Most people calling for a Tampa moving quote want to know one thing first: what's this going to actually cost me? Fair question. We've quoted thousands of Tampa Bay moves over the years, and the honest answer is — it depends, but in predictable ways.
The short version
For a typical local Tampa move in 2026, expect to pay between $95 and $145 per hour for a two-person crew with a truck. Most apartment moves come out between $400 and $750 total. Most three-bedroom-house moves come out between $900 and $1,800. Long-distance moves move to a flat-rate model and depend on mileage and weight.
How Tampa movers actually charge
1. Hourly rate (most local moves)
Most Tampa moving companies — including us — quote local moves on an hourly basis. The clock typically starts when the crew arrives at your pickup location and ends when the truck is unloaded.
- Two movers + truck: $95-$145/hr
- Three movers + truck: $135-$185/hr
- Four movers + truck: $175-$235/hr
The bottom of the range tends to be a single guy with a truck and a friend; the top is a fully insured crew with quality blankets and pads. We sit in the middle of the market.
2. Flat-rate quotes (when possible)
For moves where the size is clear up front, we'll quote a flat rate instead. This is usually better for the customer — you know the price before we load anything.
3. Travel time and minimums
Most Tampa movers have a 2-hour minimum. We don't charge a separate travel fee on local moves; we round honestly to the nearest 15 minutes.
What drives the price up or down
Stairs and elevators
A 2BR move from a third-floor walk-up can take 50% longer than the same move from a ground-floor unit. High-rise condos in Channelside often require advance elevator reservations.
Distance from truck to door
The "long carry" is real. If we have to park 200 feet from your front door because of HOA rules or no driveway access, every box takes longer.
Heavy and specialty items
Pianos, gun safes, pool tables, and hot tubs need extra hands. We charge a flat add-on — typically $75 to $250 — instead of padding the hourly rate.
Packing services
If you want us to pack your boxes for you, expect to add 30-50% to the move time. Full-pack service for a 3BR home runs $400-$700 in materials and labor.
Day of the week
Saturdays book out fast — especially the first and last weekends of the month, when leases turn over. We don't charge a weekend premium, but book 7-10 days ahead.
What about long-distance moves?
Long-distance moves are priced as a flat rate based on weight or cubic feet, mileage, and any extra services. For most Florida-to-Florida moves under 250 miles, expect $1,500-$4,500 depending on home size.
How to spot a quote that's going to balloon
- Vague hourly rates with no minimums. "$60/hr!" sounds great until you find out the minimum is 5 hours and they charge double for stairs.
- "Fuel surcharges" added day-of. Reputable movers bake fuel into the rate.
- Heavy-item fees announced at pickup. Anything over 200 lbs they should know during the quote.
- Cash-only. Often correlates with no insurance.
- No license number on their website. Florida intrastate movers should have an FL DOT or USDOT number.
Real Tampa-area examples
- Westshore 2BR apartment to New Tampa 2BR home: 4 hours, two movers + truck. Total: $580.
- Hyde Park 4BR home, full-pack service: Two-day job. Total: $2,940.
- Channelside high-rise studio to South Tampa: Same-day, 3 hours. Flat rate: $425.
- Single-item move (sectional sofa, 5 miles): Flat rate: $185.
- Hudson 3BR to Spring Hill 2BR (downsizing): 6.5 hours, included junk-haul of leftover items. Total: $1,140.
The cheapest move isn't always the cheapest move
A $300 quote from an uninsured mover who breaks your TV is the most expensive move you'll ever take. A $500 quote from a careful, insured crew is cheaper in every way that matters.
Get a few quotes. Check insurance. Read recent reviews. Get a free written flat-rate quote from us or call (727) 288-4847.
About Hudson Hot Shots Moving: Family-owned moving and junk removal company based in Hudson, FL, serving Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and all of Tampa Bay since the trades got us here. Licensed, insured, same-day available. Call (727) 288-4847.