Estimating the Cost of Moving a Mobile Home in 2023: Factors to Consider

If you’re considering moving your mobile home, it’s important to know that simply hitching it to the back of your truck and driving off is not an option. Moving a mobile home that meets current HUD standards (also known as a “manufactured home”) requires significant planning and expense. However, with the help of professional mobile home movers, it can be accomplished.

Here’s a summary of the cost of moving a mobile home.

How much does it cost to move a mobile home?

The cost of moving a mobile home depends on the type of move you choose and the size of your home (single, double, or triple-wide). For example, you can opt for a transport-only move, which involves attaching a towing vehicle to your home, moving it to the new location, and then disconnecting it. This type of move includes necessary permits and liability insurance. Alternatively, you can choose a full-service move, which consists of all of the above plus disconnecting and reconnecting all utilities, skirting, and attached structures at the new location.

Cost estimates to move a manufactured home

Costs for moving a mobile home vary depending on the type of move and the size of the house. For a transport-only move, the estimated cost is between $700 and $3,500. According to CostHelper, a single-wide move up to 60 miles costs $700-$1,000, a double-wide costs $2,000-$2,500, and triple-wide costs $2,600-$3,500.

A double-wide move costs $4,000-$10,000, while a triple-wide move costs $10,000-$14,000 or more. These are just estimates and may vary based on individual circumstances.

What costs are involved in moving a mobile home?

Several factors will determine the cost of moving your mobile home, such as:

• Labor Costs 
• Setup Services
• Moving Materials
• Home Size
• Permits
• Location
• Travel Distance
• Local Regulations
• Various transportation fees

The cost of long-distance moves for mobile homes is based on per-mile charges, among other things. For the towing vehicle, moving companies generally charge $4-$5.50 per mile, while pilot cars cost about $1.50-$1.65 per mile. The current fuel price and travel distance may also affect the rate.

Several common factors impact the total cost of moving a mobile home.

Distance of the move

• The distance of your mobile home move can significantly affect its cost. Generally, shorter moves will be less expensive than longer ones. However, since a mobile home is towed behind a large truck, it requires significant fuel, which can increase the cost of the move. Additionally, the towing speed may need to be increased, and special equipment may be necessary to improve maneuverability, further increasing the price.

For longer moves, new tires and equipment may also be required to ensure the safety of your mobile home on the road. All of these factors can contribute to the final cost of your move. 

Size of the mobile home

• The size of the mobile home is a significant factor affecting the move’s overall cost. Larger homes, such as double-wides, will cost more to move than single-wides. In addition, if the mobile home is too wide to drive down the street safely, additional expenses may be incurred, such as hiring a police escort or closing the road temporarily. Taller homes also tend to cost more to move because the available travel routes may be limited, which could result in traveling additional miles.

Weight of the mobile home

• Free Mobile Home Info states that the weight of a mobile home is determined by its age. Older homes generally weigh between 35 and 40 lbs. per square foot, while newer manufactured homes can weigh between 45 and 50 lbs. per square foot. For example, an 800-square-foot home could weigh up to 40,000 lbs. As the weight of the mobile home increases, more equipment and materials will be required to move it, resulting in additional expenses.

Permits and inspection

• Your professional movers can help you acquire these permits before the move. You may also need a “setup” permit to install the mobile home at its new location.

Additionally, some states, including Florida, require mandatory inspections for older mobile homes to ensure safety and code regulations compliance. You must know these regulations and requirements before starting your move. 

Moving materials

• Your moving company should include the costs of necessary moving materials in your contract. This includes tools, supplies, tow hitches, and tires, all required to move a mobile home.

Setup services

• If you plan to hire full-service movers to relocate your mobile home, be prepared to pay more. Professional movers may charge additional fees for disassembling and reassembling the house and for transportation. These fees may cover disconnecting and reconnecting utilities and removing and reinstalling a porch, foundation, skirting, and interior features. For a double-wide mobile home, mobile home movers typically charge a fee ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 for reconnection.

Age and overall condition

• Mobile home movers may need to spend extra time fixing and altering an older or seriously damaged mobile home before it can be transported on the road.

Insurance and Liability

• When using professional movers, you will have to acquire liability coverage for the move, and it is also recommended to purchase outside insurance. If you already have mobile home insurance, check with your carrier to determine whether they cover mobile homes in transit.

Hiring professionals to move a mobile home offers several benefits.

Moving a mobile home by yourself is not recommended. Although hiring a moving company to handle your mobile home move is costly, it has benefits. Here are a few good reasons for hiring a moving company to handle the relocation:

• Mobile home moving companies will handle all necessary permit requirements for you, which can be challenging to obtain. Before your move, the company will get all the required permits, from local setup permits to state transportation permits. This means you don’t have to worry about the licenses; the mobile home moving company will handle everything for you.
• We highly recommend hiring professionals to transport your mobile home, especially if you drive long distances.  A moving company can transport your mobile home, ensuring safe and efficient transport.
• Hiring a moving company will save you time and energy.  If you’re hoping for a smooth, stress-free move, hiring a professional mover is the way. You’ll be glad you did.

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