How Much Does It Cost To Move a Mobile Home? 

How Much Does It Cost To Move a Mobile Home? One common misconception about modern manufactured homes is that they are highly mobile. However, there are instances where relocating them becomes necessary, and in such cases, the process can be quite challenging.

Moving a manufactured home can be a costly, time-consuming, and energy-intensive task that may have other negative consequences. Beyond the financial costs involved, the moving process can be a significant source of stress. Moving a manufactured home requires more than just calling a local tow truck company and hitching up.

Before taking on the difficult task of moving a manufactured home, it’s important to be aware of the various factors involved. While it can certainly have its benefits, it’s worth considering whether you want to take on this task alone.

To help you make an informed decision, this article will provide information on all the costs associated with transporting a manufactured home, allowing you to calculate what you might need to spend.

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How Much Does It Cost To Move a Mobile Home?

It depends on whether you choose to do a transport-only or a full-service move and the type of mobile home you have (single-, double or triple-wide). A transport-only move will include attaching the move-ready manufactured home to a towing vehicle, moving it to a new location, and unhooking it. The mover would also provide the necessary permits and liability insurance. A full-service move covers all of the above in addition to disconnecting all utilities, skirting and attached structures, and then reconnecting them at the new location.Although manufactured homes are often considered convenient and affordable, many assume that they are easy to move. However, due to varying legal considerations from state to state, high costs of transport, insurance, and repairs, this is not always the case. It can also be frustrating to find the right movers for manufactured homes, as lists and phone numbers can be outdated.

If you’re considering moving your manufactured home, it’s important to approach the decision with caution and consider all the facts to ensure you get the best deal and most value for your money. Cost-effectiveness should be the first and most crucial element to consider. While the term “manufactured home” might suggest ease of transport, the reality is that many are not very mobile and require a significant amount of effort and preparation to move. If the cost of the move is more than half the value of your home, it may be better to sell and purchase a new or secondhand manufactured home at your destination.

Cost estimates to move a manufactured home

Just to use an estimate, the transport-only move will cost anywhere between $700 and $3,500. The full-service move will cost $3,000-$14,000.

According to CostHelper, the transport-only move for up to 60 miles is about $700-$1,000 for a single-wide, $2,000-$2,500 for a double-wide, and $2,600-$3,500 for a triple-wide.

To move a single-wide mobile home using the full-service moving service and the same distance of up to 60 miles will cost about $3,000-$5,000. Full-service moves include the disconnect, reconnect and transport services. To move a double-wide mobile home will cost $4,000-$10,000. For triple-wide, expect to pay $10,000-$14,000 or more. Of course, these are just estimates.

What costs are involved in moving a mobile home?

The cost to move your mobile home will depend on a wide variety of factors, including:

• Labor costs
• Setup services
• Moving materials
• Home size
• Permits
• Location
• Travel distance
• Local regulations
• Various transportation fees

Since these rates are based on per-mile charges, among other things, long-distance moves will cost more. Moving companies typically charge about $4-$5.50 per mile for the towing vehicle and about $1.50-$1.65 per mile for the pilot cars. Of course, the rate will also depend on the current fuel price and the travel distance.

As an estimate, most moving companies will move a small single-wide  home within the state and up to 60 miles starting at about $1,000.

Preparing For The Move

Preparing a manufactured home for transport is a crucial step that involves several tasks. You can either do it yourself or pay additional fees to your movers to handle it for you. Some of the preparations that need to be made include canceling utilities beforehand and hiring a licensed plumber and electrician to disconnect your home. You will also need to remove skirting and store it safely for transport, as well as remove any additions, decks, sheds, and air conditioning. To ensure the safety of your belongings, windows and glass panes should be secured to prevent shattering during the move. It is also necessary to pack your belongings and secure furniture inside the home. Finally, the home must be lifted off the ground to install axles and a hitch for towing.

