How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Gainesville
Some factors to consider when choosing a moving company include cost, services offered, customer reviews, and licensing.
Determine Your Budget
The average hourly rate for local movers in Gainesville is $45. A two-bedroom move in the area costs approximately $4,093 in total. Your actual cost will vary depending on your home size, any additional tasks you need your movers to handle, the season, and move distance.
You should get quotes from three or more movers in your area. Ask for written estimates that provide a clear breakdown of the total cost and the flat fee or hourly rate. Keep your mover's estimate and compare it to the final invoice to ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer feedback plays an important role for moving companies. You can find movers that provide good customer service by reading reviews on platforms like Yelp, Trustpilot, Google Reviews, social media, and the Better Business Bureau.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Gainesville must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're only moving within Florida, your moving company must be registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). You can verify the company has an active license using its License Lookup tool.
If you're moving across state lines, the regulations are different. Interstate moving companies must be licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and must carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use these numbers to look up the company’s registration status and complaint history on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Asking whether the mover offers the services you need is crucial during the quote process. Complete an extensive inventory of your home before getting quotes and note any essential or additional services you might require. Inform the moving company if you have any specific conditions or needs to assess whether the company is a fit.
Types of Moving Services
A full-service mover includes the following services for standard moves:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
When seeking a quote from your moving company, discuss any special services you need. Services that can contribute to higher pricing include the following:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Gainesville, FL
Here are a few additional tips to consider for your Gainesville move.
Schedule an Early Move
Gainesville usually gets hectic during rush hour. Maneuvering through it can be more difficult in a moving truck compared to a personal-use car. Movers caught in traffic may result in delays and a higher cost since local moving companies charge hourly. You can avoid this by booking movers several hours before or after morning rush hour.
Avoid Busy Season
May to September marks the peak moving season and Gainesville's hottest time of the year. Moving at this time can slow or worsen your moving process, especially if you start searching for a mover too close to your move. The high demand could reduce your chances of securing your desired mover. Plan ahead and secure your desired mover at least eight weeks in advance. You should also be prepared for the potential challenges the hot summer weather may pose to your movers during a summer move.
Pack in Advance
Most movers won't move items that haven't been packed by the time your move begins. You should start packing around six weeks in advance. Pack a few boxes each day to avoid rushing when move day comes. Your movers may have a few extra boxes with them for last-minute packing, but you shouldn’t count on it.
How Much do Movers Cost in Gainesville, FL
Movers in Gainesville cost $2,589 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $6,570 to move a larger 4 bedroom house the same distance. See the chart below for more moving estimates, and contact a moving company for a more accurate quote specific to your situation.
| Distance | Studio-1 Bedroom | 2-3 Bedroom | 4+ Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 250 miles | $2,589 | $2,836 | $6,570 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,200 | $3,432 | $10,104 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,230 | $3,969 | $10,215 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,101 | $5,022 | $12,326 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Gainesville
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