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Best Moving Companies in Tampa of 2023
By Victor Rosario MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE
Residential, commercial, auto, interstate
Storage, packing, unpacking
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Residential, commercial, auto, interstate
Storage, re-delivery, packing, unpacking, online tracking
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Long distance, interstate, residential, commercial
Boxes, storage, packing, and special services such as piano, fine art, and pool table moving, among others
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Local, long-distance, commercial
Packing, storage, piano moving
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Residential, corporate, government/military
Full-service packing and unpacking, disassembly and reassembly, auto transportation, and storage in route
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No matter your specific moving needs, the best moving companies have some elements in common. We researched popular moving companies in the Tampa Bay area and shortlisted some of the best. The carriers and brokers on our list should offer a straightforward quote process, detailed information on insurance options for your valuables and accessible customer service.
Our Top Picks for Best Moving Companies in Tampa
- Best for Full-service Moves: United Van Lines
- Best for Local Moves: BestPrice Movers
- Best Local Moving Broker: New Leaf Moving Group
- Best Broker for Interstate Moves: Trinity Relocation Group
- Best for Moving on a Budget: U-Pack Moving
Best Moving Companies in Tampa Reviews
Best for Full-Service Moves: United Van Lines
Why we chose it: United Van Lines is one of the largest and oldest moving companies in the U.S., with over 90 years of industry experience. United offers local and long-distance moving and a wide range of additional services — including long-term storage and junk removal — that make it ideal for diverse needs.
- Is the largest and one of the oldest moving companies in the U.S.
- Full-service packages include a personal move coordinator and full-value coverage
- Provides local, nationwide, international, military and corporate moves
- May be pricier than other moving companies
United Van Lines’ full-service package includes a personal move coordinator, full-value coverage for your belongings, shipment loading and unloading, and standard furniture placement at your new location. The company also offers online shipment tracking, a helpful feature when moving long distances.
As an interstate mover, United is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which gives the company a satisfactory safety rating. Moreover, it has fewer customer complaints registered with the FMCSA (30 in total in 2021) than other large national carriers.
United Van Lines has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and a 4.1 rating on Trustpilot.com, with the overwhelming majority of reviews describing the company as “excellent” overall.
Best for Local Moves: Best Price Movers
Why we chose it: BestPrice Movers gets high marks for posting its hourly rates on its website, a contrast from the many companies that require you to get a moving quote before they will offer specific pricing. The company’s flat rates are grouped by the number of movers needed and the size of the move (and moving truck). This data allows you to glean a ballpark idea of the cost before you request the quote.
- Offers full-service local residential and commercial moving
- Transparent pricing gives you an idea of the cost will before getting a quote
- Customer service 7 days a week
- Doesn't offer interstate or international moves
- Isn't registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association
Headquartered in Tampa, BestPrice Movers is a local and intrastate moving company with over 18 years of industry experience. It offers full-service residential and commercial moving and includes most of the packing supplies you should need. Flat-rate pricing options start at $105 per hour for jobs that require two movers and a 16-foot box truck and go up to $175 per hour for jobs that require four movers and a 26-foot box truck. Additional hourly services and truck rental are also available.
You can request a quote from BestPrice Movers by accessing the company’s website or calling its Tampa Bay offices. The company holds a B+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, with only four complaints closed in the last three years.
Best Local Moving Broker: New Leaf Moving Group
Why we chose it: As a national broker with local roots, New Leaf Moving Group is subject to federal regulation while also being familiar with the peculiarities of moving in Florida. While it doesn’t have a blemish-free reputation for customer service, it’s still an option for those who favor the ease and potential savings of working with a broker, especially one headquartered in Florida.
- Arranges local and long-distance moves for individuals and businesses
- Services all of Florida
- Coordinates packing and unpacking services for an additional cost
- Redelivery and 30 days of free storage included with all moves
- Doesn't offer local or international moves directly
- Has a high number of complaints compared to other brokers
As a moving broker, New Leaf will not carry out your move but coordinate services on your behalf with one the moving carriers it partners with. You can get a free quote from New Leaf online or over the phone. The company provides penalty-free cancellation up to 5 days before the moving date.
