How Much Do Movers Cost in South Florida? A Price Guide
- sunshine Affordablemovers

- Jul 29
- 3 min read
Planning a move in South Florida is exciting, but one of the first questions on everyone's mind is: "How much is this going to cost?" The price of hiring professional movers isn't a one-size-fits-all number; it depends on a variety of unique factors related to your specific move. Understanding these factors is the key to creating a realistic budget and choosing an affordable moving company that doesn't compromise on quality.
This guide will break down the key elements that determine the cost of a move in areas like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach, so you can know what to expect.
Key Factors That Influence Moving Costs
1. Type of Move: Local vs. Long-Distance
Local Moves: A move is typically considered "local" if it's under 50-100 miles within the same state. Local moving services are almost always priced by the hour. The hourly rate includes the moving truck, the crew (usually 2-4 movers), and standard equipment like dollies and blankets. Your total cost will be the hourly rate multiplied by the number of hours it takes to complete your move, plus any travel time fees.
Long-Distance Moves: A move that crosses state lines or is over a certain mileage is considered long-distance. These moves are priced based on the total weight (or volume) of your belongings and the distance they are being transported. You will receive a quote based on these two key factors, plus any additional services you select.
2. The Size of Your Home & Volume of Belongings
This is the most significant cost driver. A 4-bedroom house in Boca Raton will naturally cost more to move than a 1-bedroom apartment in Hollywood. More belongings mean:
More time required for a local (hourly) move.
More weight and space taken up on the truck for a long-distance (weight/distance) move.
More packing materials needed if you opt for packing services.
3. Additional Services Requested
A standard move involves loading, transporting, and unloading. Any service beyond that will add to the cost. Common add-ons include:
Full or Partial Packing: Having professionals pack your entire home or just specific rooms (like the kitchen) is a huge time-saver but will increase the cost.
Unpacking Services: Movers can also unpack your boxes and place items on flat surfaces.
Furniture Disassembly & Reassembly: Complex items like large beds, modular sofas, or exercise equipment may require extra time and labor.
Specialty Item Handling: Moving items like pianos, large safes, or fine art requires special equipment and expertise, which comes at an additional cost.
4. Access and Logistics
The accessibility of your old and new homes can impact the price. Movers need to account for challenges that add time and labor, such as:
Stairs & Elevators: A third-floor walk-up apartment will take longer than a ground-floor home. High-rise moves may involve reserving and waiting for service elevators.
Long Carries: If the truck can't park close to your entrance, the crew will have a long walk, which increases the time and effort involved.
Parking Permits or Difficult Parking: In dense urban areas, securing a parking spot for a large moving truck can be a challenge.
5. Time of Your Move
Believe it or not, when you move matters.
Peak Season (Summer): May through September is the busiest time for moving companies, and high demand can lead to higher prices.
Weekends & End-of-Month: These are also high-demand times. If you have flexibility, moving mid-week or mid-month can often save you money.
Conclusion:
How to Get an Accurate Quote
The best way to determine your moving cost is to get a detailed, written estimate from a reputable moving company. For an accurate quote, a moving contractor should offer a free in-home or virtual (video) walkthrough to assess the scope of your move properly.
At Sunshine Affordable Movers, we believe in transparent pricing with no hidden fees. We provide clear, detailed estimates so you can budget for your South Florida move with confidence.
Contact us today for your free, no-obligation moving quote!




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