Moving a mobile home in Texas requires careful planning, professional assistance, and compliance with local regulations. One critical distinction to understand upfront: moving is NOT installing.
Moving vs. Installing — What's the Difference?
Moving involves preparing the home for transport and positioning it at a new location. Installing encompasses hooking up utilities (electrical, plumbing, HVAC), installing skirting, decks, vapor barriers, and repairing transit damage.
These are separate processes often handled by different professionals, so plan accordingly.
Six Steps to Move a Mobile Home
1. Legal Requirements and Permits
- Check with local county planning departments for specific permit requirements
- Obtain permits for oversize/overweight loads and potential road closures
- Police escorts may be necessary depending on your route
2. Hire a Licensed Mobile Home Mover
- Verify credentials and licenses through the TDHCA website
- Request references and compare multiple quotes
- Ensure they have appropriate equipment and expertise
- Confirm proper insurance coverage
3. Prepare Your Mobile Home
- Remove all personal belongings
- Disconnect water, electricity, and gas utilities
- Secure or remove loose items inside and outside
- Document existing damage with photographs
- Verify structural soundness and code compliance
4. Transportation and Route Planning
- Coordinate with your mover on approved routes
- TxDOT issues permits and determines routing
- Request a copy of the moving permit
- Prepare for potential weather-related delays
5. Set-Up at New Location
Movers typically handle:
- Leveling and placing on blocks or foundation
- Anchoring with tie-down straps
- Reconnecting doublewide sections
- Installing roof caps
Owners typically handle:
- Utility reconnections
- New steps, decks, and skirting installation
- Repairs from transit damage
6. Post-Move Inspection
- Compare condition to pre-move documentation
- Address any discrepancies with the mover
- Verify safe arrival and proper positioning
If moving your mobile home feels overwhelming or too costly, selling it in place may be a better option. Mobile Bye Bye buys mobile homes as-is — even ones that need to be moved.