Best movers in Ocala, Fla.

Ocala, Fla., is a relatively small city, but it has plenty of trustworthy moving companies to choose from. Yahoo Local evaluated thousands of reviews of Ocala moving companies and used a custom algorithm to objectively rank them. We shortened that lengthy list using weighted scoring categories, including Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation status, licensing and ratings from both well-known and niche sources. Once we had our top picks, we spoke with someone at each company to get up-to-date information about pricing, hourly minimums and everything else you need to make an informed decision.

Quick overview

The best moving company in Ocalafor YOU

No matter how much time you spend preparing for your move, sorting through reviews and calling for quotes can be a hassle. We created a list of the top Ocala movers that we stand behind, but we recognize that no one mover is right for everyone. When you're trying to decide on a moving company, it helps to keep two main factors in mind: budget and availability.

Budget may be the most important factor if you're shopping around because it sets a hard limit on what you can afford. Carefully consider each company's rates and associated travel and equipment fees. If budget is your most important concern, Best Bet Movers offers the best value among moving companies on our Ocala movers list.

Availability is a major concern if you're booking during the busy season, which is during the summer, at the beginning and end of each month and on weekends. If you're flexible with your moving date and book early, you're more likely to get your preferred company. If you have a last-minute move, Neighborhood Mover is the best moving company in Ocala for you.

Our top Ocala mover is Later Gator Moving . It's still relatively young at only six years old, and its pricing is a little on the high side, but it earned a shining reputation across hundreds of reviews with stellar scores in that time. It handles local and out-of-state moves and has expertise in moving specialty items like pianos and pool tables. Its pricing is a little complicated at $550 for the first two hours and $219 per hour after for three movers. It also has a relatively high deposit of $200, though we say it's worth it to lock in the best mover in Ocala if you can afford it.

Table of contents

• Best overall mover in Ocala

• Best value Ocala mover

• Best national moving company

• More best moving companies

• Why you can trust Yahoo Local moving advice

• Ocala moving FAQs

• Methodology

Best moving companies in Ocala, Fla.

Later Gator Moving is the best overall Ocala mover

Later Gator Moving opened in Gainesville, Fla., in 2018, but it covers moves in and around Ocala as well. The company's owner, Clay Shanks, began working in the moving industry in 2012, and he used that experience to help his Ocala moving company earn a stellar reputation during its six years in business. That rep led to hundreds of reviews with quality scores across Google, Yelp and Angi.

Later Gator Moving offers a relatively simple set of services, including residential and commercial moving in and around the Ocala area. It is also licensed to handle moves across state lines. Its labor-only services allow you to hire a crew to pack your stuff or strategically load a rental truck or portable moving container.

Later Gator Moving's pricing is somewhat complicated. Instead of offering a straightforward hourly rate, the company charges $550 for the first two hours with a crew of three movers, essentially giving each job a two-hour minimum. Beyond those initial hours, the rate decreases to $219 per hour for three movers.

Services offered

• Local and long-distance moving

• Packing and unpacking

• Labor-only services

• Storage

• Packing supplies

The company quoted us a $200 deposit, which is higher than other companies on this list that require one. However, that deposit is refundable if you need to cancel as long as you give at least 48 hours' notice. Beyond that, no other charges exist, such as truck or travel fees.

Later Gator Moving uses labels and keeps inventories of your belongings during the loading and unloading process to keep track of everything. It also wraps all furniture in plastic to protect it during the move. The company has expertise in safely handling and moving specialty items like grandfather clocks, pool tables and hot tubs.

While residential moving is its specialty, Later Gator Moving offers everything else you would expect from a full-service moving company, including assembly and disassembly of furniture such as tables and bed frames. If you have a piano, Later Gator has the experience and equipment to safely wrap and transport it as well. And if you have one, it's wise to pay pros to move your piano versus taking a DIY route .

Later Gator Moving isn't BBB accredited and isn't currently listed with the organization. However, it has a 4.9-star rating on Google (413 reviews) and five stars on Yelp (five reviews). The company background-checks all of its movers. 

You can contact Later Gator Moving by calling 352-275-1769 or visiting its website to book your move. The company is located at 4460 SW 35th Terrace #106, Gainesville, Fla., 32608. It's open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 

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

Affordable Moving USA is the top alternative Ocala moving company

Affordable Moving USA started in 2010 as a local family business. This Ocala moving company's stated purpose is to offer a personalized touch and become "Ocala's hometown mover," a mission that helped drive its excellent reputation. The company has more than 200 reviews with great ratings across Google, Yelp and Angi.

