How Much Does It Cost To Move A Mobile Home In 2024?

By Lee Wallender , Corinne Tynan
Contributor, Editor
We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Home. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

Anyone who aspires to own a home knows just how expensive it is. That’s one reason why mobile homes are gaining ground as a cost-effective alternative to traditional real estate. Plus, because mobile homes are not tied to a specific piece of property, they can be moved.

Cost to Move a Mobile Home

Moving a mobile home can be a daunting, expensive project due to the need for special hauling vehicles, escorts and permits. But professional mobile home movers and transporters make it easier.

The lowest cost mobile home move costs $5,000, the average is $9,000, and the highest cost is $13,000. Mobile home size and the distance moved are the two most important determiners of the cost of moving a mobile home.

Average Cost to Move a Trailer Home
Average Cost$9,000
Highest Cost$13,000
Lowest Cost$5,000

Factors That Determine the Cost to Move a Mobile Home

A bundle of services determines the total cost of moving a mobile home. Most services are necessary, though a few may be negotiable.

  • Size of Mobile Home: Weight and size of the mobile home, such as single-, double- or triple-wide, are one of the most important determners of how much it costs to move a mobile home.
  • Distance Moved: Number of miles covered and which type of travel is required, whether in-city, highway or across states, also influences the total cost of the move.
  • Escorts: Escort vehicles are required for most moves. The number and type of escorts also influence the cost of moving the mobile home.
  • Condition of Home: Whether the home is ready to go or needs repairs to render it mobile and road-worthy can change the cost of the mobile home move.
  • Utilities: Electricity, gas, internet and phone need to be disconnected and reconnected at the new location. The mover will assign this work to subcontractors.
  • Permits and Fees: Permits and associated fees are considered hard costs which are non-negotiable since they are charged by state or local agencies.
  • Insurance and Liability: Insurance and liability typically are bundled into the total cost of the mobile home move.
  • Extra Services: Air conditioners, awnings, sheds, decks and patios need to be detached and set up on the other end.

Cost by Different Mobile Home Types

Single-Wide Trailer Moving Cost

Most mobile home moves are less than 100 miles. Single-wide mobile homes cost from $5,000 to $8,000 for a full-service move.

Cost to Move a Double-Wide Trailer

For a local move under 100 miles, the cost to move a double-wide mobile home ranges from $10,000 to $13,000.

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How to Hire a Mobile Home Mover

Before hiring a mobile home mover, assess your needs and decide if you need a transporter or a full-service mobile home mover.

With a transporter, you are responsible for everything associated with the move except for the initial hook-up, transport and delivery.

A full-service mover takes care of everything, but they do charge separate fees for taking apart and setting up the mobile home. Services include utilities disconnection and reconnection, removing and reinstalling exterior features and skirting and reconnecting double- or triple-wide mobile homes.

After you have contacted a mobile home moving company:

  • Ask if they know how to move your type of home
  • Ask to see a portfolio of similar moves
  • Ask whether they will take care of the move permit
  • Ask to see insurance coverage

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When Do You Need to Move Your Mobile Home?

Deciding when to move a mobile home involves many considerations, from personal choices to external circumstances. For instance, the decision to move your mobile home may arise from factors like the need for relocation or the decision to sell your old mobile home. These factors can help you make the smartest moving choices possible.

Relocation

If you’re considering moving your mobile home, there are a few things to remember. Moving to a mobile home can be driven by several factors, including a desire to relocate, lifestyle preferences or pursuit of new opportunities. Additionally, external factors such as the closure of a mobile home park or land development may require relocation. Understanding the nuances of when and why it is essential to move a mobile home involves navigating legal requirements, obtaining necessary permits and coordinating the logistics of transporting a mobile home.

Selling Old Home

When selling a mobile home, it’s essential to consider all the factors that go into the process—from personal circumstances to financial considerations. Whether you’re upgrading to a new residence, downsizing or seeking a location change, the decision to sell an old mobile home requires a thoughtful evaluation of the real estate market and potential buyers.

Moving a Mobile Home Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro

When you move a mobile home, the work will nearly always be handled by professional movers. Mobile home moving can only be undertaken by persons who have the proper equipment and experience for the complicated project. Along with legal restrictions, the complexity of the project precludes most do-it-yourselfers from moving mobile homes.

What Moving Option Is Right for My Mobile Home?

There are many things to consider when deciding what method to use to move your mobile home, including logistics, budget and distance. Here are some common options for moving a mobile home to help you choose the best one for your circumstances.

  • Professional mobile home movers: Professional mobile home movers are optimal for long-distance and stress-free relocations, offering comprehensive services such as disassembly, transportation and reassembly. However, this convenience comes at a relatively higher cost than alternative options.
  • Towing services: Towing services are cost-effective, especially when the mobile home is small enough to be towed and can be used for short-distance moves. This option is limited in range, so it may require additional services for disassembly or reassembly.
  • DIY moves: If you have the necessary equipment and expertise, DIY moves are an efficient way to move short distances at a low cost. However, they may not be practical for longer distances since they require specialized equipment and permits.
  • Mobile home transport companies: Mobile home transport companies are a middle-ground solution between DIY and full-service movers, providing transportation services while allowing you to manage disassembly and reassembly for potential cost savings.

Tips for Moving a Mobile Home

While a mobile home mover performs valuable functions, they cannot do everything. Do your homework, especially with the home’s landing site. If moving to a mobile home park, speak to the managers extensively and make sure that every detail is in place before the move begins.

So that you can obtain a county tax assessor’s certificate on a timely basis, all taxes must be paid up in full. Work on this well in advance of the intended move date. And make sure that you have your title certificate. If you cannot locate it, order a duplicate copy.

You may need to obtain the state moving permit on your own. Discuss with the mobile home movers whether they will obtain the permit or if you need to do this.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I move a mobile home myself?

No. It’s generally not recommended that you try to move a mobile home by yourself. The equipment, permitting and a host of other requirements and restrictions preclude most people from moving their own mobile home. In many areas, you may even be legally required to hire professionals to move your mobile home.

Is it worth it to move a mobile home?

Whether it’s worth it to move a mobile home depends on your situation. If the mobile home park is being sold, for example, you must move the mobile home since it’s your personal property. If you’re buying a new mobile home and moving to acreage or to a park, again it must be moved.

The national average cost of a single-wide mobile home is $76,400 and for a double-wide, it’s $139,900 . Given the high cost of moving a mobile home, it might be worth it to sell the home and purchase a new mobile home elsewhere.

How can I save money while moving my mobile home?

One of the easiest ways to save money on moving a mobile home is to obtain three or more estimates for the project. With three estimates, it’s almost guaranteed that there will be a price spread, allowing you to choose the lowest quote.

Get the mobile home in move-ready shape before the movers show up. The tires, axles and hitch must all be in good condition. Remove porches, awnings, decks and skirting. Remove window unit A/Cs.

Do I need a permit to move my mobile home?

Yes, you will need multiple permits to move your mobile home. At the least, you will need a permit from the department of transportation and possibly local authorities, plus you’ll need to pay a related fee.

Older mobile homes may need a fire safety certification. The county tax assessor may need to provide a certificate showing that all property taxes have been satisfied.

How much does a mobile home weigh?

A park model, 3-axle mobile home measuring 12 feet by 40 feet has a gross vehicle weight of about 18,000 pounds. Larger mobile homes measuring 14 feet wide by 64 feet long, with 3-, 4-, or 5-axle frames, have a gross vehicle weight of about 30,000 pounds.

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