Mobile homes are an attractive housing option for people who don’t want to stay in one place for too long. When you’re ready to move to a new location, all you have to do is pick up your home and move it somewhere else, right?
The truth is that relocating your mobile home isn’t quite that simple. There are certain things you need to do to prepare your home for a move to avoid damage, delays, and added costs.
At D&D Home Setters, we want you to be prepared for the potential challenges of moving your mobile home, ensuring a smooth and successful transition. If you’re considering a move, keep reading to explore our expert tips on how to prepare your mobile home for a move.
Confirm Transportation Logistics
Before you can do anything else to prepare for the big move, you must first choose an experienced mobile home moving company like D&D Home Setters. Check the company’s licensing, insurance, and references to ensure they’re dependable.
Discuss the route, timeline, and setup to develop a detailed plan. When’s the estimated arrival time? Will there be any route restrictions? Will the mover prepare the new site and reconnect the home? These are important questions to consider before beginning the preparation process.
Understand Local Regulations and Permits
The first thing you should do to prepare for a mobile home move is research local regulations and permits. Requirements vary by city and county, so check local laws to determine what type of permits, if any, you will need to acquire prior to the move.
The next step is to obtain the necessary permits, which may include:
- A moving permit
- Utility disconnection permits
- Oversized load/travel permits
Schedule Inspections
Inspections may be necessary to acquire certain permits. Foundation and structure inspections are required in some areas to ensure the home is safe enough to move, and some jurisdictions require proof that the home meets federal HUD standards.
If you work with a professional moving company, they’ll often take care of the inspections and permits for you. When you’re comparing different companies, ask whether they provide this service. At D&D Home Setters, we’re experts in this step of the process, and we’ll navigate regulations and red tape so you don’t have to.
Prepare the Exterior of the Home
Once all the legal requirements have been taken care of, it’s time to prepare the home’s exterior for the move. First, remove the skirting boards, labeling each piece so you know which one goes where when it’s time for reinstallation.
If you have external attachments like awnings, porches, satellite dishes, carports, or decks on your home, these features should be removed, as well. You may need professional help to ensure you don’t accidentally damage anything.
Next, you’ll need to work with the professionals to safely disconnect your utilities, including electricity, gas, and sewer lines. If there are trees or other obstacles in the way, you’ll need to trim or remove them to create a safe path for extraction and transportation.
Prepare the Interior of the Home
Don’t forget about the interior of your home. Things can get jostled around during transport, so it’s important to secure anything that might move around.
As you prepare the interior, don’t forget to:
- Secure furniture and belongings: Pack away smaller items and secure large furniture to prevent it from shifting.
- Reinforce doors, cabinets, and windows: Tape or latch doors and cabinets so they stay shut. Use padding on the windows to protect them from impacts.
- Protect fragile items: Individually pack breakable items like dishes, picture frames, and knick-knacks.
- Turn off appliances: Unplug and secure large appliances like ovens, refrigerators, and dishwashers.
Make a Plan for After the Move
The moving process isn’t complete when your home arrives at its destination. Make a plan for everything that needs to happen after the move, including:
- Coordinating with utility companies in advance to get power, water, and gas lines reconnected.
- Ensuring the new site is graded and ready for the home.
- Budgeting time and labor for reinstalling skirting and exterior features that were removed.
Trust D&D Home Setters to Relocate Your Mobile Home
At D&D Home Setters, we’re intimately acquainted with everything that goes into preparing your mobile home for a move. When you work with us, you get the benefits of full-service mobile home moving and setup, ensuring the process goes as smoothly as possible.
If you’re ready to move, contact us today for a free estimate.
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