Affordable Moving USA specializes in basic residential moving services. The company focuses on moving in and around Ocala and anywhere within Florida. Unfortunately, it isn't licensed for interstate moves, so you'll have to look elsewhere if your move takes you across state lines.

Pricing for Affordable Moving USA is high. The company quoted us $225 an hour for a crew of three movers, though it also offers a flat-rate option if you schedule an in-person estimate. A two-hour minimum exists for every job, so you can expect to pay at least $450 for your move. In addition to its hourly rate, Affordable Moving USA charges a deposit equal to 20% of your quoted moving price. That's fairly high for the area, representing $200 on a $1,000 move, for example. However, it is refundable with at least 72 hours' notice if you have to cancel.

Services offered

• Local moving

• Statewide moving

• Packing and unpacking

• Labor-only services

• Penske rentals

Affordable Moving USA offers professional packing that includes custom crating for delicate items. The company also operates a senior moving service that specializes in assisted living relocation if you have an elderly loved one to move, which can be particularly useful given the sometimes complicated logistics associated with moving senior citizens . While it can't handle interstate moves, you can hire Affordable Moving USA for labor-only loading jobs to load your rental truck or portable moving container.

Affordable Moving USA is BBB-accredited with an A+ rating and no registered complaints. It has a 4.9-star rating on Google (210 reviews) and 4.1 stars on Yelp (21 reviews). The company background checks all of its movers. 

You can call 352-877-2900 or visit its website to book your move. Affordable Moving USA is located at 6793 SW State Rd. 200, Ocala, Fla., 34476. It is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is closed on the weekends.

Customer testimonial

Our move this time was local, and it was one of the most stress free moves we have had! Angela and the professionals at Affordable were great, disassembled, wrapped, moved, and reassembled everything perfectly! Would not hesitate to recommend this group to anyone either local or long distance. Thank you! - Martin J., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

Fair Rate Movers is the top local mover in Ocala

Based in nearby Dunnellon, Fla., Fair Rate Movers opened for business in 1989 when owner Walter D. Long shifted from managing a moving company in New York to launching his own mover in North Central Florida. With more than 30 years in business, it's one of the most established companies on this list of Ocala movers, and it earned nearly 500 reviews with near-perfect scores on Google and Angi.

Fair Rate Movers keeps things simple with residential moving services in and around the Ocala area and the rest of Florida. The company also offers labor-only services like loading and unloading trucks, which can come in handy if you have a rental truck to load. Unfortunately, the company isn't licensed for interstate moves, so you'll have to look elsewhere if you're crossing state lines.

Services offered

• Local and statewide moving

• Packing and unpacking

• Piano and safe moving

• Labor-only services

• Furniture delivery and assembly

Fair Rate Movers' pricing is refreshingly transparent, and the company lists its hourly rates on its website. For a team of three movers, it charges $198 per hour, which is competitive for Ocala. A three-hour minimum exists for every job, and in addition to its hourly rate, Fair Rate Movers quoted us a truck fee of $99, which may vary depending on the size of your move, so be sure to ask when you obtain a quote. That means you'll pay at least $693 for your move. The good news is Fair Rate Movers doesn't charge a deposit to lock in a move date.

Despite its focus on residential moving, Fair Rate Movers offers other services. The company has expertise with moving pianos, for example, which requires a delicate touch to prevent damage during your move. It can also handle furniture moving and deliveries and will carefully assemble and disassemble furniture it may have to take apart, such as bed frames and tables.

Fair Rate Movers isn't BBB accredited and doesn't have a rating with the organization. It has a five-star rating on Google (two reviews) and Yelp (three reviews). The company doesn't background check its movers, though it told us they're all full employees and many have been with the Ocala mover for a long time. 

You can call 352-854-6488 or visit its website to book your move. The company is located at 10001 SW 188th Cir., Dunnellon, Fla., 34432. It is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on weekends.

Customer testimonial

We have used Fair Rate Movers several times when we moved into a new house, when I had to move my mom into an assisted living facility, then move her belongings out of the facility after she passed and also when we moved our business. Each and every time this company was professional and on time and took great care of our items during the move. The prices were always fair and Ryan worked with our schedule. We have referred multiple friends to this company and they have always had great things to say as well. I highly recommend Fair Rate Movers!! - Jennifer S., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

BLVD Moving is the best national moving company

At Yahoo Local our mission is to help people feel confident when making moving decisions. We enjoy highlighting local businesses, but depending on your situation, a national mover may be a better option. If you are deciding between the two, check out our guide to local vs. national movers . For those choosing a nationwide provider, our top recommendation is BLVD Moving .

