The BEST Moving Companies in Lakeland, FL
Quick answer: Our top pick for local moves in Lakeland, FL, is Coleman Worldwide Moving, thanks to their reputation for quality customer service.. If you’re moving out of Florida to another state, we recommend Safeway Moving in terms of overall value.
- Best Lakeland-based mover: Coleman Worldwide Moving
- Best interstate mover: Safeway Moving
- Best moving container: PODS
- Best labor-only mover: HireAHelper
- Best rental truck: U-Haul Truck Rental
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Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ moving companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Best movers for those moving locally in Lakeland, FL
- Coleman Worldwide Moving: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Two Men and a Truck: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Browning Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Anytime Moving, Inc.: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.24 out of 5 stars
- Efficient service (36%)
- Professional and polite staff (30%)
- Good communication (29%)
- Damage to items (40%)
- Delayed arrival or delivery (34%)
- Lack of communication (29%)
Company Info
Years in Business: 109
DOT #: 2897746
Alternate Names: Coleman American Moving Services, Inc.
Coleman Worldwide Moving has been a staple in the Tampa, FL region since 1915, offering reliable local residential moving services. Unlike many newer companies, Coleman boasts over a century of expertise, making them a trusted choice for local moves. Their consumer reviews are mixed; while they hold an impressive A rating from the Better Business Bureau, their Yelp profile indicates some customer dissatisfaction with a 1.1 average rating, though Google reviews are more favorable at 3.6. Unique to Coleman are their comprehensive services, including packing, unpacking, and crating, and they accept credit cards with no deposit required, setting them apart from many local competitors.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Professional and polite staff (30%)
- Efficient service (28%)
- Careful handling (25%)
- Damage to items (20%)
- Delayed arrival or delivery (18%)
- Lack of communication (15%)
Company Info
State license #: IM1517
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: J & J Family Moving & Storage, LLC
Two Men and a Truck is a reputable local moving company serving Lakeland, FL, and its surrounding areas since 2008. Specializing in local residential moves, they offer comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, and even moving large items like pianos and safes. Their customer feedback is largely positive, boasting an impressive 4.8 average rating from 576 Google reviews and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, though Yelp reviews are more mixed. Unlike some nearby competitors, they accept credit cards and require no deposit, making them a convenient and trustworthy choice for your next local move.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Efficient service (34%)
- Professional and polite staff (29%)
- Careful handling (25%)
- Damage to items (22%)
- Delayed arrival or delivery (18%)
- Lack of communication (15%)
Company Info
State license #: 77949
Years in Business: 35
DOT #: 077949
Alternate Names: Fister Moving & Storage, Inc.
Browning Moving & Storage offers dependable local residential moving services in and around Lakeland, FL. Established in 1989, they have built a solid reputation, reflected by their Better Business Bureau rating of A+. Customers appreciate their comprehensive services, including packing, unpacking, and fragile-only packing options, which set them apart from some nearby competitors. Consumer reviews on Yelp give them an average rating of 3.8, indicating generally positive experiences. With over three decades of experience, Browning Moving & Storage stands as a reputable choice for local moves in the Lakeland area.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- Efficient service (75%)
- Professional and polite staff (62%)
- Affordable rates (50%)
- Delayed arrival or delivery (25%)
- Lack of communication (12%)
- Higher-than-expected costs (12%)
Company Info
State license #: 1053562
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 1053562
Anytime Moving, Inc. has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around Lakeland, FL since 2003. Compared to other nearby moving companies, Anytime Moving stands out for its comprehensive offerings, including packing, unpacking, and specialized services such as moving pianos and antiques. The company has earned glowing consumer reviews, boasting an average rating of 5.0 on Yelp and 4.8 on Google, along with an impressive A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. With no deposit required and a reputation for reliability, Anytime Moving, Inc. is a highly recommended choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Professional and polite staff (30%)
- Efficient service (25%)
- Good communication (22%)
- Damage to items (20%)
- Delayed arrival or delivery (18%)
- Unexpected charges (15%)
Company Info
State license #: 2841941
DOT #: 2378173
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving offers exceptional local residential moving services in and around Lakeland, FL. This company stands out with an impressive average rating of 4.9 from over 1,100 Google reviews, and a solid 4.3 average from 24 Yelp reviews, showcasing high customer satisfaction. Unlike many nearby moving companies, they also provide office moving, packing, unpacking, and labor-only services. Notably, they accept credit cards and do not require a deposit, making them a convenient and reliable choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Best movers for those moving out of Florida
As you may guess, interstate — or out-of-state — moves are those that cross state lines. Movers must meet certain federal licensing requirements and standards to handle interstate moves. Consider one of these highly rated, fully licensed interstate moving companies if you’re leaving Florida for a new state:
- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- BLVD Moving: 4.25 out of 5 stars
- PODS: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
- Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
- Hands-on customer service
- 24/7 support
- Price-matching policy
- Family owned & operated
- Affordable pricing
- Binding estimates
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
Best moving containers in Lakeland, FL
Moving containers offer a hybrid DIY solution that falls somewhere between a full-service moving company and a rental truck. With moving containers, you won’t have the help of a moving crew (you’ll have to do the loading and unloading) but you will get the benefit of a professional driver — a perk that doesn’t come with renting a truck.
Container costs in Lakeland vary depending on how many containers you need and how far you’re moving. Be sure to get moving quotes from multiple companies so you can best compare prices and services.
We recommend starting with these two top-tier moving container companies:
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
Best rental trucks for your Lakeland, FL move
If you’re looking for the cheapest way to move out of state or locally in Lakeland, a moving truck rental is your best option. On average, a truck rental in Florida costs a base rate of $19–$39 a day and a fee of $0.69–$0.99 per mile.
