY vs. Professionals: Hiring a professional team of movers will allow you to bundle the cost to move a swing set with assembly costs. However, this will add up to over $1000 in many cases. The DIY option is cheaper but will still require rental costs for tools and transportation.
• Swing Set Material: You also want to consider what your swing set is made of. When comparing metal vs wood swing sets, metal sets are heavier, especially with heavy duty metal swing sets. This will significantly increase your transportation and fuel costs.
• Swing Set Accessories: Similar to the overall construction of your set, you’ll also need to assess the weight and qualities of your accessories. Evaluate your swing and playground slide materials, as heavier materials will be more costly to transport.

So, How Much Does it Cost to Move a Swing Set?

Can you move a swing set without breaking the bank between transportation, assembly, and other considerations?

The overall cost to move a swing set will be a minimum of $2-300 unless you happen to own a moving truck and all of the tools necessary to disassemble and rebuild it.

With larger sets and professional assistance, expect the cost to move a swing set to climb well above $1000. That number will only increase as the moving distance and swing set complexity increase.

With the cost to move a swing set established, let’s switch gears to discuss the best way to move a swing set.

How to Move a Swing Set: Step-by-Step Guide to Moving a Swing Set

Disassembling, transporting, and reassembling a swing set can vary significantly depending on what you are working with. With this guide, you’ll learn how to move a swing set no matter what you’re working with.

Even if your set is small enough and you want to learn how to move a swing set without taking it apart, we recommend reading through this section to ensure a safe installation at the new location.

Disassembling the Swing Set

Learning how to move a swing set starts with disassembling it. Before beginning, you’ll need to gather sufficient tools, such as wrenches, drills, and boxes for transportation.

We recommend taking multiple photos of your set before disassembling it, especially of the surrounding area. You’ll need to ensure that the new location of your set still has proper clearance of 6’ in each direction from swing areas for safe landing.

You’ll begin with the accessories, removing swing seats, glider swings, and other types of swings from the set's frame. Most of these accessories are attached to specific holes on the frame pieces, so note them if you no longer have the instructions manual for your set.

Once the accessories are removed, you’ll need to unbolt the framing pieces individually until everything is divided into small enough pieces that are easy to transport.

Packing and Securing Components for Transport

Once you have all of your components disassembled, gather your boxes and bags. You’ll need to label each component and box clearly to ensure you can reassemble the set correctly.

Whether your set is metal or wood, you’ll want to wrap the beams in a protective cover, like blankets, bubble wrap, or towels, to protect from scratches or dents during transport. Heavier pieces may need to be wrapped individually and tied down with rope to avoid damage to smaller components.

Transporting the Swing Set

Once everything is packed and secured, it's time to transport your swing set.

Unless you are learning how to move a swing set without taking it apart, you’ll need a vehicle with enough room to transport all of your boxes and standalone pieces. Generally, this means renting a moving van, though you can hire professional movers for this portion.

If you are moving a swing set across town, you may be able to take multiple trips to move your set, which could allow you to get a smaller truck. However, if you are moving cross country, you must ensure your swing set does not take up too much room relative to your other belongings, as you only get one trip.

Depending on the climate, you may also want to bring tarps or other protective covers to keep your swing set parts safe during loading and unloading.

Reassembling the Swing Set at the New Location

Once your swing set is at its new home, it is time to put it back together. You’ll begin by removing all your boxes and standalone components and laying out every piece.

You’ll need to set up your new location, ensuring a safe clearance of at least 6’ for most types of slides and a distance of twice the height of the top bar for swings.

After preparing the area and gathering your tools, you’ll start reassembly. Ideally, you have a set of manufacturer’s instructions to work with. If not, as a general rule, you will reassemble in the opposite order that you took everything apart: frame first, then accessories.

If you want to learn more about how to build a swing set, you can check out our blog for guides like DIY spider web swings, how to add a slide to a swing set, how to hang a swing from a tree, tree swing straps vs chains, and tire swing DIY.

Safety Checks and Adjustments Post-Move

After your swing set is reassembled and you can verify it matches the photos from its previous installation, there’s one more step to consider.

Safety is paramount before allowing children to play on the set, especially after moving. Verify your swing set’s weight limit, accounting for any DIY swing set accessories that may change that value relative to a stock standard set.

Inspect the entire set, sanding down or refinishing any metal or wood scratched during transport. Be sure to test every accessory, from slides to swings, before allowing children to play.

If you follow this step-by-step guide to the best way to move a swing set, you should finally be able to let your children enjoy the set after all of this hard work.

Is Moving a Swing Set to a New Home Worth the Cost or Should You Start Fresh?

However, between the cost to move a swing set and tons of potential DIY effort, it is fair to ask if it is even worth it. Sometimes, it can make more sense to buy a new swing set outright, especially if it leads to immediate cost savings.

Why Sometimes It Makes More Sense to Buy a New Swing Set for a New Location

Often, swing set costs will match or even be more affordable than moving costs. Here are a few of the most common scenarios where investing in a new set is smarter.

• Swing Set Age: Older swing sets may not last long before they start breaking down. Sets over ten years old are not worth the cost of moving, as you may need to replace them within five years or less.
• Moving Costs vs. Replacement: As we discussed, moving costs can easily eclipse $1000, especially over long distances. Replacement sets can be found under that cost, all while saving you the hassle of transportation.
• Benefits of a New Design: Sometimes, the best way to enjoy a new move is to refresh your furniture to adapt to your surroundings. The same is true of swing sets. A new design, like a new set with monkey bars, can help make your backyard feel like home.

Often, a new swing set is a better choice than transporting an old one. You’ve learned how to move a swing set efficiently, but if you’ve decided the process isn’t worth the effort, you can still buy a new one.

So, where can you find the best swing sets if you want to go for a new one?

Shop at Swing Set Mall for All the Essentials!

America’s #1 home for swing sets and outdoor play is Swing Set Mall. We've got you covered, from the best swing set accessories to playground swing sets with all the bells and whistles.

We have been family-owned and operated since 1989, helping thousands of families experience the joys of outdoor play through swinging, sliding, and climbing.

Our inventory contains thousands of products, including several swingsets from prominent industry leaders like Lifetime and Component Playgrounds. But unlike shopping at second-party retailers like Home Depot or Lowe’s, you can rest assured you are getting compassionate customer support and the best prices at Swing Set Mall.

We offer a lowest-price guarantee, including a 30-day price matching guarantee and a money-back guarantee to ensure your satisfaction.

You can also find everything you need here at Swing Set Mall, including accessories, swing hardware, and tools. Our friendly and knowledgeable team will work with you to find the perfect matches among our thousands of products, ensuring your family enjoys swinging and playing for years to come. Here’s just a tiny look at what we have to offer:

• Several types of playground slides, including spiral slides and covered options
• Multiple swing replacement seats, including baby swings for swing sets and heavy duty outdoor swings for adults
• Hardware & Tools like swing hangers and swing chains

Final Thoughts on How to Move a Swing Set

Overall, moving a swing set can be a complicated process. You need to ensure everything from disassembly to reassembly goes completely smoothly to avoid damage that can compromise the safety of your set.

If the process seems too daunting, consider investing in a brand-new set for your home! New sets are often cheaper than moving costs and can allow you to upgrade your backyard with fun new accessories.

Look no further than Swing Set Mall for the best swing sets and accessories. With thousands of products, guaranteed low prices, and a friendly shopping experience, shopping with us ensures a smooth experience. If you’re interested in a new set for your home, reach out to our team to get started!