The mobilehome should be empty,  with the exception of the refrigerator, stove, and anything that was built-in at the factory.  The home is designed to handle this weight on the road.  Any added load will put undue stress on the frame, possibly breaking windows,  cracking walls, loosening siding, or causing structural damage. 

        Items left inside the home can be damaged during the move, if not secured properly.  This includes sliding doors, cabinet drawers, stove and dishwasher doors, hanging lamps and fixtures, and ceiling fans.  The toilets should be flushed, and the tank tops should be put on the floor.  The refrigerator must be secured.  It is best to strap it in place.  If laid on its side, it MUST be left standing for at least 48 hours before being plugged in again, or the compressor will burn out.
 
       All external add-ons, such as porches, steps, awnings, air conditioners, skirting, lighting fixtures, mail boxes, etc. must be removed.  Any loose items, such as screens and water heater doors must be secured.  The water heater must be drained and strapped in.
 
       All utility and wire connections must be disconnected safely.  This includes water, sewer, gas or propane, electricity, telephone, cable, and television antenna wires.
 
       Any items left on top of the roof or stored under the mobilehome must also be removed.  The swamp cooler must be taken off the roof unless it is fully secured and is less than 14 feet above the ground at its highest point when the home is sitting on its fully inflated tires. Its four side panels must be removed.
 
       With the exception of removing personal belongings from the home, most tear-down/set-up crews will routinely perform these tasks.  You may be able to save some money by doing some of this prep work yourself. But do it SAFELY.
 
 

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