Moving a mobile home trailer is a complex undertaking demanding meticulous planning, adherence to legal regulations, and often, professional expertise. While seemingly daunting, with the right information and a strategic approach, relocating your mobile home can be accomplished safely and efficiently.
Understanding the Challenges and Planning Your Move
Moving a mobile home is far more intricate than simply hooking it up and driving off. It involves disconnecting utilities, securing permits, hiring qualified movers, and preparing the trailer for transport. Failing to address these aspects can result in significant delays, hefty fines, and potential damage to your home. Proper planning is the cornerstone of a successful move. This includes a thorough inspection of the trailer’s structure, considering its age and condition, and understanding any potential challenges based on its size and weight.
Step-by-Step Planning Process
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Assessment of the Mobile Home: A crucial first step is to thoroughly inspect your mobile home. Look for any signs of structural weakness, such as rotting wood, damaged siding, or leaks in the roof. These issues need to be addressed before the move to prevent further damage during transport. This often includes consulting with a qualified mobile home inspector to identify potential problems you might miss.
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Permitting Requirements: Moving a mobile home without the necessary permits is illegal and can result in substantial fines and impoundment of the home. Research the permitting requirements in both your origin and destination locations. This involves contacting local and state transportation departments, and possibly even county offices. Permit applications typically require information about the mobile home’s dimensions, weight, the proposed route, and proof of insurance. Allow ample time for the permitting process as it can be time-consuming.
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Utility Disconnections: Before any movement can occur, all utilities must be disconnected. This includes electricity, gas, water, and sewer. Contact each utility provider well in advance of your move date to schedule disconnections. Be aware of any fees associated with disconnection and ensure all lines are properly capped off to prevent leaks or hazards. This step is not only crucial for safety but is also a legal requirement.
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Choosing the Right Mover: Selecting a reputable and experienced mobile home moving company is paramount. Obtain multiple quotes from different companies and carefully review their credentials, insurance coverage, and customer reviews. Ensure the company is licensed and bonded in the states you will be traversing. A good moving company will also assist with the permitting process and provide valuable advice on preparing your home for transport. Request and check references before making your final decision.
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Preparing the Mobile Home for Transport: This involves securing all loose items inside the home, removing or properly securing any exterior attachments (awnings, skirting, steps), and ensuring all windows and doors are tightly closed and secured. Reinforce any weak points in the structure as identified during the initial assessment. The goal is to minimize movement and prevent damage during the move. Pay special attention to the underbelly of the home, ensuring it’s securely fastened to prevent wind damage.
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Route Planning: The moving company will typically handle route planning, but it’s wise to be involved in the process. Identify potential obstacles along the route, such as low bridges, narrow roads, or weight restrictions. Communicate any specific concerns or preferences to the moving company. Pre-planning the route can prevent delays and ensure a smoother move.
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Insurance Coverage: Verify that the moving company has adequate insurance coverage to protect your mobile home during transport. Inquire about the policy’s limits and exclusions. Consider obtaining supplemental insurance to cover any potential gaps in coverage. Ensure you understand your rights and responsibilities in case of damage or loss. Adequate insurance is non-negotiable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How much does it cost to move a mobile home trailer?
The cost to move a mobile home trailer varies significantly based on factors such as distance, size, weight, and complexity of the move. Short distances (under 50 miles) can range from $3,000 to $6,000, while longer distances (over 500 miles) can easily exceed $10,000 or more. These estimates include permitting, transportation, and potentially setup fees. Get several detailed quotes to accurately assess your moving costs.
Q2: Can I move a mobile home trailer myself?
While theoretically possible, moving a mobile home yourself is highly discouraged. It requires specialized equipment, expertise in securing and transporting oversized loads, and compliance with complex regulations. The risks of damage, accidents, and legal penalties are substantial. It’s almost always more cost-effective and safer to hire a professional moving company.
Q3: What permits are required to move a mobile home?
Permit requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Typically, you’ll need permits from the origin and destination states, as well as any states the trailer will pass through. These permits often involve providing information about the trailer’s dimensions, weight, route, and insurance coverage. The moving company will often assist with this process, but it’s ultimately the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure compliance.
Q4: How long does it take to move a mobile home trailer?
The duration of the move depends on the distance, road conditions, and permitting process. A short-distance move might take a few days, while a long-distance move can take several weeks. Factor in time for pre-move preparations, permitting, transportation, and setup at the destination. Flexibility is key as unforeseen delays can occur.
Q5: What happens if my mobile home is damaged during the move?
If your mobile home is damaged during the move, immediately document the damage with photos and videos. Contact the moving company and file a claim with their insurance company. Review your own insurance policy for supplemental coverage. Consult with an attorney if necessary to protect your rights. Prompt and thorough documentation is crucial.
Q6: What do I need to do to prepare my mobile home for the move?
Preparation involves disconnecting utilities, securing loose items inside the home, removing or securing exterior attachments, and reinforcing any weak points in the structure. Consult with the moving company for specific recommendations based on your home’s condition and the move’s route. Failing to adequately prepare the home can lead to damage and delays.
Q7: Do I need to be present when my mobile home is moved?
It’s generally not required to be present during the move itself, but it’s highly recommended to be available for communication with the moving company. You’ll need to be present at the origin and destination to oversee the disconnection and reconnection of utilities and to address any unforeseen issues. Open communication with the moving company is crucial.
Q8: Can I move a very old mobile home?
Moving a very old mobile home can be challenging due to structural issues and the potential for damage during transport. Older homes may not meet current safety standards and could be more fragile. A thorough inspection is essential, and extensive repairs may be necessary before the move. The moving company may require additional precautions or even refuse to move the home if it’s deemed too risky. Structural integrity is paramount for older homes.
Q9: What if the moving company damages my property at the destination?
Document any damage to your property at the destination caused by the moving company. Take photos and videos, and immediately report the damage to the company. File a claim with their insurance company. You may also need to contact your own homeowner’s insurance company. Get a professional appraisal of the damages for accurate compensation.
Q10: What factors affect the cost of setting up a mobile home at the new location?
Setup costs vary depending on the complexity of the setup, the availability of utilities, and the condition of the site. Connecting utilities, leveling the home, installing skirting, and any necessary repairs or modifications can all add to the cost. Obtain detailed quotes from qualified contractors for all setup services. Proper site preparation can significantly reduce setup costs.
Q11: Is it possible to move a double-wide mobile home?
Yes, it is possible to move a double-wide mobile home, but it requires more specialized equipment and expertise. Double-wides are larger and heavier than single-wides, requiring a more robust transport setup and potentially more extensive permitting. The cost to move a double-wide is typically higher than for a single-wide. Professional assessment is essential for double-wide moves.
Q12: What happens if the moving company discovers asbestos during the move?
If asbestos is discovered in your mobile home during the move, the moving company will likely halt operations and require you to remediate the asbestos before proceeding. Asbestos removal is a hazardous and highly regulated process that must be performed by certified professionals. Failure to properly address asbestos can result in serious health risks and legal penalties. Prior asbestos testing is highly recommended, especially for older homes.
Moving a mobile home trailer requires meticulous planning, professional expertise, and a thorough understanding of the applicable regulations. By carefully addressing each step in the process and seeking guidance from qualified professionals, you can successfully relocate your home safely and efficiently.