Transportation

Transporting manufactured homes can be challenging due to their weight, which often exceeds 18,000 lbs. Initially, movers must raise the home off its foundation to attach the wheels, enabling it to be towed. They will then take the home to its destination, usually with one or more guide cars, which are necessary by law in most states to ensure the safety of other drivers on the road. Due to the size and length of the home, movers must travel slowly, using major highways, and may need to stop frequently to replace tires and axles as needed. The actual transportation cost generally ranges from $5 to $15 per mile. It’s essential to select a moving company with insurance to cover any damages that may occur during transport. The cost of moving permits, insurance, and fees required by the local state or county will also affect the overall price.

Installing Your Manufactured Home

After your manufactured home has been transported to its new location, there are several steps that need to be taken to get it installed. If you are not moving into a manufactured home park, the first step is to prepare the base. Additionally, you will need to activate utilities, have licensed plumbers and electricians connect utilities, set up sewage, reinstall the skirting, remove axles and hitches, level the home, and complete other necessary tasks. It is important to note that you may also be required to obtain building permits from the local township, which can add to the overall cost. All of these tasks can be quite expensive, so it is important to budget accordingly.

Average Mobile Home Transport Costs

To provide a rough estimate, the cost of transporting a manufactured home can range from $1000 to $3,500 for a transport-only move and $3,000 to $14,000 for a full-service move. For a single-wide mobile home moved within 60 miles, a transport-only move can cost around $1,000 to $1,200, while a full-service move can cost $3,000 to $5,000, including disconnect, reconnect, and transport services. For a double-wide, the cost of a full-service move is typically between $4,000 and $10,000, and for a triple-wide, the cost may exceed $10,000.

It’s important to note that these are just estimates and actual costs can range between $1,000 and $20,000 depending on several factors. Therefore, it is recommended that you obtain an individualized quote from a manufactured home mover based on your specific circumstances and the details of your manufactured home.

The cost of moving a manufactured home is determined by the distance of the move, with short-distance moves costing between $1,000 and $5,000 and longer trips costing $15,000 or more. As a general rule, the cost is estimated at $5 to $10 per mile. Additionally, you will need to factor in the cost of permits and a minimum charge for short moves. To get an accurate estimate, it’s best to contact a moving company near you to inquire about their rates. It’s important to note that moving a manufactured home can be expensive and requires a significant amount of effort. As a result, many manufactured home parks are hesitant to allow residents to move their homes.

Things To Consider Before Looking At Cost

Hiring a Mover

When moving a large manufactured home, it’s important to hire a professional mover with experience in this area. However, it can be challenging to select the right company, especially when considering the costs involved. While it’s natural to be price-conscious, relying solely on price may not be the best approach. Like any industry, there are unscrupulous operators in the manufactured home moving business. Therefore, it’s essential to conduct your research and due diligence before choosing a company. Checking references and looking up their reputation on sites like the Better Business Bureau can help you make an informed decision.

When reviewing the quote, be sure to understand precisely what services are included. For instance, does the mover guarantee to clean up the lot after the move? Many manufactured home parks hold homeowners responsible for cleaning up after the movers. Ensure that the quote includes this service to avoid any issues with the park. Additionally, clarify how the mover plans to handle any sheds or decks attached to the home. Doing so before the move can prevent miscommunications during the process.

By choosing a good moving company, you get:

LICENSED & INSURED TRANSPORTATION COMPANY

It is crucial to note that manufactured home insurance typically does not cover the home during transportation. Therefore, before agreeing to hire a mover, it is essential to inquire about the insurance coverage they offer.

Moving Permits

Before transporting your home, the moving company will perform an inspection to check if the home is suitable for transportation. If it is, many movers will handle the permit application process for you. However, it’s important to confirm this with the company beforehand, as you may need to obtain the permits yourself. While obtaining permits isn’t usually difficult, it can be frustrating if you’re not familiar with the process.

Moving Preparation

The professional movers will disconnect the plumbing and any other components required for transportation purposes. They will disconnect the home at the marriage line and prepare it for the journey.

Here are some of the factors that can impact the cost of moving a manufactured home:

FOUNDATION: The type of foundation the home is on can affect the cost, with slab foundations generally resulting in lower costs than block foundations.

WEIGHT: The weight of the home is a significant factor as it determines the size of the equipment needed for the move.

