10 best movers in Gulfport, Mississippi

International Van Lines is the best long-distance mover for relocating out of Mississippi. For a local move in the Gulfport area, use the filters below to find other local moving companies that meet your needs.

Long-distance movers in Gulfport

A long-distance move means relocating more than 50 miles away or to another state. Hiring a mover with the right federal licensing is crucial if you're moving across state lines. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use the USDOT number, MC 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 your belongings safely and efficiently 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

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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?

Relocating within or out of Gulfport is relatively expensive, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. This makes sense given that the cost of living in Gulfport is higher than 69.9% of the country.

Moving expenses add up quickly, as there are many factors involved. Here are some typical moving costs:

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

These extra factors can bring up the cost of your total:

Transporting specialty items

When hiring professional movers, you may have to pay extra for moving fragile, valuable or oversized items. Some common items that can cost more to move include these:

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

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

Tipping your movers

Tipping your movers isn’t required, but it’s common if your movers handled your belongings with care or made your move stress - free. 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 a variety of reasons, including traffic, limited supplies, transportation emergencies and bad weather. These issues may increase the time and money required. Although delays are unpredictable, you can prepare for them by having a flexible 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 lower your moving costs in Gulfport.

Be communicative

Keep your movers informed about any modifications to your schedule or inventory, especially when adding items after getting an estimate from the movers.

While small items can usually be accommodated without issue, larger pieces such as new furniture or appliances should be discussed beforehand. Additional fees may apply for large items, and your movers won’t begin the move until you’ve consented to the cost.

Have a flexible schedule

Move in the off-season or during the week to lower the cost and book the movers you want.

Peak moving season is between May and September. Consider moving during other months if you have a flexible schedule, as there may be less competition or lower moving rates.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

There are several alternatives if you can't find an affordable relocation service that meets your needs.

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

• Fuel
• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies

You may also need to ask friends, family or neighbors for help moving heavy items such as furniture. Professional movers provide significant value if you lack the time or support to commit to moving yourself.

You can also hire movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr. Hiring hourly help can cost less, but independent contractors may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Gulfport

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving is when your hired movers manage all aspects of the moving process for you. They provide packing supplies, provide packing services for your belongings, transport them and unpack them.

Standard moving services are more affordable than full-service moving, as they typically only include loading and moving your belongings. However, full-service moving can be worth the extra cost when you factor in the time, labor and packing materials you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving can get you better insurance coverage, as self-packed items are generally only insured up to 60 cents per dollar, and it can be tough to get a claim approved for self-packed damaged items.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

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

How does moving insurance work?

Determine the complete worth of your belongings to accurately choose the most suitable insurance policy. Released-value coverage applies to all moves, which insures 60 cents per pound per item. A full-value protection policy may be sensible if your belongings are worth a lot, so ask to review all rates.

When is the best time of year to move?

The hotter months, May to September, usher in peak moving demand, leading to limited availability and inflated costs countrywide for big and small moves alike. This might dissuade you from a summer relocation given the price hikes. You also may want to steer clear of moving amid Gulfport's scorching summertime temperatures, as this could make relocating exceptionally difficult.

We advise moving in the springtime or early autumn so that you have optimal weather conditions and more affordable pricing for services.

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. We also recommend keeping any valuable electronics, such as laptops, with you instead of on the moving truck.

Moving companies frequently cap insurance coverage on costly items, like jewelry and heirlooms. Carry irreplaceable and valuable possessions in your own car if you're worried about loss or damage.

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including these:

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

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.