The Best Long-Distance Movers in State College, PA
Fact Checked by:
The best long-distance mover in State College, PA is Appalachian Movers LLC (4.5/5 stars) for in-state moves and Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) for moves out of Pennsylvania, per moveBuddha's analysis of 105 Pennsylvania movers and 163 verified customer reviews. Interstate costs across Pennsylvania range from $661 for a 1-bedroom to $2,757 for a 4-bedroom home.
Planning a long-distance move from State College right now: Peak summer moving season. The 4th of July is one of the busiest interstate moving weekends of the year; rates spike and carrier capacity tightens sharply. If your move is scheduled around the holiday, you should already have a binding estimate locked in. If not, act quickly and be prepared to be flexible on exact dates.
Who are the best interstate movers serving State College, PA?
National carriers operate dedicated long-haul networks, carry active FMCSA authority, and price moves by weight and mileage, the standard model for cross-state relocations. moveBuddha reviewed 18 full-service interstate movers serving State College, drawing on 163 verified customer reviews across State College.
Safeway Moving was named the top-rated interstate mover for State College based on moveBuddha's independent analysis.
Who are the best long-distance movers in State College, PA for in-state moves?
moveBuddha reviewed 5 local movers serving State College licensed for long-distance moves within Pennsylvania, drawing on 163 verified customer reviews across State College. Appalachian Movers LLC (4.5/5) was named the top-rated State College-based mover based on moveBuddha's independent analysis. 5 of the 5 movers offer full packing services, which can reduce the physical load of a longer in-state move.
Full rankings for local long-distance movers serving State College are listed below.
Below are moveBuddha's top picks for long-distance movers that serve State College but stay within Pennsylvania:
- Appalachian Movers LLC: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Geo. W. Weaver & Sons Inc.: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Keystone Moving and Junk Removal: 4.26 out of 5 stars
- Gearharts Moving & Storage: 4.26 out of 5 stars
- Spirit Moving Company LLC: 4.22 out of 5 stars
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Efficient service
Quick moving process
Highly recommended
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Appalachian Movers LLC has been in business for 12 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like estate moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Appalachian Movers LLC has about 71% positive reviews across roughly 14 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.0.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Appalachian Movers LLC.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Appalachian Movers LLC emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
Moved my two bedroom apartment in 3 hours. They were very professional, put a red carpet so floors didn't get dirty. Extremely pleased, will refer them to my friends.
Quick to load and unload, never banged the wall or dropped stuff, courteous, neat, and inexpensive. Highly recommend them.
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Good communication
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Geo. W. Weaver & Sons Inc. has been in business for 128 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like international moving and office moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Geo. W. Weaver & Sons Inc. has about 93% positive reviews across roughly 259 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.7.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Geo. W. Weaver & Sons Inc..
Customer service 4.1
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Geo. W. Weaver & Sons Inc. emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Everyone in this company is extremely friendly, respectful, and ensures you are satisfied. They packed everything with extreme care, stored it respectfully, and then efficiently moved it without any issue. Highly recommend this company."
"The moving crew of Geo. W. Weaver & Sons did an excellent job with our move. They were very efficient and kept things going. Our things were packed, moved, and unloaded within half a day!"
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Good communication
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Keystone Moving and Junk Removal has been in business for 12 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like intrastate moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Keystone Moving and Junk Removal has about 99% positive reviews across roughly 196 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 5.0.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Keystone Moving and Junk Removal.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Keystone Moving and Junk Removal emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"We used Keystone moving with Chris and his team to move from Central Pennsylvania to Montgomery County Maryland and it was an awesome experience. They were the ultimate professional team who handled our stuff with such care and respect."
"I just want to say this was a fantastic experience from start to finish. Chris was very professional and thorough with helping us set up the two day move process for my dad’s house. Thank you for the multiple calls to make sure we were on the same page."
