HOW TO MOVE A MOBILE HOME & WHAT’S THE CHEAPEST WAY?
One of the many benefits of investing in a mobile home is just how portable it is. While it is fairly easier to move it around, especially when compared to traditionally built houses, this does not mean to say that you should be doing it on your own. This endeavor requires special equipment and a team of professionals to assist you in order to keep you and your home safe and intact, and also to do the job in a much more efficient, swift manner.
HOW ARE MOBILE HOMES MOVED?
It is important to keep in mind that moving your mobile home also involves abiding by a few laws. Apart from that, there are essential steps to check off that can keep your house functioning well and at its optimal state.
1. FINDING A NEW SITE AND CONTACTING THE BUILDING COMMISSIONER IN THE TOWN
Before packing up and leaving your current site, it is obvious that you should first have a new site ready to move into. Once you choose your preferred location, contact the Building Commissioner in your future town in order to get the necessary requirements.
Each town has its unique set of zoning laws, allowable building types, age requirements, and more.
2. ACQUIRE YOUR TITLE CERTIFICATE AND COUNTY TREASURER CERTIFICATE
These two documents are to prove that you own the property and that there are no taxes due on it. Should there be any pending taxes, you will first need to settle those before you are legally allowed to move your mobile home. These are also required in order to get your mobbing permit.
3. OUTSOURCING A PROFESSIONAL MOBILE HOME MOVING COMPANY, THAT ALSO SPECIALIZES IN MOVING MOBILE HOMES
It is highly suggested to take your time in researching the best mobile home moving companies in your area. After all, they will be handling a very important asset of yours.
4. NOTIFY THE MANAGER OF YOUR CURRENT PARK THAT YOU WILL BE MAKING THE MOVE
In the instance that you live in a park, it is important to let your park manager become aware of your move. It is imperative that you review your lot rental agreement first to see how much notice you are mandated to provide and how you can go about it. More often than not, a written letter of intent at least 30 days before your moving date is all they ask.
5. DISCONNECTING ALL UTILITIES
Once you have gotten clearance from your current park manager, you must then request them to disconnect the resource lines that run your home, such as gas, electricity, and water. In most cases, parks have a clause stating that only their management is allowed to carry out the disconnection. Some parks may even charge a fee for the service, which is why you must first check with your manager before starting the process.
6. PROPERLY PACKING UP
Now that everything is in order, be sure to pack your belongings correctly. Your chosen moving company may also assist you with this if it is part of their list of services. This ensures that all valuables and breakables are neatly secured and that each item is well accounted for.
7. ACTUALLY MOVING THE HOME
Once all that has been checked off, it is time to make the big move! The mobile home movers that you have outsourced should bring in a special truck with equipment fit to move your mobile home. These are necessary to keep the property in place and highly secured. In some cases, escort vehicles are necessary to ensure safety during transport.
WHAT COSTS ARE INVOLVED IN MOVING A MOBILE HOME?
The total cost to move a mobile home depends on many factors. However, a good rule of thumb is that if you are moving a single-wide mobile home to a relatively close site – give or take within 50 miles – then you may have to allocate anywhere between $3,000 to $5,000.
This includes the cost of obtaining all the necessary permits, outsourcing transport and professionals, fees for disconnecting utilities, and fees for hooking up utilities at the new site.
If you are moving a double-wide mobile home, the total cost can go up to anywhere between $4,000 to $10,000.
WHAT FACTORS AFFECT MOVING A MOBILE HOME?
Moving a mobile home involves multiple factors, each having the power to affect cost. From learning the safe way of hauling a mobile home to finding a mobile home mover that can professionally handle it, there is definitely a list of important things to consider when determining the price to move a mobile home.
Below, we discuss the top 8 factors to keep in mind when moving trailer homes and what you can expect of each.
1. MOVING DISTANCE
Relocation to a nearby site will understandably be more affordable than moving to a faraway town. Not only will it take more time and expertise to maneuver a truck to move a mobile home, but it will also need more gas and special equipment.
2. SIZE OF THE MOBILE HOME
Mobile homes, just like traditional houses, come in different shapes and sizes. Those that are smaller, also known as single-wides, will be more affordable to transport compared to the bigger double-wides.
Many often wonder whether a modular home can be moved because of the fact that they come in portable sizes and are also pre-built in a factory. However, these homes are installed permanently on-site and therefore cannot be moved.
3. WEIGHT OF THE MOBILE HOME
Older mobile homes tend to be a little lighter at around 35 to 40 pounds per square foot, while newer ones often go up to 40 to 40 pounds per square foot.
The heavier your mobile home is, the more specialized equipment and materials may be needed to secure the transfer. This is understandably added to the overall cost.
4. ZONING PERMITS AND INSPECTION
Moving to a different town or state will require certain permits. In some cases, you may even need separate permits for each individual territory that your mobile home travels through in order to reach the final site.
You can learn more on how to acquire these in our article: How To Get A Permit To Move A Mobile Home. Similarly, a professional moving service can also assist you in obtaining the permits for a fee.
5. MOVING MATERIALS
The materials needed to safely move your mobile home may be lengthy, depending on the size and weight of your home, and how long it has to travel for. Your moving company should be able to provide a list and their respective costs in your contract.
6. SETUP SERVICES
There are many microservices that you may need in order to successfully move your mobile home. Full-service movers will usually charge a fee should you require any of them. This fee would typically cover:
Disconnecting your utilities from the original site and reconnecting them in your new site. Unless stated by your current park contract that only management can do so.
Removing and reinstalling exterior features such as the porch.
Removing and reinstalling any foundation and skirting.
Removing and reinstalling any necessary interior features.
Reconnecting a double-wide mobile home
7. AGE AND OVERALL CONDITION
In the instance that your mobile home is quite dated and in need of serious repairs, it would cost more to transport it as the movers may need to fix and alter certain elements before transport.
8. INSURANCE AND LIABILITY
If you have purchased mobile home insurance, it is suggested that you double-check with your provider if relocation is covered. If not, it would be smart to purchase in case of any potential damage during transport. It would also be good to add liability coverage when outsourcing professional movers.
WHAT IS THE HEIGHT OF A MOBILE HOME?
Older manufactured homes dating back to 1976 and earlier generally had low ceilings that would only be about 7 to 8 feet high. However, ever since the HUD was set, modern manufactured homes now have a standard ceiling height of about 9 feet.
TIPS FOR MOVING A MOBILE HOME
Should you want to One of the cheapest ways to move a mobile home is to find a location that does not require as many permits, is relatively near, and has low rental fees.
Really tight on budget or just looking for a great deal? Check our article on how to move a mobile home for free.
MOVING A MOBILE HOME FAQS
1. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO MOVE A MOBILE HOME?
The cost to move a mobile home varies on many factors. However, you can expect to spend between $3,000 to $5,000 for single-wide homes, and between $4,000 to $10,000 for double-wide mobile homes.
2. DO I NEED A PERMIT TO MOVE TO A MOBILE HOME?
This depends on the location you are moving to, and the individual territories you will need to pass along the way. Each area has its own set of rules and regulations; it is best to double-check your route and necessary documents.
3. CAN I MOVE MY MOBILE HOME ON MY OWN?
No, you cannot move your mobile home by yourself. There are multiple laws in various states that mandate homeowners to outsource licensed and insured professionals to handle the task. This makes the move much safer for everyone.
YOU’RE ALL SET!
Knowing the ins and outs of moving your mobile home may be a lot to process your first time around. However, you will soon realize that the process is not too difficult to comprehend. It may take some time, legwork, and research, but it will be well worth the effort once you have settled in your new property.
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