10 best movers in Gainesville, Florida

International Van Lines is the best long-distance moving company for relocating out of Florida. For a local move around Gainesville, use the filters below to find other companies for your move.

Long-distance movers in Gainesville

A long-distance move is when you move from one state to another or over 50 miles away. Check that the mover you choose has the right federal licensing when crossing state boundaries. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use the MC number, USDOT number or mover's name to verify a carrier’s licensing status in the FMCSA’s database.

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

Featured

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

GET ESTIMATE

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

GET ESTIMATE

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

GET ESTIMATE

Why is moving so expensive?

Moving is an expensive process, but the average hourly moving rate in Gainesville is lower than the national average. Interestingly, the cost of living in Gainesville is higher than 82.0% of the country, so moving prices are more affordable than expected.

Moving costs add up fast based on what services you need. Here are some common moving costs:

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

These extra considerations can cause your total cost to climb even more:

Transporting specialty items

When hiring a moving companiy, you may have to pay more for moving valuable, fragile or very large items. These items typically cost more to move:

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

When deciding between movers, ask if they move these items and charge extra for them.

Tipping your movers

While tipping movers is optional, it's common to tip if they provide good service. Consider tipping each mover $5–$10 per hour for local moves and $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves.

Unexpected delays

Delays are common due to issues such as a lack of supplies, traffic, transportation emergencies and inclement weather. These can raise your moving costs and prolong your timeline. Prepare for delays by adding 25% more than your movers quote you to your moving budget and keeping a flexible schedule.

How to save money on moving costs

Keeping the following tips in mind can lower your moving expenses in Gainesville.

Be communicative

Be communicative about any changes to your schedule or inventory to avoid unexpected charges on the day of your move. Tell them about additional items that weren’t included in the initial inventory you gave the movers.

Small items may not pose a problem, but make sure they know about large additions such as new furniture or appliances. 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

Reliable, affordable movers are highly sought after. Consider moving in the off-season or during the week to save some money and still reserve your preferred relocation service.

The busiest moving period is from May through September. Consider moving during other months if you have a flexible schedule, as there may be lower moving rates or less competition.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

There are several alternatives if you have difficulty finding an affordable moving company.

While you can move on your own, weigh the amount of labor required and the following costs:

• Moving truck rental
• Fuel
• Packing supplies

Enlisting help from family, friends or neighbors for loading and unloading large or heavy items such as furniture can make your move faster and easier. If you don't have the time or support system needed for a DIY move, hiring movers is worth it.

Another option is to hire movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr. Hiring hourly help can be more affordable, but freelance service providers may not have proper licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Gainesville

What’s full-service moving?

When you choose full-service moving, your hired movers will tackle the entire moving process. This includes supplying packing materials, providing packing services for your belongings, transporting them and unpacking everything for you.

Full-service moving is pricier than standard moving services, which typically only include the loading up and transport of your belongings. The cost can be justified, considering the time and labor packers save you, in addition to covering the cost of packing materials. Additionally, full-service moving may provide better insurance coverage compared to self-packed goods, which are typically only protected up to 60 cents per dollar. Getting a damage claim approved for self-packed goods can also be difficult.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

Legitimate moving companies will present proof of registration on all sites, trucks and documents. Interstate moves mandate USDOT and MC numbers, so be sure to inspect their registration thoroughly before hiring movers 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?

You should also look into a mover's insurance policies. Released-value coverage applies to all moves, which insures 60 cents per pound per item. However, you may want to ask about full-value protection, which most movers offer at an extra cost, if your belongings include expensive items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The prime time to move is May to September, creating limited availability and inflated costs countrywide for both big and small moves. Understandably, this might give you pause about making a move during the summertime.

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?

On moving day, carry personal documents like financial records and identification documents in your own car. Additionally, we recommend keeping any expensive electronics, such as laptops, with you instead of on the moving truck.

Moving businesses frequently cap insurance coverage on high-value goods, like jewelry and heirlooms. Carry irreplaceable and valuable belongings in your own car if you're nervous about loss or damage.

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including these:

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

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.