Best movers in Gainesville, Fla.

There are plenty of Gainesville moving companies to pick from, but choosing the right one for you adds some complexity. The good news is you don't have to do all of the work; Yahoo Local sorted through thousands of reviews and ratings for Gainesville movers to create a list of the best moving companies in the area for both short- and long-distance moves. We used a custom algorithm to objectively rank companies, using customer reviews, Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditations and ratings , licensing and insurance and more. We then spoke directly with representatives from each company to gather up-to-date information about hourly rates and minimums, travel fees, deposits and other factors to help you make an informed decision.

Quick overview

The best moving company in Gainesville for YOU

The best approach to preparing for your move is to start early, but it's still stressful. Calling multiple companies for estimates and researching their reputations takes time. Our list of reputable Gainesville moving companies should take on the bulk of that load, but there is no one perfect moving company for everyone.

While you are looking for the best Gainesville moving company, consider a couple of factors. Your budget is the most critical aspect because it limits the companies you can afford. Carefully consider each company's rates and additional fees. Sunbelt Moving & Delivery is the best value for your money if budget is your main concern.

The second most important factor in your decision is availability. We always recommend booking as early as possible, but that isn't always feasible. If you have an emergency move, UF Mover Guys is the best for availability among Gainesville movers on this list.

Our pick for the single best moving company in Gainesville, Fla., is Later Gator Moving . Though it only started in 2018 and pricing is a little high, it quickly earned an exceptional reputation in the area with great scores across hundreds of reviews. It also offers local and out-of-state moves with expertise in moving specialty items like pool tables and pianos. Pricing is somewhat complicated, with Later Gator charging $550 for the first two hours with three movers and $219 per hour after. Its $200 deposit is high, as well, but we think it's worth the cost for the best mover in the area.

Table of contents

• Best overall mover in Gainesville

• Top alternative Gainesville mover

• Best national mover serving Gainesville

• More best Gainesville moving companies

• Why you can trust Yahoo Local moving advice

• Gainesville moving FAQs

• Methodology

Best moving companies in Gainesville, Fla.

Later Gator Moving is the best overall mover in Gainesville

Later Gator Moving has been in business since 2018, so it's still relatively young. However, its owner, Clay Shanks, has been in the moving industry since 2012 and has led the company to a sterling reputation over its six years in business. This Gainesville mover racked up hundreds of reviews with solid scores across Google, Yelp and Angi.

Later Gator Moving focuses on a relatively simple set of services, including residential and commercial moving, based in Gainesville. It also takes on long-distance moves to other states if you're moving cross-country.

Pricing for Later Gator Moving is more complicated than other Gainesville moving companies on our list. The company charges $550 for the first two hours with three movers, which essentially puts a two-hour minimum on each job. This means you'll pay a minimum of $550 for your move but likely more, given that most jobs take longer than two hours. It then changes to $219 per hour for three movers starting with the third hour. Later Gator Moving quoted us a $200 deposit, which is high among companies that require one. However, the deposit is refundable if you cancel your move at least 48 hours in advance. No other charges exist, such as travel or equipment fees.

Services offered

• Local and long-distance moves

• Packing and unpacking

• Storage

• Labor-only services

• Specialty item moving

During the loading and unloading process, Later Gator Moving labels and inventories all your belongings to ensure none go missing. The company also wraps your furniture in plastic to protect it during transport. If you have specialty items like grandfather clocks, pool tables or a hot tub, Later Gator has experience with the tools and methods required to safely move them. 

Beyond its basic moving offerings, Later Gator Moving offers everything you'd expect from a full-service moving company. You can hire the company to pack and unpack your belongings, for example. They'll assemble and disassemble things like tables and bed frames as needed. Later Gator also has expertise with moving pianos, which require a delicate touch and approach to avoid damaging them and injuring movers (read our guide to safely moving pianos for specifics).

Later Gator Moving isn't accredited by the BBB and isn't listed with the organization. However, it has excellent customer ratings with 4.9 stars on Google (417 reviews) and five stars on Yelp (five reviews). The company conducts background checks on all of its workers. 

Later Gator Moving is located at 4460 Southwest 35th Terrace, #106, Gainesville, Fla., 32608. It is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. You can contact the company by calling 352-275-1769 or visiting its website to book your move.

Customer testimonial

You won't find better pricing or harder working guys. Clay and his movers were great to work with, extremely professional and again very hardworking. They have a seamless system that works! - Kimberly R., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

UF Mover Guys is the top alternative Gainesville mover

UF Mover Guys started in 2007 and built up a great reputation while operating in and around Gainesville. The company accrued more than 1,500 reviews across Google, Yelp and Angi, achieving excellent scores on each. 

