Moving Companies (Tampa, St. Petersburg: truck rental, renting, movers)

[stuckinohio86]

Hi All,

What are some affordable moving companies you have used to relocate to the St. Pete / Tampa area? Long distance moving can be costly, as we all know. Any information on moving companies, your experience with them, how timely they were, and what condition your goods were delivered in are all key factors.

So far my top company I would consider is Mayflower.

[sportsterjohn]

I can't really advise on specific moving companies, just do not use a 'moving broker' which you find on the internet. It was a nightmare experience. If the people you talk to are not the actual moving company, don't deal with them.

[Sunshinecc]

Originally Posted by stuckinohio86

Hi All,

What are some affordable moving companies you have used to relocate to the St. Pete / Tampa area? Long distance moving can be costly, as we all know. Any information on moving companies, your experience with them, how timely they were, and what condition your goods were delivered in are all key factors.

So far my top company I would consider is Mayflower.

Not sure how much you are moving but have you considered renting a truck and driving yourself? I know U-Haul allows at least a 20' truck to be rented and you can even tow your vehicle for under $200 as long as you disconnect the axle (a good mechanic should be able to do this). Also, I believe they give you a week to reach your end destination so at least you feel more in charge and don't have to worry about any hidden or last minute up-charges.

[JoeBI]

Originally Posted by Sunshinecc

Not sure how much you are moving but have you considered renting a truck and driving yourself? I know U-Haul allows at least a 20' truck to be rented and you can even tow your vehicle for under $200 as long as you disconnect the axle (a good mechanic should be able to do this). Also, I believe they give you a week to reach your end destination so at least you feel more in charge and don't have to worry about any hidden or last minute up-charges.

I did the U-Haul thing moving over 70 miles. It worked out great. I saved at least 50% compare to quotes from long distance movers. The best part is you can hire loading and unloading crews from their website after booking the truck. I got the best movers because U-Haul rated them based on customer feedbacks.
Part of the saving is you only have to pay for one way truck rental, because you can return the thing at any U-Haul locations near you new place.

[FloridaKash]

ABF UPack. Hire movers to load and unload. You will save a bundle. We did. Basically.... you load their container trucks and they do the driving for you. Not much more than renting a uhaul when you consider travel expenses and gas.

[Sunshinecc]

Originally Posted by JoeBI

I did the U-Haul thing moving over 70 miles. It worked out great. I saved at least 50% compare to quotes from long distance movers. The best part is you can hire loading and unloading crews from their website after booking the truck. I got the best movers because U-Haul rated them based on customer feedbacks.
Part of the saving is you only have to pay for one way truck rental, because you can return the thing at any U-Haul locations near you new place.

I've used U-Haul for local moves but never long-distance but this looks to be my best bet. So hearing that you've done it successfully re-confirms my decision.

Also, the last time I moved, I used a moving crew through the U-Haul site and they were fantastic, courteous, and I was able to add on an extra hour at the last minute. We got them pizzas and they were so greatful, lol.

[FloridaKash]

We once drove a Uhaul from Texas to Seattle and put it on a barge up to Alaska. Driving a Uhual for intown moves are great. But man... driving that far was so incredibly uncomfortable I would never do it again. Although we were using the largest truck they had and it was about to be retired so it was old... and probably overloaded. LOL.

Do yourself a favor though. Get a quite from ABF Upack as well. We have used them 2 times now... both for across the nation moves (Seattle to Austin and Anchorage to Tampa) and will always use them if we have long moves.

I didn't like parking a Uhaul with my world possessions overnight in a motel parking lot with nothing more than a Lock on the door or ignition lock protecting them. Not to mention parking the beast sometimes. Also, plan on 6 - 8 MPG.

Also, the nice thing about ABF is that they can store your stuff in the container for an agreed amount of time so you can find a place and then unload the trailer. I think they may charge a bit extra.... but it's worth it instead of arriving with your Uhaul.... finding and paying for a storage unit... unloading into the storage unit. Then after finding your place, renting a Uhaul truck again.... loading it back up,,, just to unload it again into your new place.

Of course, if you already have a place rented when you show up.... you won't have that problem. See... we tend to move to places sight unseen. ;D Just something to think about when planning for expenses.

Oh... also..... whatever you figure for expenses add at LEAST 20% buffer onto it. Money was spent at an astonishing rate when we moved here.

[Sunshinecc]

Thanks for sharing your experience FloridaKash. I think the OP has some good options.

As far as for me, I think, now, I will get a quote from ABF. It wouldn't hurt. When I was going to move to San Diego, I remember getting a quote from them and thinking how expensive it was but that was years ago and you're right in the sense that it would be much nicer to not have to worry about driving/parking/keeping safe a very large U-Haul...especially since I'll be driving it!!

I did factor in gas, hotel and food expense when I was figuring my move and I always figure a bit high so I think I'm good in that respect.

The other thing the OP needs to consider is if there are pet(s) involved. Not all airlines are pet friendly (if you planned on flying and having a moving company do your move) and some of the storage facilities sound horrible. You can pay for a seat for your pet but when I was considering flying, I just couldn't do that to a plane full of people. It was doubtful my kitty would sit there nice and quiet, lol. So, to the OP, if you are moving with animals, there are several organizations which are geared specifically for travel safety and humane treatment for pets and your vet can also ensure the health and safety of them before travel.

[Stewabby]

We've used Rocks Moving multiple times and always been happy with them. They have always come in under their quote.

Rock's Moving Company - Best Movers in Tampa and St. Petersburg Florida - Jobs

[Keeper]

I used Graebel movers when I moved. I only had them move the 'big' stuff though. I then got a Uhaul and we packed the house with the smaller items and my son drove it to my new home. It was 600 miles. The good was that the moving co was able to deliver the big stuff a few days before I got there. My son drove up the other stuff and unloaded it but I had my daughter there so she was able to help unpack just about everything before I got there.

Check BBB for any moving co. Also FL has laws that state they can not change the price once they get your stuff to your house.

Good Luck moving is never fun