Moving a double-wide mobile home is a substantial task that involves significant logistical challenges and costs. Therefore, understanding the average cost, the factors influencing these costs, and strategies for cost-saving is absolutely crucial to effectively budget and plan your move. In this article, we provide a comprehensive guide to ensure all your questions are answered.
What is the Average Cost to Move a Double-Wide Mobile Home?
The prime question, of course, is what it costs to move a double-wide mobile home. In light of recent data for 2024:
The typical cost range for moving generally falls between:
- $7,000 – $10,000 for local moves, which are of short distances.
- $13,000 – $15,000 or higher for long-distance or interstate moves.
- Transport-only moves can range from $2,000 to $3,500.
- Full-service moves can be $8,000 to $15,000.
It’s important to note that extra costs will arise based on preparation work, permits acquisition, and complications at the final location.
Therefore, it’s advisable to get detailed quotes from professional mobile home movers as prices can widely fluctuate. For a broader perspective on the moving costs, you might find these Cost to Move a Mobile Home and Cost to Move a Mobile Home guides helpful.
What Influences the Moving Costs?
It’s necessary to understand what impacts the costs to prepare yourself for any unexpected expenses. The key influencing factors include:
- Size and Weight of Your Home: Double-wide homes are typically larger and heavier, requiring more labor and equipment, and hence are more expensive than single-wides in terms of moving costs.
- Distance of the Move: Local moves are more cost-effective as they require fewer resources and less transit time, while longer moves accrue more costs due to additional permits required crossing state lines, increased fuel consumption, and stays overnight.
- Permits and Inspections: Crossing city, county, or state boundaries requires mandatory permits, which, along with pre and post-move inspections, can add between $1,000 to $3,000 to your final bill.
- Preparation and Labor: The process of disassembling and reassembling a double-wide home needs professional expertise. Tasks often include utility disconnections like water, electricity, and sewage, as well as safeguarding the home for transport and preparing the new site before setting up.
- Zoning Requirements: Make sure to verify the zoning laws and HUD (Housing and Urban Development) compliance according to your new location. Non-compliance can lead to costly setbacks.
- Terrain and Accessibility: If your home is stationed in hard-to-reach areas like mountain terrains, you can expect more costs due to the extra hurdles and equipment needed.
To simplify understanding of these factors, here’s a quick cost reference:
| Cost Factor | Estimated Range |
| Local Move (Short Distance) | $7,000 – $10,000 |
| Long-Distance Move | $13,000 – $15,000+ |
| Permits & Inspections | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Terrain/Accessibility Fees | $500 – $2,000 (can vary) |
How to Reduce the Cost of Moving a Double-Wide Mobile Home
Moving expenses might seem overwhelming, but there are certain ways in which you can cut down these costs without compromising on safety and compliance:
- Opt for Local Moves: If possible, plan on moving within your existing town/city/state, as this reduces many cross-jurisdictional costs.
- Compare Moving Companies: Always contact at least three companies to get quotes and make sure these companies have the requisite licenses and insurance coverage. If you’re located in Tennessee, consider checking out Tennessee Mobile Home Movers. Beware of abnormally low quotes that could trick you with hidden fees later.
- Prepare the Home in Advance: Disconnect utilities and secure your belongings to reduce the total labor costs. You can also carry out light preparation tasks on-site, like clearing debris or trimming vegetation, that match your capabilities.
- Avoid Peak Moving Season: The demand for movers is high during the spring and summer months, which raises prices. If possible, look into moving in the off-peak seasons of fall or winter.
- Combine Services: See if you can find moving companies offering bundled services like permits, inspections, and setup, as this could save you a good bit of money. Certain companies may also provide offers through their social media platforms, so be sure to take a look at Social Media Marketing for Movers and Social Media Marketing Tips for Movers for some tried and tested strategies.
Following a handy moving checklist might be beneficial:
- Disconnect utilities ahead of time.
- Secure loose belongings inside the home.
- Obtain and compare professional movers’ quotes.
- Schedule your move for the off-peak season.
Other Considerations to Make When Moving a Double-Wide Mobile Home
Along with costs and preparation, there are other key considerations you should be aware of to facilitate a smoother journey:
- Hire Licensed Professionals: Legally speaking, attempting to move a double-wide mobile home by yourself is not just risky but also illegal in many jurisdictions. Always hire experienced professionals for the job.
- Understand Local Zoning Regulations: Make sure the plot at your new home is zoned for your double-wide mobile home and it complies with HUD guidelines particular to wind zones, terrain, and insulation norms.
- Plan for Utility Setup and Reconnection: This may include extra fees paid to utility companies for reconnecting services like electricity, water, and sewage at your new location.
- Financing Your Move: If the cost of relocating a double-wide mobile home breaks the bank upfront, consider looking into personal loans or financing options typically provided by many mobile home movers.
For additional details on the expenses involved, consider reading this Cost to Move a Mobile Home guide.
Regional Factors That Influence Costs (Example: North Carolina)
Where you move to can have a significant impact on the cost. For example:
Zoning and Permitting in North Carolina: This state has specific requirements with zoning and HUD compliance standards, especially in areas of variable weather like wind zones or snow loads.
Terrain Challenges: Moving mobile homes across mountains vs. coastal plains can lead to different costs due to developmental or geographical obstacles.
Labor Costs: Labor charges are generally lower in North Carolina when compared to states like Tennessee. You can find more details at Tennessee Mobile Home Movers which could help reduce your overall bill.
Cost Projections
Keeping the current market research in mind, here are some useful cost projections:
| Category | Estimated Cost Range |
| Local Moves | $7,000 – $10,000 |
| Long-Distance Moves | $13,000 – $15,000+ |
| Permits and Inspections | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Additional Costs (Terrain) | $500 – $2,000+ |
Here’s a pro tip – get quotations early to set lower rates and to protect yourself from price increases due to inflation or fuel surges.
Final Thoughts
The process of moving a double-wide mobile home may be costly, but with good planning and working with the right professionals, it’s definitely manageable. Start by understanding the costs involved, explore ways to save money, and always hire licensed professionals for a trouble-free experience. As a final step, contact a professional mover in your area today for customized advice and cost estimations.