As for its reputation, the company, while not accredited by Better Business Bureau, has a spotty customer service rating with the BBB, having received 171 complaints over the past three years. It also has a higher number of FMCSA complaints than other carriers and brokers. Nevertheless, New Leaf has a 100% response rate, meaning it regularly replies to customer complaints and attempts resolutions.
Best Broker for Interstate Moves: Odyssey Relocation Group
Why we chose it: Broker Trinity Relocation Group only works with movers that provide binding quotes, giving an extra layer of financial security to those seeking relocation services. The company’s expertise in interstate moves can also help clients through the often complex process of moving across state lines.
- Arranges interstate moves and auto transport through its network of partners
- Vets the safety records and licenses of its moving carriers
- Includes free storage near your new home for up to 30 days
- Doesn't offer local or international moves directly
- Doesn't include unpacking services
Trinity promises to negotiate moves with the movers it uses, in order to offer customers the most competitive prices. The company’s vetting process includes reviewing the safety record of each moving company and ensuring they are properly licensed.
Trinity only brokers interstate moves for individuals and businesses. It also arranges packing services, but does not specify whether unpacking is also included for residential moves. Trinity offers free 30-day storage of your belongings near your destination and can also arrange to transport your vehicle. While the company doesn’t have stellar customer service ratings online, it has fewer FMCSA complaints than other brokers and has a 100% response rate on the Better Business Bureau.
Best for Moving on a Budget: U-Pack Moving
Why we chose it: If you don’t mind taking care of the packing and loading yourself, U-Pack is among the most affordable moving options available. It can deliver your goods across state lines in a timely fashion, but will only service customers moving over distances of at least 100 miles. U-Pack’s pricing and reputation are also among the best in the moving industry.
- Offers one of the most affordable ways to do an out-of-state move
- Only pay for the space on the truck you use, even when quoted a higher amount
- No in-home estimate required
- Doesn't provide packing and unpacking services
- Doesn't provide additional or short-distance moving services
U-Pack offers an alternative to long-distance full-service moving, charging you only for the container space you need for your belongings. The company promises faster delivery times than other full-service movers, along with no requirement for a down payment and no extra costs. U-Pack is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has an A+ rating.
As U-Pack only charges for the space you use in a shipping trailer or the number of shipping containers you actually use, there is no need for an in-home estimate. If you opt for a moving container, the company can help you decide how many ReloCubes you will need for your move. Just keep in mind that trailers are the more affordable option. You can get a free quote from U-Pack through its website or by calling the company.
Other companies we considered
2 College Brothers Moving and Storage
2 College Brothers Moving and Storage is a student-run moving company based in Gainesville, Florida. Since its inception in 2010, the company has expanded to offer local professional moving services in Tampa. It offers residential and commercial moving services as well as junk removal, full-service storage and packing services.
The company is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has an A+ rating based on mostly positive customer reviews and a high response rate. To request a free quote you can contact 2 College Brothers by filling out a simple form on its website or by calling the phone number found there.
Bull Moving
Bull Moving is a full-service moving company founded in 2017 and headquartered in Tampa, Florida. The Tampa moving company is family-owned and offers local and long-distance moving as well as commercial moving and packing, among other services. As long-distance movers, Bull Moving services the contiguous United States.
Bull Moving has an A+ rating and is an accredited business with the Better Business Bureau. The company has two vehicles and one driver registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, carrying a spotless inspection record on the agency’s website. You can ask for a free quote with Bull Moving by accessing its website or calling the phone number you will find there.
Moving Ahead Services
Moving Ahead Services is a full-service moving and relocation company serving customers in Ohio, Pittsburgh, Florida, and North Carolina. The company is based in Willoughby, Ohio and was founded in 2004.
