How to Start a Mobile Home Moving Business

A mobile home moving business is a company that specializes in moving mobile homes from one location to another. Mobile homes, also known as manufactured homes, are prefabricated structures that are designed to be moved from one place to another.

Mobile home moving businesses typically use specialized equipment and vehicles to transport mobile homes safely and efficiently. The process of moving a mobile home involves disconnecting utilities, such as water, electricity, and gas, and securing the home onto a trailer or other transportation device.

The mobile home moving company then transports the home to its new location and sets it up, reconnecting the utilities and ensuring that everything is in working order. Mobile home moving businesses may also offer additional services, such as site preparation, foundation installation, and permit acquisition.

Steps on How to Start a Mobile Home Moving Business

1. Conduct Market Research

A mobile home moving business needs market research to identify the demand for its services, potential customers, competition, and pricing strategies. This research can be conducted through surveys, interviews, and online research to gather insights into market trends, consumer preferences, and behaviors.

The business can use this information to develop a marketing strategy that targets the right audience, communicates the unique value proposition, and drives sales growth.

a. Who is the Target Market for a Mobile Home Moving Business?

• Mobile Home Owners
• Mobile Home Dealers
• Mobile Home Park Managers
• Construction Companies
• Government Agencies
• Insurance Companies
• Auction Houses.

b. Is Mobile Home Moving Business a Profitable Business?

The profitability of a mobile home moving business can vary depending on various factors such as location, operating costs, and competition. However, if the business is managed efficiently and has a good location, it can be a profitable venture.

c. Are There Existing Niches in the Industry?

Although, there are no existing niches when it comes to mobile home moving business, some mobile home moving companies specialize in long-distance moves, while others focus on local or regional moves.

d. Who are the Major Competitors?

• American Mobile Home Transport – North Carolina
• Allied Mobile Home Moving and Services – Arizona
• A&R Mobile Home Transport – California
• Buckeye Mobile Home Transport – Ohio
• D&R Mobile Home Movers – New Hampshire
• E-Z Mobile Home Transport – Oklahoma
• Mobile Home Movers Inc. – Alabama
• L&R Mobile Home Transport LLC – Florida
• G&G Mobile Home Transport – Georgia
• Idaho Mobile Home Transport – Idaho
• JJ Mobile Home Transport – Indiana
• Show Me Mobile Home Movers LLC – Missouri
• Redman Mobile Home Moving – Oregon
• T&T Mobile Home Movers – South Carolina
• J&R Mobile Home Moving – Tennessee
• Lucky’s Mobile Home Movers – Texas
• Utah Mobile Home Transport – Utah
• Sam’s Mobile Home Transport – Virginia
• WA Mobile Home Transport – Washington
• Premier Mobile Home Transport – Wyoming.

e. Are There County or State Regulations or Zoning Laws for a Mobile Home Moving Business?

Mobile home moving businesses may need to obtain various licenses and permits to operate legally, depending on the state and county where they are located. Mobile home moving businesses may be required to carry certain types and amounts of insurance, such as liability insurance, to protect against damages and accidents that may occur during the moving process.

Mobile home moving businesses must follow certain safety regulations, such as weight limits for vehicles and requirements for securing mobile homes during transport. Mobile home moving businesses must comply with zoning laws and may be required to obtain special permits or approvals for certain types of moves, such as moving homes through residential areas.

f. Is There a Franchise for Mobile Home Moving Business?

Yes, there are franchise opportunities for mobile home moving businesses and some of them are;

• Two Men and a Truck
• U-Haul
• Mayflower
• United Van Lines
• PODS
• Budget Truck Rental
• Penske
• Allied Van Lines
• North American Van Lines
• Atlas Van Lines.

g. What Do You Need to Start a Mobile Home Moving Business?

• Reliable and well-maintained moving trucks
• Permits and licenses
• Equipment and supplies
• Business plan
• Marketing strategy
• Insurance
• Finance

2. Choose a Memorable Business Name

When looking to start a business, before you can begin to file the necessary documents with the constituted authorities or start your website, it is necessary that you come up with a name that you will be recognized with. It is essential that the name you come up with can easily be pronounced, is unique and easily memorable.