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Quick moving process
Helpful movers
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Gearharts Moving & Storage has been in business for 58 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and office moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Gearharts Moving & Storage has about 77% positive reviews across roughly 35 total reviews.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Gearharts Moving & Storage.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Gearharts Moving & Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
As soon as DYLAN, NICK, JOHN arrived they shook our hands, and introduced themselves. they were on time. They were quick but also VERY careful NOTHING AND I MEAN NOTHING is broken of ours. Very neatly organized.
Gearharts helped us move from State College, PA to New Hampshire. They carefully packed up our home and moved everything into storage for several months before the interstate move. The entire team was prompt, friendly, professional, and efficient.
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Efficient service
Quick moving process
Highly recommended
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Spirit Moving Company LLC has been in business for 7 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like office moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Spirit Moving Company LLC has about 92% positive reviews across roughly 98 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.2.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Spirit Moving Company LLC.
Customer service 4.1
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Spirit Moving Company LLC emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Spirit’s movers were professional, very courteous and cared about our needs. Our 5 men were on time and quickly loaded and unloaded our belongings, taking care with all they did. These guys are pros and genuinely friendly."
"The team was early, professional and courteous. Everything went smoothly and they were careful and helpful in handling the things that they moved. I highly recommend Spirit Moving Company."
How moveBuddha rates movers: Every company on this page is scored against 5 criteria: USDOT/FMCSA licensing status, review quality (weighted by recency and volume), quote accuracy verified through submitted moves, pricing transparency (binding vs. non-binding estimates), and customer service responsiveness. No mover pays to appear in these rankings. This reflects moveBuddha's independent analysis of 105 Pennsylvania moving companies.
moveBuddha tracks pricing and mover performance across thousands of routes out of Pennsylvania. Find your exact moving route →
What add-on services do State College, PA movers offer?
Not every mover in State College offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 5 State College movers, here is what is available and how often:
- Art handling: offered by 20% of State College movers, compared to 50% statewide and 46% nationally. Top pick: Geo. W. Weaver & Sons Inc..
- Junk removal: offered by 40% of State College movers, compared to 33% statewide and 36% nationally. Top pick: Appalachian Movers LLC.
- Fragile-only packing: offered by 20% of State College movers, compared to 28% statewide and 24% nationally. Top pick: Gearharts Moving & Storage.
- Storage: offered by 100% of State College movers, compared to 87% statewide and 85% nationally. Top pick: Appalachian Movers LLC.
- Hot tub relocation: offered by 20% of State College movers, compared to 23% statewide and 22% nationally. Top pick: Appalachian Movers LLC.
- Piano moving: offered by 100% of State College movers, compared to 74% statewide and 73% nationally. Top pick: Appalachian Movers LLC.
Does State College have movers that offer art handling?
Art handling is available from 1 of 5 State College movers (20.0%), compared to 50.48% statewide and 45.89% nationally. Geo. W. Weaver & Sons Inc. (4.44/5) and McNaughton Bros Inc (4.16/5) rate highest for art handling in State College.
| Art handling in State College | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated State College providers |
Geo. W. Weaver & Sons Inc.
McNaughton Bros Inc |
| Per-piece handling fee | $48 to $475 |
| Custom crating per item | $143 to $190 |
| What to ask | Confirm experience with your specific medium (oil, sculpture, photography, etc.); general fine art credentials vary widely |
Art movers use custom crates and archival materials to guard against UV exposure, humidity shifts, and impact fractures. Standard blankets cannot address these risks. Direct experience with the specific media matters more than general fine art credentials.
Does State College have movers that offer junk removal?
Junk removal is available from 2 of 5 State College movers (40.0%). Appalachian Movers LLC (4.5/5) and Keystone Moving and Junk Removal (4.26/5) rate highest in State College.
| Junk removal in State College | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated State College providers | Appalachian Movers LLC Keystone Moving and Junk Removal |
| Typical cost per load | $143 to $475 |
| Single large item | $71 to $143 |
| What to ask | Confirm the service covers electronics and appliances; some movers exclude them from standard junk removal pricing |
Bundled junk removal lowers billable weight and eliminates a separate crew. Confirm the mover covers electronics and appliances, since disposal regulations vary and some exclude them from standard pricing.
