10 best movers in Melbourne, Florida

International Van Lines is the best long-distance moving company for moving out of Florida. If you're planning a local move around Melbourne, use the filters below to find other movers in your area.

Long-distance movers in Melbourne

A long-distance move means moving more than 50 miles away or to a different state. Hiring a moving company with the right federal licensing is essential if you're moving across state lines. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Input these numbers or the mover's name into the FMCSA's database to confirm a carrier's licensing status.

We've verified that the long-distance moving firms below have an active license. They can help get you and your belongings to your new home safely and efficiently.

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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?

Relocating within or out of Melbourne is fairly costly, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. This makes sense considering the cost of living in Melbourne is above 87.0% of the country.

Moving expenses add up fast based on what services you need. The following are typical moving expenses:

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

Your total cost may also be influenced by these additional factors:

Transporting specialty items

Moving companies may charge more to move fragile, valuable or oversized items. Some common items that can cost more to move include these:

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

When deciding between movers, ask whether they move these items and how much it'll cost.

Tipping your movers

While tipping your movers isn’t mandatory, it’s common if your movers got your belongings to your new home safely and efficiently. Consider tipping each mover $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves and $5–$10 per hour for local moves.

Unexpected delays

Delays happen. Transportation emergencies, limited supplies, traffic and bad weather can all add time and money to your move. You can't prevent unexpected delays, but you can prepare for them by being flexible with your schedule and allocating 25% more than your movers quote you to your budget.

How to save money on moving costs

Keeping the following tips in mind can reduce your moving expenses in Melbourne.

Be communicative

Avoid unexpected charges the day of your move by being as communicative with your movers as possible. Notify them about additional items that weren’t in the initial inventory you gave the movers.

For example, small items can usually be added to the truck without issue, but large items — like new appliances or furniture — should be discussed beforehand. The movers may need to adjust their quote for these additions, and they’ll need your consent to these fees before beginning the move.

Have a flexible schedule

Reliable, budget-friendly movers are highly sought after. Consider moving in the off-season or during the week to reduce costs and still reserve your preferred relocation service.

Most people book moving companies from May through September. Consider moving outside of those months if you have a flexible schedule, as there may be less competition or lower moving rates.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

If you can’t find a cheap moving provider that meets your needs, there are several alternatives to consider.

You can handle the move on your own, but consider the following costs along with the labor required:

• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies
• Fuel

You may also need to get help from family, friends or neighbors for loading and unloading heavy items such as furniture. If you don't have the time or support system needed for a DIY move, employing movers is valuable.

Hiring movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr is another alternative. While hiring hourly help can be more affordable, these independent contractors may not have proper licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Melbourne

What’s full-service moving?

Hiring full-service movers means they will tackle the entire moving process. They supply packing materials, pack your belongings, transport them and unpack them.

Full-service moving costs more than services that only include loading and moving your items, but it can be worth it considering the time, labor and packing supplies you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving can provide more comprehensive insurance coverage, as self-packed goods are usually only protected 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?

All legitimate moving businesses will show proof of registration on their transport trucks, as well as on paperwork like quotes and agreements. If you're planning an interstate move, confirm the company's USDOT and MC numbers on 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?

Review what insurance policies your movers provide. Released-value coverage applies to all moves, which insures 60 cents per pound per item. A full-value protection policy may be necessary if your belongings are worth a lot, so ask to compare rates.

When is the best time of year to move?

The optimal moving time falls throughout May and September, creating increased demand and heightened rates for moves of all sizes. The lofty prices could prevent you from making a move in the summer. Additionally, Melbourne's intense summer heat might mean moving amid high temperatures, which can pose even more challenges.

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?

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

Moving companies frequently restrict insurance coverage on high-value items, like jewelry and heirlooms. Carry irreplaceable and valuable possessions in your own car if you're nervous about loss or damage.

There are certain goods and materials that moving services aren't allowed to move. These include the following:

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

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.