877-412-1344 TL;DR
Tallahassee has a tight moving market with only about six interstate-licensed companies, so choosing wisely matters. For local residential moves, Master Movers leads with a 99.2% satisfaction rate and 19 years of experience. For long-distance or interstate relocations, AmeriSafe Van Lines offers a coordinator-led model with nationwide coverage. Budget movers like Myrick start at $490 for two hours, while full-service options like AMWAT quote flat rates around $1,800 for a three-bedroom home. Expect to pay roughly $100 per hour as a baseline for local moves, and book early if you’re moving during the August university surge.
At-a-Glance Comparison Table
Company | Best For | Pricing | Google Stars | BBB | Interstate? | Storage? | Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AmeriSafe Van Lines | Long-distance/interstate | Custom flat-rate quotes | See reviews | Check FMCSA | Nationwide | Yes (partners) | Required (see policy) |
Master Movers | Local residential | $195/hr (3 movers, 3-hr min) | 4.9 | A+ (Accredited) | Limited (SE only) | Via partners | $75 non-refundable |
Two Men and a Truck | National franchise consistency | Hourly (varies) | ~4.5 | A+ | Yes | Yes | Low, refundable |
AMWAT Moving | Full-service / seniors | Flat-rate (~$1,800 for 3BR) | 4.5 | A+ (not accredited) | Yes (Wheaton agent) | Yes (climate-controlled) | $100 refundable |
College Hunks | Move + junk removal | $110–$140/hr (2 movers) | ~4.5 | Varies by franchise | Yes | Yes | Varies |
Myrick Moving | Budget local | $490/2hrs + $120/hr after | 5.0 | A (not accredited) | Limited | No | Call for details |
Browning Moving | Van line long-distance | Quote-based | ~4.5 | Check | Yes (United agent) | Yes | Call for details |
Community Moving | International/corporate | Quote-based | ~4.3 | Check | Yes (Mayflower) | Yes | Call for details |
How We Evaluated These Tallahassee Moving Companies
Finding a reliable moving company in Tallahassee, Florida is harder than it looks. Practitioners on Reddit’s r/Tallahassee forum describe the quote process as “a massive pain,” with inconsistent pricing, unclear service terms, and difficulty comparing apples to apples across companies.
To cut through that noise, this list evaluates movers across five criteria:
Licensing verification. Every company was checked against Florida’s FDACS registry (for intrastate IM numbers) and the FMCSA SAFER portal (for interstate USDOT numbers).
Review volume and sentiment. We weighted both the quantity of reviews and the ratio of positive to negative feedback, pulling from Google, Yelp, and BBB.
Pricing transparency. Companies that publish rates or provide clear quoting processes ranked higher than those that hide pricing behind sales calls.
Service breadth. Can they pack? Store your belongings? Handle a piano? Move you across state lines?
Tallahassee-specific availability. A company headquartered in Miami doesn’t help much if they can’t reliably serve the capital.
One important distinction: some companies on this list are carriers (they own trucks and employ movers), some are van line agents (they operate under a national brand like United or Wheaton), and some hold both carrier and broker authority. Understanding how moving brokers work for cross-country moves helps you evaluate whether a coordinator-led model or a direct-carrier model fits your situation better.
FreightWaves data shows that only six companies in Tallahassee hold interstate operating authority, compared to 186 across the state. That scarcity means booking early and vetting carefully is not optional; it’s essential.
The 8 Best Moving Companies in Tallahassee, Florida
1. AmeriSafe Van Lines
Best for: Long-distance and interstate moves from Tallahassee with a single coordinator managing the process
Get a free moving quote from AmeriSafe
For Tallahassee residents relocating out of state, AmeriSafe Van Lines provides a coordinator-led model designed to simplify what is normally a fragmented, stressful process. The company holds dual authority as both a licensed interstate motor carrier and a licensed interstate moving broker, with HHG (household goods) authorization from the FMCSA. That dual structure means AmeriSafe can assign its own trucks on certain routes or partner with network carriers for nationwide coverage, depending on capacity and distance.
