Many people find that investing in mobile homes is one of the most convenient ways to own a residence. They are often more affordable, faster to acquire, and as its name suggests, easier if you want or need to move around and put it on a different property.
However, mobile homes still come with their own set of costs, permits, and other factors that every homeowner needs to take into consideration. Below, we discuss all there is to know regarding how much you can expect to pay, what things affect the cost, and a few tips to reduce the total bill when you move your mobile home.
How Much Is A Permit To Move A Mobile Home?
A mobile home moving permit is required before you can pick up and leave with your house in tow. The process of how to get a permit and how much it could cost depends on the state and country you’re living in – as well as the state you will be moving into and territories you may be passing through to get to your destination.
It is important to obtain a permit before moving because this signifies that you do not have any unpaid and/or overdue taxes on the property and that you are the owner of the property with the full right to move it.
Below, we discuss the different kinds of permits and the factors that affect how much a permit could cost:
Types of Mobile Home Permits
Depending on the state you’re in, there are different kinds of mobile permits you may need to acquire. The two most common ones include:
Single trip permits
If you are looking into a one-time move, a single trip permit gives you five to seven (5-7) days to accomplish that, the number of days will differ with every state. This permit allows travel only through specific routes, and is only for mobile homes that do not exceed a maximum height of 15ft, width of 16ft, or length of 100ft. If your home is bigger than these specifications, you can still be eligible for a single-trip permit but for an added fee.
Single-trip permits would typically cost $30 at the time of writing.
Annual permits
Annual permits, also known as multiple trip permits, are valid for a full 12 months. This type of permit usually allows travel on a number of routes and Interstate highways given that your mobile home does not exceed the dimensions limit. These cost an average of $100 and are often used by contractors and moving companies.
It is important to note that annual permits may need a separate permit for minor roads. All of the permits should include the identification number of the vehicle as well as the plate number for the towing vehicle.
Cost Breakdown of a Mobile Home Permit
Permit application fees
The total cost of your permit fees will depend on the permits you need. You may need to just spend on either a single trip permit ($35), an annual trip permit ($100), or additional permits that could range between $35 to $50 each – more depending on the state.
Transportation fees
Your total transportation fee will depend on the mover you choose, the distance of your move, and any additional fees your mobile home may incur due to its size, weight, or condition. This could be as low as 700 and average at $7,000. Some may cost even more, and it is best to check with your movers what the inclusions are per bill since they may already cover other fees for you such as permits, escorts, and others.
Pilot and escort vehicle fees (if required)
If your home is very large and would take up more than one lane when traveling, especially through smaller roads, you will need to pay for escort vehicles. More often than not, your moving company will already have contacts for these, including a pilot car to drive in front of the truck. This could average between $1 to $2 per mile.
Security deposits or bond fees
Your current location and/or the location you are moving into may require a security deposit or bond before you are issued a permit to move. This deposit will cover any damage that may be incurred during the move.
Insurance requirements
Double-check with your current insurance provider if your manufactured home is already covered when in transit. If not, it is important to secure insurance since it is fairly common for certain aspects of the home to get damaged during transport, especially if the route is not smooth and the home is quite old.
Tips for Reducing Mobile Home Permit Costs
Plan the move during off-peak seasons
Just like vacation rentals and flights, services offering to move mobile homes are generally cheaper during the off-peak season because the demand is much lower. Perhaps the most expensive time to move would be in the summer when the weather is just right and everyone’s schedules have just opened up.
Research state-specific regulations beforehand
To ensure you don’t incur any surprise charges, research state-specific requirements and prepare for them ahead of time.
Do some of the work
There are some things you can do yourself that lessen how much money you need to shell out. For instance, you can start collecting free boxes instead of purchasing multiple ones. You can also pack your things yourself instead of sourcing them out.
Similarly, you can transport the small stuff yourself and just hire a moving company for the bigger and heavier items.
Compare quotes
Compare quotes from different moving companies and the inclusions of each package to ensure you pick one that gives you more bang for your buck.
How Much Does It Cost To Move A Mobile Home?
The total cost to move a mobile home depends on many factors. However, the two variables that most affect cost are:
#1 If you require a transport-only move or a full-service move
With a transport-only move, you can expect the mover to attach your mobile home to a towing vehicle, move it to the new location, and unhook in on the spot. They would also be able to provide the necessary permits and liability insurance to achieve this.
With a full-service move, you can expect all the inclusions of a transport-only move, with the addition of disconnecting all utilities, skirting, and attached structures, and then reconnecting them again in the new location.
#2 If your mobile home is single, double, or triple-wide
The size of your home will have a significant effect on your total cost. Those with single-wides will understandably spend less at an average of $5,000 compared to those with double or even triple-wides that could start at $10,000 per move.
In some cases, if the home is too big for your local streets and you may need a police escort or temporary road closure to safely transport your mobile home, this will also incur additional costs. Similarly, if travel routes are limited due to the size of the home, and this will force the moving company to take longer but safer routes, you can expect to pay more as well.
What other factors affect the cost of moving a mobile home?
Apart from the two above, other common factors that have a huge impact on the total cost to move a mobile home and secure a permit include:
Distance between the two locations
Simply put, the shorter the distance between the two properties, the cheaper it would be to transport. This is because a shorter move requires less gas, less time spent, and no additional equipment to secure the move.
Weight of the mobile home
Size is not the only variable that matters – weight should be taken into consideration as well. More often than not, older mobile homes would typically weigh around 35 to 40 pounds per square foot while newer mobile homes are a little heavier – around 45 to 50 pounds per square foot on average.
The heavier your mobile home, the more moving equipment and other materials are necessary to safely transport it.
Permits and other State or Local Regulations
Different states have their regulations to adhere to. You may need to acquire a permit not only for the new state you’re moving into but all territories you will have to enter and travel through to get there. Moreover, some states require a permit to set up a mobile home within their cities.
Your movers should be able to secure these for you.
Additional Documents (if any)
Some movers will require you to purchase liability coverage. It would also be best to secure insurance or ensure that the current mobile home insurance you have can cover your home while it’s in transport.
Hiring Professional Movers vs DIY
While we understand the need to save money on a move, transferring your mobile home from one location to the other without hiring a professional can actually be illegal. This is a job for a licensed, insured, and bonded company that can adhere to safety standards across all states.
Apart from this, moving companies can also gather all the necessary permits, take care of disconnecting and reconnecting certain elements, make small repairs, and so much more! You can rest assured that your mobile home is in good hands when you outsource professionals.
You’re All Set!
Now that we’ve discussed the importance of securing a mobile home permit, the different factors that could affect the cost, and a few ways you can reduce it, you can be more prepared to have a successful move!
