Best Moving Companies in Florida (2024)
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According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly one million U.S. residents moved to Florida in 2023. If you’re one of the many people who want to move to or from the Sunshine State, you’re likely researching your options when it comes to moving companies. Since no two moves are the same, we’ve compiled a list of the best moving companies in Florida to help you find the right services to make your move as seamless and stress-free as possible.
In this article, learn more about American Van Lines, International Van Lines, Allied Van Lines, and other top picks chosen by our team.
Top Moving Companies in Florida
After researching and rating the top moving companies in the nation, we found the following providers offer the best moving services in the Sunshine State:
- Our Top Pick: American Van Lines
- Best Service Offerings: International Van Lines
- Best for Vehicle Relocation: Allied Van Lines
- Best Customer Service: Moving APT
- Most Reliable Pricing: Safeway Moving Inc.
Comparing Top Florida Movers
Our top picks for Florida movers include International Van Lines and American Van Lines, among others. Use the table below to compare Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings, average costs, our rating, and more between the best moving companies in Florida.
*The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is an independent organization that evaluates companies based on reputation and responsiveness to customers. Ratings are accurate as of December 2024.
**We calculated average moving costs based on five quotes we received from each company for a two-bedroom move ranging between 500 and 800 miles.
See the table below for a comparison of the specialty moving services offered by each moving company in this review. As these are specialty services, it is best to contact each provider in advance to ensure availability during your moving dates to or from Florida.
| Specialty Services Offered | American Van Lines | International Van Lines | Allied Van Lines | Moving APT | Safeway Moving Inc. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle shipping | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Fragile-only packing | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Furniture disassembly and reassembly | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Crating | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Appliance and electronics handling | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Antique and specialty services | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Piano moving | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Storage services | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Office moves | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Key Moving Terms Explained
Before booking your move, it can help to know some key terms to ensure no misunderstandings between you and your moving provider. Learn more about these terms below. Check out our moving glossary for a complete list of important moving terms.
- Full-service move: This type of move leaves the packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking of your belongings up to a professional moving company. Typically more expensive than a partial-service or do-it-yourself (DIY) move with a moving truck rental.
- Partial-service move: A more cost-effective way to move that involves handling aspects of your move yourself. For example, you pack and unpack all of your belongings while professional movers take care of transport.
- Binding estimate: The price quoted by a moving company is the guaranteed cost, regardless of the final weight of your shipment or any necessary service adjustments.
- Non-binding estimate: An initial estimate that’s subject to changes based on added services, the actual weight of your belongings, and more.
- Released value protection: Coverage that holds movers liable for a predetermined amount per pound per item, not exceeding 60 cents per pound. Movers automatically include this coverage in your moving costs.
- Full value protection: Additional coverage that offers reimbursement for the replacement value of your items versus a predetermined monetary value per pound.
- Bill of Lading (BOL): A legal document outlining the details of your shipment, including items transported, costs, terms of service, and more, acting as both a receipt and a contract between you and your mover.
- Long carry fee: An extra charge incurred if your movers must carry items a significant distance between your home and the truck.
Our Reviews of the Best Florida Moving Companies
Take a closer look at the best moving companies in Florida in the sections below.
American Van Lines
International Van Lines
Allied Van Lines
Moving APT
Safeway Moving Inc.
Local Florida Moving Companies
If you’re looking for local moving services from a Florida-based company, there are many small, family-owned providers in the state. We’ve highlighted several companies with high customer satisfaction ratings on third-party review sites below.
Gulf Coast Movers
Florida Main Movers: A Florida-based company that serves Tampa Bay and other areas, including Clearwater, Palm Harbor, Port Richey, Trinity Page, and more. This company offers residential and commercial moves, including specialty services for heavy items, such as hot tubs and pianos.
Central Florida Movers
The Local Movers: A small company founded in Central Florida that serves Orlando, Kissimmee, Sanford, Winter Garden, and more. It offers residential moving, packing, storage, white glove, loading, unloading services, and more.
South Florida Movers
South Florida Van Lines, Inc.: A family-owned and operated moving company in business since 1983, this provider offers packing, full-service moves, air-conditioned storage options, piano moving services, and more.
Other Moving Options
You don’t necessarily have to hire a professional company for your next move. If you’re going a short local distance or prefer a DIY move to save money, there are several options available that might better suit your moving needs.
Moving Truck Rentals
If you’re looking for complete control over your move from start to finish, consider a moving truck rental. This method is ideal for individuals with a tight budget but make sure you’re comfortable with the labor involved. This includes packing, loading, unlocking, and unpacking your belongings on your own without the assistance of professional movers, plus you have to drive the truck.
Moving Containers
If you’d like to pack, load, unload, and unpack your belongings at your own pace while leaving the transport of your items to the professionals, a moving container could provide flexibility and versatility. This is an ideal option for those looking to mix a DIY approach with expert assistance.
How Much Does a Florida Move Cost?
After requesting sample quotes from the providers featured in this review, we found the average cost of a long-distance, three-bedroom move to Florida was $6,132. Keep in mind that how much you’ll ultimately pay for your move will depend on several factors, such as the distance, chosen moving service, seasonality, and more. The best way to determine your moving costs is to contact providers and gather quotes to compare.
