When deciding to move a mobile home, understanding the costs involved is key to making an informed decision. Costs can vary depending on factors such as the size of the mobile home (single-wide or double-wide), the distance of the move, and additional services required. This article aims to break down the costs associated with moving a trailer house and provide actionable tips to help homeowners optimize their budgets for the move.
Average Cost to Move a Mobile Home: Single-Wide vs Double-Wide
The cost of moving a mobile home typically depends on its size. A single-wide trailer move can range between $1,000 and $8,000, with transport-only moves at the lower end and full-service moves at the higher end. However, for a double-wide trailer, expect costs between $2,000 and $15,000 due to increased complexity and equipment requirements. Double-wides often need more support — potentially multiple trips or teams — significantly increasing expenses compared to single-wides.
Other factors influencing costs include the distance of the move (with long-distance pricing higher than local), services included (full-service options are more expensive than transport-only), and terrain accessibility (complex terrains lead to higher fees due to equipment challenges). Notably, the distance and size or weight of the home are crucial, as larger and heavier homes require more effort and equipment. Age and condition also play a role, with older homes potentially needing reinforcement or special handling.
For more detailed insights on preparing and executing a mobile home move effectively, consider reading Mobile Home Moving Tips.
Cost Breakdown Based on Home Size
| Type of Mobile Home | Average Cost to Move (Transport Only) | Average Cost to Move (Full-Service) |
| Single-Wide | $1,000 – $3,500 | $5,000 – $10,000+ |
| Double-Wide | $2,000 – $3,500 | $8,000 – $15,000+ |
Full-Service vs Transport-Only Moves: Making an Informed Choice
If you prefer a hassle-free moving experience, full-service moves are ideal. They include utility disconnection, towing, skirting removal and reinstallation, and mobile home setup at the new location. While the costs are significant (ranging from $5,000 to over $15,000 depending on size and location), they provide ease for homeowners.
For those equipped to handle utility reconnections and home preparations before and after the move, transport-only moves may be the choice. These only cover the transportation of the home from one location to another and are typically less expensive: around $1,000 to $3,500 for a single-wide and $2,000 to $3,500 for a double-wide.
Explore further tips and tricks for managing a mobile home move efficiently in Moving a Mobile Home: Tips and Tricks.
Key Costs in Moving a Mobile Home
| Cost Component | Cost Estimate |
| Transportation (towing) | $4–$5.50 per mile |
| Pilot/Escort Cars | $1.50–$1.65 per mile |
| Setup Services | $1,000–$5,000 (disconnection, reconnection) |
| Permits | Varies by location ($50–$500+) |
| Labor (full-service moves) | $2,000–$10,000+ |
| Insurance and Liability | Varies (optional but recommended) |
Tips for Saving Cost When Moving Mobile Homes
- Ask for Multiple Estimates: It’s always wise to get 3-5 quotes from licensed mobile home movers and compare pricing and services.
- Shorter Moves are Cheaper: Reduced transportation distances mean fewer mileage charges and fewer permits needed.
- Pre-Move Tasks: Disconnect utilities yourself, prepare your mobile home for the move by securing loose items and removing skirting before your movers arrive.
- Plan Moves During Off-Season: Sometimes, moving companies charge less if scheduled during off-peak times like winter or mid-week.
- Choose Transport-Only and DIY Setup: If you’re comfortable handling the setup yourself, opting for transport-only can potentially save thousands.
Considerations Before Moving Your Mobile Home
The first point to consider is the age and condition of the mobile home. Older homes often require extra safety measures during transport, thereby increasing costs. If the mobile home is over 10-20 years old and not in good condition, the repair costs might outweigh the benefits of moving.
Distance, too, impacts your costs. Local moves within 50-60 miles usually cost less than moves crossing 100 miles. Longer distances mean paying higher permit fees, fuel charges and possibly additional escort vehicles.
Lastly, keep in mind the complexity of the site. Houses in areas with limited road access or hilly terrains need specialized equipment, which adds to the expenses.
Evaluating Options: Moving vs Buying a New Mobile Home
Consider that moving a mobile home, especially a double-wide, can cost between $2,000 to $15,000+. In contrast, buying a new mobile home can range from $30,000 to $120,000 or more. Moving may make sense if your home is in excellent condition and will retain its value after moving a short distance that fits your budget. However, if your home is outdated or damaged beyond affordable repair, or the cost to move (plus repairs) exceeds 30% of buying a new mobile home’s value, purchasing new might be more sensible.
Cost Comparison
| Action | Estimated Cost |
| Moving (double-wide) | $2,000–$15,000+ |
| Buying New | $30,000–$120,000+ |
Getting the Green Light: Legal and Permit Requirements for Moving
Each state may have different laws regarding the transportation of mobile homes, including specific permits for oversized loads and required inspections. Most mobile home moves require oversized load permits, which can cost anywhere from $50 to over $500 based on the complexity and route of the move. While optional, many homeowners choose to buy additional liability insurance and home insurance for protection against damage during transit.
Evaluating if Moving Your Mobile Home Is Worth It
It’s worth moving if your new location offers financial or lifestyle benefits like cheaper lot rent, better amenities, or closer work or school proximity, and if your home is in excellent condition where moving expenses are marginal compared to its value.
On the other hand, long-distance moves with considerable costs or an older home in poor condition that requires expensive repairs post-move may make the decision to move impractical.
Your best step is to conduct a cost-benefit analysis. Compare your moving costs, potential risks, and your post-move home value against purchasing a new mobile home.
By understanding these moving costs and other factors that could influence them, you can decide if it’s best to move your mobile home or explore alternative options like purchasing new. With this knowledge at hand, you are now prepared to confidently navigate the next steps!
Interesting Facts and Figures:
1. Average Cost to Move a Mobile Home:
- Single-wide: $1,000 to $8,000
- Double-wide: $2,000 to $15,000
2. Transport-Only vs Full-Service Moves:
- Transport-only: $1,000 to $3,500 for single-wide, $2,000 to $3,500 for double-wide
- Full-service: $5,000 to $10,000+ for single-wide, $8,000 to $15,000+ for double-wide
3. Factors Affecting Moving Costs:
- Distance: Longer distances increase costs due to fuel and time
- Size and weight: Larger and heavier homes require more effort and equipment
- Age and condition: Older homes may need reinforcement or special handling
- Permits: Vary by location and can add to overall costs
4. Mobile Home Statistics:
- 22 million people live in manufactured or mobile homes in the United States
- Average size of a mobile home lot plot is 960 square feet
- 56.4% of mobile homeowners have lived in their current home for more than 10 years
5. Cost Comparison: Moving vs Buying New
- Moving a double-wide: $2,000 to $15,000+
- Buying a new mobile home: $30,000 to $120,000+
6. Legal and Permit Requirements:
- Oversized load permits can cost $50 to over $500
- Additional liability insurance and home insurance are often recommended
Tips for Saving Costs:
- Get multiple estimates from licensed movers
- Shorter moves are cheaper
- Pre-move tasks can reduce costs
- Plan moves during off-season
- Choose transport-only and DIY setup