Best 5 Movers in Tampa, FL

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Tampa

Consider each company's customer reviews, licensing, services, and cost before choosing.

Determine Your Budget

The average hourly rate for local movers in Tampa is $63. A two-bedroom move in the area costs around $4,284 in total. Your move distance, home size, move date, and any additional tasks you need the movers to do will contribute to your actual cost.

We suggest obtaining quotes from at least three reputable movers in your area. Be sure to request written estimates. These should outline the total cost, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep the estimate from your mover and compare it to the final invoice to ensure fair pricing.

Read Customer Reviews

Customer reviews hold significant value when looking for a mover. Reading customer reviews on the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, Trustpilot, social media, and Google Reviews will show you which movers have positive customer experiences. We recommend thoroughly researching customer reviews before choosing a moving company.

Ensure Proper Licensing

Moving companies in Tampa must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're only moving intrastate, your mover must be registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). You can check for an active business license using its License Lookup tool.

If you're moving across states, the regulations are different. Choose a company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It should also have active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers, which you can use on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool to check a mover’s registration status and complaint history.

Services

Assess whether your chosen mover offers the services you need when requesting quotes. Prepare for the quote process by making a detailed inventory of your belongings and writing down any services you might require. Discuss any specific requirements or unique circumstances with your moving company representative to determine whether the company can fulfill your particular needs.

Types of Moving Services

A full-service mover includes these services for basic moves:

• Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
• Loading and unloading
• Released liability coverage for loss or damage

Ensure you inform your mover of any special services you need in the quote process. Increased pricing 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 Tampa, FL

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when moving in Tampa.

Schedule an Early Move

The morning and evening rush hours in Tampa are widely known for their extreme traffic congestion. Movers stuck in traffic can also lead to higher costs when charged an hourly rate. Try to schedule your move either several hours before or after the morning rush hour to avoid this issue.

Avoid Busy Season

May to September marks the peak moving season and Tampa's hottest time of the year. Moving at this time can slow or worsen your moving process, especially if you begin your search for a moving company too close to your move. The high demand could lead to limited availability with your desired mover. Plan ahead and secure your chosen mover at least eight weeks in advance. You should also be prepared for the potential challenges the summer weather may pose to your movers during a summer move.

Pack in Advance

Most moving companies won't handle items that haven't been packed by your scheduled moving time. We recommend you begin packing about six weeks in advance to avoid rushing to pack when moving day comes. Packing some items each day can make the process less stressful.

How Much do Movers Cost in Tampa, FL

Movers in Tampa cost $2,655 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,379 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.