Florida isn’t called the Sunshine State for no reason — Florida receives an average of 237 days of sunshine annually. That’s about a month more than you’ll find in New York and other northern states. The brilliant weather is just one of the many reasons Florida sees so many transplants from across the country. From some of the best theme parks in the world in Orlando to the gorgeous white sand beaches of Fort Lauderdale, you’ll never be bored when you decide to move to Florida.
Have you decided to make the move to the Sunshine State? No matter if you’re moving from a neighboring state like Georgia or looking for top cross-country moving service providers, moving can be a major hassle. Working with professional movers can help you get into your new home quickly.
Top 7 Best Moving Companies in Florida
Our top recommended moving companies in Florida for 2023:
Compare The Best Florida Movers
The table below outlines data for the best moving companies in Florida and beyond. We constantly update these ratings and price estimates to reflect industry changes. Continue reading in-depth reviews of several top providers.
Company | Our Rating | BBB Rating | Local Cost | Long-distance Cost |
 | 4.5 | B | $650–$1350 | $2,100–$5,400 |
 | 3.6 | B- | $550–$1,100 | $2,550–$5,700 |
 | 3.7 | Not Rated | Not available for local moves | $2,200–$5,500 |
 | 4.3 | B | Call for a quote | $2,750–$5,200 |
 | 4.0 | A+ | Call for a quote | $2,750–$6,000 |
 | 4.7 | A+ | $800–$1,500 | $2,000–$5,000 |
 | 3.6 | A+ | Not available for local moves | $1,350–$2,400 |
 | 4.4 | A+ | $800–$1,500 | $2,000–$5,000 |
International Van Lines
4.5
Our Rating
International Van Lines (IVL) is the highest-rated full-service moving company in the country. Forbes continually graces IVL with the title of Best National Moving Company within the United States, and it’s easy to see why. International Van Lines facilitates an average of 20,000 moves each year, and it has services in every state and over 150 countries worldwide. Whether you need to travel long-distance or locally, International Van Lines is a great choice. It even has its own software called MoveOne that you can use to claim a virtual walkthrough of your home and get a quote from your cell phone.
IVL prides itself on its flexibility. You can schedule everything from a full-service move to a move with only loading and unloading included. IVL currently provides the following services on its moving processes, which you can mix and match to create the ideal moving package for your needs.
- Packing services
- Unpacking services
- Loading and unloading services
- Military moving services
- Corporate relocation services
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Crating
- Specialized packing services for fragile items
- Short-term and long-term storage services
- Packing supplies
- Auto transportation services
Whether you’re planning an intrastate move or a move across the country, the pricing you’ll receive from each moving company you contact will be highly personalized. To help you estimate what you might pay for your moving services when you work with IVL, we’ve collected some samples of what previous Florida movers paid with this company. Browse pricing data from previous IVL customers below.
| City of origin | Destination | Total move distance | Home size | Price paid |
| Davidson, NC | Winter Park, FL | 543 miles | Two-bedroom home | $4,261 |
| Brooklyn, NY | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 1,268 miles | Two-bedroom home | $5,000 |
| Miami, FL | Fairplay, CO | 2,150 miles | Two-bedroom home | $5,132 |
| Raiford, FL | East Fultonham, OH | 821 miles | Three-bedroom home | $2,400 |
| Pembroke Pines, FL | Los Angeles, CA | 2,719 miles | Four-bedroom home | $6,532 |
American Van Lines
3.6
Our Rating
American Van Lines trains its movers so that it is certified to move pianos and other sensitive objects like antiques and pool tables. If you need to move fragile items, this specialized training can give you the peace of mind you need. Each staff member also receives ongoing training from the company to keep them on top of the moving game.
