The Best Long-Distance Movers in Reading, PA
The best long-distance mover in Reading is Zippy Shell (4.56/5) for in-state moves and Safeway Moving (4.9/5) for moves out of Pennsylvania, per moveBuddha's analysis of 105 Pennsylvania movers.
Who are the best interstate movers serving Reading?
moveBuddha's top-rated interstate movers for Reading residents moving out of Pennsylvania are Safeway Moving (4.9/5), American Van Lines (4.9/5), Allied Van Lines (4.2/5), Mayzlin Relocation (4.8/5), and North American Van Lines (4.8/5). National carriers operate dedicated long-haul networks, carry interstate FMCSA authority, and price moves by weight and mileage, the standard model for cross-state relocations.
Who are the best long-distance movers in Reading for in-state moves?
Zippy Shell (4.56/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated Reading-based mover for long-distance moves within Pennsylvania, followed by L&J Moving and Storage (4.5/5) and Mountain Movers, LLC (4.36/5). Of the 38 intrastate-capable movers serving Reading, 38 offer full packing services, which can meaningfully reduce the physical load of a longer in-state move. Full rankings for local long-distance movers serving Reading are listed below.
Below are moveBuddha's top picks for long-distance movers that serve Reading but stay within Pennsylvania:
- Zippy Shell: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- L&J Moving and Storage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Mountain Movers, LLC: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- Lausch's Moving Company: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Fairprice Movers: 4.28 out of 5 stars
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Zippy Shell has been in business for 7 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and estate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Zippy Shell has about 91% positive reviews across roughly 262 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.8.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Zippy Shell, and Zippy Shell makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Zippy Shell emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Our movers showed up promptly, were very careful with our belongings and had everything moved into our apartment within the two hour window in which they were scheduled to come. They took extra care to rearrange furniture as instructed when we asked."
"Robert and Darrius did an excellent job today with my move. They both have a well manner, friendly polite attitude and more then willing to get it done for you pep in their step, 'I GOT YOU!' I highly recommend them for all jobs."
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. L&J Moving and Storage has been in business for 34 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like international moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. L&J Moving and Storage has about 80% positive reviews across roughly 252 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.0.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from L&J Moving and Storage.
Customer service 4.7
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. L&J Moving and Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
"The movers were very kind and communicated well to us. They took great care of our furniture. They wrapped, packed and carefully loaded several truck loads to organize and reload to a larger moving truck for the XC move."
"From start to finish the entire process was easy! Ryan came out to give us a quote ASAP and was very friendly. On move in day, the three gentlemen were very timely, efficient, respectful, and took good care of our furniture making sure nothing was damaged."
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Mountain Movers, LLC has been in business for 8 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Mountain Movers, LLC has about 93% positive reviews across roughly 42 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.8.
Quote accuracy 3.8
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Mountain Movers, LLC, and Mountain Movers, LLC makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Mountain Movers, LLC emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
They showed up early, started right away. The team worked quickly and carefully, taking great care of our personal belongings. Highly recommend!
Professional, careful, and friendly. They work as a team and are diligent. Mike, the owner, is excellent at organizing and communicating. We highly recommend this company.
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.4
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Lausch's Moving Company has been in business for 3 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Lausch's Moving Company has about 82% positive reviews across roughly 222 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.1.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Lausch's Moving Company.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Lausch's Moving Company emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"The crew showed up on time and worked non-stop, even in the rain. They made our stressful move so much easier by being professional, fun, and truly caring about our property."
"The movers handled our upright baby grand piano quickly and efficiently without a scratch. They were pleasant, professional, and squeezed us into a busy schedule for half the price of other companies!"
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Fairprice Movers has been in business for 11 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like international moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Fairprice Movers has about 94% positive reviews across roughly 71 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.1.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Fairprice Movers.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Fairprice Movers emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Excellent movers in town, the guys showed up on time and did a great job. They were quick and really careful with our items. I would highly recommend hiring them."
"I've moved several times, and Fair Price was by far the best moving experience I've had. Booking was easy and they called the day before to confirm. Movers were great, professional, and friendly. Highly recommend!"
