Moving from St. Louis to Florida: Top Movers & Cost Guide

If you're packing up a St. Louis home and heading to Florida, you're looking at a roughly 1,050-mile trip across the South — and you'll want to get it right. I've pulled together the details on what this move actually costs, which local movers are worth hiring, and what changes once you land in the Sunshine State.

Top St. Louis Moving Companies for Florida Relocations

I reviewed 13 St. Louis movers that handle interstate moves to Florida. Here are the five that deliver solid service and reasonable pricing.

1. Simple Moves — 4.7 / 5

Simple Moves consistently lands near the top for efficiency and affordability. Out of 450 customer reviews, 82% were positive. Customers praise quick service, careful handling, and staff that actually stays professional throughout the job. The main complaint? Occasional damage to furniture and missed time windows. At $145/hour and running for 24 years, they've earned a reputation as one of the better budget-friendly options in the region.

2. ABC Quality Moving & Storage — 4.66 / 5

ABC Quality stands out for fast, courteous crews. With 263 reviews analyzed, 84% feedback was positive. People consistently mention thorough packing and helpful movers who treat belongings with care. The downside: like most local movers scaling up to long-distance, they occasionally miss deadlines or leave damage unresolved. That said, their transparency on pricing and willingness to go the extra mile puts them ahead of competitors.

3. Arch Moving — 4.62 / 5

Arch Moving has been in business for 22 years and charges $150/hour. Out of 76 reviews, 58% were positive, highlighting quick turnarounds and polite staff. The caveat: damage reports appear in 33% of feedback, and some customers felt the claims process dragged. If you're moving standard household items, they're fine; if you have high-value or fragile pieces, ask detailed questions about coverage first.

4. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK — 4.62 / 5

A national brand with a solid St. Louis presence, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK earned positive marks from three out of four customers (76% of 361 reviews). Speed and friendliness are their calling cards. The tradeoff: about 22% of reviews mentioned damaged items or final bills that exceeded estimates by hundreds. Not uncommon for larger chains, but worth clarifying scope and pricing before you commit.

5. McGuire Moving and Storage — 4.44 / 5

McGuire has been operating for 45 years — a genuine local institution. Of 130 reviews, 82% were positive, with customers praising professionalism, reliability, and stress-free moves. Damage claims pop up in the negative 17%, but less frequently than other competitors. If you want a company that knows the region well and has deep roots, McGuire's reputation backs that up.

Specialty Services Among St. Louis Movers

If you need more than just basic loading and hauling, here's what's available locally:

• Interstate moves: 11 of 13 movers (84.62%)
• Piano moving: 9 of 13 (69.23%)
• Art and antiques crating: 5–6 of 13 (38–46%)
• Full-valuation coverage: Most major operators

Cost to Move from St. Louis to Florida

Real numbers: this route typically runs 1,050 miles and crosses two states. Costs depend heavily on move size, time of year, and what you choose to hire out.

Moving Company Costs

What drives the price:

• Move size is the biggest factor. Every additional room or storage unit adds 20–30% to the quote.
• Peak season (June–August) brings higher rates. Book in off-season (September–May) and save 15–25%.
• Add-ons like packing, unpacking, or special crating can easily add $800–$2,000.

For a quick ballpark, use our moving cost calculator to compare quotes from multiple carriers on the same move details.

Moving Container Costs

Portable storage (PODS, U-Pack, etc.) offers flexibility if you're between homes or want to pack at your own pace.

Containers work best if you need extra time to load or want to avoid hiring movers. The trade-off: you're responsible for placement and securing items, which can slow things down.

Truck Rental Costs

DIY moves with a rental truck are cheapest upfront, but remember: you're driving 1,050 miles and doing all the heavy lifting yourself.

These estimates include fuel. Rental trucks save money, but factor in time, fatigue, and the risk of damage to your belongings or the truck itself.

What to Expect: St. Louis vs. Florida Living

Before you book movers, take a hard look at what your new life will actually cost.

Cost of Living Comparison

The bottom line: Florida's housing market is significantly hotter. Rent is 16% higher, and home prices nearly double. But Florida has no state income tax — a meaningful annual savings if you work or receive retirement income.