American Van Lines offers the following services on its local and long-distance moving processes:
- Packing and unpacking services
- Storage unit arrangement
- Specialty packing services for items like pianos and antiques
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Crating for large items (like pianos)
- Moving supplies
- Corporate moves
- Military moves
- International moves
- Commercial moves
To help you estimate what you might pay for services with AVL, we’ve collected data from previous Florida movers who used this company. Check out the data below:
| City of origin | Destination | Total move distance | Home size | Price paid |
| Miami, FL | Atlanta, GA | 664 miles | One-bedroom home | $2,800 |
| Houston, TX | Miami, FL | 1,187 miles | Two-bedroom home | $4,800 |
| New York, NY | Miami, FL | 1,289 miles | Two-bedroom home | $4,500 |
| Miami, FL | Los Angeles, CA | 2,733 miles | Two-bedroom home | $7,300 |
| Greensboro, NC | Miami, FL | 800 miles | Three-bedroom home | $6,100 |
Moving APT
4.3
Our Rating
Which companies it contacts also depends on what your specific needs are. Do you need packing materials? What about fragile-only services? Do you need short-term or long-term storage at your destination? Moving APT will call local movers to see which offers these services for the best price before selecting one of its 2,500 partners to see your move through to the end. You can also view more information about each one of its moving partners through its website to ensure that Moving APT only works with the best teams.
Unlike the other companies mentioned, Moving APT is a moving broker, meaning that it does not provide moving services. Instead, it is the contact point for you to find the best movers to fit your needs. Once you let the company know what kind of a move you’re looking for, whether that be long-distance or local, it can track down several different Florida movers that might fit your budget. The specific types of optional services you can book through your Moving APT team may vary depending on your location, where you’re moving to, the team you’re paired up with, and more. Moving APT’s team is more than capable of helping you find all of the moving services you need to get into your home stress-free.
The following are some of the most commonly booked services through Moving APT.
- Commercial and residential moving
- Piano moving
- Auto shipping
- Packing services
- Packing supplies (included for some moves free of charge)
- Appliance connection services
- Some furniture disassembly and reassembly
Moving APT offers price-matching policies that may make it more difficult to estimate what the average customer pays for service. As a general pricing example, you can expect to pay around $7,800 to move a four-bedroom home 1,000 miles from its origin point. This puts Moving APT about in line with standard full-service moving companies — but you’ll still want to be sure that you claim your free quote before you book your date.
JK Moving Services
4.0
Our Rating
Although JK Moving Services is a bit more expensive than the other companies mentioned on this list, you get what you pay for with amazing customization options and highly accessible customer service. No matter what your needs are, such as packing for delicate valuables, cross-country moving, detailed item inventory or storage complete with video surveillance, JK Moving Services has you covered. It also offers the packing and unpacking services that full-service movers offer, but its staff is trained annually to keep up with industry developments.
JK Moving Services can currently schedule the following services for your move, and even combine multiple services to create a custom moving package personalized to your needs.
- Packing and unpacking services
- Loading and unloading services
- Long-term and short-term storage unit arrangement
- Transportation and delivery
- Freighting
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly services
- Specialty services for items like antiques and pianos
- Specialized services for commercial moves for law firms, hospitals, and other specialized workplaces
- Government moving services
- Archive services
- Auto relocation services
- Crating
You might be concerned about pricing if you need a completely customized moving experience. After all, interstate moves can be expensive, especially if you’re moving specialized items. JK Moving Services offers financing options on its moving packages to ensure that you don’t need to sacrifice quality to stay on budget.
Like Moving APT, JK Moving Service’s team prides itself on providing highly personalized pricing. As an example, you can expect to pay between $2,500 to $5,500 for a two-bedroom, 500-mile move. However, your pricing might vary drastically depending on your needs, location, and any added services you request alongside your move. Don’t forget to get a free quote before from JK’s team using the link below to learn more about pricing.
Allied Van Lines
4.7
Our Rating
Allied Van Lines exists to make your move to your new home as stress-free as possible, especially if you’re moving with a vehicle. Allied has more than 85 years of experience as a full-service moving company, which means that it has a well-established relationship with the community.
Allied offers packing, unpacking, loading, and unloading so that you can relax and focus on relocating rather than the heavy lifting of your move. It plans each step of the way, from packing to furniture reassembly and unpacking. You can even donate your unwanted items to the Salvation Army through Allied Van Lines’s new program. It also provides auto crating and transport, and it will even cover the cost of a rental vehicle if your car arrives late. Allied Van Lines is a one-stop shop for your entire moving process.
Like IVL, Allied Van Lines is a full-service moving company offering an enhanced range of services. You can currently book the following services with your upcoming Allied move.