What add-on services do Reading movers offer?
Not every mover in Reading offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 40 Reading movers, here is what is available and how often:
- Art handling: offered by 60.0% of Reading movers, compared to 50.48% statewide and 45.83% nationally.
- Junk removal: offered by 40.0% of Reading movers, compared to 33.33% statewide and 36.39% nationally.
- Fragile-only packing: offered by 20.0% of Reading movers, compared to 27.62% statewide and 23.87% nationally.
- Storage: offered by 97.5% of Reading movers, compared to 86.67% statewide and 84.85% nationally.
- Hot tub relocation: offered by 20.0% of Reading movers, compared to 22.86% statewide and 21.93% nationally.
- Piano moving: offered by 72.5% of Reading movers, compared to 74.29% statewide and 72.52% nationally.
Specialty service costs below use moveBuddha's pricing dataset adjusted for Reading's cost of living.
Does Reading have movers that offer art handling?
Art handling is available from 24 of 40 Reading movers (60.0%), compared to 50.48% statewide and 45.83% nationally. Zippy Shell (4.56/5) and L&J Moving and Storage (4.5/5) rate highest for art handling in Reading. Per-piece handling runs $47 to $470, with custom crates adding $141 to $188 per item.
| Art handling in Reading | Details |
|---|---|
| Reading movers offering this | 24 of 40 (60.0%) |
| Pennsylvania statewide | 53 of 105 (50.48%) |
| National average | 45.83% |
| Top-rated Reading art movers | Zippy Shell, L&J Moving and Storage |
| Per-piece handling fee | $47 to $470 |
| Custom crating per item | $141 to $188 |
Archival materials and custom crates prevent UV exposure, humidity damage, and impact fractures that standard moving blankets cannot guard against for framed artwork and sculpture. Confirm the mover has direct experience with similar media before booking.
Does Reading have movers that offer junk removal?
Junk removal is available from 16 of 40 Reading movers (40.0%), compared to 33.33% statewide and 36.39% nationally. Zippy Shell (4.56/5) and L&J Moving and Storage (4.5/5) rate highest for junk removal in Reading. Standalone junk removal typically runs $141 to $470 per load.
| Junk removal in Reading | Details |
|---|---|
| Reading movers offering this | 16 of 40 (40.0%) |
| Pennsylvania statewide | 35 of 105 (33.33%) |
| National average | 36.39% |
| Top-rated Reading junk removal movers | Zippy Shell, L&J Moving and Storage |
| Typical cost per load | $141 to $470 |
| Single large item | $71 to $141 |
Scheduling junk removal before your move date reduces the total weight of your shipment, which directly lowers costs on weight-based long-distance quotes. Movers that offer junk removal as an add-on can often coordinate pickup on the same day as loading, eliminating the need to schedule a separate crew.
Does Reading have movers that offer fragile-only packing?
Fragile-only packing is available from 8 of 40 Reading movers (20.0%), compared to 27.62% statewide and 23.87% nationally. L&J Moving and Storage (4.5/5) and The Armstrong Company (4.62/5) rate highest for fragile-only packing in Reading. Full professional packing runs $0.15 to $0.21 per pound; fragile-only packing covers dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps at a fraction of that total.
| Fragile-only packing in Reading | Details |
|---|---|
| Reading movers offering this | 8 of 40 (20.0%) |
| Pennsylvania statewide | 29 of 105 (27.62%) |
| National average | 23.87% |
| Top-rated Reading providers | L&J Moving and Storage, The Armstrong Company |
| Full professional packing rate | $0.15 to $0.21 per pound |
Not every item needs professional packing. Dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps are the items most likely to break in transit and the items most worth paying a crew to pack. Fragile-only packing covers exactly those categories without a full-service packing contract, keeping the per-pound packing cost contained to the portion of the shipment that actually needs it.
Does Reading have movers that offer storage?
