How to Move a Mobile Home? Here’s What You Need to Know

Moving a mobile home is a complex endeavor that requires careful planning, precise execution, and adherence to various legal and safety regulations. Whether you are relocating your residence or seeking to transport a mobile home to a new location, the process involves intricate logistical considerations and coordination with multiple stakeholders.

From securing necessary permits to ensuring structural integrity during transit, every step in the mobile home moving process demands meticulous attention and expertise. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the essential steps, best practices, and challenges associated with moving a mobile home, offering valuable insights for a successful and smooth transition.

Research Requirements and Get Permits

The first thing you’ll want to do when planning how to move a mobile home is research what’s required for transporting and relocating mobile homes in your state and county. Most states require transport permits from the Department of Transportation as well as local permits. Your mobile home dealer or a relocation company can help guide you through the permitting process.

You’ll also want to precisely measure your mobile home and check for any obstructions like low bridge underpasses, overpasses, and tight turns along your route to ensure your home can pass through without issue. A trial run is recommended if you’re moving long distances or to a new state. Some states may require a mobile home pilot car to escort an oversized load.

Read: What is Climate-Controlled Storage

Prepare to Move a Mobile Home

Once you’ve got all the logistics figured out, it’s time to get your mobile home ready for the trip. Since mobile homes are transported on open trailers, it’s crucial that you stabilize and secure anything that could shift or sway during transport.

Remove any porches, sheds, skirting, awnings, or debris attached to the exterior of the home. Disconnect all utilities like electricity, gas, water, sewer, cable, and phone lines. Make sure to cap any open connections so they don’t leak during transport.

Detach any ground anchors or tie-downs securing your home’s frame to the ground. Clean the home thoroughly inside and out and remove any loose items like furniture, appliances, and decor from inside. Pack securely any possessions you want to be moved with the mobile home.

Lift and Move the Mobile Home

When moving day arrives, a professional mobile home mover will lift your home onto a trailer hitch using hydraulic jacks. This lifting process requires expertise and specialized equipment, so make sure you hire a reputable company experienced in moving mobile homes.

The home will be securely strapped down and anchored to the trailer for safe transport. For short local moves, a standard tractor truck may be used to pull your mobile home. Long-distance relocations often require a larger, oversized load truck and escort vehicles for safety and permitting reasons.

The drive to your new location will go slowly, only traveling on approved routes for transported mobile homes. Special maneuvers may be required to get the home into your new community or property. Once at your destination, the home will be lifted and set in place.

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Set Up and Connect Utilities at the New Site

Now comes the fun part – making your mobile home livable again after relocation! First, any new anchors or piers need to be installed by a professional to stabilize the home and secure it to the ground.

Next, have all the utilities like water, sewer, electric, gas, cable, and phone connected at your new home site. Hire technicians and professionals as needed to ensure proper utility setup for a mobile home.

Once the utilities are connected, you can start moving your furniture and items back into the home. It’s also a good idea to give the mobile home a deep clean after the move. Install any external add-ons like porches, sheds, or skirting around the base.

Add any homey finishing touches like plants, decor, etc. to get fully settled and cozy in your new location. With diligent preparation, hiring professional mobile home movers, and securing proper permits, you can ensure moving a mobile home goes smoothly.