BLVD Moving is managed by a leadership team with decades of experience in the relocation industry. The company operates out of four California offices, yet it provides both local and long-distance moving services across the U.S. It remains family-owned and independent, running its own fleet of trucks and full-time movers. The terms of service note that subcontractors or third-party partners may be used during periods of high demand, which is a standard practice in the industry.

We requested a quote from BLVD Moving for a 500-mile move requiring about 1,340 cubic feet of space, close to what you would expect for a three-bedroom home without large appliances. The estimate was about $6,700, which is in line with other national movers. To confirm a booking, the company requires a 33% deposit, half of the remaining balance at pickup, and the final portion at delivery.

Services offered

• Local moves

• Long-distance moves

• Residential, office and commercial moves

• Packing services

• Storage

• Financing

If you need to cancel, BLVD Moving will refund deposits as long as the cancellation occurs at least two full business days before pickup. Delivery windows range from two to 21 business days, depending on distance. The countdown begins from the preferred delivery date you choose, so if you are not ready to receive your items immediately, the process can extend to just over a month.

The company recommends booking at least a month in advance, with earlier reservations encouraged during busy times such as summer or at the beginning and end of each month. (See our complete guide to the best and worst times to move .) Getting an estimate is simple since you can schedule a virtual walkthrough or complete an online inventory form. Financing is also available to qualified customers, with interest rates starting at 0%.

BLVD Moving is accredited by the BBB with a B rating and 90 recorded complaints. While that may seem high, it is typical for national movers. Reviews are mixed, with a 4.3-star rating on Google from more than 1,200 reviews and 2.3 stars on Yelp from over 370 reviews. All movers are full-time employees who undergo background checks.

BLVD Moving's headquarters is located at 21622 Plummer Street, Chatsworth, Calif., 91311. The company is open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time. You can call BLVD Moving at 844-274-0500 or visit its website to request an estimate.

Customer testimonial

We are over the moon happy with everyone at BLVD Moving. From our initial contact with James, to follow up with Brian, and then move day with Armando and his crew, each team member has been communicative, accommodating, and transparent. They handled all of our items with care, even an upright piano. We would recommend BLVD to anyone moving near or far. - Molly W., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

Best Bet Movers is the most affordable Ocala moving company

Best Bet Movers is relatively new to the moving biz, getting its start in 2019 as a small, family-owned mover. However, its team of moving pros comes with more than 20 years of experience in the industry. That experience shows in its perfect review scores on Google and Yelp.

Best Bet Movers offers a simple range of services, and its focus has helped it maintain a glowing reputation over the years. This Ocala moving company offers residential local moving around the area and throughout Florida. Unfortunately, it isn't licensed for interstate moves, though you can hire it to load your rental truck if you're going across state lines.

Services offered

• Local and statewide moving

• Packing and unpacking

• Labor-only services

• Piano moving

• Senior moving

Pricing for Best Bet Movers is very affordable. The company quoted us $125 per hour for a team of three movers. A three-hour minimum exists for every job, and it charges a $50 service fee to cover the cost of materials and getting the truck to and from your location, so you'll pay at least $425. Best Bet Movers doesn't require a deposit to lock in a move date but asks that customers cancel as early as possible if necessary.

Best Bet Movers' crews handle labor-only services as well. The company uses its equipment to ensure all of your furniture and belongings are safely and securely wrapped, protected and loaded to avoid damage. The company also offers a dedicated senior moving service to help move elderly loved ones. If you have a piano, Best Bet Movers has expertise in moving them, too.

Best Bet Movers isn't accredited with the BBB and doesn't currently have a rating. It is unlisted with Google and Angi but has a five-star Yelp rating (two reviews). The company conducts background checks and screens all of its movers. 

The company is located at 4 Pine Pass Ln., Ocala, Fla., 34472. You can call 352-235-9151 or visit its Facebook page to book your move. Its website is down at the time of writing. It is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Customer testimonial

I've hired these guys a few times now and they show up on time and do a fantastic job! I will definitely be using them again. - James G., Yelp review (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Yelp reviews

Neighborhood Mover is the best emergency moving company in Ocala

Neighborhood Mover is a small, local Ocala moving company that's only been in business since 2021. Its size has been an asset, however, because it can still provide a personalized, local touch that larger companies just don't deliver in our experience. Created by owner Dakota Saliga, Neighborhood Mover earned more than 100 reviews during its short life with nearly perfect scores on Google, Yelp and Thumbtack.

