10 best movers in Clearwater, Florida

The best interstate moving company for relocating out of Florida is International Van Lines. If you're moving around Clearwater, use the filters below to find other local movers.

Long-distance movers in Clearwater

A long-distance move means moving more than 50 miles away or to another state. If you're crossing state boundaries, you should be especially careful that the moving company you use has the proper federal licensing. Interstate movers must have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. To verify a carrier's licensing status, you can input the MC number, USDOT number or mover's name into the FMCSA's database.

The long-distance moving companies below are experienced and have an active license. They can help get you and your belongings safely and smoothly across state lines.

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4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Includes one month of storage with long-distance moves
• Lists add-on service costs online
• Services all 50 states

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4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Operates exclusively as a carrier
• Runs shuttles for moves between major cities
• Offers storage for high-value items and antiques

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3.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Offers flat rates for all long-distance moves
• Has secure storage facilities with 24/7 surveillance
• Includes packing and storage in all quotes

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Why is moving so expensive?

The average hourly moving rate for moving within or out of Clearwater is higher than the national average, making itrelatively expensive. This makes sense considering the cost of living in Clearwater is higher than 87.0% of the country.

Moving costs add up quickly depending on what services you need. Here are some typical moving costs:

• Storage
• Packing
• Supplies
• Junk removal
• Professional labor
• Fuel

These additional factors can add even more to your total cost:

Transporting specialty items

When hiring a moving companiy, you may have to pay more for moving fragile, valuable or oversized items. Some items that can incur higher fees include these:

• Family heirlooms or antiques
• Safes
• Artwork and sculptures
• Heavy pieces of furniture or technology
• Pianos

If you need to move any of these items, ask potential movers whether they charge additional fees for them.

Tipping your movers

While tipping your movers isn’t required, it’s a common practice if your movers handled your belongings with care or reduced the stress of your move. For local moves, a standard tip is $5–$10 per mover per hour. For long-distance moves, tip $20–$40 per mover per day.

Unexpected delays

Delays can happen for several reasons, including transportation emergencies, bad weather, limited supplies and traffic. These issues may increase the duration and cost of your move. You can't avoid delays, but you can prepare for them by being flexible with your schedule and adding 25% more than your movers quote you to your moving budget.

How to save money on moving costs

The following tips can reduce your moving expenses in Clearwater.

Be communicative

Communicate any changes to your schedule or inventory to avoid unexpected charges on the day of your move. Inform them of additional items that weren’t in the initial inventory.

While your movers can usually accommodate small items without a problem, larger pieces such as new furniture or appliances should be discussed before the move. Additional fees may apply for these items, and your movers won’t begin the move until you’ve agreed to the cost.

Have a flexible schedule

Dependable, affordable movers are highly sought after. Consider moving in the off-season or on a weekday to save some money and still get your preferred moving team.

Movers are busiest between May and September. You may find less competition and lower moving rates if your timeline is flexible and you can plan your move outside of those months.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

Consider an alternative if you can't find an affordable mover that meets your needs.

One alternative is handling the move yourself. Consider the amount of labor required and the following costs when deciding between professional movers and moving on your own:

• Fuel
• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies

Enlisting help from family, friends or neighbors for moving bulky items such as furniture can make your move faster and easier. Hiring movers is beneficial if you lack the time or anyone to help you move.

Hiring movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr is another alternative. Hiring hourly help can be more cost-effective, but gig workers may not have proper licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Clearwater

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving is when your movers manage the entire moving process for you. They supply packing materials, pack your belongings, transport them and unpack them.

Standard moving services are cheaper than full-service moving, as they typically only include loading and moving your belongings. However, full-service moving can be worth it when you factor in the time, labor and packing supplies you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving may provide more comprehensive insurance coverage compared to self-packed items, which are typically only insured up to 60 cents per dollar. Getting a damage claim approved for self-packed items can also be challenging.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

Any legitimate moving company will show their proof of registration on physical trucks and formal files. If you're making an interstate move, you should screen companies for valid USDOT and MC numbers beforehand by visiting the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in Florida are also required to have a license from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

How does moving insurance work?

Determine the total worth of your belongings to accurately choose the best insurance policy. All movers will offer released-value coverage, which protects your goods at a rate of 60 cents per pound per item. However, you may want to ask about full-value protection, which most movers offer at an additional cost, if your belongings include expensive items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The best time to move falls throughout May and September, creating elevated demand and raised rates for moves of all sizes. The lofty prices could prevent you from making a move in the summer. Furthermore, Clearwater's sweltering summer heat might mean moving amid high temperatures, which can pose even more challenges.

We recommend moving in the spring or early fall seasons when you can expect more favorable weather and lower costs.

What things should I leave to the movers, and what should I transport myself?

Load up your car with anything too important to lose, such as photographs, financial records, identification documents and technology.

Many moving companies cap insurance coverage for costly items, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're worried about potential loss or damage, take those invaluable or irreplaceable possessions in your own car.

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including these:

• Fertilizers
• Batteries
• Aerosols
• Compressed tanks or gas
• Toxic chemicals or cleaners
• Flammable chemicals of any kind
• Fuel sources
• Plants
• Perishable foods and produce

Our methodology for selecting moving companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.

We review national moving providers against our full moving methodology. We score movers based on reputation and customer experience, service availability, cost and pricing practices, insurance options, customer service and communication.