Pricing:
Custom flat-rate quotes based on inventory, distance, and add-on services
No published hourly rate (each move is quoted individually)
Deposit required to book; becomes non-refundable after 72 hours from signing
Key features:
Nationwide coverage through networked carriers, not limited to the Southeast
Full range of moving services including packing, storage, senior moves, commercial moving, and special handling
Florida intrastate (IM) and broker (MB) licensing in addition to federal DOT/MC authority
Clear regulatory disclosures posted on-site: arbitration documents, FMCSA Rights and Responsibilities brochure, Ready to Move brochure
Separate sales and customer service phone lines for better routing
Tradeoffs:
Pricing is not published, so you must request a quote to compare costs. This is standard for long-distance movers but frustrating for quick comparison shoppers.
As a coordinator model, the actual crew on moving day may be a network partner rather than an AmeriSafe-employed team.
Newer brand compared to established van lines like United or Mayflower.
Why it fits Tallahassee: With only six interstate-licensed movers in the city, options for out-of-state relocations are limited. AmeriSafe’s nationwide network fills a genuine gap for anyone moving from Tallahassee to states outside the Southeast. The coordinator model means one point of contact handles logistics from pickup to delivery, rather than you managing multiple vendors.
2. Master Movers of Tallahassee
Best for: Local residential moves within Tallahassee and North Florida
Master Movers is the most reviewed and highest-rated local moving company in Tallahassee, Florida. With 19 years in business and a 99.2% satisfaction rate across 992 customer feedback items, the numbers speak for themselves.
Pricing:
$195 per hour for three movers
Three-hour minimum ($585 minimum spend)
$75 non-refundable deposit
Key features:
BBB-accredited with an A+ rating and zero registered complaints
Handles residential, commercial, and assisted living moves
Specializes in pianos, antiques, and other specialty items
Limited long-distance capability covering the Southeast (Florida to North Carolina, west to Alabama)
Tradeoffs:
Long-distance range stops at the Southeast. If you’re moving to California or the Midwest, you’ll need a different company.
The 0.8% of dissatisfied customers cite unexpected charges, occasional item damage, or inflated quotes.
No published flat-rate option, so the final cost depends on how long the move takes.
What customers say: Reviews consistently praise the crew’s professionalism, careful handling, and communication. Multiple customers describe their moves as “stress-free” and “even enjoyable,” which is a high bar for an industry plagued by complaints.
If you need help with specialty items like pianos, Master Movers is one of the few companies in Tallahassee equipped to handle that work.
3. Two Men and a Truck
Best for: Customers who want a standardized, name-brand moving experience
Two Men and a Truck is the largest franchised moving company in the country, with over 400 locations worldwide. The Tallahassee franchise carries the brand’s systemized approach: uniformed movers, branded trucks, and a predictable process.
Pricing:
Hourly rates (not publicly listed; varies by franchise)
Deposits are low and generally refundable up to a certain point
Two-hour minimum typical
Key features:
FreightWaves ranked Two Men and a Truck as the top choice for Tallahassee movers based on 288 customer reviews and a 96.2% positive rating
Full-service local and interstate moving, labor-only, packing/unpacking, storage
Standardized training and wrapping procedures across all franchises
Tradeoffs:
Yelp rating (3.3 stars) is noticeably lower than its Google rating (~4.5). This gap suggests inconsistent experiences that show up more on Yelp’s stricter review filtering.
Pricing varies by franchise and isn’t always competitive with independent local movers.
The franchise model means your local experience depends heavily on the specific owner/operator.
What customers say: Tallahassee-specific reviews frequently praise individual movers by name, noting careful wrapping, protection of furniture, and efficient work. The personal touch from specific crew members seems to matter more than the brand itself.
4. AMWAT Moving Warehousing & Storage
Best for: Full-service moves, senior relocations, and moves requiring specialty handling
AMWAT stands for “A Man with a Truck,” which understates what the company has become since Dean and Gloria Pugh founded it in 1997. As an agent for Wheaton World Wide Moving, AMWAT connects Tallahassee customers to a national van line network while maintaining local ownership.
