How to Move a Used Mobile Home

Read through the original material, or the data plate, that came with your mobile home. Mobile homes are rated for specific map zones and the related weather conditions. Your data plate will give information about the thermal, wind, and snow tolerance of your home. If the location you are moving to is not indicated for the type of home you have, the home should not be moved.

Have your home inspected by a professional if it is more than five years old to ensure that it is sound enough to move. This is required in some areas, but is a good idea anywhere. It will help you to protect your investment. If the home is not sound enough to be moved, you may need to consider selling the home and purchasing something else for the new location.

Apply for the appropriate road use and transportation permits. This is state-mandated, and you need to check into the legal requirements of every state that you will pass through.

Identify and contract with a professional house mover. These professionals are qualified to move your home in a manner that will not compromise the soundness of the structure, and is in compliance with legal weight, size and width regulations.

Pour a new concrete foundation, and prepare utility hookups at the location you are moving to. The foundation must be ready before the home is moved, so that it can be setup properly upon arrival.

Remove any accessories that have been added to the home's exterior. This would include attached porches, garages, or carports.

Remove the skirting from around the mobile home's foundation. Save it for use when setting up the home at the new location. Any damaged panels should be replaced.

Disconnect all of the utilities, including water, sewer, gas, electricity, phone, cable, and air-conditioning. If the air-conditioning unit is exterior to the home, it is your responsibility to move it after it has been disconnected. Typically, it will not be moved by the professional company moving the home.

Install the tongue and hitch, if it is not still attached. This will attach at one end of the mobile home and protrude from under the home's foundation.

Check the condition of the axles and tires. Ensure that the axles are still appropriately attached and that the tires will hold air. If the tires or axles have been removed, replace them at this time.

Disconnect the home from its anchors and pads. These are the elements that keep the home from shifting while on its foundation; they must be removed for the house to be relocated.

Oversee the home movers, who should take over at this point.