Like Later Gator, UF Mover Guys built that reputation on offering a relatively simple set of services that it does well. You can hire UF Mover Guys for residential and commercial moving services in the Gainesville area, for example. The company also has labor-only services for packing and unpacking your stuff. While it's not licensed for interstate moves, you can hire UF Movers to load a rental truck or portable storage container to take across state lines.

Pricing for UF Mover Guys is on the high side for the area. The company quoted us $295 per hour for a team of three movers, which is standard for a three-bedroom home move. It has a two-hour minimum for each job, which means you can expect to pay at least $590 for any moving job. There is no deposit to secure your move date with UF Mover Guys, making it the only company that doesn't require one on our list of top Gainesville movers. The company representative we spoke with asked that you give as much notice as possible if you need to cancel your move. Otherwise, no other charges exist, such as a travel or equipment fee.

Services offered

• Local and statewide moving

• Packing and unpacking

• Storage

• Junk removal

• Specialty item moving

In addition to its basic moving services, UF Mover Guys will custom-crate delicate items like artwork and collectibles. It also has expertise in moving specialty items like grandfather clocks, pool tables, and pianos that require specialized equipment and handling techniques. Lastly, if you have a lot of stuff to get rid of after your move and want to avoid using one of the top national junk removers , the company offers a junk removal service that donates and recycles any items that can be safely reused. If you have an emergency moving situation, the company says it is often available for last-minute moves. 

UF Mover Guys is not BBB-accredited and has a C rating with two filed complaints. However, the company has a 4.9-star rating on Google from 1,252 reviews and 3.9 stars on Yelp from 72 reviews. UF Mover Guys conducts background checks on all of its workers. 

The company is located at 350 Northwest 39th Ave., Gainesville, Fla., 32604 and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can call 352-415-0886 or visit its website to book your move.

Customer testimonial

These guys were 100% patient with me and all my moving requests, careful with every item, and professional the entire time. I will recommend them to EVERYONE and only use them in the future. Thank you to the whole team at UF Mover Guys! - Dara M., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

Sunbelt Moving & Delivery is the best value mover in Gainesville

Sunbelt Moving & Delivery has been in business since 1982, making it the oldest Gainesville moving company on our list. During that time, Sunbelt built a solid reputation in the Gainesville area, earning excellent scores across reviews on Google, Yelp and Angi. That reputation applies not only to its residential moving offerings but the range of services it offers.

Sunbelt Moving & Delivery offers a standard set of residential moving services throughout the Gainesville area and across all of Florida. However, the company can also take you to any of the 48 continental states and is licensed through U.S. DoT for interstate moves. It also has labor-only services if you want to handle transportation but have the company load your belongings into the truck.

The Sunbelt Moving & Delivery representative we spoke with said the company prefers to do in-person estimates before quoting prices for its moves. However, for a standard three-bedroom home move, they said you'd typically get a flat-rate price of between $700 and $1,000, depending on how long it takes. That's relatively affordable compared to most other options on this list that exceed $200 per hour if you assume an average move of this size takes between five and seven hours. In addition to the flat-rate charge for a typical move, Sunbelt Moving & Delivery charges a $100 non-refundable deposit for each job. Other than that, no other charges are required to hire Sunbelt Moving & Delivery.

Services offered

• Local and long-distance moves

• Packing and unpacking

• Automobile shipping

• Single-item deliveries

• Specialty item moving

• Packing supplies

• Labor-only services

Beyond its local residential moving services, Sunbelt moves both pianos and antiques (though it can sometimes be better to move antiques yourself ), with the equipment and expertise to minimize the risk of damage. As its name suggests, the company handles deliveries so you can hire it to transport a new piece of furniture. for example. The company also offers automobile moving, which isn't something you can get with every moving company due to the specialized equipment needed. Shipping cars and trucks gets pricey quickly , and, no, you can't legally use a shipping container to move a vehicle .

Finally, reviews mention that Sunbelt was able to accommodate last-minute moves within a day of contacting them. If you have an emergency moving situation, Sunbelt may be the best Gainesville mover for you.

Sunbelt Moving & Delivery is BBB-accredited with an A+ rating and no registered complaints. It also has a 4.9-star rating on Google (217 reviews) and 3.9 stars on Yelp (24 reviews). The company doesn't do background checks on its employees, but the representative we spoke to said its crew members have been with them a very long time, up to 20 years in some cases. 

The company is located at 6629 Southwest Archer Rd., Gainesville, Fla., 32608. It's open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. You can call 352-375-6683 or visit Sunbelt Moving & Delivery's website to book your move.