- Packing services and unpacking services
- Fragile-only packing
- Storage for in-transit items
- Arrangement of long-term storage units
- Shipment tracking
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Auto and boat transport
- Basic liability coverage
- Full-value coverage
- Online moving resources
Below, you’ll see a chart describing what previous Allied Van Lines customers paid for their moving services. Use this data to estimate your cost based on your unique move.
| <250 miles | 500 miles | 1,000 miles | 2,000 miles | |
| Two-bedroom home | $1,800 to $4,500 | $2,400 to $5,400 | $2,700 to $5,700 | $4,400 to $7,400 |
| Four-bedroom home | $3,300 to $6,000 | $5,700 to $8,700 | $7,500 to $10,500 | $10,900 to $13,000 |
U-Pack
3.6
Our Rating
Because U-Pack is not a full-service moving company but a moving container service, it mixes the options of a DIY move with a professional touch. U-Pack provides its own weatherproof moving containers (called “ReloCubes”), which take up just a small parking space. You can opt to use one or multiple ReloCubes for your items, or you can even use a moving trailer. No matter which option you choose, you will pack and load the container at your own pace. When it’s time to hit the road, your trained driver will transport your load to its destination.
U-Pack is not a full-service moving company, which means it offers limited services in its selection. You can currently schedule the following services with U-Pack’s container service.
- Long-distance moving
- Short-term and long-term storage options
U-Pack currently only offers services on moves totaling 150 miles in distance or more.
U-Pack’s moving container service can be ideal for anyone who’s looking for an easier way to tackle their DIY move. U-Pack provides instant pricing online, and you’ll be quick to notice that its pricing is much more affordable than full-service moving companies.
To help you estimate what you might pay for your U-Pack move, we’ve collected previous pricing information specifically from Florida movers. View the table below to learn more about what you might pay for your service before getting your free quote.
| City of origin | Destination | Total move distance | Home size | Price paid |
| Raleigh, NC | The Villages, FL | 576 miles | One-bedroom home | $1,000 |
| Phoenix, AZ | Clearwater, FL | 2,177 miles | Two-bedroom home | $2,100 |
| Bradenton, FL | Atlanta, GA | 493 miles | Three-bedroom home | $971 |
| Toledo, OH | Sarasota, FL | 1,170 miles | Three-bedroom home | $1,975 |
| Buena Park, CA | Port Saint Joe, FL | 2,222 miles | Three-bedroom home | $5,675 |
North American Van Lines
4.4
Our Rating
North American Van Lines is a respected full-service moving company with over 80 years of experience in the moving industry. It was the first moving company to traverse the Alaska Highway, and all staff has had background checks. All the movers and drivers are expertly trained, and North American has even created its own driving simulator so the drivers can have top-notch safety training. You can customize your moving plan to be as simple or detailed as you need for your local, long-distance, or international move.
North American Van Lines is our final selection for full-service moving. You can currently schedule the following services before your upcoming move.
- Corporate relocation
- Full-service packing
- Fragile-only packing
- Boxes and moving supplies
- Basic liability coverage
- Full-valuation coverage
- Appliance disconnection and reconnection
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Custom crates
- Loading and unloading
- Crane vans for large items
- Storage
- Satellite tracking
- Auto transport
- Online checklists and moving tips
The company’s stand-out feature is its flexible pricing policies. North American Van Lines offers a selection of unique pricing choices that can help you get a better idea of what you’ll pay before you put down a dime on your upcoming move. For example, you can select “not to exceed” pricing, which puts a total overall cap on the amount of money your moving company can charge you.
Explore the table below to help you better understand what you might pay for your services with North American Van Lines.
| <250 miles | 500 miles | 1,000 miles | 2,000 miles | |
| Two-bedroom home | $1,800 to $4,500 | $2,400 to $5,400 | $2,700 to $5,700 | $4,400 to $7,400 |
| Four-bedroom home | $3,300 to $6,000 | $5,700 to $8,700 | $7,500 to $10,500 | $10,900 to $13,000 |
How to Choose a Moving Company in Florida
How can you know which moving company or which type of move is best for you? Your budget, schedule, and particular needs are the three main deciding factors. If you have a small vehicle but a large house full of stuff, you will probably need to hire a moving company to help you with your moving experience. If you have an expansive budget for your move or you’re getting moving assistance from your employer, a moving company can be the choice for you that gives you the most relaxing moving experience.
If, however, you’re trying to save as much money as possible, self-service may be your best option. There are multiple types of DIY moves, so you do have plenty of options even if you don’t have a big moving budget. Read on to learn more about choosing the right moving company for your needs.
