10 best movers in Jacksonville, Florida

International Van Lines is the best long-distance mover for moving out of Florida. If you're moving around Jacksonville, use the filters below to find other movers in your area.

Long-distance movers in Jacksonville

A long-distance move is when you move over 50 miles away or relocate to a different state. When moving across state boundaries, ensure your moving company has the right federal licensing. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Input the USDOT number, MC number or mover's name into the FMCSA's database to look up a carrier's licensing status.

We’ve verified that the long-distance moving services below are actively licensed. These reliable movers can help get you and your belongings safely and efficiently to your new home.

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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?

Moving within or out of Jacksonville is relatively expensive, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. This makes sense considering the cost of living in Jacksonville is higher than 81.6% of the country.

Moving expenses add up quickly, as there are various factors involved. The following are common moving expenses:

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

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

Transporting specialty items

Professional movers may charge more to move fragile, valuable or oversized items. The following items can be more expensive to move:

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

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

Tipping your movers

Giving your movers a tip is optional but common if they provide quality service. Consider tipping each mover $5–$10 per hour for local moves and $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves.

Unexpected delays

Delays happen. Bad weather, transportation emergencies, traffic and limited supplies can all add time and money to your move. You can't avoid delays, but you can prepare for them by being flexible with your schedule and budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you.

How to save money on moving costs

Keeping the following tips in mind can lower your moving costs in Jacksonville.

Be communicative

To prevent unexpected charges on your moving day, maintain open communication with your movers, especially about items you add to your inventory after a virtual or in-person walkthrough with your movers.

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

Have a flexible schedule

Schedule your move in the off-season or on a weekday to reduce costs and book the movers you want.

Movers are the most booked from May through 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 a cost - effective relocation service.

While you can move yourself, weigh the amount of labor required and the following costs:

• Fuel
• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies

Getting help from friends, family or neighbors for loading and unloading heavy items such as furniture can make your move quicker and easier. Professional movers are a worthwhile investment 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, which can be more affordable. However, these independent contractors may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Jacksonville

What’s full-service moving?

Hiring full-service movers means they will handle the entire moving process. They provide packing supplies, pack your belongings, transport them and unpack them.

Full-service moving is more expensive than services that only include loading and transporting your items, but it can be worth it considering the time, labor and packing materials it saves. Additionally, full-service moving may provide better insurance coverage compared to self-packed goods, which are generally only covered up to 60 cents per dollar. Getting a damage claim approved for self-packed items can also be difficult.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving businesses will display proof of registration on their moving trucks and on all official documents like estimates and contracts. As stated above, you should confirm a company’s USDOT and MC numbers when planning an interstate move by checking 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 ideal insurance policy. All movers will offer released-value coverage, which protects your goods at a rate of 60 cents per pound per item. A full-value protection policy may be necessary if your belongings are worth a lot, so ask to review all rates.

When is the best time of year to move?

The peak time to move is between May to September, leading to notably higher demand and elevated pricing for moves both sizable and small. The high summer rates could understandably steer you away from moving at that time of year.

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?

For peace of mind, move items like identification documents, financial records and photo albums in your own car. Similarly, load up your vehicle with any expensive electronics that you wouldn't want lost or damaged.

Most moving businesses restrict insurance coverage for high-value goods, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're concerned about irreplaceable and valuable items being lost or damaged, bring those belongings with you.

There are certain goods and items prohibited for transportation by moving companies. These include the following:

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

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.