Pricing:
Flat-rate quotes based on in-person inspections (no hourly billing)
Standard three-bedroom house move typically costs around $1,800
$100 deposit, refundable with at least 24 hours’ notice
Key features:
One of only two flat-rate movers identified in the Tallahassee market, which eliminates the “how long will this take?” anxiety
Handles hoisting and craning furniture, a capability most Tallahassee movers don’t offer
Services include local, long-distance, military, senior moves, commercial, custom crating, auto and animal transport
Climate-controlled storage on-site
CEO Gloria Pugh advocated for stronger consumer protection laws in Florida’s moving industry through the Professional Movers Association of Florida
Tradeoffs:
Smaller review volume (79 Google reviews, 9 Yelp reviews) makes it harder to assess consistency compared to Master Movers or Two Men and a Truck.
Not BBB-accredited, though it holds an A+ rating with zero complaints.
Flat-rate quotes require an in-person inspection, which adds a step before you can compare pricing.
5. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
Best for: Combined moving and junk removal, or hourly labor for partial moves
College Hunks has grown into a national brand with over 200 locations, serving more than 10 million clients. The Tallahassee franchise offers something unique: moving and junk removal under one roof. If you’re downsizing, clearing out a rental, or combining a move with a major declutter, that combination saves real time.
Pricing:
$110 to $140 per hour for two movers with a truck
Two- to three-hour minimum
Pricing varies by location and is not listed on the website
Key features:
Full-service moving, labor-only, junk removal, packing, loading/unloading
Donates up to 70% of everything hauled away (strong eco angle)
4.9 stars from 8,000+ reviews on TrustPilot
Young, energetic crews that tend to work fast
Tradeoffs:
Multiple tiers of costs can be confusing. BBB complaints and customer reviews describe added charges that weren’t clear upfront.
Junk removal pricing is separate from moving pricing, so your total can climb if you’re bundling services.
Quality can vary by franchise location.
What customers say: The common thread in positive reviews is speed and friendliness. The common thread in negative reviews is billing surprises. Get the total cost in writing before moving day.
6. Myrick Moving Company
Best for: Budget-conscious local moves within Tallahassee and North Florida
Myrick is a newer company but has built an impressive reputation fast: a perfect five-star rating on Google across 156 reviews. For Tallahassee residents watching their budget, Myrick’s pricing structure is straightforward and competitive.
Pricing:
$490 for the first two hours
$120 per hour after that
Two-mover crew standard
Key features:
BBB rating of A with no registered complaints
Local focus and personal touch
Strong review sentiment emphasizing care with belongings
Simple pricing with no confusing tiers
Tradeoffs:
Very small review volume on Yelp (only three reviews), so Google is the primary feedback channel.
Not BBB-accredited.
Limited to local and regional moves within Florida. Not an option for interstate relocations.
No storage services.
For anyone moving a one-bedroom apartment within Tallahassee, Myrick’s $490 starting price is hard to beat. Just make sure your move fits within that two-hour window, or the hourly rate after kicks in.
7. Browning Moving & Storage
Best for: Long-distance moves requiring van line scale and resources
Browning Moving & Storage serves Tallahassee as an agent for United Van Lines, the largest household goods carrier in the United States. That affiliation gives Browning access to moving resources across the globe, which matters for complex interstate or international relocations.
Pricing:
Quote-based (in-home or virtual survey)
No published hourly rates
Key features:
Member of the American Moving & Storage Association and the Florida Movers and Warehousemen’s Association
Residential and commercial relocation services
Full or partial packing with quality materials
Short and long-term storage
Tradeoffs:
United Van Lines agents can be pricier than independent movers or broker-coordinated options.
Smaller local review footprint makes it harder to assess the Tallahassee-specific experience.
The van line model means your belongings may travel on shared trucks with other shipments, which can affect delivery windows.
8. Community Moving & Storage
Best for: International relocations and corporate transfers
Community Moving & Storage operates as a Mayflower Transit agent, giving Tallahassee customers access to one of the oldest and most recognized van line networks in the country. Where this company stands out is international moving, a service category most Tallahassee movers simply don’t offer.
