How Much Do Movers Cost in Tampa?
How local moves are priced across Tampa, Brandon, Riverview and all of Hillsborough County, what Florida law says about your estimate, and how to save.
The Short Answer
Tampa moves range from a high-rise condo to a new home in a gated FishHawk or Riverview community. Whatever the home, the price comes down to how many hours your crew works.
Almost every local move is priced the same simple way:
Your crew’s hourly rate × the hours your move takes = your cost
Your hourly rate depends on how many movers you need and where you’re moving, and we give it to you in writing with your free quote. With A & M Friendly Movers, the clock starts when our crew arrives at your home (never when we leave the office) and stops when your furniture is reassembled at the new place. We bill in 15-minute increments with a 3-hour minimum. See how our pricing works.
How Many Hours Will My Move Take?
Time is the biggest part of your cost. These are typical ranges for a local move, including loading, the drive between homes, unloading, and taking apart and putting back together your furniture.
| Home size | Typical crew | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| Studio or 1-bedroom apartment | 2 movers | 2 to 4 hours |
| 2-bedroom apartment | 2 to 3 movers | 3 to 5 hours |
| 2-bedroom house | 3 movers | 4 to 6 hours |
| 3-bedroom house (1,500 to 2,000 sq ft) | 3 to 4 movers | 5 to 8 hours |
| 4-bedroom house (2,000 to 3,000 sq ft) | 4 movers | 7 to 10 hours |
| 5+ bedrooms (3,000+ sq ft) | 4 to 5 movers | 9 to 12+ hours, sometimes 2 days |
Estimates, not quotes. Your written quote is based on your actual home and belongings. More detail: Average Move Times.
What Drives the Cost of a Tampa Move
What adds (or saves) time on moves across Hillsborough County.
HOAs & gated communities
Many Brandon, Riverview and FishHawk neighborhoods have gate access, truck-parking rules and move hours. Share them up front so nothing slows the crew down.
Condos & elevators
Condo and apartment buildings often require an elevator reservation and a certificate of insurance. We send the COI free.
New-construction closings
Moving into a new build? Closings can slip. A flexible date keeps you from paying for waiting time.
Traffic & drive time
I-75, I-4, the Selmon Expressway and SR 60 all get heavy at rush hour. The drive between homes is part of the move, so we plan start times around it.
Heat, storms & hurricane season
Summers are long and hot with afternoon storms, and hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. Morning starts and a backup date help.
How much is packed
Everything packed, taped and labeled before we arrive is the single biggest time saver.
Local vs. Long-Distance Pricing
Local moves are billed by the hour. Long-distance moves are not. For a long-distance move we give you a binding estimate: one flat price that will not change after you book. You get your own truck, the same crew from door to door, and a guaranteed delivery date.
Moving out of Florida? Interstate moves follow federal rules explained in the FMCSA booklet Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move.
What Florida Law Says About Your Moving Estimate
- Movers must register with the state. Chapter 507 of Florida law requires movers to register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and show their registration number on ads, contracts and trucks. Our Florida mover registration is IM3566.
- Written estimate and contract first. Before any work starts, a Florida mover must give you a written estimate and contract, signed and dated by both of you, with an itemized breakdown and total of all costs.
- At least 60 cents per pound. A mover can’t limit its liability below 60 cents per pound per article, and any extra coverage must be explained in writing. See our coverage options.
- Payment choices. Florida movers must accept at least two forms of payment. We accept credit cards, debit cards, personal checks and certified checks.
- Your goods can’t be held hostage. Once you pay the amount in your signed contract, the mover must release your belongings.
Questions or complaints: FDACS at 1-800-HELP-FLA. Source: FDACS: Moving Within Florida.
This is general information, not legal advice. Rules can change, so check the official source for your move.
Included With Every A & M Local Move
Furniture disassembly & reassembly
Beds, tables and other furniture taken apart and put back together at no extra charge.
Wrapping & padding
Every piece of furniture is pad-wrapped before it leaves the room.
W-2 crews, not subcontractors
Licensed, insured, background-checked and drug-tested movers.
Free certificate of insurance
If your building or HOA needs a COI, we send it free.
Free rescheduling
Plans change. We never charge a rescheduling fee.
No charge for our drive to you
Your clock starts when we arrive, not when we leave the office.
Ways to Lower Your Moving Cost
Pack before we arrive
Boxes packed, taped and labeled by room make the biggest difference in your hours.
Reserve parking and elevators
A short walk from door to truck saves real time. Reserve the elevator if your building has one.
Empty heavy drawers
Take out anything heavy or breakable so dressers move quickly and safely.
Pick the right crew size
A bigger crew often finishes faster, which can make the total about the same or lower.
Ask about discounts
5% off for military families, and referred customers save $100 on a local move.
Book early
Weekends and the end of the month fill up first. Early booking gets you the best date and start time.
Red Flags to Watch For
Florida law and federal regulators flag these.
No Florida registration number
It should be on the ad, the contract and the truck.
No written, itemized estimate
Florida requires one, signed by both of you, before any work starts.
Holding your goods
A mover can’t keep your belongings after you pay the contract amount.
Blank paperwork or a waiver of your rights
Never sign blank forms or a contract that asks you to give up your rights under Florida law.
How Much Do Movers Cost in Tampa: FAQs
It depends on how many movers you need and where you are moving. We give you your hourly rate in writing with a free quote. Call 813-544-0048.
Usually 2 to 4 hours for a 1-bedroom apartment and 5 to 8 hours for a 3-bedroom house. Elevators, gate access and parking can add time.
No. Your clock starts when we arrive at your home. Our Tampa crew is based in Lithia.
Yes. A & M Friendly Movers is registered with FDACS as Florida mover IM3566.
Yes. Tell us about gate access, truck parking, move hours or insurance requirements when you book. Certificates of insurance are free.
Yes. A $100 deposit reserves your date and is applied to your move. Local moves are paid after the move.
Get Your Tampa Moving Quote
Free, written and no pressure. Call 813-544-0048 or request a quote online.
Tampa & Hillsborough County Areas We Serve
Tampa • Brandon • Riverview • Valrico • FishHawk • Plant City • Apollo Beach • Temple Terrace • Hyde Park • Westshore • Lutz • All Florida areas