Mobile-home move checklist: what to do before the trucks arrive (Florida)

A smooth move-day is the result of two or three weeks of small preparation. Almost every same-day delay or surprise charge comes from one of the items below being missed. Run the list, check off as you go, and your move-day becomes routine.

Two to three weeks out: paperwork

• Title: confirm the home title is in your name with no liens. If a lien is being released, get the release letter in hand.
• Lot rent: pay any outstanding lot rent at the origin park. Most parks will not sign the release letter until the account is current.
• Property taxes: pay any back property tax on the home. Counties block install permits when taxes are outstanding.
• Park release letter: ask the origin park manager for written permission to remove the home. Some parks add a fee, some do not.
• Destination zoning: confirm the destination lot is zoned for a mobile home of your size and HUD code year. Call the building department to verify.
• HOA approval (if applicable): if the destination is in an HOA, get the board's written approval before scheduling.

One week out: utilities and notifications

• Schedule utility disconnects at the origin: electric, water, sewer, gas, propane.
• Schedule utility connects at the destination, or confirm that stub-outs are in and ready.
• Propane: empty or remove tanks before transport — they cannot ride on the home.
• Address change: USPS forwarding, banks, insurance, driver's license, voter registration.
• Insurance: notify your homeowner's carrier of the upcoming move and pending lapse-of-coverage window.
• Park notification: confirm the move date with the park manager so they can clear access.

Two to three days out: interior prep

• Empty the refrigerator and freezer. Block the doors open or remove and transport separately.
• Remove all valuables, paperwork, electronics, and irreplaceable items. Move them in your own vehicle.
• Anchor or remove anything on shelves, walls, or counters that can fall during transport.
• Secure or remove all interior doors. Tape cabinets shut.
• Drain water from pipes and the water heater if your mover has not already arranged this.
• Take photos of every room and the exterior — this is your record if a damage claim ever comes up.

Move day: access and presence

• Be present at origin and destination, or have a designated person with authority to sign.
• Clear all driveways, gates, and approach paths. The truck and home need a wide turning radius.
• Move parked cars, trash bins, branches, and anything else within fifteen feet of the home or the path out.
• Have keys, paperwork, and IDs ready.
• Have water available for the crew. It is courtesy and it is hot.

Day after: paperwork and inspections

• Walk the home with the installer. Note any new damage and document it the same day.
• Confirm the install permit is posted on site as required by the county.
• Schedule any utility re-connects that need an inspector first.
• Begin the process of converting the title to real property if that is your plan — the install certification is what enables it.

What movers will and won't do

A mover will: physically transport the home, handle the state trip permit, route and escort, set the home on its new pad, and coordinate the licensed installer for tie-downs and final install. A mover will not: pay your back lot rent or taxes, secure your interior items, settle a dispute with your park or HOA, pull the destination zoning permit, or transfer your title. These are the homeowner's responsibility, and missing any of them is the most common reason a move stalls.