Pricing:
Quote-based
No published hourly rates
Key features:
Planning, logistics, and international relocation services through Mayflower
About 94% positive reviews across 17 total reviews
Experienced with corporate transfers and military relocations
Tradeoffs:
Very small review volume (17 total reviews) makes it the least-reviewed company on this list.
International moves are complex and expensive, so expect longer timelines and higher costs than domestic alternatives.
Less suited for straightforward local moves where independent companies offer better value.
How Much Does It Cost to Move in Tallahassee?
Tallahassee’s moving costs are significantly lower than South Florida metros like Miami or Fort Lauderdale. Here’s what the data shows.
Local Moves (Under 100 Miles)
The practical planning baseline for a local move in Tallahassee is about $100 per hour for a moving crew. Actual costs range widely depending on home size and complexity:
Studio or one-bedroom: $279 to $800
Two-bedroom: Around $840 on average
Three-bedroom: $1,343 average, ranging from $767 to $2,062 for a two-mover crew
Full range: Local moves can cost anywhere from $279 to $3,493
Labor-only help (no truck) averages $422.69 total, or about $91.55 per hour, according to HireAHelper data.
Long-Distance Moves (100+ Miles)
Moving out of Tallahassee long-distance costs between $1,365 and $7,735, with two- to three-bedroom homes averaging $3,094 to $4,095. Cross-country moves can reach $2,183 to $15,224 depending on distance, volume, and services.
For interstate moves from Florida, getting multiple quotes is critical because pricing varies dramatically between carriers, brokers, and van line agents.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
The most common complaints about moving companies nationally involve surprise charges. Here’s what Tallahassee movers may add to your bill:
Stair and elevator fees: $50 to $100 per flight
Long carry charges: When the truck can’t park close to your door
Packing material markups: Movers often charge two to three times retail price for boxes and tape
Last-minute booking premiums: Waiting until the week before can spike your price 15% to 30%
End-of-month surcharge: The last three days of any month are peak moving days and priced accordingly
Getting everything in writing before moving day is the single best way to avoid billing disputes. For tips on evaluating estimates, read this guide to choosing a reputable mover.
Tallahassee Moving Tips: What the Locals Know
Tallahassee is not a typical Florida city. It’s the state capital, home to Florida State University and Florida A&M University, and has a population of about 200,000 with a younger, more educated demographic than most Florida metros. That creates specific timing and logistical challenges for anyone planning a move.
The August University Surge
The single busiest time for any moving company in Tallahassee, Florida is August. FSU and FAMU move-in dates create a massive spike in demand. Neighborhoods near campus get gridlocked, apartment complexes stack move-ins back-to-back, and available mover capacity drops to near zero. If you’re moving during this window, book at least four to six weeks in advance.
Legislative Session Parking
Florida’s legislative session typically runs from January through March. During session, downtown Tallahassee becomes a parking nightmare. If you’re moving to or from a downtown apartment, scheduling your move during session means your movers may face long carry distances from the nearest available parking spot, and that means added charges.
Football Game Weekends
FSU home games bring 70,000+ fans into the city, clogging roads near campus and downtown. Moving on a game day Saturday is a bad idea for obvious reasons.
The Cheapest Time to Move
Weekdays between October and April offer the lowest prices. Avoid the last three days of any month, all weekends, and the May-September peak season. Moving during off-peak times can save 15% to 30% on your total cost.
HOA Restrictions
Many neighborhoods near FSU and FAMU have HOA rules governing move-in times, including restricted hours, elevator reservations, and required loading-dock bookings. Check with your building or community association before locking in a moving date.
Tipping Your Movers
Tipping is standard but not required. A common guideline: $20 to $40 per mover for a local move, $50 to $100 per mover for a full-day or long-distance move. Tip based on care, attitude, and efficiency rather than just hours worked.
How to Verify a Florida Mover’s License
This is the section most moving guides skip, and it’s arguably the most important. Florida has a dual-layer licensing system that trips up consumers who only check one registry.
Step 1: Check FDACS for Intrastate Moves
Florida law requires all intrastate household goods movers and moving brokers to register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) under Florida Statutes Chapter 507. Every licensed mover gets an IM number that must appear on advertisements, contracts, and the driver’s side door of every vehicle (in lettering at least 1.5 inches tall).