See the table below to compare sample quotes for the providers we’ve chosen as the top moving companies in the Sunshine State.
| Moving Company | Sample Quote |
|---|---|
| International Van Lines | $6,469 |
| American Van Lines | $5,870 |
| Allied Van Lines | $4,683* |
| Moving APT | $3,113 |
| Safeway Moving Inc. | $6,147 |
*Note that our quote for Allied Van Lines represents the average price of a two bedroom move between 500 and 800 miles but isn’t exclusive to the state of Florida.
Other Factors That Impact Moving Costs
In addition to major features such as the size of your home and your moving distance, other factors can impact how much you pay for a move. Learn more below.
- Single-day vs. multiday moves: If you’re making a long-distance, cross-country move or have more items in your home that will take multiple days to move, expect to pay more than you would for a single-day move across a shorter distance.
- Full-service vs. partial service moves: A full-service move involves a moving company handling every aspect of the process—including packing, loading, transporting, and unpacking your belongings. While a partial move is more budget-friendly, it will likely require more effort on your part. Customers more concerned about costs versus effort may benefit from choosing a partial-service move over a full-service one.
- Extra services: Other factors that affect moving costs include added services such as unpacking and packing, navigating stairs, and other situations that could require additional time and effort from moving experts.
- Tipping: Tipping is customary and a way to show appreciation for a mover’s hard work, with various sources suggesting you tip anywhere between 15% to 20% of your total bill. Consider the quality of service, complexity of your move, and the size of your moving team when deciding how much to tip.
How To Get a Good Price
Getting a reasonable price on moving services for your Florida move doesn’t have to feel complicated. Here are some general tips for finding movers that fit your needs and budget:
- Gather multiple quotes: Requesting quotes from several moving companies can help you compare costs and services to find the best provider for your move.
- Move during the off-season: Scheduling your move during the off-season can help you save money, as a lower demand often equals lower prices.
- Downsize before moving: Decluttering and donating items you don’t need before your move can help lower your costs, especially if your mover charges by weight.
- Ask about discounts: It never hurts to ask about discounts, as many companies offer savings to seniors, military members, students, and more.
- Use a moving container: Portable moving container companies can offer you a cheaper alternative to a full-service move if you’re willing to put in some extra legwork.
Florida Moving Regulations
The state of Florida has several regulations pertaining to moving companies and their services. For one, the state requires intrastate moving companies to register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). The department provides a tool so customers can look up registration information.
Florida also requires movers to provide customers with an estimate and contract in writing. This estimate should include information such as an itemized list and description of the customer’s household goods and the total cost and services provided.
In addition, movers must carry legal liability valuation, insurance coverage, and cargo legal liability coverage. FDACS provides a breakdown of these insurance amounts and information on how to file a complaint with the department on its website.
Nailing Down Your Moving Timeline
Figuring out a timeline plays a big part in the overall success of your move. Following a general timeline can help ensure your move goes as smoothly as possible from start to finish without added stress. Learn more about preparing for your Florida move in the section below.
- 6–8 weeks before: Create a checklist of everything you need to do before your moving date, such as notifying utility companies, changing your address, gathering packing supplies, and narrowing down moving companies that offer the services you need.
- 4–5 weeks before: Gather free moving quotes and book your moving services. Begin sorting your items and remove or donate anything you no longer need. Start gathering boxes, bubble wrap, furniture pads, and any other supplies. Pack non-essential items, such as books, seasonal clothing and decor.
- 2 weeks before: Continue to pack and confirm your booking details with your moving company. Ask any outstanding questions you have about the process, from loading to transport and delivery.
- 1 week before: Finish packing non-essential items and label your boxes by room, which can make unloading your belongings easier. Clean and prep your home, if necessary, and have a suitcase or box ready for any essentials needed immediately after your move.
- Moving day: Prep your boxes and furniture for when your mover arrives. Do a final walkthrough of your home after your belongings are loaded on the moving truck, and keep any essentials and valuables on you as you head to your new home.
How We Evaluated Florida Movers
To inform our rankings for the top moving companies in the Sunshine State, we closely examined each provider using our comprehensive methodology and determined 5-star ratings. We also considered factors that matter most to people moving to, from, or within Florida based on results from our 2024 moving survey of 1,000 participants.
Our Rating System
When rating moving companies, we considered customer service, industry reputation, cost value, service offerings, protection plans, and more to calculate our scores for each provider. Companies with positive reviews, a good reputation, and a wide variety of moving services received a higher rating and ranking in this review.
Specific factors that contributed to our assessment in ranking Florida providers for this review included:
- Overall score: We chose providers with high star ratings for the abovementioned factors, ranking those companies highly in this review.
- Locality: Our team considered providers based out of Florida versus companies with headquarters elsewhere in the nation.
- Services offered: Providers offering a wide variety of moving services ranked highly in this guide. We specifically considered companies offering specialty services, such as vehicle relocation, fragile moving services, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions about Florida Moving Companies
What is the average cost of moving in Florida?
The average cost of moving in Florida is $6,132. We calculated this average using quotes gathered by our research team for each of our top providers for a long-distance, three-bedroom move to the Sunshine State.
What is the hourly rate for movers in Florida?
According to the company All My Sons Moving and Storage, the hourly rate for most movers in the Jacksonville area ranges between $110 to $200. The hourly rate for movers in other parts of Florida depends on your location, moving date, and more.
What are the cheapest days to hire movers?
While exact dates may vary, the cheapest time to hire movers is during the industry’s off-season, generally during late fall through early spring.
What do most movers charge per hour?
What most movers charge per hour varies depending on factors such as your location, shipment weight, moving dates, any specially requested moving services, and more.
