If you’ve always wanted to live in different parts of the country but didn’t want to leave your house behind, investing in a mobile home could definitely be a good choice. The fact that you need not part ways with your dream home even when moving to a new location is what makes mobile homes so special. But the only catch here is the process of moving your mobile home.
From acquiring certain permits to planning out the moving process as per laws, there are a lot of things involved in moving a mobile home. And naturally, the cost of the process is going to be an integral aspect of it. Just read along to get an idea of how much does it cost to move a mobile home, the factors influencing it, and the ways you can try and keep your budget in control.
How Much Does It Cost To Move A Mobile Home
Let us tackle the main question straight away. On average, hiring a full service mover to move a single-wide mobile home within a distance of 50 miles could cost between $3,000 to $8,500 while moving a double-wide home could cost between $9,500 to $14,000. A full service move includes the process of transporting your mobile home, acquiring permits as well as figuring out the utilities.
Some home moving companies will charge you by the hour or will charge a minimum fee irrespective of your destination when moving locally. For long distance moves, you can expect $6 to $15 to be added to each hour of your transport costs. This can even lead to your total cost going upwards of $18,000 in some circumstances. Estimating your total cost isn’t exactly a black and white process as there are a number of factors that would be influencing your costs.
Factors Affecting The Cost Of Moving A Mobile Home
1. Size Of Your Mobile Home
There are mainly two types of mobile homes – single-wide homes and double-wide homes. The size of your home will be a major determinant of your total moving cost. Naturally, moving single-wide homes or smaller-sized mobile homes will cost more than double-wide homes. Your costs will increase if you have a broad, wide mobile home that doesn’t fit into one lane, or if you need special permission for a temporary road closure, or a police escort.
2. Distance Of The Move
As expected, the shorter your moving distance, the cheaper your move will be. Moving long distance means higher costs as lugging a mobile home requires a large amount of gas as well as extra time as the movers can’t speed up or rush around corners with that load behind them. Some companies might even need to invest in special equipment or new tires to facilitate your long distance move, which will be an additional cost as well.
Also Read: 5 Best Long Distance Moving Companies
3. Weight Of The Home
Traditional mobile homes that are older and have been manufactured a few years back tend to weigh between 35 to 40 lbs per square foot, while newer homes are comparatively heavier, weighing between 45 to 50 lbs per square foot. Naturally, the heavier your home, the more equipment will be needed to haul it, leading to higher costs. Whether your home is made with metal or vinyl siding and skirting, would also be a factor affecting your total costs.
4. Permits
In most situations, moving a mobile home will require permits and permissions, especially when you’re moving interstate. The cost of a permit generally ranges between $15 and $100, depending on your location. While you can be figuring out the paperwork by yourself, hiring professional movers will tick that task off your checklist and also lessen the stress on your shoulders. They are well-versed in the process of acquiring all kinds of permits, though you will be charged a certain amount for this service. In addition to this, you may also need to get a “set-up” permit to install your mobile home in a new city.
5. Age And Condition Of The Mobile Home
Moving older mobile homes that might be a bit worn or rundown will cost more, especially if additional resources are needed to secure and repair the mobile home. A mobile home that’s been stationary for several years may need repairs on the wheels and axles to make it safe for transportation. All these charges will end up increasing your total cost.
6. Additional Services
If your mobile home has extra luxuries like an air conditioner, a shed, or a deck, your mover might charge you a higher price for the move. Many movers will even charge an additional fee to take apart and set up your mobile home. This service generally includes disconnecting and reconnecting utilities, removing and reinstalling features like a porch or skirting, and the reconnection of double-wide homes. If you need to clean up the lot after you move, you can also choose this as an additional service. Keep in mind that all these additional services can cost anywhere between $800 to $4,000.
Insurance
You will have to purchase liability coverage when hiring movers for your mobile home. While most moving companies offer basic coverage, you might still want to purchase third-party insurance. If you already own mobile home insurance then do make sure to clarify with your carrier whether or not your mobile home is insured when in transit.
Why Should You Hire Professionals To Move Your Mobile Home
Apart from the fact that most states require you to hire a professional mover for moving your mobile home, there are other benefits of doing so too. Professional moving companies have the required expertise, equipment, as well as the relevant experience of moving and setting up a mobile home, which is definitely not an easy process if left to handle alone. This might be an expensive option for many but the overall benefits make it worth it too.
The first and foremost aspect of moving a mobile home is getting all the necessary permits and inspections in place. And that itself can be a very tedious process. But when you hire a professional mobile mover, you don’t need to worry about this as the company will, in most cases, arrange all the necessary permits right from local, set-up permits to state transportation permits. You should clarify and get all the relevant details from your mover prior to your move.
Hiring a professional home mover means no more worrying about how to drive your truck with such a load being dragged behind it. Ready with the required equipment, an experienced truck driver from the moving company will make sure to safely get your mobile house transported to the new location. This not only saves you a lot of time and energy but also lets you focus on the other arrangements that might need your attention.
All in all, hiring a professional moving company to move your mobile home can definitely help in lifting some stress off your shoulders.
