How Much Does It Cost to Move a Mobile Home?

Top cost factors when moving a mobile home

Despite the name, mobile homes aren’t that simple to move, and costs can add up. The size and weight of your home, along with your moving distance, are the most obvious cost factors. But things like inspections and permits can hike up the price.

If your manufactured home needs repairs or new tires, you must address these issues before it’s safe enough to transport, adding to total costs.

1. Size and weight of your mobile home

A single-wide mobile home (also called a manufactured home) is the cheapest to move since you only need one truck to haul it. Double- and triple-wides can shoot costs up dramatically since they have to be split up and moved separately. Longer and wider units usually require a pilot car, police escort or a scheduled road closure, depending on local regulations.

These costs can add up. “If you go over 12 wide you automatically have to have a pilot car on a California state highway, and some highways may require two pilot cars. If you get over 14 wide, half the route may require one pilot car and the other half requires two,” said Joyce Cubio, vice president of Ernie’s Mobile Home Transport in Marysville, California.

A professional moving company for mobile homes understands how complex local laws can be and will map out the most efficient and cost-effective route. But they’ll also use weight to determine shipping costs, and the heavier your mobile home, the more expensive it is to ship. That’s because heavier homes require more fuel and materials, like tires and tow hitches.

2. Distance and route you’re moving

The farther you have to move your home, the more expensive it will be. And although local moves are less expensive than long-distance ones, you can expect a high price tag regardless, since similar preparation, equipment and permitting are needed no matter how far you’re going.

Another factor that influences your total mileage is the height of your home, since you may have to take a less direct (and longer) route to avoid low overpasses or bridges.

3. Mobile home permits, regulations and inspections

Permit and inspection costs can add thousands of dollars to your mobile home move, and these expenses vary significantly depending on your route and destination. A moving company should handle most of the permitting process, but make sure you budget for these costs accordingly and verify that all necessary fees are included in your quote.

Transportation permits

Transportation permits are one of the biggest regulatory expenses you'll face. "Most counties are their own jurisdiction so you have to get a permit if you're traveling on their roads," said Cubio. "So if you're on a state highway then [the California Department of Transportation] handles that, and if you have to jump off and enter another county you'll have to get another permit from them."

Each jurisdiction charges its own permit fees. If you're traveling through multiple counties or states, these costs can quickly add up. Wide-load permits for homes exceeding standard width limits (typically 8.5 feet) cost extra.

Setup permits and inspections

Beyond transportation permits, you'll need setup permits once your home arrives at its destination. Local building departments charge for permits covering foundation work, utility connections and structural modifications.

What is a setup permit?

A setup permit (also called an install permit) is issued by the state or county with jurisdiction over the land on which your home will be placed and authorizes you to set up and connect to public utilities.

Factor in mandatory inspections to ensure your mobile home is up to code with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations, and your total setup permitting expenses can increase quickly. These costs are in addition to the cost of physically installing your mobile home at its new location.

Some mobile home movers secure only transportation permits and leave setup permits and HUD code compliance verification to the homeowner, so confirm what's included in your moving quote. Working with a full-service moving company that handles all permits and inspections typically costs more upfront but can save you significant time, hassle and unexpected expenses.

» READ MORE: How to make a moving budget

Transport-only vs. full-service movers for mobile homes

A transport-only service is responsible for loading your mobile home, then conveying it and delivering it to the new location. A full-service moving company will handle most of the process, including disconnecting and reconnecting utilities.

What do transport-only services for mobile homes include?

If you opt for transport-only services, expect the following:

• Loading the mobile home onto transport equipment
• Hauling the home to the new location
• Unloading and placing the home on the new site
• Securing basic transportation permits (verify which jurisdictions are covered)

What do full-service mobile home movers typically include?

For full-service mobile home moving, you’ll pay more but have a more thorough service. That said, always request a detailed breakdown of what's included in your quote before officially hiring a moving company. Some companies advertise "full-service" but exclude certain tasks, such as permit fees, pilot-car costs or specific utility connections.

Here’s what you can likely expect:

• Everything in transport-only services
• Disconnecting utilities (water, electric, gas, sewer) at the old location
• Removing and reinstalling skirting, porches, awnings and other exterior features
• Splitting and reconnecting double-wide or triple-wide sections
• Re-leveling and stabilizing the home on its new foundation
• Reconnecting all utilities at the new location
• Securing both transportation and setup permits
• Coordinating required inspections

Should you hire a full-service mover for your mobile home?

