SIGN-UP FOR THE MHPS NEWSLETTER! 
Despite its name, moving a mobile home isn’t as simple as hitching it to a vehicle and driving to your new spot. While it’s generally easier to move than a site-built home, the expenses can quickly pile up. If you relocate across states, the costs can soar to over $25,000.
The price of moving can change based on how far you’re going and whether you’re doing some of the moving yourself. If you’re determined to move your mobile home because of changes in your life, keep reading. We’ll explore the costs and factors that influence them to help you prepare for your move.
The Process of Moving a Mobile Home
Moving your mobile home is more than just hitching it up and hitting the road. You must follow a few laws to ensure everything is in tip-top shape.
Here’s a simple guide to help you through the process step by step.
Finding a New Location
Before you start packing, make sure you have a new spot lined up. Once you’ve picked where you want to go, reach out to the Building Commissioner in the new town. They’ll help you understand the rules and requirements you need to meet.
Every town has its own zoning laws, rules about what kind of buildings are allowed, age requirements, and more.
Getting Your Title and County Treasurer Certificates
To make sure you’re all set to move your mobile home, you’ll need to get your hands on your Title and County Treasurer Certificates. These docs confirm you’re the rightful owner of the property, and there aren’t any taxes hanging over it. If there are, you’ll need to sort them out before legally hitting the road. Plus, these certificates are a must-have to snag your moving permit.
Finding a Moving Company
You must hire a professional moving company unless you plan to move your home yourself. Take your time researching the best mobile home moving companies in your area. After all, they’ll be handling your valuable belongings, so take your time to find the right fit.
We’ll discuss hiring a professional and explore your options more in-depth shortly.
Letting Your Park Know or Selling Your Land
If you currently live in a park, it’s essential to inform your park manager about your plans to move. Start by checking your lot rental agreement to determine how much notice you need to give and the proper procedure to follow. Usually, a simple written letter of intent, sent at least 30 days before you move, is all they require.
However, if you own the land your mobile home is on, it is time to contact a local realtor to set up the listing.
Disconnecting Your Utilities
When it’s time to move your mobile home, you’ll need to disconnect your utilities. Once you’ve contacted your park manager and got the green light, ask them to disconnect your home’s gas, electricity, and water lines. Most parks have rules saying only their staff can handle this, but there might be a fee. So, before you get started, check with your manager to see how things work at your park.
Packing Up
Packing up is a big part of the process when you’re preparing to move into your new place. You’ll want to make sure all your stuff is packed up safely and securely for the journey ahead. If you’ve hired a moving company, they might even lend a hand with the packing as part of their services. This way, you can rest easy knowing your precious belongings are properly wrapped and labeled, ready to go without worry.
Ready to Move Home
With all your preparations squared away, it’s finally time to make the move! The professional movers you’ve hired will bring in a special truck with equipment fit to move your mobile home. This equipment is essential for keeping your house secure and in place during the move. In certain situations, escort vehicles might be needed to ensure everything is safely transported.
How Much Does it Cost to Move a Mobile Home?
Moving a mobile home might seem overwhelming and pricey because it requires special hauling vehicles, escorts, and permits. However, hiring professional mobile home movers can simplify the process.
The cost of moving a mobile home depends mainly on its size and the distance it needs to be moved. On average, moving a mobile home costs around $9,000, but prices can vary from $5,000 to $20,000. For long-distance moves, the cost can go up to $25,000 or more.
What Affects the Cost of Moving a Mobile Home?
Moving a mobile home isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. Many factors come into play, each impacting the overall cost. While the exact price can vary, knowing what influences these costs can help you plan better. It all boils down to things like how big your home is, how far it needs to travel, and any extra services you might need along the way. While some services are necessary, others might be up for discussion.
Let’s take a closer look:
Moving Costs Based on Mobile Home Size
The cost of moving a mobile home can vary depending on your size and home type. Here’s a simple breakdown of what you might expect:
Single-Wide Trailers
If your mobile home is a single-wide, meaning it has just one section, moving it is usually the cheapest option. For a full-service move within 60 miles, the cost typically falls between $4,000 and $8,000.
Double-Wide Trailers
Double-wide mobile homes with two sections are a bit pricier to move. For a full-service move within 60 miles, you might pay anywhere from $8,000 to $15,000.
Triple-Wide Trailers
Now, if you’ve got a triple-wide mobile home with three sections, be prepared for the highest costs. Moving one of these babies can set you back anywhere from $12,000 to $25,000 for a full-service move within 60 miles.
Distance Matters
How far you’re moving a mobile home really impacts how much it’ll cost you. If you’re only going a mile or two, some movers might charge you a flat rate, especially if the roads are easy to access. If it’s a short move within the neighborhood, you might even have the option to pitch in with the moving yourself, which can save you a good chunk of money.
