If you're moving from Providence to Florida, you're probably looking at a 1,334-mile haul with some real lifestyle changes ahead. The shift from Rhode Island's colder climate and higher cost of living to Florida's heat and no state income tax is significant. I've spent enough time around moving logistics to know that picking the right mover and understanding your costs upfront makes the difference between a smooth transition and a headache.
Out of 73 Providence-based movers that handle interstate work, I've pulled together the top five that have genuinely solid track records for Florida relocations.
Top Providence Movers for Florida Moves
1. Gentle Giant Moving Company — 4.62 / 5
- 97% positive reviews | 268 total reviews
- License #: 373544 | DOT #: 373544 | Years in business: 43
Gentle Giant stands out for professionalism and organization. Customers consistently praise their polite crews, accurate estimates, and transparent pricing. The main complaints—higher-than-expected costs and occasional damage—are relatively infrequent. They offer local, interstate, and international moves, plus packing, unpacking, piano moving, and storage. For a complex or large move, they've earned their reputation.
Phone: (401) 453-4400
2. All My Sons Moving & Storage — 4.58 / 5
- 86% positive reviews | 264 total reviews
- License #: 31627 | DOT #: 2178203 | Years in business: 24
All My Sons delivers straightforward, reliable service. Customers highlight efficient moves, careful handling, and quick turnarounds. The trade-off: some report billing surprises or inaccurate initial estimates. They handle local, interstate, and international relocations with full packing, unpacking, and storage services. If you're careful to pin down costs in writing, they're a solid choice.
Phone: (401) 200-3906
3. Economy Movers & Storage Inc — 4.48 / 5
- 90% positive reviews | 211 total reviews
- DOT #: 1058463 | Years in business: 48
Economy Movers has longevity and customer satisfaction. Crews are known for being polite, quick, and cost-conscious. They handle local and interstate moves with packing, unpacking, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, and full-valuation coverage. Negative reviews center mostly on damage claims or follow-up issues—typical friction points across the industry.
Phone: (401) 467-3525
4. Correira Brothers' Moving & Storage — 4.38 / 5
- 78% positive reviews | 271 total reviews
- License #: 3095364 | DOT #: 3095364 | Years in business: 15
Correira Brothers gets praise for courteous, efficient crews and careful handling. Their responsiveness is a real strength. The downside: about 20% of reviews mention damage, unexpected charges, or communication gaps. They offer interstate moves, packing, pianos, antiques, crating, and full-valuation coverage. Clarify costs and expectations upfront to avoid surprises.
Phone: (401) 337-8025
5. Scott Relocation Services, Inc. — 4.42 / 5
- 89% positive reviews | 46 total reviews
- License #: 1143269 | DOT #: 1143269 | Years in business: 21
Scott Relocation delivers strong results with professional crews and helpful communication. Positive reviews emphasize quick, efficient service. Some customers report sporadic communication or claim issues on complex long-distance moves. They handle local, interstate moves with packing, unpacking, antiques, crating, and full-valuation coverage.
Phone: (508) 643-4047
Local Moving Services Available in Providence, RI
Here's what specialty services Providence movers commonly offer:
- Interstate moves: 66 companies (90.4%)
- Pianos: 64 companies (87.7%)
- Antiques: 44 companies (60.3%)
- Art: 43 companies (58.9%)
- Fragile-only packing: 19 companies (26.0%)
- Small moves: 39 companies (53.4%)
Cost to Move from Providence, RI to Florida
Here's what you're likely to pay based on move size. These are approximate ranges based on a 1,334-mile move:
| Move Size | Full-Service Movers | Moving Containers | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio/1 bedroom | $1,103–$4,317 | $931–$2,285 | $823–$1,498 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,540–$5,758 | $1,618–$3,230 | $823–$1,711 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,227–$7,534 | $2,217–$4,251 | $1,120–$2,218 |
Your actual cost depends on move size, added services, parking or access issues, fuel prices, and timing. I'd recommend getting quotes from at least three movers to see where you stand. Use our moving cost calculator to get a quick estimate.
Full-Service Moving Company Costs
For a studio or one-bedroom, expect $1,103 to $4,317. Two to three bedrooms typically run $2,540 to $5,758. A large four- or five-bedroom home lands in the $4,227 to $7,534 range.
Moving Container Costs
Containers are a middle-ground option. A small move costs $931 to $2,285. Two to three bedrooms run $1,618 to $3,230. Larger moves (4+ bedrooms) cost $2,217 to $4,251. These prices assume you're using a company like PODS or similar portable storage.
Rental Truck Costs
DIY truck rentals are the cheapest option but require you to do the heavy lifting and driving. Studio or one-bedroom: $823 to $1,498. Two to three bedrooms: $823 to $1,711. Four-plus bedrooms: $1,120 to $2,218. These estimates include average fuel costs.
What Affects Your Moving Costs
Move size is the biggest factor. More rooms and more stuff = higher bill.
Timing matters too. Summer is peak season in Providence and across the country, so you'll pay a premium. Moving in off-season (fall, winter, early spring) can save you money.