With a job this big, you’ll want to work with a well-regarded mover that can assist with several important tasks:

• Planning out the most efficient route while factoring in restrictions on the height, weight and width of your mobile home
• Securing the required transportation permits from the county, state or highway patrol
• Coordinating any pilot cars or police escorts and scheduling these well ahead of time
• Providing insurance and liability coverage for damage that may occur during transit
• Having the right equipment for the job, including tires, hitches, axles and trailers
• Disconnecting and reconnecting utilities during full-service moves
• Providing you with limited liability insurance

» LEARN: What to know about moving quotes

Can you move your mobile home by yourself?

Even for the most experienced DIYer, moving a manufactured home on your own simply isn't an option.

Unlike a recreational vehicle that has its own engine or a travel trailer designed to be towed behind a pickup truck, a mobile home must be moved by a licensed mover with the required transportation permits, proper equipment and trained drivers who can navigate the roads with such a large load.

Additionally, any truck hauling interstate cargo with a gross weight of over 10,001 pounds must be registered with the USDOT and comply with all federal regulations.

When moving a mobile home isn’t worth the cost

Since relocating a mobile home can be so expensive, you should weigh the costs and benefits to ensure it’s in your best interest. Consider not only the money you’ll spend on moving, but also the stress, time and hassle it will cost you.

Selling your current mobile home and buying a new one later could save you days or weeks of work and inconvenience. This is an especially good option if you’ve been considering downsizing.

There are also legal concerns involved in moving a mobile home. Below are a couple of situations that may prohibit you from moving unless you make costly upgrades.

Your home has code-compliance issues

In 1976, the HUD issued stricter safety, construction and transportation standards for manufactured homes, commonly referred to as the HUD code. And although it's not technically illegal to move a mobile home built before 1976, you may have a hard time finding a company to do it.

Robert Spencer, owner of K&E Transport, said that although it does transport these older models, it can’t legally set them down anywhere unless they’ve been updated through the HUD renovation process.

“There’s a checklist the owner can use that gives the requirements for what it takes to get a non-HUD unit back up to HUD specifications. It’s a big step, and they really don’t want you to do it because those older homes can be unsafe,” He said.

However, Spencer went on to say that many customers choose to make these changes, given how expensive housing is these days. Keep in mind that it can cost thousands of dollars, depending on the upgrades needed, especially if your home requires structural reinforcement.

You're moving to a stricter HUD zoning area

The HUD code also includes regulations on wind, snow and roof loads, and your mobile home has to meet the standards for the area you’re moving to. For instance, Wind Zones II and III (located primarily on the south and east coasts) are considered high-wind areas, and if your mobile home was only designed to withstand a standard wind load (Zone I), you aren’t legally allowed to move it there.

How to save money on your mobile home move

Moving is expensive no matter what, but moving a mobile home has a few quirks that can increase costs even more. Here are a few ways to save:

• Compare moving companies by getting at least three quotes.
• Do any prep work you can, like removing exterior stairs, skirtings, window air conditioners or awnings, prior to the move.
• Ensure the tires, axles and hitches are all in working order.
• If you’re handy, you can hire a transport-only mover, but you’ll be responsible for obtaining setup permits, disconnecting and reconnecting utilities, and then scheduling an inspection.
• Pack up and move all your belongings yourself. Anything that’s not secured in the home should be moved separately since contents will shift during transport and any added weight will increase your costs.
• Move during the off-season (roughly October through April) when rates may be lower.

Tips for seamlessly moving a mobile home

If you decide to move your mobile home, here are some top tips for a seamless moving process that can save you time and money:

• Obtain your title certificate and county tax assessor’s certificate ahead of time to prove you own your home and are up to date on your taxes.
• Only work with licensed companies. Ask upfront about their experience moving mobile homes similar to yours and request references.
• Get all quotes, contracts and insurance information in writing.
• Make any needed repairs before your move, like checking and fixing tires, repairing loose siding or securing shutters and shingles.
• Take pictures of your home before you move in case you need to prove that damage occurred during transit.
• If you’re moving into a mobile home park, review the rules and learn the local codes and regulations you’ll need to comply with.
• If you're moving to private land, ensure the ground is properly graded and the site is prepared for delivery, including obtaining zoning clearance, installing a septic system and connecting to utilities.
• If you’re currently living in a mobile home park, provide enough notice to your landlord so you don’t violate your lease agreement, and ensure your rental agreement is in place at the new park you’re moving to.

FAQ

Bottom line

Moving a mobile home is a significant investment that can cost up to $10,000 or more, depending on your home's size, the distance traveled, and local permitting and inspection costs. Before committing to a move, get detailed quotes from at least three licensed movers, verify what's included in each estimate and compare this total cost against selling your current home and purchasing another one at your destination. In some cases, buying a different mobile home may be more cost-effective than relocating your existing one.