Hiring movers doesn’t need to break the bank – and if you’re only moving local, you can find Tampa movers for as cheap as $160 an hour. But for those international long hauls (and McMansions full of stuff) you may end up paying upwards of $12,000.
The cost of hiring movers always depends on distance and dimensions. Distance is pretty straightforward: The more miles you go, the more money you’ll pay. As for dimensions, that’s all calculated by your movers. They’ll assign a weight (in pounds) or a volume (in cubic feet) to all your stuff, and build your price from there.
Aside from miles and mass, there are a few other add-ons that can boost your price:
- Storage fees
- Packing and unpacking services
- Full-value insurance
- Specialty item handling
- Access fees
Cost to Hire Local Movers in Tampa
Local moving in Tampa can be pretty affordable – assuming you’re not moving a huge house full of furniture. We’ve seen prices as low as $160 per hour for a studio apartment, and as high as $400 per hour for a 5-bedroom home.
What counts as a local move? Anything under 100 miles, and within the same state. Local moving companies specialize in these relocations, and since they’re (relatively) shorter distance, they usually charge per hour, and per mover. Each bedroom takes about 2 movers, so do your math accordingly.
Here’s a money-saving tip: Local moving is an hourly game, so do everything you can to streamline the whole process. Put all your belongings in one easy-to-access area, and try to time your move to avoid rush hour.
| Home Size | No. of Movers | # Hours | Ave Cost / Hr | Average Cost |
| Studio + 1 Bedroom | 2 movers | 2 hours | $160 | $320 |
| 2 Bedroom | 3 movers | 4 hours | $240 | $960 |
| 3 Bedroom | 4 movers | 6 hours | $320 | $1,920 |
| 4 Bedroom | 4 movers | 7 hours | $320 | $2,240 |
| 5 Bedroom+ | 5 movers | 9 hours | $400 | $3,600 |
Cost to Hire Long Distance Movers in Tampa
If you’re traveling farther than 100 miles or across state lines, you’ll need to book a long distance moving company. Long-distance moves from Tampa range in price, since they’re based on distance and dimensions. For 1,000 miles, a 1-bedroom or studio apartment will cost between $2,800 and $4,500. But for a 4-bedroom home, you’re looking at $5,100 to $8,350.
You can’t do much about the distance, unless you’re okay with changing your entire destination for a cheaper move. Which is… pretty weird. Fortunately, you can do a lot about the physical size of your move. Get rid of your old, unwanted, and unused items before you shop for quotes. That way, you won’t be billed for all the excess.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment (1,000 miles): $2,800–$4,500
- 2-Bedroom Home (1,000 miles): $3,100–$6,900
- 3-Bedroom Home (1,000 miles): $4,500–$7,550
- 4-Bedroom Home (1,000 miles): $5,100–$8,350
Additional Long-Distance Moving Costs
- Storage: $150–$500/month
- Full-value insurance: $100–$300
- Packing and unpacking services: $500–$1,000
Your Cross Country Moving Cost
Going the distance? If you’re moving coast to coast from Tampa, it’ll cost you $3,000 at the cheapest – and up to $12,000. Cross country movers charge just like their long distance counterparts, but they typically add in a fuel surcharge and an extra fee for all the careful coordination that nationwide moving requires.
- Studio or 1-Bedroom Apartment: $3,000–$5,000
- 2-Bedroom Home: $5,500–$7,500
- 3-Bedroom Home: $7,000–$10,000
- 4-Bedroom Home: $9,000–$12,000
Key Cost Factors
- Distance: The more miles you’re going, the more expensive it’ll be. Unfortunately, the US is about 2,800 miles wide.
- Fuel: Expect a fuel surcharge for all the gas. This can be a couple hundred bucks.
- Extras and Add-ons: Packing, storage, vehicle transport… the list goes on, and while these extras and add-ons come at an extra price, they’re pretty convenient.
Make Your Move Effortless – Get a Quote Today!
- 15% off seasonal discount
- 10% off for early reservations
- 10% off for flexible pickup windows
Call us now at 305-504-2383 or quickly get your free moving quote using our online cost calculator – it only takes seconds!
How Much Does it Cost to Move if it’s DIY?
Is DIY moving worth it? No, and we’re not just saying that because we’re professional movers. Even if the stars align and you somehow manage to luck out with your gas and truck rental, you’re looking at a few hundred dollars at the lowest.
DIY moving can seem cheaper on paper, and it can be if you’re disciplined enough and just keeping it local. But with the gas, truck rental, food, lodging, and packing supplies, sometimes it’s just easier to shell out a little extra and let someone else handle the whole process.
Truck Rental Costs
- Small truck: $20–$30/day
- Medium truck: $40–$70/day
- Large truck: $80–$120/day
Gas Expenses
- Local move: $30–$60
- Long-distance move: $200–$500 (depending on the mileage)
Packing Supplies
- Boxes, tape, and other materials: $100–$250
Labor Costs (if hiring helpers)
$40–$60/hour per person
How Long Does Moving Take?
Moves usually take between 1 and 21 days. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets standards for how many hours a driver can clock per day, and if it looks like a driver has gone suspiciously far in an 11-hour shift, he or she will be investigated for speeding and other safety violations.
Moving companies also bundle smaller moves together in the same truck or trailer to cut down on wasted space. If your move isn’t big enough to fill a trailer all by itself, you may have to wait a few days for the whole trailer to get filled. There’ll also be delays on the way for other deliveries or pickups. Bundling keeps prices down, but it does take more time.
Hire the Best with Pricing Van Lines
The cost of hiring movers in Tampa? That’s a tough question, and it all comes down to where you’re going, and what you’re moving. Think it’ll be closer to $160? Or maybe it’s up there in the $12,000 range? Tell us more about the big move, and we’ll send you a completely custom quote, completely free of charge.
