10 best movers in Sarasota, Florida

International Van Lines is the best long-distance mover for relocating out of Florida. If you're planning to move around Sarasota, use the filters below to find other movers in your area.

Long-distance movers in Sarasota

A long-distance move is when you move more than 50 miles away or relocate from one state to another. When moving across state lines, check that your mover has the necessary federal licensing. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Input the MC number, USDOT number or mover's name into the FMCSA's database to confirm a carrier's licensing status.

The experienced and reliable long-distance movers below have an active license. They can help get your belongings safely and smoothly across state lines.

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4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Includes one month of storage with long-distance moves
• Lists add-on service costs online
• Services all 50 states

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4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Operates exclusively as a carrier
• Runs shuttles for moves between major cities
• Offers storage for high-value items and antiques

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3.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Offers flat rates for all long-distance moves
• Has secure storage facilities with 24/7 surveillance
• Includes packing and storage in all quotes

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Why is moving so expensive?

The average hourly moving rate for relocating within or out of Sarasota is greater than the national average, making itrelatively costly. This makes sense considering the cost of living in Sarasota is higher than 91.4% of the country.

Moving costs add up quickly, as there are many factors involved. Here are some common moving costs:

• Supplies
• Junk removal
• Fuel
• Professional labor
• Packing
• Storage

These additional considerations can cause your total cost to climb even more:

Transporting specialty items

When hiring professional movers, you may have to pay more for moving breakable, valuable or very large items. The following items can be more expensive to move:

• Pianos
• Family heirlooms or antiques
• Artwork and sculptures
• Safes
• Heavy pieces of furniture or technology

If you have to move any of these items, ask potential movers whether they charge additional fees for them.

Tipping your movers

Tipping your movers is optional but common if they take good care of your belongings or make your move easier. For long-distance moves, a typical tip is $20–$40 per mover per day. For local moves, tip $5–$10 per mover per hour.

Unexpected delays

Delays can happen for various reasons such as transportation emergencies, bad weather, traffic and limited supplies. These issues may increase the duration and cost of your move. Prepare for delays by budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you and keeping a flexible schedule.

How to save money on moving costs

The following tips can save you money on moving in Sarasota.

Be communicative

To avoid unexpected charges on your moving day, maintain open communication with your movers, particularly about items you add to your inventory after getting a quote from the movers.

Small items may not pose a problem, but inform them of large additions such as new furniture or appliances. The movers may charge more for those additions and won’t start your move until you’ve agreed to the additional cost.

Have a flexible schedule

Since reliable and budget-friendly movers are in high demand, consider moving during the week or in the off-season to lower the cost while still booking your preferred moving company.

Most people hire moving companies from May through September. If you have a flexible timeline, you may want to move outside of those months, as there won’t be as much competition or as high of moving rates.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

Consider an alternative if you can't find an affordable moving company that meets your needs.

You can move yourself, but consider the following costs along with the labor required:

• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies
• Fuel

Getting help from friends, family or neighbors for loading and unloading bulky or heavy items such as furniture can make your move quicker and easier. Hiring movers is beneficial if you lack the time or anyone who can help you move.

You can also find movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr. While hiring hourly help can be less expensive, these freelance service providers may not have the necessary licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Sarasota

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving means the movers handle the entire moving process, including supplying packing materials, packing your belongings, transporting them and unpacking them.

Full-service moving is more expensive than services that only include loading and moving your items, but it can be worth the extra cost considering the time, labor and packing materials it saves. Additionally, full-service moving tends to provide more comprehensive insurance coverage compared to self-packed goods, which are usually only covered up to 60 cents per dollar. Getting a damage claim approved for self-packed goods can also be tough.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

Any legitimate moving company will show their proof of registration on physical trucks and formal files. If you're making an interstate move, you should screen companies for valid USDOT and MC numbers beforehand by visiting the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in Florida are also required to have a license from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

How does moving insurance work?

Determine the full worth of your belongings to accurately choose the best insurance policy. All movers will offer released-value coverage, which protects your goods at a rate of 60 cents per pound per item. However, you may want to ask about full-value protection, which most movers offer at an extra cost, if your belongings include expensive items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The hotter months, spanning May through September, usher in peak moving demand, leading to constrained availability and inflated costs countrywide for substantial and small moves alike. This might dissuade you from a summer relocation given the price hikes. You also may want to steer clear of moving amid Sarasota's intense summertime temperatures, as this could make relocating exceptionally difficult.

We suggest scheduling your move in the spring or early fall months to take advantage of pleasant weather and lower costs for moving services.

What things should I leave to the movers, and what should I transport myself?

For peace of mind, move items like identification documents, financial records and photo albums in your own car. Similarly, load up your vehicle with any high-end electronics that you wouldn't want lost or damaged.

Many moving businesses cap insurance coverage for costly items, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're worried about potential loss or damage, pack those priceless or irreplaceable possessions in your own car.

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including the following:

• Fertilizers
• Plants
• Perishable foods and produce
• Aerosols
• Compressed tanks or gas
• Toxic chemicals or cleaners
• Fuel sources
• Batteries
• Flammable chemicals of any kind

Our methodology for selecting moving companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.

We review national moving providers against our full moving methodology. We score movers based on reputation and customer experience, service availability, cost and pricing practices, insurance options, customer service and communication.