Local moving companies in Gainesville
- Stewart Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Baymeadows Movers: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- MoveBright Moving and Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Jaguar Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
Stewart Moving & Storage

DOT #: 1194537
Years in Business: 31
6580 W 5th St, Jacksonville, FL 32254 USGlowing client input makes Stewart Moving & Storage stand out above typical moving companies. Analyzing 234 pieces of feedback, 96.6% were positive, indicating an exceptional track record. Most clients praised the crewโs professionalism, efficiency, and careful handling of items. Many described quick, stress-free moves, complimenting staff for open communication and a courteous attitude. Movers routinely listened to instructions, moved fast, and treated belongings as if they were their own. Critical feedback was rare but notable: a handful of people reported significant damage to possessions, missing items, or unprofessional conduct during their move. Some negative accounts highlighted trouble resolving claims and difficulties with insuranceโissues not often seen among reputable industry peers. Despite these isolated cases, Stewart Moving & Storage delivers friendly, fast-moving crews and careful service more reliably than most, making them a top recommendation according to nearly every reviewer.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1194537
- State license #: 1355
- DOD certified
Alternative Business Names
- Academy Moving & Storage Inc.
- Arpin of Jacksonville
Baymeadows Movers

DOT #: 1040023
Years in Business: 28
6419 Philips Highway, Jacksonville, FL 32216 USMoving day doesnโt need to be stressful, and Baymeadows Movers proves why. With 239 feedback entries reviewed, most customersโover 80%โdescribe their experience as professional and worry-free. The company earns top marks for having a courteous team, protecting customersโ belongings, working efficiently, and delivering prompt communication. Clients regularly praise the moversโ attention to detail and friendly service, often noting efficient packing and a quick moving process. The teamโs commitment to care stands out well above whatโs common in the moving industry. In contrast, 16% of customer input reports frustrations, mainly focused on damaged items, late arrivals or deliveries, and unexpected charges that exceeded initial quotes. Some clients also share stories of lost belongings or communication lapses with scheduling and claims. Compared with typical movers, Baymeadows Moversโ strong record of professionalism and service consistency is clear, although room remains for improvement with better claims handling and delivery time reliability. For those prioritizing careful handling, organization, and positive attitudes in their movers, Baymeadows often delivers what others promise but donโt provide.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1040023
- State license #: 469
Alternative Business Names
- Baymeadows Movers
- Mandarin Moving and Storage
MoveBright Moving and Storage

DOT #: 3379394
Years in Business: 11
11234 San Jose Blvd #3, Jacksonville, FL 32223 USCustomer feedback for MoveBright Moving and Storage stands out for unwavering reliability and professionalism. Analyzing 246 pieces of input, 98% highlight a seamless, efficient, and friendly moving process. Customers praise the crew's diligence, skillful handling, strong communication, and ability to keep belongings safe from damage, noting jobs are completed quickly and with care. Teams are respectful, thorough, and keep clients updated at every stage. Compared to other movers, MoveBright regularly exceeds expectations with expert service and a stress-free approach. Some critical feedback, though rare, centers on damaged goods, insurance limitations, or isolated professionalism concerns. Negative experiences are infrequent and less severe than those seen with many competitors. Customers widely recommend MoveBright for smooth, worry-free moves.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3379394
- State license #: 3252
Alternative Business Names
- Blunt Enterprise, Inc.
- Move Bright Moving & Storage
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

DOT #: 2527384
Years in Business: 17
1120 Northwest 53rd Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32609 USFast moves and courteous teams get customers talking. Out of 25 feedback entries, 92% praise TWO MEN AND A TRUCK for efficient service, professionalism, careful handling, straightforward pricing, and quick moves. Many describe stress-free relocations and appreciate the teamsโ punctuality and transparency on costs. Positive comments highlight responsible handling of fragile items and a smooth, friendly booking process, which stands out from competitors known for hidden fees or slow service. The few negative comments focus on unexpectedly high costs, delayed scheduling, and extra charges. People who express dissatisfaction cite billing errors and lack of upfront clarity, issues less common than in other moving companies. The strongly positive trend in customer input signals reliable, high-value moving experiences, with only rare complaints about price and timing. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK delivers quality moves that exceed expectations for most clients.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2527384
- State license #: 1531
Alternative Business Names
- Golden Moving Systems, Inc.
Jaguar Moving