While you’ll certainly save money by renting a truck rather than hiring full-service movers or using a moving container, you will ultimately be responsible for every aspect of your move — including the driving.
We recommend these top truck rental companies for a full DIY move:
- More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
- Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
- Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
- U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
- Limits environmental impact as part of the EPA's SmartWay Program
- Non-slip flooring makes loading and unloading easier
- Easily choose truck size with their Truck Wizard Tool
Labor-only movers in Lakeland, FL
Labor-only companies can be helpful if you are using a moving container or rental truck but still want some assistance with the heavy lifting. A labor-only mover will provide you with a moving crew to load and unload your items, and you can also pay for additional packing support, as well as disassembly and reassembly of furniture, fitness equipment, and electronics.
Check out our picks for labor-only companies in Lakeland:
- First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
- Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
- $1,000 money-back service guarantee
- Fast and accurate delivery times
- Free damage coverage with additional coverage options
- Quick and easy booking process
- National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
- Dedicated move concierge specialist
- Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
- The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them
Top-rated movers in nearby cities
How we chose the best movers in Lakeland
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 157 Florida movers and listed the top five best movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How do I find a reputable Lakeland mover?
If you’re looking for the best movers in Lakeland, here’s what you should look for:
- A good reputation: Whether they’re a new family-owned business in Lakeland or a large van lines company with years of experience operating all over Florida, a good reputation is absolutely essential. Watch out for red flags and common moving scams.
- Look into dispute resolution: All businesses may have some hiccups, but it's how they handle these incidents that shows the company’s true colors. If a mover in Lakeland has a history of unresolved customer complaints, it might be best to look elsewhere.
- Ensure experience aligns with your move: A mover with excellent reviews for local moves in Lakeland may not be the best interstate moving company. Verify that the company has adequate experience with the type of move you're planning.
- Get multiple estimates: Reputable Lakeland movers should provide a free estimate for your move. Getting moving quotes from multiple companies will give you a good idea of a fair price for the services you need.
Fortunately, the Lakeland movers on this list all pass this checklist with flying colors and have been hand selected by our experts at moveBuddha.
If you want to broaden your search to the whole state, check out the best moving companies in Florida.
Average cost of movers in Lakeland, Florida
The pricing table below shows ballpark costs for local moves within the Lakeland area and its surrounding suburbs. Or check out our post on the cost to move in Florida for more pricing info.
Keep in mind the price ranges listed are only averages. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the specific requirements of your move.
You can also check out our moving cost calculator for more accurate moving cost estimate.
Local moving costs in Lakeland
If you’re moving within 50 miles of Lakeland, it’s considered a local move. The cost of a rental truck combines a base fee and the mileage fees. In Lakeland, the base fee ranges from $19 to $39 while the mileage ranges from $0.69 per mile to $0.99 per mile.
And if you’re looking for some labor help, the average cost for movers in Lakeland is $95 per hour.
| Home Size | Avg. Total Cost | Cost/hour | # of Movers | # Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $366 | $133 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
| 1 Bedroom | $499 | $133 | 2 movers | 4 hours |
| 2 Bedroom | $791 | $186 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,799 | $261 | 4 movers | 8 hours |
| 4 Bedroom | $2,060 | $261 | 4 movers | 9 hours |
| 5+ Bedroom | $3,153 | $365 | 5 movers | 10 hours |
Factors that affect the cost of your move
- Distance: Your moving costs in Lakeland will be determined in large part by where you are relocating. A local move within 50 miles of Lakeland will be less expensive than moving 450 miles across Florida state lines.
- Move size: The more stuff you have, the more your move will cost, since moving companies determine price based on how large your truck and moving truck need to be. For long-distance and interstate relocations out of Lakeland, a moving company will base your price on the total estimated weight and volume of your belongings. Decluttering and downsizing to reduce those total measurements can help you keep costs down.
- Moving method: A full-service mover will likely be the most expensive option, and renting a truck will save you the most money. Just make sure you are factoring in services with pricing, so you don’t end up skimping on the help you need for your specific move just to cut costs.
- Additional services: No matter what kind of move you opt for, extra options like packing, labor, and comprehensive insurance will all come with added fees.
- The time of the year: Relocating during peak moving season (May–September) will cost you more because demand is higher and availability is lower. If possible, plan your move between October and April for a lower rate.
FAQs
Do I need to get a parking permit for local movers in Lakeland?
Downtown Lakeland offers various parking options, depending on parking needs and frequency. Free parking is available a few blocks away, and street parking is monitored between 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. on weekdays, but is free on weekends and evenings. Public lots are also free on weekends and evenings. ParkMobile is the payment method for street parking, with a $1/hour charge and $0.35 transaction fee, and can be accessed through their website or app, using PayPal, Visa, MasterCard, or Discover.
For more info on parking permits in Lakeland, visit the local DOT website.
How can I save money when hiring a Lakeland moving company?
You can save money when hiring a Lakeland mover by planning your moving date outside of peak season, which runs from May through September. Moving during the week and between October and April allows for the greatest savings.
There are other ways to negotiate your moving costs, including asking a company about any moving discounts or deals that may apply to you.
Do Lakeland movers offer storage?
Yes, many Lakeland movers offer short- and long-term storage options. Many moving companies operate their own storage facilities, but some may partner with a third-party warehouse. It's always worth asking about a mover’s storage options and getting estimates for the added cost.
If your Lakeland mover doesn’t offer storage — or you need services beyond what they can provide — reach out to at least three of the best self-storage companies to get an idea of the price of self-storage before choosing one.
How can I see all moving companies in Florida?
You can see all moving companies in Florida by taking a look at our full list of Florida movers.
Helpful Lakeland Resources
Lakeland Moving Services
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