DIY versus professional is the classic trade-off. Renting a truck is cheaper but you're doing the work. Hiring movers costs more but eliminates the physical and logistical stress.
Cost of Living: Providence vs. Florida
Providence has a reputation for being expensive. Here's how Florida compares:
| Metric | Providence, RI | Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $2,200 | $1,444 |
| Average home price | $398,785 | $392,176 |
| Per capita income | $69,956 | $67,917 |
| Cost of living index | 109 | 102 |
| State income tax | 5.99% | 0% |
| Unemployment rate | 8.6% | 2.9% |
The big wins in Florida:
- Rent is 34% lower, giving you real breathing room on housing.
- No state income tax means you keep more of your paycheck.
- Unemployment is nearly 3%, well below Providence's 8.6%, so job prospects are stronger.
- Cost of living is 6% lower overall, translating to better financial flexibility.
Home prices are roughly equivalent, so no major advantage there. But combined with zero income tax and cheaper rent, the financial picture leans decisively toward Florida.
How Life Changes: Providence to Florida
Beyond the wallet, there are real lifestyle differences.
| Aspect | Providence, RI | Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 190,934 | 22.6 million |
| Summer high | 83°F | 91°F |
| Winter low | 19°F | 49°F |
| Annual rainfall | 49″ | 55″ |
| Annual snowfall | 36″ | 0″ |
| Crime index | 49.84 | 21.39 |
Summer heat is noticeably more intense in Florida. Expect highs around 91°F versus Providence's 83°F. Your air conditioning bill will go up, but you'll have endless outdoor activities.
Winters are dramatically easier. Florida's lows hover around 49°F while Providence dips to 19°F. No shoveling, lighter heating bills, and a more comfortable routine overall.
Rainfall increases slightly (55″ in Florida vs. 49″ in Providence), so pack good rain gear. But you'll get snow-free winters—a genuine quality-of-life upgrade if you dislike winter maintenance.
Crime is measurably lower in Florida (21.39 vs. Providence's 49.84), suggesting better safety and peace of mind in your new location.
Before You Move to Florida: Logistics & Rules
Moving more than just hiring a truck. Here's what you need to handle:
Licensing & permits
- Florida requires all for-profit moving companies to register annually with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Before hiring, verify the company is licensed. Check the official state regulator's site to confirm.
- There's no statewide moving permit required in Florida, but check local parking rules in your specific city or neighborhood.
Truck parking
- Some Florida cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out early if you need one.
Elevator reservations
- If you're moving into a multi-unit building, reserve the elevator ahead of time.
HOA rules
- If your building or community has an HOA, review their move-in rules and restrictions beforehand.
Address change
- File your USPS change of address at least one week before moving. Do it here.
Moving insurance
- Released Value Protection (often included at no cost) caps the mover's liability at 60 cents per pound per item—not comprehensive. For full-value coverage, ask your mover about additional insurance options or third-party providers.
Moving checklist
- Don't wing it. Use a moving checklist to stay organized and catch what you might otherwise forget.
Museums, Parks & Things to Do in Florida
Museums
- Wynwood Halls
- The Ringling
- Edison and Ford Winter Estates
- The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
- The Dali Museum
Parks & outdoor spaces
- Dry Tortugas National Park
- Everglades National Park
- De Soto National Memorial
- Fort Matanzas National Monument
- Ocala National Forest
Sports teams
- Miami Heat (NBA)
- Orlando Magic (NBA)
- Miami Marlins (MLB)
- Tampa Bay Rays (MLB)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL)
Universities
- University of Florida
- Florida State University
- University of South Florida
- University of Central Florida
- Florida International University
FAQ
How long does a Providence to Florida move take?
Most moves on this route take three to eight days, depending on your service type. Summer moves can hit delays due to peak-season congestion. Ask your mover about the delivery timeline before you book.
Do Providence movers offer custom crating for art and antiques?
Yes. About 59 Providence movers provide customized crating for fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped pieces. Confirm with your mover that they can accommodate your specific items.
What's the best way to ship a car from Providence to Florida?
Use a car shipping company with strong credentials, experience, and customer reviews. Prioritize professionalism and care for your vehicle.
Why are people moving from Providence to Florida?
The weather, lower cost of living, no income tax, and abundant water-based recreation are the main draws. Many also move for job opportunities—Florida's unemployment rate is significantly lower.
Where can I find long-distance movers in Providence?
Check our MoveFinders listings for Providence-based long-distance movers.
Can I pay cash for my move?
About 24 Providence movers accept cash, but it's not the norm. Expect to pay a deposit to lock in your booking, with the balance due at pickup or after delivery. Verify payment methods and timing with your mover.
Next Steps
The best way to get accurate pricing is to compare quotes from multiple movers. You'll see real variation depending on how far you're moving, what you're taking, and when you're going. Get in touch with at least three of the top Providence movers listed above, walk them through your situation, and pin down costs and timelines in writing before you commit.