Some of the catchy business name ideas suitable for a mobile home moving business are;

Creative Mobile Home Moving Business Name ideas

• Roberts McRobie® Mobile Home Moving Co.
• Luke Bradely™ Mobile Home Moving Company, LLC
• Greatness® Mobile Home Moving Company, Inc.
• Halley Morrison® Mobile Movers Inc.
• Richie Johnson® Mobile Home Moving Company
• Red Drag® Mobile Home Moving Company
• Go Mobile® Moving Company, Inc.
• Blue Rave® Mobile Home Moving, Inc.
• Harry Cotter® Mobile Home Moving Company
• Chris West® Mobile Home Moving Company
• Hansen’s® Rolling Residence Movers
• Theo Gulp® Mobile Home Moving Company
• House on Wheels® Moving Co.
• Mobile Living Movers Company
• Mobile Home Transporters, Inc.
• Rolling® Home Relocation, Inc.
• Highway® Home Haulers
• Mobile House Movers, LLC
• Home on the Go Moving
• Moving Mobile Homes®, LLC.

3. Register Your Business

a. What Type of Business Structure is Best for a Mobile Home Moving Business?

The most suitable business structure for a mobile home moving company is determined by a variety of factors, including the size of the company, the number of owners, the level of personal liability the owners are ready to accept, and the tax implications of the various business forms.

However, we normally advocate entering with a limited liability company. An LLC is a hybrid corporate form that provides the flexibility of a partnership while also providing its owners with limited liability protection. An LLC can have one or more owners, and the owners are not personally accountable for the debts or liabilities of the business. This business form is frequently used for small to medium-sized organizations.

b. Steps to Form an LLC

• Choose a Name for Your LLC.
• File Articles of Organization.
• Choose a registered agent.
• Decide on member vs. manager management.
• Create an LLC operating agreement.
• Comply with other tax and regulatory requirements.
• File annual reports.

c. What Type of License is Needed to Open a Mobile Home Moving Business?

• General Business License
• Zonal Permits
• Signage Permit
• Proof of ownership, proper identification, and vehicle license
• DOT number
• Copy of license for the service support facility and/or a recent inspection report.

d. What Type of Certification is Needed to Start a Mobile Home Moving Business?

You don’t need any certifications to start a mobile home moving business.

e. What Documents are Needed to Open a Mobile Home Moving Business?

• Business License
• Articles of Incorporation
• Tax Identification Number also known as an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• DOT Number
• State Permits
• Insurance
• Contracts documents
• Business plan

f. Do You Need a Trademark, Copyright, or Patent?

A mobile home moving business may need to consider trademarks, copyrights, and patents to protect its intellectual property rights. A mobile home moving business may consider copyright protection for marketing materials, such as brochures and website content.

While mobile home moving businesses may not typically have patentable inventions, they may consider seeking patent protection for any unique or innovative technology used in their operations, such as specialized moving equipment or tools.

4. Cost Analysis and Budgeting

a. How Much Does It Cost to Start a Mobile Home Moving Business?

The cost of starting a mobile home moving business can range from $150,000 to $250,000 or more, depending on the size of your operation and the number of trucks and equipment you need.

b. What are the Costs Involved in Starting a Mobile Home Moving Business

• Business registration fee: $750
• Equipment (trucks, trailers, and dollies): $100,000
• Salaries of Employees: $35,000
• Office and administrative expenses
• Permits and licenses: $500-$2,000
• Insurance: $3,000
• Marketing and branding (logo design, website, social media): $500-$2,000.

c. What Factors Determine the Cost of Opening a Mobile Home Moving Business?

• Location
• The cost of trucks, trailers, dollies, and other equipment and the quality, brand, and size of the equipment.
• The cost of obtaining permits and licenses required to operate the business
• The cost of insurance and amount of coverage needed.
• The cost of marketing and branding efforts, such as logo design, website development, and social media marketing
• The cost of labor.

d. Do You Need to Build a Facility? If YES, How Much Will It Cost?

A mobile home moving business typically does not require a facility to operate. Instead, the business usually requires specialized equipment, such as trucks, trailers, and dollies, to move mobile homes from one location to another.

e. What are the Ongoing Expenses of a Mobile Home Moving Business?

• Insurance
• Equipment maintenance and repair
• Fuel and vehicle expenses
• Labor
• Office and administrative expenses (rent, utilities, phone, and internet services, office equipment, and software).
• Marketing and advertising
• Taxes (income tax, payroll tax, and sales tax)
• Rent or lease payments.

f. What is the Average Salary of your Staff?