Climate & Weather Differences

You're trading shoveling snow for humidity and afternoon thunderstorms. Winter in Florida is genuinely milder — no heating bills, no ice. But summers feel nearly identical, and Florida gets about 13 extra inches of rain per year. Pack a good umbrella.

Crime & Safety

St. Louis has a crime index of 69.65; Florida's is 21.39. This is significant. Violent crime in St. Louis is notably higher than the national average, while Florida's overall crime rate is closer to national norms. Before picking a neighborhood in Florida, research specific cities — rates vary widely.

Culture & Lifestyle

St. Louis strengths:

• World-class cultural institutions (Art Museum, City Museum)
• Excellent public transportation for a Midwest city
• Rich history and affordable cost of living
• Strong music and food scenes

Florida strengths:

• Year-round outdoor recreation (water sports, beaches, national parks)
• No state income tax
• Stronger job market (2.9% unemployment vs. 6.3%)
• Abundant retiree infrastructure and senior services

St. Louis drawbacks:

• High crime
• Poor K–12 education rankings
• Declining economic opportunity
• Cold, snowy winters

Florida drawbacks:

• Much higher housing costs
• Heat and humidity May–September
• Hurricane risk (especially June–November)
• Sprawling, car-dependent development
• Limited public transportation in most areas

Before You Move: Florida Legal & Logistics

A few things to handle before moving day:

Licensing & Insurance: Any moving company working in Florida must be registered with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Before hiring, verify the mover's license on the official site — no exceptions.

Moving Permits: Good news: Florida doesn't require a statewide moving permit. However, some HOA communities and municipal parking rules do apply. Check with your new building or city for restrictions on truck parking and elevator reservation.

Change of Address: File your USPS change of address at least one week before your move date.

Insurance Coverage: Florida movers typically offer Released Value Protection (60 cents per pound) at no extra cost, but it covers minimal damage. For full-value protection, discuss options with your mover or buy third-party insurance. Don't skip this if you're moving anything you'd be upset to lose.

Moving Checklist: Use our moving checklist to track packing, address updates, utility transfers, and everything else you might forget in the rush.

What to Do Once You Arrive in Florida

Parks & Natural Areas

• Everglades National Park
• Dry Tortugas National Park
• Ocala National Forest
• De Soto National Memorial

Museums

• The Dali Museum (St. Petersburg)
• Edison and Ford Winter Estates (Fort Myers)
• The Ringling (Sarasota)
• Wynwood Halls (Miami)

Sports

• Miami Heat (NBA)
• Orlando Magic (NBA)
• Tampa Bay Rays (MLB)
• Miami Marlins (MLB)
• Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL)

Higher Education

• University of Florida
• Florida State University
• University of South Florida
• University of Central Florida
• Florida International University

FAQ

How long does a St. Louis to Florida move take?

Most moves on this route take 2–8 days, depending on your service level. Summer moves (peak season) can slip into the 8–10 day range due to high demand. Ask your mover for an estimated arrival window — and get it in writing.

Can I use a moving container for this route?

Absolutely. Containers work well if you need flexibility or are moving between homes. However, you'll load and unload yourself, and you're paying for the container to sit idle while it's in transit. Compare quotes: sometimes professional movers are only slightly more expensive.

What about shipping my car?

If you're driving your own car, just go. If you need it shipped separately, use a company that specializes in auto transport. Get multiple quotes — rates fluctuate with fuel prices and carrier availability. Our car shipping calculator can give you ballpark figures.

Should I move during peak season?

Not unless you have to. Summer rates are 15–25% higher than winter. If you can move September–May, you'll save significantly and face fewer delays.

Do I need moving insurance?

Released Value Protection (included, no charge) covers 60 cents per pound — barely enough for basic household goods. For anything valuable, buy additional coverage. Discuss options with your mover before signing the contract.

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Ready to get started? Compare moving quotes from St. Louis movers today. Get at least three estimates; rates vary widely, and the lowest price isn't always the best choice. Ask about experience on this specific route, damage rates in reviews, and whether they handle your special items (pianos, art, antiques).

Your move from St. Louis to Florida is doable — just do it with eyes open on costs and timing.