Neighborhood Mover's services are relatively simple and include residential and commercial moving, along with labor-only services. If you have a car to move, as well, Neighborhood Mover also offers automobile moving services to make sure it arrives safely at your new home. Shipping vehicles can get complicated and pricey fast (and, no, you cannot use a moving pod or shipping container to transport a car ), so this is a potentially valuable service.

Services offered

• Local and statewide moving

• Packing and unpacking

• Automobile moving

• Labor-only services

• Emergency moving

Neighborhood Mover quoted us a $100 per hour for a team of two movers with no minimum, though the representative we spoke with said it prefers to set up in-person estimates to give an accurate rate. There's also a truck fee that varies depending on the size of the move, according to the company. No deposit is required to book your move with Neighborhood Mover, and it doesn't charge any other add-on fees, making it a reasonably affordable Ocala mover, especially for smaller moves.

Neighborhood Mover isn't licensed with the U.S. DoT to provide interstate moving services, but you can hire the company to pack and load your rental truck or moving container. The company is also a good choice if you have emergency moving needs. Several reviews mention last-minute moves that the company was able to accommodate either the same day as the call or within 24 hours.

Neighborhood Mover isn't BBB-accredited and doesn't currently have a rating with the organization. However, it has a 4.8-star rating on Google (140 reviews) and five stars on Yelp (one review). It does not conduct background checks on its movers.

The company doesn't have an active website, but you can call 352-480-0804 or visit its Facebook page to learn more. The business address for Neighborhood Mover is listed as 6650 SE 139th St., Summerfield, Fla., 34491. It lists its hours of operation as 24/7.

Customer testimonial

This is the best moving company out there. We were in a financial mess and needed to move my daughter fast and inexpensive when she sold her home, Dakota and his team worked with us and gave us the best deal. His moving team was spectacular, fast and hard working. Without out a doubt, we would use them any time we have a move in Ocala, Florida. This company Rocks! - Rachel A., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

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

At Yahoo, we bring decades of experience in delivering reliable information about local businesses. We don't just tell you why you should trust us; we put in the work to show you. Our proprietary ranking system uses reviews from several established sources, weighs them carefully, and produces what we believe is the most accurate and authoritative local business ranking available. We also share the details behind our process so you can judge its trustworthiness for yourself, which we've outlined below. Unlike some competitors, Yahoo Local does not accept payment for placement or inclusion, and our independent picks are never "sponsored" or influenced by outside parties. Want more information? See our full methodology page .

Here's how we evaluated the best Ocala moving companies:

• 16 Ocala movers evaluated

• 3,353 customer reviews and ratings from five sources

• 14 ranking criteria incorporated

• Interviewed or connected with all six featured Ocala moving companies

• Independent price quotes sourced from all six top Ocala movers

• Independently researched and fact-checked by Yahoo

• Recommendations are maintained and updated regularly

Ocala moving FAQs

What info should you have when requesting an estimate?

There are several pieces of information most moving companies will always ask for, including the number of bedrooms, the square footage of each home, prefferd moving dates. You should also have addresses for both ends of your move (at the very least, ZIP codes) handy so that the movers can calculate any travel fees. 

Additionally, make a list of large furniture items you need the company to handle. Create an inventory of tables, chairs, large appliances and other furniture. Also note any special items like pianos and gun safes, which typically cost extra to move. See our article on what information you need to get an accurate moving company estimate .

What should you know about packing and storage in Ocala?

The most important thing to keep in mind when moving to or from Florida is protecting your stuff from heat and humidity while it's in transit. As you pack, keep your boxes in a cool, dry place. If you have to rely on storage at any point during your move, you should opt for climate-controlled storage instead of simpler temperature-controlled storage when available.

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

If your move involves a multi-level condo or apartment building, you might have to reserve an elevator. Speak with your building manager to find out if this is necessary or if a freight elevator is available. Coordinate your reservation times with your moving company to keep things moving smoothly.

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

You don't need a license to move as an individual, but moving companies must be licensed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and follow its regulations. You can read our complete guide to moving company licensing and regulations in Florida for more information. Each mover on our list meets the necessary requirements.

How much should you tip movers in Ocala?

Tipping is never required with moving companies, but it's a nice way to show appreciation to your crew if they go above and beyond and you have the budget. The general rule is to tip between 10% and 20% of the total move cost. You can either split the tip among the crew yourself or give it to the crew supervisor to split at the end of the job. Read our guide to tipping movers for more.

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