How to Choose the Best Local Mover in St. Petersburg
Consider each moving company's cost, services, licensing, and customer reviews before choosing.
Determine Your Budget
Based on our findings, the average cost of a local move in St. Petersburg is $67 per hour. The overall cost amounts to $4,103 for a two-bedroom move. Factors that contribute to your actual cost include any additional tasks you need done, your home size, move distance, and the season.
We suggest obtaining quotes from a minimum of three reputable movers in your area. Be sure to request written estimates. These should detail the total cost, including the flat fee or hourly rate. Keep your mover's estimate handy until the move is done to ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer reviews hold value when looking into moving companies. Read customer reviews on websites such as Yelp, Trustpilot, social media, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau to identify moving companies that prioritize positive customer experiences.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in St. Petersburg must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are only moving within Florida, your mover 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 a mover’s registration status and complaint history on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Assess whether your chosen mover offers the specific services you need during the quote process. Conduct an inventory of your home before requesting quotes and document any basic or add-on services that might be necessary to ensure accurate pricing. Tell your moving company representative regarding any special conditions or needs to see whether the company can provide satisfactory service.
Types of Moving Services
For basic moves, full-service movers often include the following moving services in the base price:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
Tell your moving company about the other services you require during the quote process. Additional fees may apply for the following services:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in St. Petersburg, FL
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind for your St. Petersburg move.
Schedule an Early Move
St. Petersburg traffic during rush hour is notoriously congested. Navigating gridlock in a moving truck is even more challenging than with a standard personal-use vehicle. Movers getting stuck in traffic will typically lead to higher costs since they’ll still be on the clock while in their trucks. You can prevent this by scheduling your move several hours before or after morning rush hour.
Avoid Busy Season
Moving season is the busiest between May and September. In St. Petersburg, this time corresponds to very hot summer weather, which can delay or worsen your move. Plan ahead and secure your preferred mover at least eight weeks in advance. You should also be prepared for the potential difficulties the summer weather may pose to your movers during a summer move.
Pack in Advance
Most movers only transport items that have been packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should finish your packing before their arrival. We suggest you start packing around six weeks before your move to prevent rushing to pack when moving day comes. Packing a couple boxes each day can make the process less overwhelming.
How Much do Movers Cost in St. Petersburg, FL
Movers in St. Petersburg cost $2,593 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $6,613 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 | $2,593 | $2,855 | $6,613 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,204 | $3,453 | $10,142 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,234 | $3,991 | $10,271 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,108 | $5,045 | $12,384 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in St. Petersburg
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