• Chief Operating Officer (Owner) – $48,000 Per Year
• Manager – $35,000 Per Year
• Accountant – $35,000
• Truck Driver – $34,500 Per Year
• Attendants – $3o,100 Per Year
• Customer Services Executives -$28,000 Per Year

g. How Do You Get Funding to Start a Mobile Home Moving Business?

• Raising money from personal savings and sale of personal stocks and properties
• Raising money from investors and business partners
• Sell shares to interested investors
• Applying for a loan from your bank/banks
• Pitching your business idea and applying for business grants and seed funding from, the government, donor organizations, and angel investors
• Source for soft loans from your family members and friends.

5. Write a Business Plan

a. Executive Summary

Roberts McRobie® Mobile Home Moving Co. is a full-service mobile home moving company that will provide safe and efficient transportation of mobile homes to various locations throughout the country. Our team of experienced drivers and movers is dedicated to providing excellent customer service and ensuring the safe delivery of every mobile home we transport.

With a fleet of state-of-the-art trucks and trailers, we have the capacity to move mobile homes of all sizes and types. Our drivers and movers undergo rigorous training to ensure they are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to handle any transportation challenge.

We aim to become the leading mobile home moving company in the industry by focusing on providing reliable, high-quality service to our customers. Our competitive pricing and commitment to excellence set us apart from our competitors, and we are confident that our business model will lead to continued growth and success.

b. Products and Service

Our mobile home moving companies typically offer a range of services to help transport mobile homes from one location to another safely and efficiently.

c. Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide safe, efficient, and reliable transportation of mobile homes to various locations throughout the country. We are committed to providing exceptional customer service and ensuring the satisfaction of our customers by handling every move with care, professionalism, and integrity.

Vision Statement

Our vision is to be the leading mobile home moving company in the industry, recognized for our commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer service. We aim to provide our customers with the best possible moving experience, with a focus on safety, reliability, and affordability.

d. Goals and Objectives

The goals and objectives of a mobile home moving business are to help transport mobile homes from one location to another safely and efficiently.

e. Organizational Structure

• Chief Operating Officer (Owner)
• Manager
• Accountant
• Truck Driver
• Attendants
• Customer Services Executives.

Marketing Plan

a. SWOT Analysis

Strength:

• Experienced team of drivers and movers with a track record of safe and efficient transportation of mobile homes.
• State-of-the-art trucks and trailers equipped with the latest technology to ensure safe and efficient transportation.
• Competitive pricing and a commitment to excellence in customer service.
• Strong relationships with mobile home manufacturers and dealers.

Weakness:

• Limited brand recognition and market share compared to larger, more established competitors.
• Dependence on a small number of key clients for a significant portion of revenue.
• Limited geographic reach, with most businesses concentrated in a few regions.

Opportunities:

• Expansion into new markets and regions, including areas with high demand for mobile home transportation services.
• Diversification of services to include storage and disposal of mobile homes.
• Investment in new technology to improve efficiency and enhance customer experience.
• Strategic partnerships with complementary businesses in the mobile home industry.

Threat:

• Economic downturn can reduce demand for mobile home transportation services.
• Intense competition from larger, more established companies.
• Changes in government regulations and requirements for the transportation of mobile homes.
• Natural disasters or other events can disrupt transportation operations.

b. How Do Mobile Home Moving Businesses Make Money?

Mobile home moving businesses make money by helping clients transport their mobile homes from one location to another safely and efficiently.

c. Payment Options

• Credit or Debit Card
• Cash
• Electronic Payment Systems such as PayPal or Venmo
• Checks
• Bank Transfers.

d. Sales & Advertising Strategies

• Offer existing customers a referral program with incentives for bringing in new business
• Optimize the company website with relevant keywords and content to rank higher on search engine results pages (SERPs).
• Use Google Ads or other Pay-Per-Click (PPC) platforms to bid on keywords and target potential customers based on geographic location, demographics, and search intent.
• Use social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to reach potential customers, build brand awareness, and engage with the community.
• Develop a targeted email list of potential customers and send out regular newsletters, promotions, and updates to keep them engaged and interested in the company’s services.
• Attend industry trade shows and events to showcase the company’s services, network with potential customers and partners, and build brand awareness.
• Use targeted direct mail campaigns to reach potential customers in specific geographic areas or demographics.
• Develop strategic partnerships with mobile home manufacturers, dealers, and other businesses in the industry to cross-promote services and reach a wider audience.