If a company can’t produce an IM number, don’t hire them for any move within Florida.
Step 2: Check FMCSA for Interstate Moves
For out-of-state moves, visit the FMCSA SAFER web portal and enter the company’s USDOT number. Verify that their status is active and that they hold operating authority for HHG (household goods). This is separate from their Florida registration and covers federal interstate authority.
Step 3: Confirm BBB Status
A BBB rating isn’t a license, but it adds a layer of accountability. Check for complaint history, response patterns, and accreditation status.
Red Flags to Watch For
No visible IM number on trucks, contracts, or advertisements
Unwillingness to provide a USDOT number
Demanding a large cash deposit before providing a written estimate
No physical address or only a P.O. box
Dramatically lower quotes than every competitor (bait-and-switch tactic)
For a deeper look at common scams, review these tips to identify and avoid moving scams.
Florida’s “Hostage Load” Law
Here’s a consumer protection detail that most people don’t know about: under Florida law, it is a felony for a mover to refuse to deliver your goods if you pay the amount stated in the written estimate. This “hostage load” law exists because some rogue movers historically held belongings ransom for inflated prices. A binding written estimate is your strongest legal protection.
Planning Your Tallahassee Move: Next Steps
Whether you’re a student moving near FSU, a state employee relocating downtown, or a family heading out of Florida entirely, the right moving company depends on your specific situation. Local moves favor experienced independents like Master Movers or budget options like Myrick. Interstate and long-distance moves from Tallahassee require companies with nationwide authority and coordination capabilities.
Explore AmeriSafe’s long-distance moving services
Start by getting at least three written estimates. Compare them line by line, checking for hidden fees, minimum hours, and deposit policies. Verify every company’s license through FDACS and FMCSA before signing anything. And if you’re moving during August or the legislative session, book as far in advance as possible.
FAQ
Do Tallahassee movers charge extra for apartments or stairs?
Yes. Most moving companies in Tallahassee, Florida add $50 to $100 per flight of stairs. Elevator moves may also carry surcharges, especially if elevator access requires reservation or has time restrictions. Always ask about stair and elevator fees when getting your quote.
When is the cheapest time to move in Tallahassee?
Weekdays between October and April offer the lowest rates. Avoid the last three days of any month, weekends, and the May-September peak season. Moving during off-peak times can save you 15% to 30% compared to summer pricing.
What’s the difference between a moving broker and a carrier?
A carrier owns trucks and employs the movers who physically handle your belongings. A broker coordinates your move through a network of carriers, acting as a single point of contact. Some companies, like AmeriSafe Van Lines, hold both carrier and broker authority, allowing flexibility depending on the route. Learn more about how moving brokers are changing cross-country relocation.
How far in advance should I book movers in Tallahassee?
Four to six weeks is a safe window for most moves. During the August university move-in surge or the spring legislative session, book even earlier. Last-minute bookings during peak season often come with premium pricing or no availability at all.
How many interstate-licensed movers are there in Tallahassee?
Only about six companies in Tallahassee hold interstate operating authority, compared to 186 across all of Florida. This limited supply makes early booking and thorough vetting especially important for anyone moving out of state.
Can I save money by doing my own packing?
Absolutely. Movers typically charge two to three times retail price for packing materials, and professional packing services add labor costs on top of that. If you have the time, buying your own boxes from a hardware store and packing yourself can save hundreds of dollars. Just be aware that self-packed boxes may not be covered by the mover’s liability policy if items break.
Is it worth hiring movers for a small apartment?
For a studio or one-bedroom, labor-only help in Tallahassee averages about $422, and a full-service move can start as low as $279. If you have heavy furniture, a third-floor walkup, or limited time, professional movers are usually worth it. For a few boxes and light furniture, renting a truck and enlisting friends might make more sense.
What should I do if a mover holds my belongings hostage?
Under Florida law, a mover who refuses to deliver your goods after you pay the amount stated in the written estimate is committing a felony. Contact local law enforcement and file a complaint with FDACS immediately. This is why getting a binding written estimate before moving day is so critical.