See Also: 5 Best Mobile Home Movers | How Much Does A New Mobile Home Cost?
Tips To Lower Your Costs Of Moving A Mobile Home
Moving and expenses go hand in hand and surely there aren’t two ways about it. When it comes to moving a mobile home as well, it’s difficult to cut corners as you don’t want to compromise on safety. But here’s where we want to back you up. There are a couple of ways that you can make use of to save a few bucks on your mobile home moving process.
- The moving company that you choose to move your mobile home will be a key determinant of your moving costs. Just as we would suggest for all other moves, you should reach out to at least 2–3 different companies before finalizing on the one. Research about these companies, check their accreditations and customer reviews, as well as get quotes from all of them.
- When you’re conducting your research about these companies, don’t forget to ask your friends and family if they have any recommendations for mobile home movers. You can also reach out to other mobile home owners, local mobile parks, and dealers for their suggestions.
- Try looking out for companies that offer a price matching policy or have a few discounts to make use of. Be thorough about the pricing structure of the company and make sure to inquire about all the services included in your final cost. You can also read up the online customer reviews to find out if the company has a background of charging additional or hidden fees at the end.
- In some cases, the transport and set-up charges of a used mobile home might be as good as investing in a new mobile home. In such a scenario, try negotiating with your movers to get the best deals, and in the end, make a choice based on what suits you the best.
Also See: Best Time to Move? | Tips For Hiring Quality Movers
Things To Keep In Mind When Moving A Mobile Home
- Mobile homes are also popularly referred to as manufactured homes because moving a mobile home isn’t very ‘mobile’ after all. Ideally, you shouldn’t plan a Do-It-Yourself move for your mobile home, not only because it can be really difficult, but also because it is illegal to do so in many states. By law, you’re required to hire a licensed, bonded, and insured professional home mover to help move your mobile home.
- Knowing the HUD Code and making arrangements for all inspections is an important step to be taken care of when moving a mobile home. The Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD Code came into effect in 1976 to mandate and ensure a systematic process for buying a new mobile home. The HUD Code requires all mobile homes to have a permanent steel chassis attached and it also dictates the size and structure of these homes. If your mobile home was built before 1976, you might not be able to move it in some cases.
- All mobile homes are built to different standards based on their location. Some states require you to conduct a mandatory inspection of your mobile home when you’re planning to move it. In addition to that, you also need to check and fulfill all the zoning restrictions that might be applicable in the new location.
- Getting a permit for moving your mobile home is necessary in almost all states. While your home movers will likely handle these requirements for you, it is important for you to be aware of them as well. In most cases, you’ll be requiring a certificate of title or a copy of the same for the property and a certificate from the county treasurer that states that you have no unpaid or overdue taxes on the property. Make sure to have all the paperwork in place before you start the moving process.
FAQs
Can You Move A Mobile Home By Yourself?
No, you cannot be moving a mobile home by yourself. As per law, you’re required to use the help of a professional, licensed, bonded, and insured moving company to move your mobile home. Since the process of moving a mobile home isn’t an easy one, it is best left to professionals who have the required expertise as well as experience.
Can You Move An Old Mobile Home?
Older mobile homes tend to have damages to the roof and floors which can make moving them a difficult process. Some moving companies might only allow to move homes that aren’t more than 15 or 20 years old, while a few others might have no age limit but will conduct a thorough inspection before agreeing to move the house. Similarly, a few states like Florida require a mandatory inspection of old mobile homes if you intend to move them to a different location. As long as the HUD Code is met and its condition is stable, it is possible to move an old mobile home.
Is Living In A Mobile Home Cheaper?
Usually, mobile homes cost less per square foot in comparison to permanently built homes making them a more affordable option. Though maintenance of a mobile home costs as much as a stick-built home, homeownership is definitely easier to achieve with mobile homes. In this regard, a mobile home is a cheaper option.
Is It Worth Moving A Mobile Home?
The process of moving a mobile home can be troublesome at times, especially when you’re moving older homes that are often deemed unfit. Although living in a mobile home offers flexibility, moving it after setting up can be both difficult and expensive. From permits to arrangements, there are a number of things that you would need to take into consideration when deciding to move your mobile home. After doing a complete research, if you can make the necessary arrangements, then moving a mobile home could be worth it for you.
What is the oldest age a mobile home can be moved?
Most companies have a policy where they won’t move any mobile home over 20 years old, but some will go as long if it is structurally sound.
How long should a mobile home last?
Answers vary according to their construction, but these homes can generally be expected at least 30 years of service life. Modular and manufactured types are also subject to lasting 50-55 years if they’re adequately built with proper code compliance!
How much does it cost to relocate a mobile home?
Moving a mobile home less than 100 miles is generally between $3,000 and $8,500. If you’re moving a mobile home more than 100 miles, expect to pay around $6 to $15 per mile or up to $15,000.
Conclusion
Modern mobile homes are a flexible and cost-effective alternative to permanently built homes. But buying and moving a mobile home can be a tricky process that requires thorough research. From the costs and permits required to the mobile home movers you can approach, a little bit of homework is needed from your end to ensure that you get the best deals out there.