Full-Service Moving
Any of the full-service movers above would be excellent companies to assist you with your move to or from Florida. However, you need to take the time to decide what you need before you know which one is the best fit for you. Do you need certified antique packers? Do you need storage at your new home because you’re getting there before the home is ready? Would you prefer flat-rate binding estimates, or is a financing option the route you would like to go? All these questions will help you choose the right mover for you.
It can also help to read reviews of your contenders written by reputable sources. Remember, if you start to go down the rabbit hole of customer reviews, for every negative review, there are usually a dozen positive ones. Customer reviews are important, but they need to be read with a grain of salt.
Self-Service
Although we did provide some budget-friendly options above, the best way to save the most money on a move is to move yourself. Depending on how much stuff you have, you may be able to simply pack up your vehicle and those of a few friends or family, and you can all convoy to your destination. This option is most viable for local moves (for example, moving between two cities in South Florida). An alternative is renting a moving trailer to tow behind you. Because moving trailers come in various sizes and the daily rental price is reasonable, moving trailers can be the MVP in your self-service move.
You can also rent an entire moving truck; these also come in various sizes. If you are uncomfortable towing a trailer or driving a cumbersome vehicle, you can always opt for a container service company like U-Pack. You still have control over packing and loading your belongings, but you don’t have the hassle of driving a large moving vehicle. You can leave the driving to the professionals on moving day while also saving more.
Moving To Florida
Moves can be stressful, even if you’re only headed a few miles. If you’re moving to Florida for the first time, you might feel a range of emotions, from excitement at meeting new people to fear of moving to a new city. Knowing what to expect when you head to the Sunshine State can help ease your and your family’s anxiety about this drastic change. Read on to learn more about moving pricing, some of the best cities to live in within the state, and some last-minute tips for living in Florida.
Florida Moving Costs
If you decide to book your move with professionals, your pricing will largely come down to the following two factors, both of which drastically affect how much a move costs.
- Distance: If you’re moving a long distance, you’ll pay more for your move.
- Home size: The more things you have, the heavier your shipment, and the more your move will cost.
Take a look at the table below to learn more about what you’re likely to pay when moving to Florida.
| Distance | Home Size | Average Cost |
| 100 miles | 3-4 bedroom home | $1,476 to $1,930 |
| 250 miles | 3-4 bedroom home | $3,565 to $4,692 |
| 500 miles | 3-4 bedroom home | $4,184 to $5,534 |
| 750 | 3-4 bedroom home | $4,798 to $6,370 |
| 1000 | 3-4 bedroom home | $5,313 to $7,071 |
| 1500 | 3-4 bedroom home | $6,387 to $8,530 |
| 2000 | 3-4 bedroom home | $7,350 to $9,841 |
Best Cities in Florida
Still, deciding which city in the Sunshine State you want to call home? The following major cities are a few of the best places to live in Florida as a new resident.
Sarasota: Sarasota is on the southwestern coast of Florida, which is located on the Gulf of Mexico. The metropolitan area of greater Sarasota has about 800,000 residents, but the urban center of Sarasota still has a relaxed and artsy vibe despite the large population. Sarasota has an adorable downtown scene with upscale dining and boutique shops, but it also has access to tranquil, pristine keys, such as St. Armands Key and Siesta Key.
Jacksonville: Jacksonville is on the other coast of Florida, touching the Atlantic Ocean. It is the most populous city in the state, just 50,000 residents shy of a population of one million. Jacksonville is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts with its hiking, camping, fishing, boating, kayaking, and swimming opportunities. It’s also got some of the top public high schools in the country. Healthcare is a big industry in Jacksonville, as are trade, manufacturing, information technology, financial services, and the military.
Miami: When you live in Miami, it can be like living in another country. The city’s mixture of languages and cultures is electric; it’s best to pick up some Spanish before moving here, so you feel at home. Since wages are higher in Miami for the same jobs found in other cities, the cost of living doesn’t feel as high as it is, and as far as urban centers go, Miami is one of the more affordable ones. The finance and banking industries are growing, and there are always opportunities in tourism and hospitality.
Living in Florida
Finally, use the following tips to help you make the most of your time in Florida.
