How much does it cost to move a mobile home?
How much does it cost to move a mobile home?
$1,000 – $8,000 cost to move a single-wide mobile home
$2,000 – $15,000 cost to move a double-wide mobile home
Average cost to move a mobile home
The cost to move a mobile home is $1,000 to $8,000 on average for a single-wide trailer or $2,000 to $15,000 for a double-wide. Mobile home moving costs depend on the home size and weight, moving distance, setup services included, permit fees, and whether the move requires escort vehicles.
| Mobile home size | Average cost (full-service move) |
Average cost (transport-only move) |
|---|---|---|
| Single-wide | $5,000 – $8,000 | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Double-wide | $8,000 – $15,000 | $2,000 – $3,500 |
| Triple-wide | $12,000 – $20,000+ | $3,000 – $5,000 |
Transport-only vs. full-service move
Most mobile home moving companies offer two different options: transport-only or full-service moves. Both options include permits and liability insurance but differ in the services included:
A transport-only move involves attaching the mobile home to a towing vehicle, moving it to the new location, and detaching it from the vehicle. The mobile home must be move-ready, meaning you’ve already disconnected all utilities and exterior features like decks and porches.
A full-service move includes transport along with disconnecting the utilities, skirting, and exterior features and reconnecting them at the new location.
Single-wide mobile home
The cost to move a single-wide mobile home is $1,000 to $2,000 for transport only or $5,000 to $8,000 for a full-service move. Because a single-wide mobile home is only 12 to 18 feet wide, it is easier to transport and typically doesn't require an escort vehicle.
Double-wide mobile home
The cost to move a double-wide mobile home is $2,000 to $3,500 for a transport-only move or $8,000 to $15,000 for a full-service move. Movers must separate the two halves of the home, transport them individually, and reconnect them at the destination.
Triple-wide mobile home
Moving a triple-wide mobile home costs $3,000 to $5,000 for a transport-only move or up to $20,000+ for a full-service move. Triple-wide mobile homes are the most expensive to move because the contractor must separate and tow the three sections independently.
Factors that affect the cost of moving a mobile home
The following factors impact the cost to move a mobile home:
Distance – The farther you need to move the mobile home, the higher the cost. Longer distances require more fuel and time and may also require additional permits.
Type of move – Full-service moves are significantly more expensive than transport-only moves but ensure the process goes smoothly and your mobile home is ready for you to move in more quickly at its new location.
Mobile home size & weight – Larger and heavier homes require more effort, specialized equipment, and additional permits for transportation, increasing the total cost.
Age & condition of home – Costs increase for homes that need reinforcement or special handling due to structural issues.
Permits – Moving a mobile typically requires multiple permits for transportation and setup. Transporting a mobile home to a different county or state may require obtaining permits for each territory it crosses or enters during the journey. Most moving companies handle the permits and include the cost in their estimate.
Liability insurance – Professional mobile home movers offer liability insurance to cover damage that occurs during transit. Check your existing mobile home insurance policy to see if it covers your home during the move.
Escort vehicles – Larger mobile homes that take up more than one lane during transport must be accompanied by one or more escort vehicles, also called pilot cars. Fees for this service range from $1.50 to $3.50 per mile.
Mobile home setup services
If you don't opt for a full-service move—which typically includes setup services—professional mobile home movers often charge a fee of $3,000 to $5,000 for complete disassembly and reassembly of the mobile home at its new site. This service may include:
Disconnecting and reconnecting utilities
Removal and reinstallation of skirting
Removal and reinstallation of exterior features, such as stairs, decks, or porches
Leveling the home at the new location
Securely anchoring the mobile home to the new foundation
Moving a mobile home yourself vs. hiring a pro
Moving a mobile home requires specialized skills and equipment. In many areas, it's illegal to move a mobile home yourself. Licensed and experienced mobile home moving companies that are familiar with local regulations and safety standards are typically the best choice to ensure a smooth move.
There are several types of professionals who specialize in moving mobile homes. Each offers different services and expertise:
Professional mobile home movers – Mobile home moving companies have the expertise, equipment, and licenses needed to move a home safely and efficiently. Most companies offer full disassembly and setup services.
Mobile home transport companies – Transport services specialize in picking up, moving, and dropping off mobile homes but don't offer full-service moves.
Mobile home dealers – Dealers that sell new or used mobile homes often provide moving services for their customers.
Mobile home installers – Contractors and professionals who specialize in mobile home installation or setup may also offer moving services.
Heavy equipment towing companies – Some companies that specialize in heavy equipment transportation or towing services also have the capability to move mobile homes due to their expertise in handling large and heavy loads. However, these companies typically only offer transport-only moves.
Mobile home moving FAQs
How do you move a mobile home?
Moving a mobile home involves several steps:
First, the home is prepared for transportation by disconnecting utilities, securing loose items, and removing exterior features like decks or porches.
Then, movers use specialized trucks and trailers designed for transporting mobile homes to lift and tow the home to its new location.
Upon arrival, the team carefully repositions your home, reconnects utilities, and completes any necessary setup work.
How much is a permit to move a mobile home?
The cost of a permit to move a mobile home varies widely depending on local regulations, the move distance, and any additional requirements imposed by the areas the mobile home passes through. Permit fees can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
Can I move a mobile home on my property?
Moving a mobile home on your property is possible but the move may require a permit and must comply with all local zoning, utility, and safety requirements.
Can you move a mobile home on a permanent foundation?
Whether or not you can move a mobile home on a permanent foundation depends on the type of foundation and how the home is attached to it.
Poured concrete and concrete block foundations are not meant to be lifted or transported, and doing so could damage the foundation or home itself.
Steel beam foundations and footers are often designed with mobility in mind, making them more resistant to damage during transport.
Can you move a mobile home with furniture in it?
Experts recommend removing your furniture and belongings from inside the mobile home before moving it. Moving a mobile home with furniture inside can damage both the home and the furniture if items shift while in transit. Additionally, many moving companies have restrictions on moving a home with items inside.
Getting estimates from mobile home moving companies
When moving your mobile home, it's crucial to hire professionals who have the expertise and equipment to handle the job safely and efficiently. Follow these guidelines to find the best mobile home moving companies near you:
Compare quotes from 3 companies that specialize in moving mobile homes.
Read moving company reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Choose a licensed, bonded, and insured company that has been in business 5+ years.
Ask for references from previous customers.
Confirm the company has the necessary equipment to handle your move.
Get a detailed written contract that outlines the services included, timeline, and insurance coverage.
Questions to ask mobile home transport companies
Ask these important questions to ensure your move goes smoothly:
How long have you been in business?
How many mobile homes have you moved in the past year?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Can you provide references with contact information?
What does your fee include?
What other potential costs might come up?
Do you set up the mobile home at the new location?
What liability insurance do you offer?
Can you move my mobile home across state lines?
Will you obtain all the necessary permits?
How long will the teardown, transport, and setup take?
Do you handle disconnecting and reconnecting the utilities?
How do you handle the home's exterior features, such as a deck?
We use our proprietary database of project costs, personally contact industry experts to compile up-to-date pricing and insights, and conduct in-depth research to ensure accuracy in all our guides.