While it may be possible to move a mobile home yourself, hiring professionals is usually cheaper and safer. Moving companies will handle everything from building codes and zoning clearance to obtaining necessary permits.
It’s necessary to separate double or triple-section homes into smaller sections since they can’t be moved as a single unit. Moreover, federal HUD regulations mandate inspecting homes before and after transportation to ensure they meet the standards.
1. Packing
When preparing for a mobile home move, it’s important to have the right equipment and materials. For instance, proper tools for lifting and transporting your mobile home are essential if you plan to handle some of the moving. Similarly, having suitable boxes and tape for packing your items is crucial. It’s also important to turn off all utilities before the move to avoid problems with water or electricity. Lastly, applying a winter seal to your mobile home’s pipes can help prevent freezing and bursting during the move.
Before the move, you should check with your local zoning department to determine the permits necessary for relocating your manufactured home. This is because different states have their own requirements, and it’s important to know what they are. For instance, some places require a permit to move a mobile home under 30 years old. In other cases, moving a mobile home across state lines requires a permit.
Before moving, secure loose items in your mobile home. This involves safeguarding breakable items like glass shower doors and cabinet drawers by wrapping them in bubble wrap and boxing them if they’re large. Remove outdoor attachments like porches and awnings to prevent them from being blown away by strong winds during the move.
If you’re planning on hiring professional manufactured home movers to handle the move, you should contact them early to reserve a date. They may be booked up months in advance, so getting on their schedule as soon as possible is important. Additionally, you should also make sure that you have all the necessary paperwork in order before your move.
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2. Moving Day
Moving a mobile home isn’t as simple as hooking it up to a truck. It takes specialized tools and supplies to move the home properly. If you’re going with a full-service mover, they will provide the necessary tools and equipment for your move. While this can lead to higher costs compared to a DIY approach, it eliminates the need for you to be concerned about the move’s logistics and guarantees the correct execution of all tasks.
The size of your mobile home will also impact the cost. Double-wide mobile homes tend to be more expensive than single-wide. This is because they require more piers and axles to support the weight of the home. Furthermore, your mobile home’s height might require adjustment to fit under bridges and through underpasses. These costs will be borne by your mover and will be included in the overall price of your move.
Ensure your destination can accommodate your mobile home. Confirm the road’s width and clear the ground from obstacles. Obtain necessary permits for setting up, including zoning, septic tank, and driveway permits. Another factor that can affect the cost of your move is whether it’s a local or long-distance move. Long-distance moves are usually more expensive because of the increased time and gas consumed. Additionally, longer trips usually incur additional fees for bridging, escorts, and permits.
Finally, it’s also important to consider the weather conditions during your move. Mobile homes aren’t the strongest structures, and extreme weather conditions can cause damage to your home during transportation. It’s best to check the weather forecast before your move and reschedule it if there’s a chance of bad weather. This will help prevent delays or accidents that could cost you more money.
3. Unpacking
Once the mobile home is loaded onto the truck, the movers disconnect all utilities. If necessary, they will place the mobile home on its new foundation. They will also remove and store extra luxuries like sheds, decks, and awnings. This will allow the home to travel easily and be less likely to get damaged during transport.
The price to move a mobile home will vary based on the size and distance of the trip. The weight of the home will also affect the costs, as older homes tend to be heavier than newer models. Additionally, the movers must obtain permits to cross state lines and move their mobile home to a different city. This can add to the overall cost of the move and may require additional inspections in the destination city.
While it isn’t always possible to avoid additional fees, it’s important to know what to expect when moving your manufactured home. This will help you plan for the move and ensure you have the right amount of money set aside to cover the cost of your relocation. Like a conventional house, relocating a mobile home demands expertise and understanding. Movers must exercise caution to avoid harming the structure and its contents, especially if it has been on the road for an extended period.
To prevent damage during transport, remove potentially loose items like toilet tank lids, glass cabinet drawers, and light fixtures. Safely wrap and secure these items. Also, check window security, disconnect air conditioning units, and disassemble them to minimize the risk of damage while moving, especially for long-distance transportation.
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4. Set Up
When mobile home movers move from one place to another, it can take quite some time. This is due to the fact that it weighs a lot. Older homes typically weigh 35 to 40 pounds per square foot, while newer ones can weigh up to 50. This makes it a huge load to move, and it takes a large amount of equipment to haul it over long distances.
Those who need to move a mobile home may do so for various reasons. Some might transfer to a different location for work, while others might relocate because of family circumstances or financial issues. Whatever the reason, working with a professional mover is typically the best option. These professionals know what it takes to move a mobile home, and they can ensure that the process is done correctly.
If someone is going to transport a mobile home across state lines, they must acquire the proper permits. Usually, the zoning department of the town, county, parish, or city where the home is being moved issues these permits. They may also demand a thorough home inspection to ensure it complies with codes before transporting it. These inspections are a crucial part of the move and can sometimes cost more than transporting the home.
Aside from obtaining the necessary permits, readying the land for mobile home placement is crucial. Clear vegetation and ensure proper slope to prevent water accumulation. Hook up utilities like electricity, plumbing, non-portable heat, and gas, if possible. Check the move day’s weather forecast to avoid moving in extreme conditions, benefiting both movers and road safety.