DISTANCE: The distance of the move is also a major factor in determining the cost.

PERMITS: Permits are required for each state that the home passes through, which can add to the overall cost.

SIZE: Larger homes, such as double-wides, can cost more to move, and if the home is split into sections, it can double the travel expense.

ACCESSIBILITY: The location of the home and the accessibility of the roads can also impact the cost. Difficult-to-reach destinations or roads that are not suitable for the size of the load can add to the overall cost.

ADDITIONAL EXPENSES TO CONSIDER INCLUDE:

AGE: If your manufactured home is old, it may require new wheels or other repairs to make it safe for relocation. Consider the home’s overall condition and assess whether it is suitable for transport.

REPAIRS: In the event of an accident or damage during the move, repairs may be necessary. While the moving company should have insurance, it is important to review their policy to determine what is covered. Furthermore, unforeseen repairs, such as those to the shingles or siding, may be required after the home has been moved to its new location.

ANOTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE DECIDING TO PURSUE A MOVE

1. To potentially save thousands of dollars, consider reaching out to multiple companies for bids before selecting one.
2. Ensure that any moving company you choose has adequate insurance before making a decision. Conduct research and ask questions beforehand.
3. Evaluate the costs of moving versus the current value of your home. Determine if it would be more financially sensible to relocate or purchase a new home.
4. Your manufactured home park may attempt to impede your relocation. Although this is not a valid reason to remain, it’s important to be prepared. It’s illegal for parks to block homes with vehicles, so seek legal representation or law enforcement if necessary.
5. Be aware that you are responsible for dismantling the skirting, decks, steps, and landscaping surrounding your home.
6. Be ready for unforeseen circumstances, as with most things in life. Be prepared for the unexpected.

How Much Does It Cost To Move a Mobile Home?

Factors that affect manufactured home transport cost

Distance

Moving can be a difficult task, and as a result, most movers have a minimum price for their services, regardless of the move’s distance. It is reasonable to anticipate a minimum cost of $1,000 for a move, irrespective of the destination.

For moves under 100 miles, the transportation costs can range between $1,000 to $13,000, depending on the moving company. However, beyond a particular distance, the charges are typically based on the miles covered. This rate can be approximately $10 per mile, but it also depends on the size and type of the home being moved.

SIZE OF THE HOME

The size and weight of a manufactured home have a direct impact on its transportation cost. The width of the home poses a significant challenge as the roads are typically designed for narrower vehicles. A single-wide home is less than 18 feet wide, while a double-wide is over 20 feet wide and transported in two separate sections.

Consequently, moving a double-wide incurs per-section charges, resulting in nearly double the cost of moving a single-wide. Moving a single-wide usually costs between $1,000 to $5,000, while moving a short double-wide generally costs between $5,000 to $10,000. The per-mile charge is also consistent with this pricing structure.

THE WEIGHT OF THE HOME

In the past, the weight of manufactured homes was not a significant concern for movers. However, as the homes have become increasingly heavier, more moving companies are factoring it into their pricing. This additional cost may be in the form of a flat rate fee or a per-mile charge.

POSSIBLE ADDITIONAL COSTS

PREPARATION FOR TRANSPORT

Moving a manufactured home is not as simple as hooking up a trailer to a truck and driving away. In some cases, the movers may provide a preparation service, or you may need to complete it yourself before the move can occur. This service typically costs between $1,000 to $2,500 and encompasses the following tasks:

• Disconnecting utilities
• Separating the sections of a double-wide home
• Adding protective material to the exterior of the home
• Securing loose appliances and furniture
• Repairing or replacing tires ($50 per tire), axles ($100-$200), or hitches ($200-$300)
• Detaching the home from its foundation
• Removing any items that require separate transportation (e.g., skirting, outdoor features)

SETUP AT A NEW LOCATION

Once the manufactured home has been transported to its new location, it will need to be set up. Since this is a challenging task that most owners cannot do themselves, moving companies typically offer it as an additional service. The average cost for this service is approximately $2,500, but it can range from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the specific needs of the home. The set-up service may include:

• Placing the home on its new foundation, ensuring it is level and securely tied down
• Connecting the home to utilities
• Reattaching any components that were removed for the move (e.g., skirting, outdoor features)

PERMITS

If you are feeling overwhelmed by all the expenses associated with moving a manufactured home, rest assured that the cost of obtaining permits from local authorities in different states is relatively small (around $20) compared to the transportation costs. In fact, many moving companies include permit fees in their initial quotes. Nonetheless, it is essential to verify this information, as failing to obtain the required permits can result in legal issues and potentially void the insurance on your home.

