The vibrant city of Sarasota, Florida has residents who rely on the services of a moving company when moving. A professional mover can help you avoid the stress of moving in Sarasota's sometimes hot temperatures. We've listed the top local and long-distance moving companies in Sarasota below.
These are the best movers in Sarasota for local and long-distance moves.
Top Pick
4.8/5 Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
- Best Overall
- Full-Service Mover
- Worldwide Availability
Most Experienced Mover
4.5/5 Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
- Experienced Crews
- Binding Estimates
- Price-Matching Policy
Most Customer-Oriented
4.4/5 Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
- No-fuss estimates
- Nationwide moves
- Donates to St Jude Children's Research Hospital
10 Best Moving Companies in Sarasota
Brands are algorithmically curated from a database of local service providers near you. We require a minimum number of Google reviews and average ratings for provider inclusion.
Top Rated Provider
Top Rated
Happy Helpers Moving Co
5/5 Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Based on 582 reviews
Sunshine Movers of Sarasota LLC
5/5 Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Based on 548 reviews
College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving Sarasota
5/5 Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Based on 1315 reviews
Manasota Movers | Voted #1 Local Moving Company Serving Sarasota, Bradenton, and the Surrounding Areas
5/5 Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Based on 334 reviews
All My Sons Moving & Storage
4.8/5 Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Based on 1068 reviews
BMS Moving & Storage
4.7/5 Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Based on 322 reviews
5 Star Movers Sarasota
4.7/5 Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Based on 19 reviews
UNITS Moving and Portable Storage of Southwest Florida
4.7/5 Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Based on 27 reviews
LARKIN Moving & Handling
4.7/5 Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Based on 80 reviews
Get It Gone
4.7/5 Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Based on 148 reviews
Facts about Sarasota
Population
:
56,160
Median Age
:
52 years
Median Rent
:
$2,494
Median House Value
:
$462,158
Cost Of Living Percentile
:
91%
Median Income
:
$68,870
How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Sarasota
Make an informed choice by considering the following crucial factors when deciding on a mover in Sarasota.
Determine Your Budget
According to our research, Sarasota moving companies charge $59 per hour on average. The typical cost overall is $4,082 for two-bedroom homes. Factors that affect your actual cost include any additional tasks you need done, the season, your home size, and move distance.
Consider obtaining quotes from at least three movers in your area to make an informed choice. Written estimates are important in this process. They should have a total cost breakdown, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Comparing the estimate provided by your mover to the final cost after your move helps ensure fair pricing is maintained.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer feedback plays an important role for moving companies. Visit websites like Trustpilot, social media, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau, and Yelp to learn about customer experiences with that moving company.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Sarasota must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are moving from one Florida city to another, your mover must have an active registration with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). You can verify the company has an active license using its License Lookup tool.
If you're moving across state lines, the regulations are different. Interstate moving companies must be licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and must carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use these numbers to look up the company’s registration status and complaint history on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Assess whether the mover you chose can provide the services that meet your expectations while obtaining quotes. Take a full inventory of your home before getting quotes and note any essential or additional services you may need. Tell the moving company about any particular needs to determine whether the company is a fit.
Types of Moving Services
For basic moves, full-service movers often include the following services in the standard price:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
Ensure that your moving company is informed of any extra services you require while going through the quote process. Services that can contribute to higher pricing include:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Sarasota, FL
Here are some additional tips to consider for your Sarasota move.
Schedule an Early Move
Sarasota usually gets congested during rush hour. Maneuvering through it can be more difficult in a moving truck compared to a standard personal-use car. Movers caught in traffic may result in delays and a higher cost since local movers charge by the hour. Scheduling your move for the early morning ensures that your movers arrive before rush hour and head to your new home in the middle of the day when traffic is less congested.
Avoid Busy Season
The peak moving season—between May and September—coincides with Sarasota's hottest time of year. This can affect your moving process if you begin looking too late and can't find a moving company with availability. By planning your move at least eight weeks in advance, you should be able to lock in your desired moving company. However, keep in mind the possibility that the hot weather could pose difficulties for your movers.
Pack in Advance
Most moving companies won't move items that haven't been packed by the scheduled moving time. You should begin packing around six weeks in advance. Pack a few boxes each day to avoid rushing on the day of your move. Your movers may have some extra boxes with them for last-minute packing, but you shouldn’t count on it.
How Much do Movers Cost in Sarasota, FL
Movers in Sarasota cost $2,586 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $6,524 to move a larger 4 bedroom house the same distance. See the chart below for more moving estimates, and contact a moving company for a more accurate quote specific to your situation.
| Distance | Studio-1 Bedroom | 2-3 Bedroom | 4+ Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 250 miles | $2,586 | $2,815 | $6,524 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,196 | $3,409 | $10,062 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,225 | $3,945 | $10,154 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,093 | $4,997 | $12,263 |
Frequently Asked Questions about Moving in Sarasota
Living in Sarasota costs less than 91.4% of other cities. Housing makes up most of the cost. The median cost of a home is $462,158 and the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment within the city limits is $2,494, according to the U.S. Census.
Housing costs in Sarasota fall into the top percentile. Sarasota's median home value is currently $462,158 and rent is $2,494, according to the most recent U.S. Census.
You can anticipate paying between $102 and $195 per hour for two movers and a truck. The total cost of your move will rely on several factors, such as the number of bedrooms, specialty services, insurance, and how long the move takes.
Getting in touch with movers six to eight weeks before your move should give you enough time to compare companies and choose one. During your research, you can gather quotes, assess the services offered, and read reviews to gauge customer satisfaction.
Several factors can influence the length of your move, such as the size of your home, how many belongings you have, and the distance between your current and new residence. It may take around 3-5 hours for a one-bedroom home, 5-7 hours for a two-bedroom home, and 7-10 hours or more for a three-bedroom home when moving locally. For interstate moves, how long it'll take primarily depends on the distance between your state and the one you're moving to.