Customer testimonial

My experience with Sunbelt Movers was better than good. They moved our household three times! The team was friendly and professional and the owner, Marty, showed up on moving day to get us on the road efficiently and safely. I highly recommend them! - Peggy C., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

BLVD Moving is the best national moving company

At Yahoo Local, we strive to highlight outstanding local businesses, but we also recognize that national moving companies can sometimes be the better fit, especially for long-distance relocations. After evaluating several national providers, we selected BLVD Moving as the top choice on our list of the best national moving companies . For a detailed explanation of how to make your decision, see our guide comparing local and national movers .

BLVD Moving is led by professionals with decades of experience in the relocation industry. Although the company operates just four offices in California, it provides both local and nationwide moving services across the United States. Family-owned and independently operated, BLVD manages its own fleet and staff, though its terms state that subcontractors or agents may occasionally be used. This is a common industry practice to handle periods of high demand, but it's worth noting.

We requested a quote from BLVD for a 500-mile move involving approximately 1,340 cubic feet of household goods, or about the size of a typical three-bedroom home without major appliances. The estimate came in around $6,700, which is in line with pricing from other cross-country movers. To confirm a booking, BLVD requires a 33% deposit, with 50% of the remaining balance due at pickup and the final payment due upon delivery.

Services offered

• Local and long-distance moves

• Residential, office and commercial moves

• Packing services

• Storage

• Financing

Cancellations are permitted, and deposits are refundable if made at least two business days before pickup. Delivery windows range from two to 21 business days, depending on distance. The timeline begins on your selected delivery date, meaning shipments could take just over a month to arrive.

BLVD recommends booking at least 30 days in advance, particularly during peak periods such as summer or the beginning and end of each month. (See our guide on the best and worst times to move for more insight.) Requesting a quote is straightforward — you can schedule a virtual consultation or complete an online inventory form for faster results. Financing is also available, with qualified customers eligible for rates starting at 0%.

BLVD Moving is accredited by the BBB with a B rating and has 96 complaints on record. While that number may seem high, it's typical for large national moving companies. The company maintains a 4.3-star average on Google (based on 1,287 reviews) and a 2.3-star rating on Yelp (373 reviews). All movers are direct employees rather than contractors, and each undergoes a background check.

BLVD's headquarters is located at 21622 Plummer St., Chatsworth, Calif., 91311. Business hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. To request a quote, call 844-274-0500 or request one online .

Customer testimonial

Kevin and his crew did a great job! Packed everything to perfection and was very easy to work with. Would highly recommend. - Brian B., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

Ox Strong Moving

Ox Strong Moving has operated in and around Gainesville, Fla., since 2018. While that makes it a relatively young company, it earned more than a thousand reviews on Google, Yelp and Angi during that time. It's excellent, with near-perfect scores on Google demonstrating what a stellar reputation it earned in the past six years.

Servicing Gainesville and the surrounding area, Ox Strong Moving offers a solid set of residential and commercial moving services. In addition, it specializes in student moves from dorm rooms and apartments. Finally, the company offers labor-only packing and unpacking if you need a company to load your rental truck or container.

Pricing for Ox Strong Moving is firmly in the middle of the area's range. The Gainesville moving company quoted us $229 per hour for a team of three movers. There's also a two-hour minimum for each job. Ox Strong Moving charges a truck fee equal to one hour of its labor rate. For a team of three movers, you'd have a $229 truck fee, which is high. That also means you'll pay at least $687 for your move. And Ox Strong charges a $100 deposit, though it's refundable if you cancel within at least five days of your move.

Services offered

• Local and long-distance moves

• Packing and unpacking

• Labor-only services

• Storage

• Free boxes with local moves

While local residential moving services are its specialty, Ox Strong Moving is licensed for interstate moves. The company includes free boxes with local moves, and it pads and wraps furniture to protect it from damage. Ox Strong Moving has a secure storage facility, as well, if you need a place to stash your belongings during or after a move.

Ox Strong Moving is not BBB accredited and isn't listed with the service. However, it has a five-star rating on Google from 1,080 reviews and a single one-star review on Yelp. The company background-checks all of its movers. 

The company is located at 1120 Northwest 53rd Ave., Gainesville, Fla., 32609. It is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. You can contact Ox Strong Moving by calling 352-665-7784 or visiting its website to book your move.

Customer testimonial

What an amazing moving experience with OxStrong! Lewis and crew were so diligent, friendly and tough as nails in the July heat. I can't imagine doing this move without their expertise and muscle. I highly recommend OxStrong movers!! - Joy L., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

2 College Brothers Moving and Storage is the best Gainesville mover for seniors

2 College Brothers Moving and Storage has operated in and around the Gainesville area since it launched in 2010. Founded by Wade Swikle, the company rapidly made a name for itself, earning awards from the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce and the local paper, the Gainesville Sun. During its time in business, 2 College Brothers received more than 1,000 reviews across Google, Yelp and Angi with consistently good ratings.