Financial Projection

a. How Much Should You Charge for Your Product/Service?

The cost of moving a mobile home can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including the size of the home, the distance of the move, the level of difficulty involved in moving the home, and any additional services required (such as disconnecting and reconnecting utilities).

According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost to move a mobile home within 50 miles is between $1,000 and $5,000. For longer distances, the cost can range from $6,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on the distance and difficulty of the move.

These estimates do not include additional costs for permits, transportation escorts, or other fees that may be required by local authorities.

b. How Much Profit Do Mobile Home Moving Business Owners Make a Year?

According to a Mobile Home Living survey, the average gross revenue for a mobile home relocation service is over $225,000 per year. However, depending on the size and scope of the firm, this figure can vary greatly, with some smaller enterprises generating as little as $50,000 per year and larger businesses making well over $500,000 per year.

c. What Factors Determine the Amount of Profit to Be Made?

• The capacity of the mobile home moving business
• The location the mobile home moving business is covering
• The management style of the mobile home moving business
• The business approach of the mobile home moving business
• The advertising and marketing strategies adopted by the mobile home moving business.
• The number of years the mobile home moving business is in business

d. What is the Profit Margin of a Mobile Home Moving Business?

The profit margin of a mobile home moving business can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the size of the business, the volume of the business, and the level of competition in the market. Generally, the profit margin for a mobile home moving business can range from 5% to 15%.

e. What is the Sales Forecast?

Below is the sales forecast for a mobile home moving business. It is based on the location of the business and other factors as it relates to such startups in the United States;

• First Fiscal Year: $260,000
• Second Fiscal Year: $320,000
• Third Fiscal Year: $380,000

6. Set Up your Shop/Office

a. How Do You Choose a Perfect Location for a Mobile Home Moving Business?

• The demography of the location
• The demand for the services offered by mobile home moving companies in the location
• The purchasing power of businesses and residents of the location
• Accessibility of the location
• The number of mobile homes and mobile home moving businesses in the location
• The local laws and regulations in the community/state
• Traffic, parking, and security et al

b. What State and City are Best to Open a Mobile Home Moving Business?

• Houston, Texas
• Phoenix, Arizona
• Las Vegas, Nevada
• San Antonio, Texas
• Charlotte, North Carolina
• Dallas, Texas
• Atlanta, Georgia
• Orlando, Florida
• Nashville, Tennessee
• Denver, Colorado.

c. What Equipment is Needed to Operate a Mobile Home Moving Business?

• Mobile home transport trailers
• Towing vehicles
• Equipment for lifting and leveling mobile homes.
• Straps and chains
• Safety equipment such as safety cones, reflective vests, and warning signs
• Tools and accessories

7. Hire Employees

Actually, It’s possible to operate a mobile home moving business as a sole proprietor without any employees. However, depending on the size and scope of the business, it may be necessary to hire employees to help with tasks such as loading and unloading mobile homes, driving trucks, and handling administrative duties.

8. Launch the Business Proper

Organizing a launch party when opening a mobile home moving business can be a great way to generate buzz and excitement around the new venture. A launch party can help to attract potential customers, create a positive first impression, and build brand awareness.

a. What Makes a Mobile Home Moving Business Successful?

• Choose a good location and reliable trailer and equipment to launch the business
• Hire only competent, hardworking, and trustworthy staff
• Be deliberate with your marketing sales approach
• Encourage the use of word of mouth to promote your mobile home moving business
• Leverage all available online and offline platforms to promote your mobile home moving business

b. What Happens During a Typical Day at a Mobile Home Moving Business?

A typical day at a mobile home moving business involves a range of tasks related to moving mobile homes from one location to another. This may include preparing trailers and towing vehicles, loading and securing mobile homes onto trailers, transporting mobile homes to their destination, and unloading and setting up the homes at the new location.

Other tasks may include administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, communicating with customers, and managing finances. The specific tasks and workload can vary depending on the size and scope of the business, as well as the number of employees and jobs scheduled for the day.

c. What Skills and Experience Do You Need to Build a Mobile Home Moving Business?

• Technical expertise
• Physical fitness
• Customer services skills
• Interpersonal skill
• Good Accounting and bookkeeping skills
• Business management skills
• Work experience in the mobile home moving industry
• Experience in managing people
• Experience in business administration
• Experience in handling relevant software.