Moving a manufactured home is a complex process that requires careful planning and specialized expertise. It’s much more than just hitching it to a truck. This guide will walk you through exactly what to expect before, during, and after the relocation, from securing permits to understanding the heavy-duty equipment that makes it all possible.
Before you even start looking for movers, the first step is to determine if your home is in a suitable condition to be moved. Not all manufactured homes can withstand the stress of relocation, especially older models.
A professional moving company will perform an inspection, but you can look for key indicators yourself. Check the steel frame chassis underneath the home for any signs of significant rust, bending, or damage. This frame is the backbone of the structure and must be sound.
Homes built before June 1976, when the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) implemented federal standards, are often very difficult or impossible to move. Many transport companies will not move pre-HUD homes due to liability and structural integrity concerns. You can find the home’s manufacturing date on its data plate, which is usually located inside a kitchen cabinet, a bedroom closet, or near the main electrical panel.
Proper preparation is the key to a smooth and successful move. The weeks leading up to moving day involve a series of critical steps that you and your moving company will coordinate.
This is not a do-it-yourself project. Moving a manufactured home requires a specialized company with the right licenses, insurance, and equipment. When getting quotes, ask for proof of both liability insurance and cargo insurance. Cargo insurance is vital as it specifically covers any damage to your home while it is in the mover’s care. Get at least three detailed quotes that break down all costs, including transport, permits, and setup.
Your moving company will typically handle the permitting process, but it’s important you understand what’s required. Moving an oversized load like a house requires transport permits from every state, county, and local municipality the home will travel through. These permits dictate the approved route, travel times (often restricting movement to daylight hours on weekdays), and whether pilot cars are needed.
Before the movers can lift the home, the old site must be fully prepared. This involves:
Simultaneously, the new location must be made ready to receive the home. As seen in the images, this often involves installing a new foundation, which could be a concrete slab, runners, or a full basement. The site must be graded, cleared, and have utility hookups (water, sewer, electric) installed and ready for connection.
Moving a structure that weighs tens of thousands of pounds requires some serious hardware. The process is a careful blend of power and precision, made possible by specific tools of the trade.
On moving day, the crew will execute a carefully planned operation. After attaching the toter truck, the journey begins. For safety and compliance, the move is a slow and steady process.
The route has been pre-planned to avoid low overpasses, weak bridges, sharp turns, and low-hanging power lines. For most moves on public roads, one or two escort vehicles, also known as pilot cars, are required. These vehicles travel in front of and behind the home with flashing lights and “Oversize Load” signs to warn other drivers and help manage traffic at intersections. This ensures the home is transported both safely and efficiently.
Upon arrival at the new site, the process is done in reverse. The driver will skillfully maneuver the home into position over the new foundation. The crew then uses the hydraulic lifts to gently lower the home into its final resting place.
Once the home is on the foundation, the work isn’t over. The final phase involves:
How much does it cost to move a manufactured home? Costs vary widely based on distance, home size, and the services included. A “transport-only” move for a single-wide home under 50 miles might cost between \(3,000 and \)7,000. A full-service move, including breakdown, transport, and setup, can range from \(5,000 to \)15,000 or more, especially for larger homes or longer distances.
Can I live in the home while it’s being moved? No. For safety and legal reasons, the home must be completely empty of people, pets, and unsecured belongings during the entire disconnection, transport, and setup process.
How long does the entire moving process take? The planning and permit phase can take several weeks. The physical move itself, including breakdown and setup, can take anywhere from a few days to over a week, depending on the complexity of the move and the distance traveled.