Storage is available from 39 of 40 Reading movers (97.5%), compared to 86.67% statewide and 84.85% nationally. Zippy Shell (4.56/5) and L&J Moving and Storage (4.5/5) rate highest for storage in Reading. Storage-in-transit runs about $0.50 per cubic foot per month, putting a 1-bedroom load (about 514 cu ft) at roughly $242/month.
| Storage in Reading | Details |
|---|---|
| Reading movers offering this | 39 of 40 (97.5%) |
| Pennsylvania statewide | 91 of 105 (86.67%) |
| National average | 84.85% |
| Top-rated Reading storage movers | Zippy Shell, L&J Moving and Storage |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $242 |
| 2-3 bedroom monthly estimate (~1,000 cu ft) | $470 |
At $0.50 per cubic foot per month, storage-in-transit for a 1-bedroom load of about 514 cubic feet costs approximately $242 per month in Reading. A 2 to 3 bedroom load near 1,000 cubic feet runs roughly $470 per month. The key question to ask any mover: does your valuation coverage extend to items held in storage?
Does Reading have movers that offer hot tub relocation?
Hot tub relocation is available from 8 of 40 Reading movers (20.0%), compared to 22.86% statewide and 21.93% nationally. Zippy Shell (4.56/5) and Zip to Zip Moving Inc (4.48/5) rate highest for hot tub moves in Reading. Hot tub moves typically run $141 to $376 per item when bundled with a full-service move.
| Hot tub relocation in Reading | Details |
|---|---|
| Reading movers offering this | 8 of 40 (20.0%) |
| Pennsylvania statewide | 24 of 105 (22.86%) |
| National average | 21.93% |
| Top-rated Reading hot tub movers | Zippy Shell, Zip to Zip Moving Inc |
| Bundled with full-service move | $141 to $376 |
| Standalone hot tub move | $282 to $752 |
Hot tub moves require full drainage, a crew of at least 3, and specialized equipment including a flatbed dolly rated for the unit's weight. Empty hot tubs range from 500 to 1,000 lbs, and access conditions such as stairs, narrow gates, or sunken decks can add crane or shuttle fees that significantly raise the total cost. Confirm access logistics with the mover before the quote is finalized to avoid day-of surcharges.
Does Reading have movers that offer piano moving?
Piano moving is available from 29 of 40 Reading movers (72.5%), compared to 74.29% statewide and 72.52% nationally. Zippy Shell (4.56/5) and L&J Moving and Storage (4.5/5) rate highest for piano moving in Reading. A standalone piano move typically costs $752 to $3,290, depending on instrument type.
| Piano moving in Reading | Details |
|---|---|
| Reading movers offering this | 29 of 40 (72.5%) |
| Pennsylvania statewide | 78 of 105 (74.29%) |
| National average | 72.52% |
| Top-rated Reading piano movers | Zippy Shell, L&J Moving and Storage |
| Upright piano | $752 to $1,410 |
| Baby grand piano | $1,128 to $2,350 |
| Grand piano | $1,692 to $3,290 |
Upright pianos weigh 400 to 800 lbs. Grand pianos exceed 1,200 lbs. Trained crews use piano boards, straps, and padded blankets to prevent structural damage that standard moving equipment cannot safely manage. Bundling a piano into a household move with full-service movers is usually cheaper than hiring a piano-only carrier.
Who are the best movers in Reading for small long-distance moves?
Zippy Shell leads Reading's small-move providers with a 4.56/5 moveBuddha score, followed by Mountain Movers, LLC at 4.36/5. DIY options like moving containers and rental trucks reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving and are worth comparing for loads under 3,000 pounds.
What are the best moving containers for long-distance moves from Reading?
Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5), U-Pack (5.0/5), and MovingYourself (5.0/5) are moveBuddha's top-rated container options for moves out of Reading. Moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, making them the most cost-effective option for Reading residents who can handle their own loading and unloading. Container pricing varies by distance, container size, and the number of units required, so use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare quotes for your specific move before committing to a provider.
What are the best labor-only movers in Reading?
