Mobile Home Moving: Complete Guide to Costs, Permits & Preparation (2025)
Moving a mobile home isn't like calling regular movers for your household items. You're literally relocating your entire house, which requires specialized equipment, permits, and professional expertise that can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 depending on your home's size and distance.
Whether you own a single-wide, double-wide, or triple-wide manufactured home, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about mobile home relocation, from understanding moving costs to navigating permit requirements.
💰 Mobile Home Moving Costs at a Glance
Single-Wide$5,000 - $8,000
(within 50 miles)
Double-Wide$10,000 - $13,000
(within 50 miles)
Triple-Wide$20,000+
(within 50 miles)
Setup Fees$3,000 - $4,000
(additional)
Understanding Mobile Home Moving Costs
The cost to move a mobile home typically ranges from $5 to $10 per mile for the actual transport, but several factors significantly impact your total investment:
Distance is the biggest cost factor. Local moves under 50 miles are significantly cheaper than long-distance relocations. Long-distance moves across multiple states can exceed $20,000 due to added complexity and logistics.
Home size determines equipment needs. Larger homes require more manpower and specialized equipment, driving up the price. The weight of the home also plays a role; heavier homes may require special permits and escort vehicles.
Age and condition affect moving feasibility. Professional movers can carefully reinforce and maneuver older mobile homes onto a moving truck, but that process takes extra materials, time, and labor, which costs more.
⚠️ Important: Pre-1976 Mobile Homes
Mobile homes built before 1976 may not meet current HUD standards for moving and often cannot be relocated legally. Check with professionals before making any moving plans.
📋 Mobile Home Moving Permits: What You Need to Know
You cannot legally move a mobile home without proper permits, and the approval process can take months. Start early!
Required Documentation:
- Certificate of Title proving ownership
- County treasurer certificate (no unpaid taxes)
- Moving permit from state/county
- Transit permits for road use
- Installation permits for new location
Additional Requirements:
- Professional moving company license verification
- Insurance coverage documentation
- Route planning and road restrictions
- Utility disconnection/reconnection permits
Mobile Home Moving Preparation Checklist
🏠 Home Preparation
- Remove skirting and foundations
- Disconnect all utilities safely
- Secure or remove awnings, decks, porches
- Fix any structural issues
- Remove heavy interior items
📄 Legal Requirements
- Obtain moving permits (start 2-3 months early)
- Verify zoning laws at destination
- Schedule required inspections
- Confirm route restrictions
- Arrange police escorts if needed
🚚 Moving Company Selection
- Verify FMCSA registration
- Check state licensing and bonding
- Compare quotes from 3+ companies
- Confirm insurance coverage
- Review contract terms carefully
🏗️ Site Preparation
- Level and clear the new site
- Prepare utility connections
- Install new foundation if required
- Check access roads and clearances
- Obtain site permits if needed
⏰ Mobile Home Moving Timeline
3-4 Months Before: Start Planning
Research destination zoning laws, begin permit applications, and get quotes from licensed moving companies. Start decluttering and removing items that can't travel with the home.
2 Months Before: Secure Services
Book your moving company, finalize permit applications, and begin site preparation at the new location. Schedule utility disconnections and reconnections.
1 Month Before: Final Preparations
Complete home preparations, confirm all permits are approved, and finalize moving day logistics. Remove skirting and prepare utilities for disconnection.
Moving Week: Execute the Move
Disconnect utilities, complete final inspections, and oversee the transport. Be present for delivery and initial setup at the new location.
Transport-Only vs. Full-Service Mobile Home Moving
When relocating a mobile home, you generally have two primary options: Transport-only moves and Full-service moves. Understanding these options helps you budget appropriately:
Transport-Only Moving:
- Professional transport from point A to point B
- You handle utility disconnections and reconnections
- You arrange site preparation and setup
- Lower upfront cost but more work for you
Full-Service Moving:
- Complete service including preparation, transport, and setup
- Professional utility disconnection and reconnection
- Site preparation and foundation work included
- Higher cost but comprehensive service
Money-Saving Tips for Mobile Home Moving
Get multiple quotes and book early. Obtain quotes from multiple professional moving companies to compare prices and services. Planning a move well in advance allows for more flexibility and better deals.
Optimize your home for transport. Remove unnecessary weight, secure loose items, and complete any needed repairs beforehand. A move-ready home reduces labor costs and potential complications.
Choose the right service level. If you're handy and have time, a transport-only move can save thousands compared to full-service options. Just ensure you understand all the tasks you'll need to handle.
Plan for shorter distances when possible. Moving costs increase significantly with distance. If you have flexibility in location, staying within 50-100 miles can substantially reduce your total cost.
Understanding HUD Wind Zone Regulations
When moving manufactured homes from state to state, you and your mobile home mover will need to abide by several federal HUD regulations. HUD divides the country into three distinct zones based on each region's susceptibility to storms.
This affects interstate moves significantly - you may not be able to move your home from a lower wind zone to a higher one without modifications or compliance upgrades.
🚚 Ready to Move Your Mobile Home?
Moving a mobile home requires expertise, proper licensing, and specialized equipment. Don't risk your investment with inexperienced movers.
Get Licensed Mobile Home Moving Quotes →Connect with certified professionals who understand mobile home transport requirements
Remember: Laws require mobile homeowners to work with a licensed, bonded, and insured professional moving company. This isn't a DIY project - protect your investment by choosing experienced mobile home movers who understand the complex requirements of manufactured home relocation.