Years in Business: 6
41 Spring St, Jacksonville, FL 32254 USWhen it comes to moving in Jacksonville, Jaguar Moving stands out for getting the job done efficiently and carefully. From 369 pieces of customer feedback, a striking 85% point to a positive experience, with many highlighting the teamโs speed, professionalism, and consistent attention to handling fragile or valuable items. Customers appreciate polite staff who work fast and make the moving process easier and less stressfulโeven on tough jobs or short notice. Communication, a helpful attitude, and accommodating service also earn repeated praise, giving Jaguar an edge compared to many moving companies. Negative input, making up just over 13%, focuses on damages to belongings or property, unsatisfactory complaint resolutions, and delays with arrival or claims handling. Customers who experienced problems often struggled to get timely responses or fair compensationโissues that overshadow otherwise hardworking crews. Neutral feedback (about 1%) reflects jobs that were completed as expected but lacked standout service. Those planning a move with Jaguar Moving can generally expect swift, courteous teams dedicated to protecting belongings, but should keep track of communications and expectations to minimize rare but serious mishaps. Jaguarโs strong reputation is built on reliability and care, though improvements in handling complaints would further raise their standing.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- State license #: 3014
Key factors that impact the cost of your Gainesville to Norfolk move
What to know before moving from Gainesville to Norfolk
Moving from Gainesville to Norfolk comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Norfolk is generally more expensive than Gainesville, itโs important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Gainesville | Norfolk | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,600 | $1,500 |
Average home value | $288,002 | $283,890 |
Average income (per capita) | $59,013 | $63,484 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,727 | $2,769 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,491 | $5,552 |
Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 7.3% |
Sales tax | 7.0% | 6.0% |
State income tax | 0.0% | 5.75% |
- Rent prices in Norfolk are 6% lower than in Gainesville, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Norfolk.
Home prices in Norfolk are 1.4% lower than in Gainesville. - Income in Norfolk is 7.6% higher than in Gainesville, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Norfolk include CMA CGM, Norfolk Southern Railway, and PRA Group.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Norfolk, since the cost of living for a single person in Norfolk is 60.3% higher than in Gainesville. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Norfolk, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Norfolk is 59.0% higher than in Gainesville.
- The unemployment rate in Norfolk is 65.91% higher than in Gainesville.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Norfolk, since the cityโs sales taxes in Norfolk are 14.29% lower than in Gainesville.
- State income taxes in Norfolk are 5.75% higher than in Gainesville.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,810.08 in Norfolk to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Gainesville.
How life is different in Gainesville vs. Norfolk
Norfolk | Gainesville | |
---|---|---|
Population | 238,005 | 141,085 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 6 |
Walkability score | 46 | 37 |
Bike friendliness score | 47 | 69 |
Crime Index | 58.1 | 8.0 |
Safety Index | 41.9 | 52.61 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- The population of Norfolk is about 69% greater than Gainesville, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Your access to buses, shuttles, trams, or trains in Norfolk will be about the same as it currently is in Gainesville. The cities share a similar public transportation score, which means their transit systems are comparable in terms of how connected they are, how often they provide service, and how close they are to jobs, housing, retail and food stores, and other important locations.
- Living in Norfolk means youโll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Gainesville. Norfolk is considered more walkable than Gainesville, with a score of 46 out of 100 versus 37 out of 100 in Gainesville. A cityโs walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- You probably wonโt see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Norfolk, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Gainesville. While Gainesville has a bike-friendliness score of 69 out of 100, Norfolk earned a 47. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
- The crime rate in Norfolk is higher than in Gainesville, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 58.1 in Norfolk, it is 8.0 in Gainesville. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโs crime levels.
- You may want to exercise more caution as youโre getting used to your new surroundings in Norfolk. With a crime index of 41.9, Norfolk ranks lower in overall safety than Gainesville, whose index is Gainesville's 52.61. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
- The air quality in Norfolk and Gainesville is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Gainesville vs. Norfolk move
- Weather: If you are considering a move to Norfolk, plan your move on the months of May, October and September as these are the most pleasant months in Norfolk, while July and January are the least comfortable months.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Virginia moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Virginia does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Norfolk. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.In Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It's essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Norfolk
Now that you've decided to make the move to "Norfolk", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Norfolk.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- East Ghent
- North Ghent
- West Ghent
- Newtown
- Colonial Place
Best neighborhoods for families
- North Ghent
- Ghent
- Virginia Beach
- West Ghent
- East Ghent
Things to do in Norfolk
After settling into your new Virginia home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Norfolk has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Norfolk is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, Chrysler Museum of Art, Nauticus, MacArthur Memorial, and Hermitage Museum and Gardens.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Norfolk Botanical Garden, Pagoda & Oriental Garden, Town Point Park, and Lake Drummond โ among other sites โ are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Norfolk Tides (Baseball-International League (AAA)), Norfolk Admirals (Ice hockey), Old Dominion University (Football), or Old Dominion University (Basketball) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Gainesville to Norfolk?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Gainesville to Norfolk are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Gainesville are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Gainesville to Norfolk?
With many people choosing to move from Gainesville to Norfolk in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Gainesville to Norfolk take?
Moving from Gainesville, FL to Norfolk, VA covers 681 miles and usually takes one to six days. Need to move faster? Some Gainesville movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Norfolk.