For most of my lights, I use these to adjust height. Not sure if it will help in your case. This way I don't have to move shelves. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AUP1VTS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glc_fabc_5FN878RB9XWWZ43BSAED
Totally depends on the plant in question, some stay covered for a week some closer to a month. Seedlings are tricky, I always grow them on the shady side as they are a pain to recover when the get burnt.
Edit: added the letters to words I missed on the first go round.
I built this personal removable hangboard setup in my too-small condo a few months ago and it's been working out great for me: http://imgur.com/a/wKC21
I got some of these inexpensive locking pulley systems on Amazon to rig it up.
It doesn't look beautiful, but it's proven to be reliable and safe, so it gets the job done!