10 best movers in Tampa, Florida

The best mover for moving out of Florida is International Van Lines. For a local move in the Tampa area, use the filters below to find other moving companies that meet your needs.

Long-distance movers in Tampa

A long-distance move means relocating over 50 miles away or from one state to another. Check that the mover you hire has the necessary federal licensing when moving across state boundaries. Interstate movers must 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 check a carrier’s licensing status in the FMCSA’s database.

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

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 Tampa is fairly expensive, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. The higher moving rates make sense because the cost of living in Tampa is above 89.0% of the country.

Various factors are involved when moving, so expenses add up fast. Common moving expenses include the following:

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

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

Transporting specialty items

Moving companies may charge more to move certain items, especially those that are breakable, valuable or oversized. The following items can be more expensive to move:

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

When vetting moving companies, ask whether they move these items and charge extra for them.

Tipping your movers

Giving your movers a tip is optional but common if they get your belongings to your new home safely and efficiently. Consider tipping each mover $5–$10 per hour for local moves and $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves.

Unexpected delays

Transportation emergencies, bad weather, limited supplies and traffic can all delay your move and add to the time and cost. 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

The following tips can lower your moving costs in Tampa.

Be communicative

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

Small items may not pose a problem, but inform them of large additions such as new furniture or appliances. Additional fees may apply for large items, and your movers won’t start the move until you’ve agreed to the cost.

Have a flexible schedule

Since dependable and cost-effective movers are in high demand, consider moving on a weekday or in the off-season to save some money while still getting your preferred relocation service.

Movers are the most booked between May and September. If your timeline is flexible, moving during less busy months may result in lower rates or less competition.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

There are several alternatives if you have difficulty finding a cost - effective moving company that meets your needs.

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

• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies
• Fuel

Your friends, family or neighbors may also need to help you move, especially if you have large items such as furniture. If you lack the time or support system needed for a self-move, employing movers is a worthwhile investment.

Another option is to find movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack. While hiring hourly help can be cheaper, these gig workers may not have the necessary licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Tampa

What’s full-service moving?

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

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 worth it, considering the time and labor packers save you, in addition to the packing materials costs it covers. Additionally, full-service moving can provide more comprehensive insurance coverage, as self-packed items are generally only covered 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 Florida are also required to have a license from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

How does moving insurance work?

Determine the complete worth of your belongings to accurately choose the best insurance policy. All movers should offer released-value coverage, which pays 60 cents per pound per item. If you're moving high-value items, request information on your mover's full-value protection policies. 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 best moving time falls during May to September, leading to much higher demand and pricing for moves both large and small. The high summer rates could understandably deter you 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?

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

Many moving businesses restrict insurance coverage on high-value possessions, like jewelry and family heirlooms. Hold onto these yourself, as well as any other irreplaceable belongings, if you're concerned about potential loss or damage.

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including these:

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

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.