You probably already know yurts used to be a dwelling that nomads would move from place to place several times a year. Until modern yurts start emerging, more sturdy materials and foundations are erected for them. So it is really possible to move all yurts?
Most yurts can be moved, temporary or permanent. Permanent yurts however need more effort and cost to disassemble, transport and reassemble. Especially when it is large and secured to the foundation, you might need additional help. On the other hand, temporary yurt kits or camping yurts can be disassembled and moved quite easily.
Here’s what you need to know about moving a yurt.
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Are yurts suitable for moving?
Temporary small yurts are easy to move as they do not have amenities or foundations required for a long term stay. Most temporary yurts can be deconstructed in 30 minutes to a few hours depending on the size.
For a permanent yurt, it might seem simple but it is not as easy as you think. To simply move a permanent yurt to another location requires a certain amount of experience and planning, especially if it is secured to a concrete pad. If you are moving your yurt with a group of people that have little experience you will need to do a little research about the equipment and material that you will need to move a yurt.
While most yurts are movable, DIY or old yurts might not be suitable for moving or you’ll risk damaging the yurt parts in the process of dismantling.
Preparing for the Move
I’ve been fortunate enough to experience many alternative living arrangements – from simple ones like tarpaulins and tarps to multi-seasonal ones like a traditional yurt. I also have stayed in more than my fair share of experiences in yurt living.
During these experiences, I’ve found that there are a few main points that are worth keeping in mind when moving an existing yurt and I’d like to share some tips that will help you move your yurt from one place to another.
If you want to prevent damaging your yurt along the way, follow through with these steps before you jump the gun:
1. Make sure that you get a permit
If you want to move your yurt, you will need to contact the local government official customer service center to find out more about the zoning laws and building codes to avoid any hassle during the process of moving.
These requirements include getting permission from the local government officials and applying for some permits — typically called “land use permits” — as well as creating sufficient space such as clearing away trees and building a foundation.
Once these things have been done, moving your yurt is a relatively simple process that requires only minimal effort on your part.
2. Take your time
You can move it using one of many different methods, and there are many different ways to accomplish each of them. To ensure you don’t have any nasty surprises when your new home arrives, it’s best to take some time and get organized.
This will ensure that all planning is done days prior so that there are no last-minute surprises.
3. Ensure the correct measurements and tools
We recommend that you check the dimensions of the yurt and the number of materials that you will need to move it. These include tools to assemble and disassemble the yurt, tools to cut the poles and brackets that hold the yurt together, tools to assemble the yurt, and tools to load and unload it.
It is best to get your tools in advance so that you don’t have to worry about what tools you need.
You can also take into consideration placing yurt parts like lattice walls, dome rings, rafters, roof poles in a dry location before you start transporting it. This is to prevent moisture or mildew from building upon them.
You will want to avoid putting anything too heavy or sharp objects near the canvas to avoid the risk of it tearing and losing its weather-resistant integrity.
4. Disconnect all electrical, gas, and water components
To avoid any accidents, it is essential that all utilities and plumbing are disconnected before dismantling.
If your yurt has a water supply, it is important to disconnect the water supply to avoid any possible water damage. The same applies to gas and electricity to keep the moving process accident free.
You would want to have basic amenities set up at the new location before moving in to prevent any type of inconvenience.
5. Handle the insulation carefully
Without a doubt, the insulation of your yurt is one of the most important things to handle carefully. You need to take care not to damage the insulation, especially if it is made of foam. The insulation is the most fragile part of the yurt. Any damage to it will affect the heat transfer of the yurt.
It is important to note that if the insulation is damaged, it is best to contact a professional insulation company for repairs.
Removing insulation from a yurt is not something you should attempt without first checking with a professional.
6. Disassembling Structure and Transport
Disassembling should be a piece of cake if you are the one who assembled it. Always go back to the instruction manual to ensure you can disassemble your yurt in the safest and most efficient way. It is important to understand the instructions for assembling and disassembling a yurt before you start because the poles that hold the yurt together can break easily if it is mishandled. The instructions included will have important information about where and how to disassemble your yurt.
You can move a yurt by using trucks or trailers to transport it to your new location. If the yurt is accessible by road, a dolly trailer will be good.
If you have a very large yurt, you may need to engage additional help for manual labor work or additional transport for your furniture. A professional has access to specialized equipment, including a winch and pulley system, which can be used to move the yurt safely. By now, you should have the total load required to transport. Simply request a quotation from the moving company with these details and they will be able to give you an estimate. Alternatively, here is a moving cost calculator for more accurate estimates. Engaging a good mover will definitely save you a lot of trouble.
Ultimately, make sure that your yurt and furniture are well secured and you are ready to move!
Final Note:
I recommend keeping a checklist to ensure items are accounted for and ready to be moved. This will prevent any potential mishaps and increase the chances of a smooth relocation. If you are going to move your yurt often, it is a wise choice to purchase a yurt kit without the need to permanently secure the yurt to the foundation.
To summarize, some parts can be taken apart without much effort and some that require a bit more effort.
I hope this guide has helped you to move your yurt to a new location.