How to Move a Double Wide Mobile Home

Doublewide homes are often stylish, spacious and neatly furnished, with two bedrooms and bathrooms. You can move a doublewide mobile home from one location to another, as long as you follow the precautionary measures.

1. Hire professional movers. Moving any mobile home requires a company to have special licenses from the state. Contact local mobile home dealerships for a list of licensed movers in your area. While hiring movers, check their license information and insurance details. Check whether they have a good record in moving mobile homes. Call the Better Business Bureau in the company's home state to find out if any complaints have been filed against the company. Many states will also require house movers to that a DOT license, which will allow you to check with the Department of Transportation to check the company's accident and driving histories. Many movers will also provide you with references from previous clients, which can be checked independently.

2. Get permission from the county to move your mobile home. The county will inspect your home and charge a fee for moving. You need to check with the local planning authority to adapt the new land for the required period of time and to get a license to use it. Obtain a road permit to move your mobile home upon the highway in that state. The permit fee will vary from one state to the next. You will need to obtain a permit for each state the mobile home will be transported through. The moving permits are good for five calendar days. All the taxes should be paid before getting the permit.

3. Inspect the double wide prior to the move. Pack and remove any items inside the double wide, as the movers will be separating the two halves of the building and shipping each side of the home separately. Anything remaining inside the home must be firmly secured to prevent damage during transport.

4. Check the type of ground in your new home. You may need new skirting and tie-downs that are suitable for that type of ground. Note that the number of anchors needed may vary depending upon the wind conditions the area is prone to.

5. Remove the skirting from around the exterior of the double wide mobile home. The skirting is located at ground level and is used to conceal the foundation of the mobile home. Free the skirting from the ground ties.

6. Disconnect all utilities from the structure. Disengage it from the sewage system. Shut down the electrical supplies. Disconnect the phone. Make sure the gas line is also cut off and sealed securely.

7. Separate the two units of your double wide home. The process of separating each half in preparation for transport is performed by the company that is contracted to transport and set up the building.

8. Use a crane to lift the units individually onto a flatbed trailer. Fasten them firmly to the trailer with chains and ropes. If all the pieces do not fit in one go, then move them piece by piece. This may take time, but the sections will be safe while transporting.

9. Use a crane to put the house down on top of the foundation at the new location. Identify and mark the places where the sewer, gas lines, telephone lines and electrical lines have to be connected to the mains. Make sure the house is level before you bolt the sections together. Secure the house to the ground with anchors and tie-downs.