7 Tips on How to Move a Mobile Home Affordably & Safely

One of the benefits of owning a mobile home is that you can live wherever you damn well, please. But, it’s not as easy as picking it up and moving it two states away.

Let’s look at how to move a mobile home without spending your life’s savings.

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Is moving a mobile home safe?

Moving a mobile home is safe enough if your mobile home meets all the requirements and the type of foundation allows it. It’s not about that.

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It’s about the fact that you’ll likely not be able to move your mobile home safely without some serious help.

How to move a mobile home?

Thousands of people every year relocate their mobile homes without problems. But, it is a process that has to be followed.

Contact Where You’re Going

Before you do anything else, contact the Building Commissioner and local government in the place you’re planning on moving to.

You’ve got to know all of the requirements regarding the age of the mobile home and the building and zoning codes for that jurisdiction.

You don’t want to start planning an actual move until you know for sure that you can put it where you intend and get the proper permits.

Titles & Certificates

You will need to get your title certificate and county treasurer’s certificate. You must prove that you own a mobile home and that all of the fees are up to date.

You aren’t going to be able to move the mobile home until all owed taxes are paid in full.

The documents are a requirement in order to receive a moving permit. If you’re working with a professional moving company, they can help walk you through this process.

What is the oldest you can move a mobile home?

According to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, HUD, any mobile home built before 1976 doesn’t meet the safety standards, even if to be moved short distances.

Hire a Moving Company

The last thing you do is hire a mobile home moving company. Most moving companies won’t even allow the booking until permits are in order.

A moving company can’t help you with any legalities, but they offer advice about the proper steps.

How much does it cost to move a mobile home in Arkansas for example?

In Arkansas, moving a mobile home costs between $2300 and $3000. Of course, the price will also depend on the manufactured home’s size and how far it’s being moved.

It will cost more to pour a concrete foundation, the number of escort vehicles, and the setup fee.

Let the Lot Manager Know

You’ll likely need to submit a written notice of intent to move at least a month before you are planning to move. And, it’s just the right thing to do.

If you paid a deposit, read your mobile home lot rental agreement, so you don’t miss out on getting it back.

What to know before moving into a mobile home?

Following the practical steps will get you from point A to point B. But, there’s more to it than that.

Understand Where You’re Going

You’re moving into a new community, and a little research will help make the transition smoother for you and your future neighbors.

• Every place has different park rules, including the actual process of moving. 
• Provide moving information for the new park management.
• Learn about any weight and size restrictions.
• Check and make sure of the allowed times for unloading and unpacking.
• Get to know your neighbors as you move in. Making a little effort goes a long way.
• And, ask if you must be on-site the entire time.

Double-Check on Utilities

You don’t want to get there and realize that the little company hasn’t switched things on. You need lights and water to move in properly.

But, the good news is, if somehow they’ve not been switched on, you can typically get them activated the next day.

Plan Ahead of Time Where Things Go

Part of life is that if it can happen, it will happen, especially when moving.

Go ahead and map out where you want everything, including where you plan on plugging in appliances and devices.

You also want someone helping you move to know where things go without asking for every box.

Don’t Pack the Stuff You Will Need

You might have every intention in the world of unpacking quickly. But, it rarely goes that smoothly.

Box up all of your essentials in one or two boxes, such as your laptop, bathroom necessities, kitchen utensils, etc.

Some people go so far as to catalog everything, but we don’t expect you to go that far.

How old of a mobile home can you move in Georgia?

In Georgia, most counties will not allow a mobile home older than 10 years to move or relocate. Other Georgia jurisdictions draw the line at 5 years.

Can I move a mobile home myself?

You can’t move a mobile home by yourself for a variety of reasons. Most of all, you don’t have the equipment, knowledge, or license that is required to move it.

A mobile home mover is also bonded and has insurance in the event of something happening to your manufactured home while hauling it.

What is the average cost in the US to move a mobile home?

Transport-only moves are cheaper, typically around $2500. But, if you are hiring a full-service mover, expect it to cost upwards of $7000 to $13000. It really all just depends on the factors.

• Distance of the move. You’re paying for gas and any wear and tear on the mover’s equipment. It will cost more to move further.
• Size of the home. Single-wides just naturally cost less than double-wides. Taller mobile homes will cost more because the movers will have to take longer travel routes to avoid hazards.
• Weight of the mobile home. Some mobile homes weigh up to $40,000, empty. That’s a lot, so it costs a lot.
• Permits and inspections. Of course, the red tape always adds to the overall cost. 

FAQs about Moving a Mobile Home

What is the oldest you can move a mobile home?

The oldest manufactured home that can be moved is determined by HUD regulations. If your home was built before 1976, it does not meet current safety standards and should not be moved, even for short distances.

Can you move a mobile home in Florida?

Moving a mobile home in Florida can be done by utilizing the services of a licensed Florida Mobile Home Installer. The responsibility of the homeowner is to reach out to a mover and ensure that all necessary paperwork is completed.

How do I get a permit to move a mobile home in South Carolina?

To obtain a permit for moving a mobile home in South Carolina, you will need to provide the licensing agent with a certificate from the county treasurer confirming that there are no outstanding taxes owed on the mobile home. Additionally, you must submit either a copy of the mobile home’s certificate of title or a copy of the application for a certificate of title that has been submitted to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

How old of a mobile home can you move in Georgia?

The age limit for relocating a mobile home in Georgia is often determined by county regulations. Typically, counties set the limit at 10 years, although some may restrict it to as few as five years. This means that any manufactured home older than the specified age limit cannot be moved into or within the county.

Who regulates manufactured homes in NC?

The State Administrative Agency (SAA) for the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) for the State of North Carolina is responsible for regulating manufactured homes in NC. Their role is to ensure that manufactured homes are built in compliance with federal standards and installed according to North Carolina regulations.

How much does a mobile home frame weigh?

The weight of a mobile home frame varies depending on its size, typically ranging from 3,000 to 10,000 pounds. However, for larger homes, the weight can exceed 20,000 pounds. Currently, the price of steel at scrapyards can range from 10 to 40 cents per pound, depending on the quality and location.

Do you need a permit to move a mobile home in Texas?

You do need a permit to move a mobile home in Texas if it exceeds 20 feet wide. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) issues a single-trip permit specifically for this purpose. These permits are valid for one movement only, within the designated time frame stated on the permit, from a specific starting point to a specific destination.

Can mobile homes be moved around?

Mobile homes can indeed be moved around with the help of skilled and trustworthy movers. Regardless of their size, it is possible to relocate them by following a specific process. First, the movers will inspect the home and then proceed to remove the skirting. Afterward, they will split the home into two or three sections, just as it was originally manufactured.

Can you move walls in a mobile home?

Moving walls in a mobile home is feasible as long as you refrain from altering the marriage line, load-bearing interior walls, or the exterior walls and corners. By adhering to these guidelines, you should encounter no difficulties when removing walls.

How close to the ground can you put a mobile home?

The mobile home should be placed with a minimum clearance of 12 inches between the ground (finished grade) and the bottom of the steel I-beams, as required by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Can I move a mobile home in California?

To move a mobile home in California, it is necessary to obtain three competitive bids from licensed mobile home set-up and service companies, as well as PUC licensed highway carriers. These bids should cover the costs of preparing, transporting, set-up, and service, including permits and escort services.