Manufactured and mobile homes are factory built and transported to the home site. And most homes will always stay at the home site where they were originally delivered from the factory. But although it is rare, some owners move their home to a new community or plot of land after some time has passed.
There are a variety of reasons a homeowner may choose to move their mobile home. No matter what those reasons might be, it’s important to know everything you can about moving your manufactured home before you start the process.
Mobile home moving is complex, but with the right know-how beforehand, you can successfully transport your mobile home. Here’s everything you need to know:
Costs
The cost of manufactured home transport depends on many factors. But, you can expect a mobile home transport to cost anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 or more. Here are a few of the factors that affect the cost:
Size of the Home
The size of your home affects the cost of moving it several ways. Larger homes need more prep work to prepare the home for transport. And larger homes might need to be moved in sections similar to how the home shipped from the factory when new. For example, a single-wide mobile home is usually less expensive to move than a double-wide home.
Age of the Home
The age of your home will also affect the cost of moving it. And, depending on the age, may determine if your home can be moved at all. Even if you can move an older mobile home, it is likely to need more prep work before transport (more on that below).
Distance the Home Will Travel
Most, if not all movers will only move a manufactured home within 100 miles. Plus, most movers will not move a home across state lines due to the excessive permits involved.
Market
Not all states are equal when it comes to mobile home transporters. For example, a mover in California may charge more than a mover in Michigan. Get quotes from various movers in your area to find a price that works within your budget.
Moving Considerations
What Prep Work Needs to Be Done Before My Mobile Home Is Moved?
Before you start a manufactured home transport, there are several things you, or your mobile home mover, need to do. By doing these things beforehand, you’ll ensure a smoother and safer transport.
Secure All Doors and Windows
The last thing you want when moving a mobile home are the doors and windows flying open during transport. When you get ready to move your mobile home, make sure all your windows and doors are shut and locked.
Check Your Siding
If any of your mobile home siding is loose or in need of repairs, take care of those before you move your mobile home. You do not want pieces of siding to fall off on the highway.
Check Your Roof
Take a look at your mobile home’s roof before you begin the transport process. If it’s not fully secured, or your roof has damage, it is worth repairing or replacing before you move your home. This way, you avoid damage to your home or to other drivers when moving your mobile home.
Ensure You Have Enough Clearance Space
Above all else, make sure that there’s enough room to move your home from its original lot to its new location. Obstacles like bridges and power lines over the transport route need a specific minimum clearance height for your home. The mover may not be able to move your home through a narrow road or tight corner. And if the home is on private land, you may have more work to do to prepare your home to hit the road.
Do I Need a Permit to Move My Mobile Home?
Yes, you will definitely need at least one permit to move a mobile home.
Each state has different requirements for permits. For example, some states may have restrictions on what size of home can be moved. Most will require home movers to have an “Oversized Load” permit, which can mean extra cost. If you’ve ever seen a yellow “OVERSIZE LOAD” or “WIDE LOAD” banner on a home going down the highway, that home has an “Oversized Load” permit.
Make sure your mobile home mover gets all necessary permits before moving your home.
Can I DIY My Mobile Home Transport?
NO.
We’ll say that again:
NO, you cannot do-it-yourself (DIY) when moving your mobile home.
We often recommend DIY solutions for mobile home fixes or maintenance. But, because of the permits and complexities involved with moving a mobile home, you should not attempt to move it yourself. In fact, you’ll get yourself into trouble if you try to move your home yourself. You need professional help to do it safely.
The right professional should be properly licensed, insured and bonded to move mobile homes in your state. This way, if something goes wrong during the move, you’ll have some peace of mind knowing there are protections in place.
Where to Find Movers
If you’ve asked yourself “where can I find mobile home transport near me?” Head over to MHVillage’s Movers page where you can find a professional manufactured home transporter in nearly every state in the country. You can contact each mover directly to get a quote, and you can learn more from them about the logistics involved with moving your home.
Other Considerations
If you’d rather sell your mobile home and move into a new one, you’re in luck. On MHVillage, the nation’s largest platform for buying, selling, and renting mobile and manufactured homes, you can sell your mobile home For-Sale-By-Owner (FSBO) without needing to move it.
If you’re looking for a manufactured home to buy, you can head to our home search page to start your mobile home buying journey today!