You can hire 2 College Brothers Moving and Storage for a range of services beyond basic residential moving. The company offers storage and specialty moving for pianos, for example. It also has labor-only services for packing and unpacking, which can be handy if you need someone to help load a rental truck.

Pricing for 2 College Brothers is high for Gainesville. The company quoted us $198 per hour for a team of two movers on a typical three-bedroom house move. A two-hour minimum exists for each job, so you can expect to pay at least $396 with two movers. A travel fee of $2.50 per mile with a $25 minimum is required. 2 College Brothers also adds on a materials charge of $165 to cover all packing materials the company uses. In addition to the hourly labor rate, 2 College Brothers requires a $100 deposit for every job, though it's refundable if you cancel with at least five days of notice. All that means you'll pay a minimum of $586 for your move, though likely more because, in our experience, most moves take longer than two hours.

Services offered

• Local and long-distance moves

• Packing and unpacking

• Labor-only services

• Piano moves

• Senior moves

• Storage

Beyond its other moving services, 2 College Brothers offers specialized senior moving if you have an elderly loved one who is downsizing or moving to an assisted living facility. (It's always wise to hire a mover with senior-specific expertise because moving seniors often requires complicated logistics .) The company is licensed to handle long-distance interstate moves if you're heading across the country. Its trucks include tracking software for moves, as well, so you'll be able to see exactly where your stuff is if you're not already planning to use one of the best GPS or Bluetooth trackers to monitor your stuff as it moves from place to place.

The company is not BBB-accredited with an A rating and zero registered complaints. It also has a 4.9-star rating on Google (1,317 reviews) and 3.2 stars on Yelp (43 reviews). 2 College Brothers Moving and Storage conducts background checks on all of its movers. 

2 College Brothers is located at 1847 S. Main St., Gainesville, Fla., 32601. It is open from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. It's closed on Sundays. It also has a 24/7 call center available. You can contact the company by calling 352-354-9639 or visiting its website to book your move.

Customer testimonial

Austin, Jimmy, and Nathaniel were amazing. They brought in a baby grand piano like it was nothing close to the 1100lbs it weighs! Smooth, professional, and very kind. I highly recommend these rockstars for your next move!!! - Luci W., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

You can count on Yahoo Local moving advice, and this is why

We have decades of experience providing trustworthy information on local businesses at Yahoo. And we put in the work to show you why you should trust us instead of just telling you. Our proprietary rankings system, for example, incorporates reviews from multiple established sources of user ratings and weights them to deliver what we believe is the most authoritative local business ranking system. We provide details on what goes into our rankings so you can decide on trustworthiness, which are listed below. Unlike some competitors, Yahoo Local never takes payment for inclusion or placement, and our independent picks aren't "sponsored" or otherwise influenced by external parties. Want more details? Visit our full methodology page .

• 13 Gainesville movers evaluated

• 5,523 customer reviews and ratings from five trusted sources

• 14 ranking criteria incorporated

• Interviewed or connected with all six featured Gainesville moving companies

• Independent price quotes sought from all six featured movers

• Independently researched and fact-checked by Yahoo

• Recommendations are maintained and updated regularly

Gainesville moving FAQs

What info should you have when requesting an estimate?

Moving companies will ask for a standard set of information when you call to obtain a quote . Try to have some basic facts about your move ready to make the process go smoothly. The most important is to specify whether you're moving from a home or apartment, in addition to the number of bedrooms and square footage of your home.

Have both addresses and zip codes for each end of your move available, as some companies will use them to calculate travel fees. Also note any large furniture items for companies that require an inventory, along with an estimated number of boxes you'll have to move. Any special items, like pianos or gun safes, will incur an additional fee, so it's good to note those as well.

What should you know about packing and storage in Gainesville?

The two main concerns when packing and moving things in Florida are heat and humidity. Keep your belongings in a cool, dry place once they're packed and during your move. If you have to store your items, opt for climate-controlled over temperature-controlled storage whenever possible to protect them.

What's different about condo and apartment moving in Gainesville?

If your move involves a multi-level condo or apartment building , you might have to reserve an elevator during the duration of your move. Check with your building manager to find out if this is required, or whether there's a dedicated freight elevator you can use. Coordinate these times with your moving company for the smoothest process.

Do you need moving permits or licenses to move in Gainesville?

No, you don't require a moving license as an individual. However, moving companies in Florida are required to be licensed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. For more, read our complete guide to moving licenses and permits in Florida .

How much should you tip movers in Gainesville?

You aren't ever required to tip movers, but it's a good way to show appreciation for a crew that goes above and beyond. The rule for tipping moving companies is to aim for 10% to 20% of the total moving cost. You can leave tips for individual movers or give them to the company as a lump sum to be split up by the crew supervisor.

Read our guide to tipping movers for more details.

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