Best Moving Companies in Fort Lauderdale, FL

People move to Fort Lauderdale for a variety of reasons. The city has a vibrant art scene, unbeatable weather, gorgeous water views, luxury real estate, good schools and a bustling downtown financial district. No matter why you’re moving to or from Fort Lauderdale, professional movers make the process simple and convenient.

Your moving cost mostly depends on what type of mover you need and the services you require. Local moves are generally cheaper, but it's always best to see how each company prices a move — whether it's by the distance, weight or number of workers required. Some other possible factors include:

• Packing services
• Furniture disassembly and reassembly
• Charges for moving specialty items
• Boxes and moving supplies
• Labor
• Moving insurance
• Elevator or stair fees
• Express delivery
• Tipping

Not only are summers in Fort Lauderdale hectic and hot, but you can also expect to pay higher prices during this time. If you have the luxury of being flexible with your moving date, consider moving during the slow season, which is usually October through February. You may still have some competition from snowbirds, but moving rates are generally lower this time of year.

How much does it cost to move in Fort Lauderdale?

Expect to spend between $700 and $1,600 for a local move in Fort Lauderdale. The average rate for local movers is anywhere between $100 and $200 an hour, depending on the services you need.

If you are moving to a high-rise apartment like those in Sunrise Harbor or Icon Las Olas, you generally pay a fee for movers to manage flights of stairs. You may also pay a convenience fee if the road to your home or apartment is too small for moving trucks to get through. If there is an overly long distance between where the moving truck can park and where the boxes need to be delivered, Fort Lauderdale movers may charge a "long carry" fee.

As you search for the best moving companies in Fort Lauderdale, ask each mover about their fees upfront. If you know you're moving to an area with a lot of stairs or complicated parking situation, let the movers know this upfront to avoid confusion and misunderstandings on moving day.

Long-distance moving cost to Fort Lauderdale, FL

The average cost of a long-distance move is $4,300. Many things impact the cost of moving long-distance, such as:

• The distance of the move
• The overall weight
• When you're moving
• Whether you need storage

Understanding the mover’s pricing method helps you put together a realistic moving budget and avoid any surprises. Generally speaking, the farther you’re moving, the more it's going to cost — especially if you’re moving internationally. We've put a few examples together to give you an idea of how much it typically costs to move to or from Fort Lauderdale.

Moving services in Fort Lauderdale

There is much more to moving into a new home than transporting your belongings. Most moving companies in Fort Lauderdale offer a variety of specialty services to help make your move less stressful. Some of these moving services include:

• Providing moving supplies: Many Fort Lauderdale movers offer tape, packing paper, markers, paper pads, bubble wrap and stretch wrap. You can also request specialty boxes for moving artwork and mirrors and cardboard inserts to keep dishes and kitchen supplies organized. The more organized you are during the packing stage, the easier it is to unload and unpack when you get to your new home.
• Packing services: For some families, the idea of packing every single thing they own into boxes is overwhelming. Many companies offer comprehensive packing services to make the moving process easier. Businesses usually charge by the hour for these services.
• Specialty moves: If you have oversized furniture, valuable art, a piano or other bulky or fragile items, consider working with a moving company that specializes in transporting these objects. Likewise, if you’re moving your business, look for a company with expertise in corporate moves.

When looking for a Fort Lauderdale mover, it helps to understand precisely what you need. If you're moving long-distance, work with a company that specializes in long-distance moves. If you have valuables that need to be specially packed, consider companies that have experience with this type of specialty moving.

If you have the luxury of a flexible moving deadline, take time to carefully research companies to find one that specializes in your specific type of move. Even if you are short on time, it's vital to ask the right questions, do some research and shop around to find the right Fort Lauderdale mover for you.

Fort Lauderdale regulations for moving companies

Intrastate moving companies in Florida must follow strict rules and regulations to protect consumers. Requirements for all Fort Lauderdale movers are:

• Register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS)
• Have motor vehicle insurance and liability coverage for at least 60 cents per pound
• Give written estimates that are dated and signed

Before you choose an interstate moving company, check with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation to ensure it has all proper permits and licenses.