A full service local move covers packing, protection, loading, transport, unloading, and often furniture reassembly and debris pickup. If you want a local team that provides transparent scope, start with Karma Movers, Local Movers St. Petersburg FL, then use this guide to confirm what is standard and what is optional.
Table of Contents
Does a full service move include packing and unpacking
Most full service quotes include basic protection and labor, many offer optional professional packing and unpacking. Specify which rooms and items require pack out. Use uniform boxes, label two sides, and keep a do not pack zone for essentials and documents. For consumer protections and estimate types, review FMCSA Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move. For Florida intrastate compliance see FDACS Moving Within Florida, consumer rights.
Typical inclusions in a full service local move
- Crew with foreman, box dollies, hand trucks, and toolkits
- Moving truck, fuel, pads, wrap, door and floor protection
- Disassembly and reassembly for common items, beds and tables
- Room by room placement by label at destination
- Basic debris pickup for used pads and wrap, if agreed in writing
Common optional add ons
- Full or partial packing and unpacking
- TV, art, and mirror crating or specialty packing
- Appliance service by qualified tech when required by the manufacturer
- Short term storage in transit, SIT, or warehouse storage
- High value item handling plans with extra packing time
Do local movers in St. Petersburg offer storage services
Many local movers provide short term storage for remodels or date gaps. Ask for storage in transit terms, monthly rate, access rules, and insurance conditions. Clarify inventory control for items placed into storage. Read Florida governing law for movers of household goods, Florida Statutes Chapter 507, and confirm your contract references storage charges and valuation.
Can local movers handle senior moves, condo moves, and stairs
Yes, with planning. Senior moves often require more sorting time and clear labeling. Condos and high rises require elevator reservations, loading dock windows, and certificates of insurance, COI. For legal parking options and loading zones, consult City of St. Petersburg parking information. Provide your building contact, time windows, and any stair or long carry constraints in advance.
Are specialty items like pianos or antiques covered in full service
Full service covers labor and protection for typical household goods. Specialty items require extra preparation, staff, or third party services. Ask for a written plan for pianos, safes, fine art, pool tables, and glass pieces. Align on valuation coverage before move day, see FMCSA valuation overview, consumer page. Document pre existing condition with photos and note any disassembly requirements.
What protection materials and techniques should I expect
- Door jamb protectors, floor runners, banister padding
- Shrink wrap and quilted pads on all finished furniture
- Mattress bags, TV boxes, picture packs when specified
- Parts bags taped to frames for beds and tables
- Color coded labels by room for faster placement
How to read a full service estimate in St. Petersburg
- Scope section. Rooms, inventory, packing level, materials, and any specialty items
- Access notes. Parking plan, elevator, loading dock, stairs, long carry distances
- Crew plan. Crew size, expected hours, arrival window, and foreman contact
- Charges. Base price, per hour rate if applicable, materials, travel or fuel, storage, and add on unit prices
- Valuation. Released value or full value protection, deductibles, exclusions
- Terms. Deposit, reschedule policy, and what happens if access changes
Use the FTC advisory on hiring a mover to spot red flags. For intrastate registration requirements consult FDACS, who has to register.
What services are usually included in a local quote in St. Petersburg
Local quotes typically include the crew, truck, protection, loading, transportation within the metro, and unloading to rooms by label. Packing, unpacking, crating, storage, and specialty handling are itemized. Confirm in writing that door and floor protection is included for historic homes in Old Northeast and Kenwood, and that elevator pads are available for waterfront towers.
How to prepare your home so a full service crew works efficiently
- Confirm parking near the entrance, a short carry reduces time and cost
- Stage boxes by room and weight, heavy on bottom, light on top, mark fragile clearly
- Empty drawers unless the mover approves otherwise, secure loose shelves
- Unplug appliances and drain water lines the day before pick up
- Photograph valuable items and note serial numbers
- Keep a go bag, IDs, moving folder, medications, and daily tech in your car
FAQ
Does a full service move include packing and unpacking
It can, if you choose that level. Specify rooms and fragile items. Ask for a packing materials list and a line item price. Review FMCSA guidance for estimate types and valuation.
Do local movers in St. Petersburg offer storage services
Yes, many do. Confirm storage in transit terms, monthly fees, access rules, and how valuation applies while in storage. Reference Florida Statutes Chapter 507 for household goods movers.
Can local movers handle senior moves and condo restrictions
Yes, with planning. Reserve elevators and docks, request a COI, and align time windows with building management. Check city parking rules for the block.
Are specialty items covered in a full service move
Specialty items require a written plan and may add time or third party service. Align on valuation, packing method, and handling path before move day.
What protection materials should I expect the crew to use
Door and floor protection, pads, wrap, mattress bags, and labeled parts bags. TV and picture boxes if specified. Color coded labels speed placement and reduce damage risk.
Final checklist for full service local moves
- Written scope with inventory and access notes
- Crew size, hours, and arrival window confirmed
- Parking plan, elevator time, and loading dock reserved
- Valuation coverage chosen and documented
- Packing plan, materials, and specialty item instructions in writing
- Photo documentation of high value items completed
Choose a crew that knows Old Northeast, Historic Kenwood, Downtown, and beach corridors. Start with Karma Movers, Local Movers St. Petersburg FL for a clear, itemized full service plan.
Moving within Tampa Bay, explore nearby area references for planning context:
- Clearwater, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clearwater,_Florida
- Tampa, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tampa,_Florida
- Pinellas Park, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinellas_Park,_Florida
- Gulfport, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulfport,_Florida
- Largo, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Largo,_Florida
- Seminole, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seminole,_Florida
- Treasure Island, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treasure_Island,_Florida
- St. Pete Beach, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Pete_Beach,_Florida
Request your estimate, align scope and timing, reserve access, and move with confidence in St. Petersburg FL.