4 Considerations When Moving a Mobile Home into a Community

Moving a mobile home into a community isn’t a single-day plan-and-move project. It’s a lengthy process with many logistical details that you need to put in place before hitting the road. So, you can’t just wake up one day, prepare your home, hook it to a towing vehicle, and move into a community. No, there’s a lot that you need to consider for a smooth and successful move.

Regardless of the reason behind you moving into a community, whether to be close to other mobile homeowners, affordability, or other personal reasons, you need to factor in things such as the cost of moving, local laws, and the condition of your home.

In this article, we’ll discuss the top 4 considerations when moving a mobile home into a community. Let’s get started!

1. Local Laws

One of the most important considerations you need to make when moving a mobile home into a community is the local laws. Local laws help you understand the zoning laws and safety regulations regarding moving mobile homes. Although the laws differ from one state to another, some are common in most states. The number one rule is that you can’t move your mobile home independently. You need to hire a licensed moving company specializing in mobile homes!

You also need to get a moving permit to show that the local authorities have allowed you to relocate. Your home will also be inspected to confirm whether it’s up to code. In addition, you need to check the laws of the new city/state you are moving to. Abiding by the laid down laws makes moving much easier.

2. Size of Your Mobile Home Vs Allotted Space

It’s also important to consider the available space in the community. You need to make sure that there’s enough room for your mobile home, as well as any other vehicles or structures that you might have. Luckily, with the rise of mobile home parks, it’s easy to find a community with a space to accommodate your home. However, the problem comes in matching the allotted space with the size of your mobile home.

Some communities only allow single, double, or triple-wide homes, meaning that not every community is a good fit for your mobile home. If you aren’t sure how your mobile home compares to the allotted space, it’s advisable to consult the community/ park manager before moving.

3. Cost of Moving

Another important consideration is the cost of moving. Moving a mobile home can be a big financial investment. In most states, the law doesn’t allow you to move your mobile home on your own; you need to hire a licensed moving company. The cost of moving will depend on your home’s size, age, and weight. The distance between your current location and the community and the prep or finishing work needed will also affect the cost. 

You can choose either a transport-only move or a full-service move. A transport-only move entails attaching the move-ready mobile home to a towing vehicle, moving it to the community, and unhooking it. On the other hand, a full-service move entails everything in a transport-only move plus disconnecting all utilities, skirting, and any other attached structures and then reconnecting them at the mobile home park. Typically, be ready to pay approximately $700 to $20,000 on the lower and higher end, respectively, depending on your moving needs. 

4. Condition of Your Home

You should also consider the condition of your mobile home. Can the home be moved? Is it up to code?

You should ensure that your home is stable enough to be moved from its current location to the community. If your mobile home isn’t in good condition, it could collapse during the move and cause serious damage. Typically, the home should be structurally sound to be moved around depending on the federal or local laws.

In most states, old mobile homes or those with structural issues caused by weather and water damage, termites, or accident are considered unfit to move.  If you aren’t sure whether your home is up to code, an inspection by professionals from a licensed moving company will clarify your doubts. A trained professional will identify if any fixings or adjustments are required to make your home movable.

Bottom Line

Moving a mobile home into a community may seem overwhelming, but countless people have done it successfully. And with a little bit of research and proper planning, you can do it too.

The considerations discussed above will help you seamlessly move your mobile home into your community of choice. Good luck moving your mobile home!