How to Prepare Your Mobile Home for a Move in Alabama
Introduction
Moving a mobile home is a major undertaking, especially in Alabama, where county regulations, terrain, and weather can all play a role in the process. If you live in Mobile, Tuscaloosa, or Hoover, or surrounding areas in Mobile County, Tuscaloosa County, or Shelby County, knowing how to properly prepare your home for transport will save you both time and money.
At Trailer House Movers Near Me, we specialize in helping Alabama homeowners move their manufactured and mobile homes safely, legally, and affordably. This guide will provide a step-by-step checklist before moving a mobile home in Alabama, explain why mobile home skirting removal is often required, and highlight tips to make the moving process as smooth as possible.
Why Preparation is Important
Preparing your mobile home properly ensures:
- Compliance with Alabama county permit requirements
- Reduced risk of damage during transport
- Lower overall moving costs
- Faster setup once the home reaches its new location
Skipping these steps can lead to delays, costly repairs, or even permit rejections. That’s why many Alabama residents choose to work with professional movers. Learn more about what we offer on our services page.
Step 1: Secure Permits and Legal Documents
Before anything else, you need to ensure your move is legal. In Alabama:
- County moving permits are required.
- Property taxes must be paid before approval.
- Title documents proving ownership are needed.
- In some counties, escorts may be required if your home exceeds size limits.
Contact your local county office to learn what applies in your area. For example, Mobile County may have different wide-load restrictions compared to Shelby County.
Step 2: Schedule a Professional Inspection
Before movers arrive, schedule a licensed inspector to:
- Check your home’s frame and axles for structural integrity.
- Confirm the roof and siding can withstand transport.
- Identify repairs needed before disassembly.
This step prevents costly surprises on moving day.
Step 3: Disconnect Utilities
Moving companies typically don’t handle utility disconnections. You’ll need to:
- Contact your electric provider to shut off power.
- Schedule plumbers to disconnect water and sewer lines.
- Disconnect gas lines safely.
💡 Pro Tip: Schedule disconnections a few days before moving to avoid last-minute delays.
Step 4: Remove Skirting and External Structures
One of the most overlooked steps is mobile home skirting removal for moving in Alabama. Skirting, porches, decks, and carports must be removed to ensure safe transport.
- Skirting: Remove panels carefully to avoid damage if you plan to reuse them.
- Porches & Decks: Disassemble and store materials separately.
- Add-ons: Sunrooms or extended roofing may need professional detachment.
Step 5: Secure the Interior
To protect your belongings:
- Remove fragile items and store them separately.
- Tape cabinet doors shut.
- Remove ceiling fans or hanging fixtures.
- Cover windows with protective materials.
Think of your mobile home as a large moving truck—it needs to be stripped of anything that could shift during transport.
Step 6: Prepare the Exterior
- Lock all windows and doors.
- Cover chimneys or vents.
- Inspect and secure siding.
- Ensure the roof is free from loose shingles.
This reduces the risk of wind damage during highway transport.
Step 7: Clear the Surrounding Area
Your moving team will need space to maneuver equipment.
- Trim trees and bushes.
- Clear vehicles and obstacles from the driveway.
- Make sure there’s enough room for trucks and escort vehicles.
If you live in a tighter urban area like Hoover, you may need special traffic permits.
Step 8: Work With Licensed Movers
Not all movers are qualified to relocate mobile homes. In Alabama, make sure your moving company:
- Is licensed and insured
- Has experience with single-wide and double-wide moves
- Understands county-level permit requirements
- Provides a detailed quote that covers all costs
At Trailer House Movers Near Me, we pride ourselves on being fully licensed, insured, and experienced in all aspects of mobile home relocation in Alabama.
Step 9: Plan for Setup at the New Site
Preparation doesn’t end once your home is loaded. At your new location:
- Ensure the foundation is prepared (piers, blocks, or concrete pad).
- Arrange for utility reconnections.
- Schedule skirting and exterior reassembly.
For personalized help with this step, you can contact our team and we’ll guide you through the process.
Moving Day Checklist
- ✅ Permits in hand
- ✅ Utilities disconnected
- ✅ Skirting removed
- ✅ Belongings secured
- ✅ Exterior checked
- ✅ Path cleared
- ✅ Movers scheduled
This quick checklist will keep you organized and stress-free.
Final Thoughts
Preparing your mobile home for transport in Alabama requires planning, permits, and professional assistance. Whether you live in Mobile County, Tuscaloosa County, or Shelby County, following this checklist ensures your move is legal, safe, and cost-effective.
If you’re ready to schedule your mobile home move, trust the experts at Trailer House Movers Near Me. We’ll handle the logistics so you can focus on your new beginning. Learn more about our full range of moving services on our services page or get in touch with us today for a free consultation.