TinyHomeList

Complete Tiny Home Moving & Setup Checklist 2025

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Moving a tiny home isn’t like renting a U-Haul. The logistics, permits, utility hookups, and site preparation are a multi-week project. This checklist covers the full sequence from 8 weeks out to 30 days post-move-in.

8 Weeks Out

Legal and documentation:

  • Finalize purchase contract with all contingencies resolved
  • Obtain title and registration documents
  • Schedule professional inspection if not already done
  • Secure financing and complete loan paperwork
  • Get certificate of insurance covering transport and placement
  • Apply for building permits if required at destination

Site planning:

  • Confirm placement location in writing — don’t assume verbal approval is binding
  • Order utility service (electrical, water, sewer, internet)
  • Plan access route for delivery truck — measure clearances, check for low-hanging lines
  • Arrange for site leveling if needed

6 Weeks Out

Transport:

  • Get at least 3 quotes from specialized tiny home transporters
  • Verify insurance coverage during transport — your homeowner/RV policy may have gaps
  • Check the route for bridge clearances, low trees, and width restrictions
  • Obtain oversize load permits if required (anything over 8.5 feet wide)
  • Confirm driver certification and equipment specifications

Utilities:

  • Schedule electrical service installation — 30-amp minimum, 50-amp preferred
  • Arrange water connection and pressure regulator (tiny home systems need regulated pressure, typically 40–60 PSI)
  • Plan sewer connection with proper slope (1/4” per foot minimum)
  • Schedule internet installation — don’t leave this until move-in day

4 Weeks Out

Pre-move prep on the home:

  • Full photo/video documentation of current condition
  • Remove or secure all loose items inside
  • Disconnect utilities at current location
  • Drain all water lines to prevent freeze damage during transport
  • Secure cabinet doors and drawers with rope or tape
  • Remove or strap down exterior items — awnings, antennas, anything that can catch wind

Site work:

  • Complete site leveling — target within 2 inches in all directions
  • Install utility pedestals or connection points
  • Clear delivery path and confirm it can handle truck weight
  • Call 811 to mark underground utilities before any digging

Moving Day

Before the truck arrives:

  • Walk through and document condition one more time
  • Confirm utilities are fully disconnected
  • Have payment ready for the transport company
  • Clear the delivery path and brief any helpers

During loading:

  • Watch the loading process — catch any damage before it leaves
  • Photograph the securing and strapping
  • Sign transport documents only after your own inspection

At the delivery site:

  • Guide the driver to exact placement — don’t let them make this call
  • Check level before unloading — repositioning after is expensive
  • Document any transport damage immediately and before signing
  • Test major systems before the driver leaves if possible

Setup Days 1–3

Day 1 — Foundation and utilities:

  • Level the home (check front/back and side/side)
  • Install leveling jacks or blocks under the frame
  • Verify doors and windows operate correctly — binding indicates leveling issue
  • Connect electrical service and test all circuits
  • Connect water with pressure regulator and test throughout
  • Connect sewer with proper slope and test all drains

Day 2 — Systems check:

  • Test heating system operation and all safety shutoffs
  • Test ventilation fans (kitchen and bathroom — critical for moisture control)
  • Check all gas connections for leaks with soapy water
  • Fill and test water heater
  • Test all electrical outlets — GFCI outlets in wet areas must trip and reset correctly
  • Connect internet and verify speed

Day 3 — Interior and security:

  • Install and test smoke detectors and CO detectors
  • Mount fire extinguisher in kitchen
  • Install outdoor lighting for safety
  • Change locks if not new construction
  • Set up outdoor area and confirm mail/address markers

Week 1 — Monitor Everything

New tiny homes settle. Connections shift. Watch for:

  • Doors or windows that start binding (indicates settling)
  • Moisture or condensation — ventilation issues show up in the first week
  • Any unusual electrical behavior — flickering, tripped breakers
  • Water pressure changes throughout the day
  • Propane or gas smell at any point (evacuate and call your utility)

Establish utility baselines in week 1. If your electric bill spikes unexpectedly in month 2, you want a week-1 baseline to compare against.

30-Day Review

By day 30, you’ll know what’s working and what needs adjustment. Evaluate:

  • HVAC efficiency — is the home comfortable across temperature swings?
  • Electrical capacity — any circuits that frequently trip?
  • Water pressure at peak usage times
  • Internet reliability for work needs
  • Storage systems — what isn’t working?

The 30-day review is also when you catch slow leaks, insulation gaps, and system performance issues before they become expensive. Small problems found at 30 days are cheap. The same problems found at 18 months are not.

This checklist reflects standard industry practice as of 2025. Site-specific requirements vary — consult local utilities and licensed contractors for hookup work.

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