You can find an extensive FAQ section and a moving checklistOn Moving Ahead’s website, so you know exactly what to expect and how to prepare for your move. To request a free quote, visit Moving Ahead’s website or call the company. Moving Ahead Services is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has A rating based on few, yet mostly positive customer reviews.
Premier Movers 4 Less
Premier Movers 4 Less are professional movers based in Tampa and founded in 2019. The company provides residential and commercial moving services for local residents. The company also provides packing services, white-glove delivery and can help you unload a U-Haul truck or a portable storage container. You can choose to hire one mover or a full team for heavy lifting.
Premier Movers 4 Less holds an A rating from the Better Business Bureau and has a spotless inspection rating with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The company offers free quotes through its website, but you can also contact them at the phone number you will find there.
Woody and Sons
Woody and Sons is a moving company headquartered in Largo, Florida, and founded in 2008. It provides residential and commercial local and long-distance moving services throughout the Hillsborough County region, including Tampa Bay, Lutz and Clearwater.
Woody and Sons claims to be in constant contact with its drivers to ensure your belongings arrive safely and on time. The company has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and has no customer complaints. For an instant quote, visit its website or call the phone number you will find there.
Guide to Moving Companies in Tampa
Main things to know before moving to Tampa
To get the best possible deal for your needs and budget, compare quotes from multiple reputable moving companies before hiring a mover. Understanding the difference between moving carriers and brokers can also help you make an informed decision, as carriers have fleets of moving vehicles while brokers can only arrange moving services on behalf of customers and are not licensed to provide moving services directly.
Delays in the moving process will increase costs and create additional stress for you and the movers, so finish packing well before your scheduled moving date. Once done, place your furniture and boxes in the most easily-accessible room, as movers may charge extra if they have to maneuver to get to your belongings.
Also, ask your mover about insurance for your household goods. Many companies, particularly interstate movers, are legally required to provide minimal protection at six cents per pound per item. And keep in mind that movers may not be required to cover damage to items you’ve packed yourself. If you don’t have the time or energy to do your own packing, full-service movers offer packing and unpacking for an added cost.
What is the average cost of moving companies in Tampa
The average cost for a 3-bedroom local move in Tampa is about $1,600, with moving companies charging around $230 an hour on average for the move. Tampa movers may charge extra for packing services, junk removal or last-minute emergency moves.
How do I avoid moving scams in Tampa?
The best way to avoid moving scams is to research the companies you’re considering. Look up company reviews online to see the company’s history of complaints (and praise, of course). It’s best to aim to hire a moving company with ample experience and a good reputation for customer service.
Companies that list their USDOT number on their website or marketing materials and readily provide pricing or insurance details should also get higher marks. Lastly, inquire whether the mover offers binding estimates. Under binding estimates, the price you are quoted is the final price you’ll pay, regardless of the weight of your shipment.
Is there any special law for moving to Tampa?
There is no special law for moving companies in Tampa.
How do I know if a moving company is legit in Tampa?
Any moving company engaged in intrastate moving in the state of Florida has to register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). You should never engage in a transaction with a moving company that is not registered at the federal or state level.
Moving companies in Tampa FAQs
How to file a moving claim for damages in Tampa?
You may file a complaint against a mover or moving company with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services online or by phone at 1-800-HELP-FLA.
Do you have to tip movers in Tampa?
Tips are not mandatory when working with moving companies, although your local movers will likely appreciate a tip.
When is the cheapest time to move to Tampa?
High season in the moving industry stretches from May through September, and higher demand tends to increase prices. Plan your move well in advance to ensure your mover will be available when you need it and try to avoid moving in the summer months. Moving during the week as opposed to the weekend may also help you get better rates.
How we found the best moving companies in Tampa
We researched carriers and brokers that provide a wide range of services in the Tampa Bay area, focusing on the services, pricing and reputation of each. We paid particular attention to FMCSA safety ratings, Better Business Bureau complaint data and online customer reviews, all of which help to ensure our top picks were reputable companies registered to do business in Florida. We also looked for companies that make it easy to obtain free ballpark quotes, offer transparent pricing and service guarantees, and provide moving insurance.
