How Much Does It Cost To Move a Mobile Home? (2024 Guide)
If you’re considering relocating your mobile or manufactured home, it’s essential to understand the costs involved. Moving a mobile home entails more than just hiring professional movers or packing boxes and renting a moving truck.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain the various factors that affect mobile home moving costs and share money-saving tips.
Average Cost of Moving a Mobile Home
The average cost to move a mobile home is $6,500 for a single-wide mobile home and $11,500 for a double-wide. These prices assume that you hire full-service movers to handle transportation and setup. Without these extra services, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $5,000 to move your home within a 100-mile radius, regardless of the type of mobile home.*
Mobile home moving companies differ in how they calculate rates. Some charge a per-mile rate, typically $5–$15 per mile. Others charge a flat rate for moves less than 50 or 100 miles, with an additional fee for every mile past that limit.
The move’s exact cost will depend on several factors, such as the size of your mobile home and how far you’re moving. You will need to contact professional moving companies to obtain a more accurate estimate.
*Article cost data courtesy of HomeAdvisor.com
Factors Affecting the Cost To Move a Mobile Home
Let’s explore the key factors that affect your mobile home’s overall moving cost. Understanding these factors will help you make informed decisions about whether to buy a new mobile home or relocate your current one.
Distance
The distance of the move may be the most impactful factor on the cost of moving your mobile home. Long distances require more fuel and travel time, which translates into higher transportation costs. Plus, long-distance moves may require overnight stays, pilot cars, or police escorts, which means more complex logistical considerations than a short-distance move and additional fees.
Mobile Home Condition and Age
Older mobile homes may require repairs or reinforcement before they can be safely transported. Preparing your home to move may involve securing loose fixtures, reinforcing weak structural elements, or repairing damaged axles. These necessary repairs will contribute to a higher total cost.
Site-Specific Factors
To provide an accurate quote, professional moving companies will evaluate the destination site’s accessibility and terrain. For instance, if the site is located in a remote or hard-to-reach area, the movers may need to navigate difficult terrain or use special equipment to transport the home safely. The more challenges presented by the site, the higher the price.
Size and Weight
The mobile home’s weight and size matter because larger and heavier homes require more robust equipment, such as heavy-duty trucks and specialized trailers. Additionally, larger homes are more likely to require moving permits and road closures. A single-wide trailer will cost significantly less to move than a triple-wide or double-wide mobile home.
Additional Services and Considerations
Homeowners should be aware of several additional services and considerations that could affect their move’s cost or logistics. These include insurance coverage, compliance with local regulations, setup services, and other mobile home moving costs.
Insurance Coverage
Mobile home insurance protects against potential damages or accidents that may occur during transportation. Insurance coverage can vary depending on the mobile home’s value, the distance of the move, and the desired coverage level.
Permits and Legal Requirements
Obtaining the necessary permits and complying with local regulations is essential when moving a mobile home. For instance, homeowners must comply with building codes. To ensure compliance, homeowners may need to obtain a permit and schedule an inspection. They may also need to arrange a police escort or road closure, which will incur additional costs. Because requirements vary by jurisdiction, interstate moves can be much more complicated than local moves.
Preparation and Setup
Before the actual move, certain preparations need to be made to ensure a smooth transition. This includes disconnecting utilities, removing any awnings or skirting, and securing loose items inside the mobile home. At the new location, setup services may include utility hookups, reinstalling exterior fixtures, and leveling and anchoring the home. A full-service move that covers all of these tasks will cost more than a transport-only move.
Transportation Costs
Transportation costs encompass fuel expenses, hiring professional drivers, and the use of specialized equipment. Distance, size, and weight are key factors in calculating mobile home transport costs. Oversized loads, toll roads, and the need for a pilot car or police escort will add to the overall expense.
Tips For Reducing the Cost of Moving a Mobile Home
Moving a mobile home can be expensive, so it’s important to look for ways to save money. Here are a few ways to maximize your moving budget:
- Research and compare quotes. Obtain quotes from multiple professional moving companies to compare prices and services. Ask friends and family for referrals or browse online reviews to identify the best mobile home movers. Shopping around will help you determine the most cost-effective option that meets your needs.
- Plan ahead and book in advance. Planning a move well in advance allows for more flexibility and better deals. By booking your moving services early, you can take advantage of discounted rates and avoid last-minute price surges.
- Optimize the mobile home for transportation. Before the move, make sure your mobile home is prepared for transport. Remove any unnecessary weight or belongings and secure loose items. Consider hiring an affordable moving company to handle packing, transporting, and storing your belongings.
- Minimize additional services required. Assess which services you really need for your move and which can be scaled back or eliminated. For example, if you have sufficient skill, tools, and experience, you may be able to handle the preparation and setup tasks yourself.
Our Conclusion
Factors such as the distance of the move and the mobile home’s size, weight, and age play a significant role in determining moving costs. Your new site’s condition, location, and required setup services will also impact the price.
Remember, each mobile home move is unique. It’s crucial to obtain custom quotes from reputable moving companies that specialize in mobile home transportation. Then compare quotes to find the best deal. With careful planning and a realistic budget, moving a mobile home can be an exciting experience that opens a new chapter in your life.
FAQ About Moving a Mobile Home
What is the cheapest way to move a mobile home?
The cheapest way to move a mobile home is to hire a reputable company for a transport-only move. It is illegal to move the mobile home yourself. However, if you possess the requisite skills, you may be able to handle some of the prep work and setup yourself instead of paying for a full-service move.
How much does a mobile home weigh?
On average, mobile homes weigh 45–50 pounds per square foot. Older mobile homes may weigh slightly less, while newer homes with high ceilings and drywall may weigh more.
How many miles can a mobile home be moved?
There is no hard limit to how many miles a mobile home can be moved. However, some companies may charge extra or require certain renovations before agreeing to move your home farther than 50 miles. Exact requirements vary by company.
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