13 of 40 Reading movers (32.5%) offer labor-only services, compared to 39.05% statewide and 54.55% nationally. Zippy Shell (4.56/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated labor-only mover in Reading, followed by Mountain Movers, LLC (4.36/5). Labor-only movers handle loading and unloading without providing a truck, making them the right fit for Reading residents who plan to drive themselves or who have rented their own vehicle. Combining a labor-only crew with a rental truck or moving container reduces total move cost by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, based on moveBuddha's pricing dataset.
What are the best moving truck rentals for long-distance Reading moves?
Budget Truck Rental, Penske Truck Rental, and U-Haul Truck Rental are moveBuddha's top-rated rental truck options for a DIY move out of Reading. A truck rental is the cheapest way to move out of state for those willing to handle both the loading and the driving. For moves over 500 miles, a local mover and a national mover price a rental truck the same, so distance alone does not change which provider to choose. Use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare total DIY costs against container and full-service quotes before committing.
How much does it cost to hire long-distance movers in Reading?
Moving costs across Pennsylvania range from $468 for a studio (2 movers, 3 hours at $179/hour) to $4,215 for a 5+ bedroom home (5 movers, 10 hours), according to moveBuddha's analysis of Pennsylvania mover quotes. The table below shows Pennsylvania statewide averages by home size. Your actual cost in Reading will vary based on distance, access conditions, and your mover's pricing model.
Use our free moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate for your move.
| Home size | Estimated interstate cost from Pennsylvania* |
|---|---|
| Studio apartment | $468 |
| 1-bedroom home or apartment | $646 |
| 2-bedroom home or apartment | $1,040 |
| 3-bedroom home | $2,392 |
| 4-bedroom home | $2,743 |
| 5+ bedroom home | $4,215 |
*Estimated costs above are based on varying types of moves that cross state lines in Pennsylvania. All exceed 150 miles, but might remain below 1,500. Your price depends on inventory, distance, timing, service level, and more.
Data reflects Pennsylvania statewide averages based on moveBuddha's analysis of mover quotes collected.
What affects moving costs in Reading?
Here are some additional cost considerations for your long-distance Reading move:
- Distance: The farther you move from Reading, the more you pay. A short intrastate move costs far less than a cross-country relocation. Once you cross state lines, pricing structure changes entirely and costs rise considerably.
- Home size and weight: Movers price local moves by the hour and interstate moves by total shipment weight. Downsizing before your move reduces both your bill and your packing time.
- Move type: Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most. DIY options like rental trucks or moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service, according to moveBuddha data.
- Add-on services: Professional packing adds an average of $0.15–$0.21 per pound. Shuttle service, if required, adds $0.08–$0.12 per pound with minimums often starting around $200.
- Timing: Summer moves (May through September) carry the highest rates. Mid-month and mid-week bookings are consistently cheaper than weekend or month-end dates.
FAQs about the best long-distance movers in Reading
What licenses does a long-distance mover in Reading need?
33 of the 40 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in Reading hold a valid FMCSA registration and USDOT number — the 2 federal credentials required before any company can transport household goods across state lines. All movers recommended on this page carry both. Confirm any company's status independently in the FMCSA's carrier database.
The FMCSA's Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move covers what to expect during an interstate move and what protections apply at every stage.
Should I hire locally or go national when moving from Reading?
Local Reading movers offer the best value for moves within Pennsylvania, across the 40 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in the area. 33 of those hold FMCSA interstate authorization for cross-state routes. The top-rated options on this page cover both.
For moves that cross into another state, national carriers bring purpose-built long-distance logistics, a meaningful advantage when coordinating a move over a long distance.
When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Reading?
Movers in Reading run slowest in November and December, when temperatures drop to an average low of 21°F and moving demand falls well below its summer peak. Reduced competition for mover calendars creates a genuine window to push back on the initial estimate. Off-peak moves in Reading typically come with better availability and shorter booking lead times than any other time of year.
What are the cheapest ways to move out of Reading?
DIY moving is the most affordable option out of the The Pretzel City, especially within 50 miles. moveBuddha's research shows that rental trucks and moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% versus full-service movers. The cheapest options are renting a moving truck like U-Haul or a moving container like PODS. For longer moves, our guide to the cheapest ways to move out of state covers additional cost-cutting strategies.