Your wardrobe might need an update to mesh with Florida weather: The weather in Florida is generally mild, with summer temperatures reaching into the 80s and ocean breezes covering most of the state. Winters are brief, and you will only need a light jacket most days. However, Florida experiences almost five feet of rain each year. Be prepared for frequent small thunderstorms throughout the year when you move to the Sunshine State. Florida is also regularly affected by tropical storms and hurricanes from late summer to early fall.
There are jobs in many sectors: The main employment sectors in Florida are tourism, service, construction, aerospace engineering, and healthcare. You can find a job doing pretty much anything, especially if you move to a large enough city like Orlando or Miami.
You’ll be trading the four seasons for shores and sand: You’re never too far from the beach in Florida. Florida is the perfect destination if you’re moving from a landlocked area and long for walks on the beach with seagulls cawing and waves lapping at your feet. However, if you are a fan of all four seasons, know that you will give that up for beach access and multitudes of tourists year-round.
Final Thoughts
Why are movers so expensive? Moving companies have many expenses that they need to cover to keep their customers safe, including fee and toll charges, staff training expenses, licensing and insurance, and much more.
An easy way to limit what you’ll pay for your moving services is to get a moving quote from multiple companies before you choose which one you want to work with. We recommend inquiring with Internation Van Lines, American Van Lines, and Moving APT to be 100% sure you’re not overpaying for your move.
FAQs about Moving Companies in Florida
How much do movers cost in Florida?
Most long-distance moves in the Sunshine State cost between $2,300 and $4,400, but that is just an average cost estimate based on a three-bedroom home. Be prepared to spend several thousand dollars on a long-distance or cross-country move. If you’re moving locally, be prepared to spend $400 up to $950, depending on if you have specialty items to move.
What are the extra or hidden costs when moving?
Items like pianos, hot tubs, or other bulky things have their own costs when moving (usually several hundred dollars). Most moving companies charge an extra fee for every flight of stairs in your home they must maneuver, and if they have to walk a considerable distance between the moving vehicle and your home (like if you have an expansive yard or live in an urban area without parking space).
What happens if my stuff gets damaged while moving?
If your items get damaged during the move, document the damage by taking photos, and reach out to your mover’s claims department to begin the process of reimbursement for your items. It’s best practice to photograph your belongings before they’re packed up so that you have a record of their condition before you move.
How far out in advance should I book a moving company?
Two months is plenty of time to book your move with the moving company of your choice. This gives them time to plan your route and assign you logistics personnel and drivers. You also have ample time to fine-tune your moving contract. One month should also be enough time to plan your move, but this is the latest you should consider booking.
What is considered a long-distance move?
A long-distance move is a move that is over 400 miles. Moves covering fewer than 400 miles can still be considered interstate if you’re crossing state lines.
Today's Homeowner Rating Methodology
At Today's Homeowner, our primary goals are to be a reliable source of information and to be totally transparent to our readers. With that in mind, we’ve developed the following formula to render objective ratings – on a scale of 10 points – for the moving companies we review.
- Transparency (3.0): Communication and being fully straightforward regarding company policies and licensing are incredibly important. A given mover’s willingness to display these, to supply quick quotes, and to provide clearly-worded moving contracts all factor into the three points within this single rating criteria.
- Cost (2.5): A mover’s cost relative to industry averages, as well as accessibility to cost data play a role in the customer experience as much as anything else. We know that being sure of what you’re paying – and being confident that you’re not overpaying – will ultimately make for a positive move. We’ve weighted cost factors accordingly in our ratings.
- Customer Service (2.0): Establishing an easy line of contact with your movers during the booking process or during the move itself is a huge asset for any moving client. The stress of moving, in general, can be greatly eased by knowing you can talk to a licensed professional whenever you need to, which is why we’ve listed this as a key rating category. This is where customer reviews come into play; since the majority of complaints stem from poor customer service, feedback from BBB, Yelp, Google, and other review platforms factor into this criteria.
- Services Offered (1.5): This rates lower on our priority list than many would think, simply due to the fact that many movers provide a similar line of services. However, breadth of service offerings does still vary to a degree.
- Customization Options (1.0): Having the autonomy to fully customize your move should rate highly on any moving checklist. Here, we’ve taken moving package customization ability, as well as pricing for more involved add-ons. Steep pricing for such services can provide something of a soft barrier for clients looking to add to their move, and we’ve taken this into consideration.