What are the benefits of hiring professionals to handle the move of a mobile home?

We do not recommend moving a mobile home by yourself. This type of move requires a team of professionals, who are not only trained in setting up a mobile home but are also experienced in driving large loads attached to the back of their truck. Those moving their mobile homes a long distance and across state lines may need multiple movers to handle the transportation. This is because a mover may be licensed to drive a mobile home in only one state, meaning he or she would need to hand off the car to another driver once across the state line.

While hiring a moving company to handle your mobile home move isn’t cheap, it does have its benefits. Here are a few good reasons to hire a moving company to handle the relocation:

• Moving companies will obtain all necessary moving permits for you. Permits are a pain to obtain. Fortunately, mobile home moving companies will handle all of the necessary permit requirements before your move. The mobile home moving company should take care of everything for you, from local setup permits to state transportation permits.
• Moving companies will transport the mobile home for you. Driving a large truck rental is hard enough without the added worry of dragging an oversized load behind it. So unless you’re an experienced truck driver, we highly recommend hiring professionals to drive your mobile home – especially if driving a long distance. Otherwise, you could put yourself and others in danger.
• It will save you time and energy. From popped tires to setup services, hiring a moving company will save you from all sorts of headaches later down the road. If you’re hoping for a smooth, easy move, hiring a professional mover is the way to go. Trust us – you won’t regret it.

Bonus tips for moving mobile homes

• Do your research when looking to hire a mobile home moving company. When choosing a reliable moving company, compare the quotes (they’re free!), ask for referrals, check online reviews, and find out about its insurance policy.
• Budget in the add-ons. Tell the movers if you have a shed, a deck or an air conditioning unit, as those would most likely yield extra charges. If you want the movers to clean up the lot after moving your home, that might also cost extra, so discuss it beforehand.
• Check the federal HUD regulations for the new location. HUD sets national construction and safety standards for manufactured homes. It created the so-called Wind Zones in 1976 as part of the HUD Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards, also called the HUD Code. The latest reiteration went into effect in July 2021. HUD divides the country into three zones based on the region’s susceptibility to natural disasters and various storms. The manufactured home you have is designed to resist the wind load of the zone it’s located in, measured in pounds per square foot. According to the Manufactured Housing Institute, Wind Zone I equates to a maximum of 70 mph wind speed, Zone II can withstand a 100 mph wind speed, and Zone III’s maximum is 110 mph. Manufactured homes sold in each zone must meet or exceed these regulations. So, if you’re moving between zones, please make sure your mobile home will meet the requirements. You can find the Wind Zone, Roof Load, and Snow Load information on the HUD data plate inside your home. It can be found in a bedroom closet, in a kitchen cabinet, or near the main electrical panel.
• Check the local legal requirements for where you’re moving. The new location may have stricter building standards and property age laws than the place you’re leaving. Most mobile home communities have different building codes, park rules and other regulations. While the moving company will let you know what you need to move your home in terms of legalities, we suggest you find out what you need to know about the legal requirements of where you’re moving.
• Don’t forget to give notice. Reread your lease agreement and provide written notice within the specified time period. Those can vary from home park to home park.
• Check the requirements for switching utilities. As you contact the utility companies to change your address, make sure they tell you what the deadlines are and whether there are any additional fees to pay. Also, contact the utility companies at the new location to apply within the deadlines – so there’s no gap where you’ll be left without water or electricity.
• Make sure the new location is ready to host your mobile home. Is your new site prepared? Do you need to clean it? Cut any trees? Level the ground?
• DIY some tasks to lower the expenses. While we don’t recommend that you DIY the move of the home itself, there are a few ways to cut moving costs. You can move your belongings in a rental van without any professional help. Pack your home yourself, source free boxes, rent a moving vehicle, and drive it yourself. You can even save on your truck rental fuel costs!
• Prepare your home for the road. Close and secure the doors and the windows. You can cover them for more protection. Inside, either everything needs to be taken out before the move or stabilized. Anything that’s not fixed to the home should go. Think about it: The axles can only hold so much weight and were designed to support the home but not necessarily with all your belongings inside it. Now might be a good time to declutter and purge!
• Make sure the wheels and the tires are road-ready. If you’ve been staying put in one location, chances are you weren’t worried about the condition of the wheels. You may discover that they have degraded over time. A professional moving company will check the wheels, tires, chassis, and axles before the move. The good news is, some mobile home movers might include any needed repairs and rentals in their quotes.

