How much does it cost to move a tiny house?
How much does it cost to move a tiny house?
$200 – $1,500 average cost for short move (up to 250 miles)
$1,000 – $5,000 average cost for long-distance move (over 250 miles)
Cost to move a tiny house
The average cost to move a tiny house is $200 to $1,500 for moves up to 250 miles or $1,000 to $5,000 for moves over 250 miles. Tiny house transport costs $1 to $4+ per mile, depending on the house size and weight, move distance, transportation method, and required permits.
| Move distance | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Short haul (up to 250 miles) |
$200 – $1,500 |
| Long haul (over 250 miles) |
$1,000 – $5,000 |
Tiny house transport cost factors
Moving a tiny house can be an exciting adventure, but before you hit the road, it's essential to factor in the costs involved. Unlike traditional home moving, tiny house relocation has unique considerations. Here's a breakdown of what to expect:
Move distance
Distance is one of the most significant factors in the cost of moving a tiny house. Longer distances require more fuel, more labor time, and extra permits, increasing your total cost.
Tiny house size & weight
The size and weight of your tiny house play a crucial role in determining the transportation method and, consequently, the cost. Moving larger and heavier tiny houses may require specialized equipment, such as a flatbed truck, which can drive up the total cost.
Tiny house on wheels vs. foundation
Tiny houses on wheels are designed to be mobile, making them easier and more cost-effective to transport. If you build your tiny house on a foundation, the cost of moving it will be significantly higher than if it's on wheels.
Tiny homes on wheels come with their own tires, but the tires are not always designed for long-distance moves. If the transport company plans to tow your tiny house on its existing wheels instead of loading it onto its own trailer, factor in an extra $500 to $800+ for new tires.
Towing vs. flatbed transport
The transportation method you choose can also impact the overall cost. Towing your tiny house with a truck or towing vehicle is generally less expensive than using a flatbed truck, with average costs ranging from $1 to $3 per mile for towing and $3 to $4 per mile for a flatbed truck.
If using a flatbed truck to transport the tiny house, you may need to pay for extra equipment rental, like a forklift or crane to hoist the tiny house onto the truck bed.
| Transport method | Average cost per mile |
|---|---|
| Towing | $1 – $3 |
| Flatbed truck | $3 – $4 |
Permits
Depending on the transport route and local regulations, you'll likely need to obtain one or more permits to move your tiny house legally. Permit requirements and fees vary based on the tiny home's size and whether you classify the house as a recreational vehicle, travel trailer, or fixed load on a utility trailer.
Transporting a tiny house that's wider than 8.5 feet typically requires additional permits and may also require paying for a pilot car to escort the movers, as the house will be considered an oversized load.
Insurance
While not mandatory, purchasing moving insurance is highly recommended to protect your tiny house and belongings during transit. The cost of moving insurance varies depending on the value of your tiny house and the coverage you choose.
Additional expenses
Moving your tiny house may incur other expenses:
Utility disconnection at the old location and reconnection at the new location
Tipping the movers
Supplies to secure everything in the home's interior, including appliances, furniture, loose objects, interior doors, cabinet doors, and electronics
Consider renting a moving truck to transport your belongings instead of leaving them inside the tiny house during the move. Moving truck rental costs $20 to $130 per day for local moves or $300 to $500 per day for long-distance moves, not including fuel.
FAQs about moving a tiny house
Do you need a permit to move a tiny house?
You may need a permit to move a tiny house, depending on the house size, move distance, transport route, and local laws and regulations. If the house is large enough to qualify as an oversized load, transporting it typically requires a permit for each state it passes through. You may also need local permits for specific cities along the route.
Can you move a tiny house without wheels?
While it's possible to move a tiny house without wheels, it's generally more expensive and complex. Tiny houses are designed to be mobile, and moving one without wheels often requires specialized equipment and additional labor to detach the structure from its existing foundation.
How often can you move a tiny house?
Technically, you can move a tiny house as often as your budget and local regulations allow. However, even if your tiny house is already on wheels, a move of any distance is a major undertaking that requires extensive planning and preparation.
Before scheduling your move, research the regulations for tiny homes in the destination location.
Getting quotes from tiny house movers
If you don't own a pickup truck capable of towing your tiny house, hiring an experienced house mover can provide you with peace of mind. Companies that specialize in transporting tiny houses have the necessary skills and equipment and are better prepared to handle unexpected contingencies.
Look for companies that specialize in transporting tiny homes, as they'll have more experience than general towing companies.
Ask local tiny home builders for recommendations.
Get quotes from several tiny house transport companies.
Choose a licensed and insured company that has been in business for 5+ years.
Get a detailed estimate and contract in writing before making any payments.
Schedule your move at least one month in advance.
Questions to ask tiny house transport companies
Ask tiny house movers these questions to ensure you hire the best company for the task:
How long have you been in the tiny house transport business?
How many tiny houses have you moved in the past year?
Can you provide references from recent customers?
How long will it take to move my tiny home?
What should I do to prepare my home for transport?
Will you tow my tiny house on its existing trailer or load it onto your truck or trailer instead?
What moving insurance options do you offer?
Will the move require permits, and will you obtain them?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.