But when you’re moving farther away, things start to get pricier. Movers will start charging by the mile and adding extra fees for the extra work involved. If your move takes more than a day or crosses state lines, it can get expensive fast. These kinds of trips often come with extra expenses for the movers, like needing a place to stay overnight, which quickly drives up the price tag.
Moving Permits and Fees
If you plan to move your mobile home within your state or even to a different city, you may need to obtain a moving permit from the local or state government. Some states even require inspections to ensure mobile homes are up to code.
Don’t worry, though! A good moving company will be familiar with all the necessary permits and inspections for your move. They can assist you in getting all the correct paperwork sorted out before you move.
Escort Vehicles
In the moving process, pilot vehicles play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth journey for the moving truck. They help create a safe path by keeping other vehicles at bay and guiding the truck along the widest and safest roads possible.
Pilot vehicles, often called escorts, typically cost between $1.50 and $3.50 per mile. The number of pilot vehicles needed can vary. Sometimes, only one escort is necessary, while other times, multiple vehicles are employed to ensure safety.
For extensive moves, additional permits and even police escorts might be required. This adds to the overall cost and complexity of the move, as more logistics need to be coordinated.
Moving Insurance and Liability
When you hire professional movers, they might ask you to buy liability coverage. Before you agree to anything, take the time to read and understand what the policy says. It’s also a good idea to talk to your mobile home insurance company to find out if your home is protected while moving, just in case something gets damaged.
Preparation and Set-up
Besides the cost of moving your mobile home, many professional movers charge a flat fee for taking down and setting up the mobile home at its new location. This includes tasks like hooking up utilities again, putting back fiberglass stairs or skirting, and making sure the house is safely attached to the ground.
These set-up fees typically range from $3,000 to $4,000. But remember, the exact price might change based on which moving company you go with or if you need someone else to reconnect the utilities for you.
Moving a Mobile Home: DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Thinking about moving your mobile home on your own to cut costs? Hold that thought! It’s actually against the law to move a mobile home without the help of professionals. Why? Well, a moving company not only ensures a safe journey for your home but also ensures it’s done legally, following all the rules and regulations in your area.
To get started, connect with a licensed mobile home moving company. They’ll help you secure a moving permit and make sure you’re in line with all the local building codes and laws at your destination. By relying on professionals, you can be confident that your move will be smooth sailing, with everything handled safely and legally.
How to Save Money Moving Your Mobile Home
Now, while you can’t move the mobile home yourself, there are still ways to save some bucks. For instance, you can pack up and move your belongings on your own. The typical cost of hiring movers ranges from $900 to $2,500. But keep in mind, the cost can go up based on where you’re moving from and to, as well as how much stuff you’ve got to move.
Choosing the Right Moving Company
Choosing the right moving company can have a huge impact on the cost of moving a mobile home. It’s one of the few aspects of moving where you can explore different options to reduce your expenses. Prices vary between companies, and they charge based on factors like weight, distance, or the duration of the move. That’s why it’s important to gather quotes from several companies to find the best pricing plan for your needs.
Most moving companies offer two main types of services for mobile homes: transport-only or full-service moves.
Transport-Only
With a transport-only service, you handle most of the move-related tasks except for the initial hook-up, transportation, and delivery. This includes attaching the mobile home to a vehicle, transporting it, and unloading it at the new location. You’ll also be responsible for securing any necessary permits and liability insurance. Transport-only moves are generally cheaper, typically ranging from $1,000 to $3,500 for a 60-mile move.
Full-Service Move
On the other hand, a full-service mover takes care of everything from start to finish. However, keep in mind that they may charge extra fees for tasks like disassembling and reassembling the mobile home, disconnecting and reconnecting utilities, and handling skirting and other attached structures. While convenient, this option tends to be more expensive, often ranging from $4,000 to $25,000 or more for a move within 60 miles.
You’re All Set to Hit the Road
Thinking about moving your mobile home for the first time might feel overwhelming at first. But fear not! You’ll quickly find that it’s not as complicated as it seems. Sure, it’ll take some time, effort, and a bit of research, but trust us, it’s totally manageable. And once you’re all settled into your new spot, you’ll see that all the work was worth it.
And remember, when it’s time to move your mobile home, Mobile Home Parts Store is your one-stop shop for all your mobile home parts and supplies needs. From essential set-up supplies to quality skirting and other accessories, Mobile Home Parts Store has everything you need to make your relocation process seamless. So, as you embark on this exciting journey, remember to trust Mobile Home Parts Store for top-notch products and unparalleled service. Happy moving!
Tags: mobile home, mobile home moving, mobile home projects, mobile home set-up supplies