Cost of moving a mobile home FAQs

Keep reading to find out the answers to the most commonly asked questions about the cost of moving a mobile home.

How much does it cost to move a mobile home?

The cost to move a mobile home can range from $700 to $14,000 and beyond. The cost will depend on various factors: labor costs, setup services, moving materials, home size, permits, location, travel distance, local regulations and various transportation fees – to name a few.

Do I need a permit to move a mobile home?

Yes, but a reputable manufactured home mover should be able to help with any permits and inspections involved with the move of your home.

Can I move my mobile home on my own?

We cannot recommend moving a manufactured home on your own. If you’re looking to save money, find a reputable mobile home mover, but pack your home yourself, find free moving supplies, rent a moving vehicle, and find other ways to cut costs.

1. What is the average cost to move a mobile home?
   • The average cost to move a mobile home can vary significantly depending on factors like distance, size of the home, transportation fees, permits, and setup costs. However, a rough estimate would be anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 or more.
2. What factors affect the cost of moving a mobile home?
   • Several factors influence the cost, including distance, size, condition, permits, utility disconnection/reconnection, setup at the new location, and any special requirements like difficult terrain or obstacles along the route.
3. How much does it cost to move a mobile home long distance?
   • Long-distance moves typically incur higher costs due to mileage, permits, and potentially needing specialized equipment for transportation. Depending on the distance, costs could range from $5,000 to $10,000 or more.
4. Is it cheaper to move a mobile home or buy a new one?
   • In many cases, it can be more cost-effective to move an existing mobile home rather than purchasing a new one. However, this depends on the condition of the home, the cost of moving versus buying new, and the availability of suitable properties.
5. Do I need permits to move a mobile home?
   • Yes, permits are typically required for moving a mobile home, and the cost can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the complexity of the move. Permits may include transportation permits, oversize load permits, and local permits for moving through certain areas.
6. Are there additional costs besides transportation when moving a mobile home?
   • Yes, there are additional costs such as disconnecting and reconnecting utilities, removing obstacles along the route, any necessary repairs or upgrades to the home, permits, and setup at the new location.
7. Does insurance cover the cost of moving a mobile home?
   • Insurance coverage for moving a mobile home can vary depending on your policy. Some insurance policies may cover certain aspects of the move, such as damage to the home during transportation, while others may not. It’s important to review your insurance policy or consult with your provider to understand what is covered.
8. Can I move a mobile home myself to save money?
   • While it’s possible to move a mobile home yourself, it’s not recommended unless you have the necessary expertise, equipment, and permits. Moving a mobile home requires specialized knowledge and equipment to ensure it’s done safely and legally.
9. How can I lower the cost of moving a mobile home?
   • You can lower the cost by planning ahead, obtaining multiple quotes from reputable movers, choosing a route that minimizes transportation challenges, ensuring the home is in good condition before the move, and handling any necessary preparations yourself, such as disconnecting utilities.
10. What should I look for in a mobile home moving company?
    • When choosing a mobile home moving company, look for experience, proper licensing and insurance, positive reviews from past customers, transparent pricing, clear communication, and a commitment to safety and compliance with regulations. It’s also a good idea to get multiple quotes and compare services before making a decision.