Does State College have movers that offer fragile-only packing?
Fragile-only packing is available from 1 of 5 State College movers (20.0%). Gearharts Moving & Storage (4.26/5) rate highest in State College.
| Fragile-only packing in State College | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated State College providers | Gearharts Moving & Storage |
| Full professional packing rate | $0.15 to $0.21 per pound |
| What to ask | Confirm the mover's valuation policy covers fragile-only packed items; some companies exclude liability for items their crew did not pack |
Fragile-only packing covers dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps without a full-service contract. Confirm the mover's valuation policy covers fragile-only packed items, since some companies exclude liability for items their crew did not pack. See the how to pack breakables guide for what to expect from a professional packing crew.
Does State College have movers that offer storage?
Storage is available from 5 of 5 State College movers (100.0%). Appalachian Movers LLC (4.5/5) and Geo. W. Weaver & Sons Inc. (4.44/5) rate highest in State College.
| Storage in State College | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated State College providers | Appalachian Movers LLC Geo. W. Weaver & Sons Inc. |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $244 |
| 2–3 bedroom monthly estimate (~1,000 cu ft) | $475 |
| What to ask | Confirm the billing start date and whether valuation coverage stays active during the storage period |
Storage-in-transit runs about $0.50 per cubic foot per month, roughly $244/month for a 1-bedroom load. Confirm the billing start date before committing to a storage window longer than 30 days.
Does State College have movers that offer hot tub relocation?
Hot tub relocation is available from 1 of 5 State College movers (20.0%). Appalachian Movers LLC (4.5/5) rate highest in State College.
| Hot tub relocation in State College | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated State College providers | Appalachian Movers LLC |
| Bundled with full-service move | $143 to $380 |
| Standalone hot tub move | $285 to $760 |
| What to ask | Confirm full drainage is required before pickup and whether tight backyard access may add a crane or shuttle relay fee |
Hot tubs weigh 500 to 1,000 lbs empty, must be fully drained before pickup, and may need a crane if backyard access is tight. Bundling into a full-service move costs less than a standalone specialty carrier in most cases. moveBuddha's hot tub moving guide covers access, drainage, and what to confirm before booking.
Does State College have movers that offer piano moving?
Piano moving is available from 5 of 5 State College movers (100.0%). Appalachian Movers LLC (4.5/5) and Geo. W. Weaver & Sons Inc. (4.44/5) rate highest in State College.
| Piano moving in State College | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated State College providers | Appalachian Movers LLC Geo. W. Weaver & Sons Inc. |
| Upright piano | $760 to $1,425 |
| Baby grand piano | $1,140 to $2,375 |
| Grand piano | $1,710 to $3,325 |
| What to ask | Confirm the crew carries piano boards and rigging straps, and request full valuation coverage; standard released-value protection covers damage at only $0.60/lb |
Uprights weigh 400 to 800 lbs; grands exceed 1,200 lbs. Both need piano boards and straps that standard crews don't carry. Released-value protection covers damage at only $0.60/lb, so request full valuation coverage. See the best piano movers guide for vetted options.
Who are the best movers in State College, PA for small long-distance moves?
McNaughton Bros Inc leads State College's small-move providers with a 4.16/5 moveBuddha score, followed by College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving at 4.14/5. 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.
|
|
|
rating
DIY options for your State College, PA long-distance move
Labor-only movers and rental trucks are the 2 most cost-effective alternatives to full-service moving, reducing total cost by roughly 30% for State College residents who can handle their own loading or driving.
What are the best labor-only movers in State College?
2 of 5 State College movers (40.0%) offer labor-only services, compared to 39.05% statewide and 54.53% nationally. Keystone Relocation, LLC (3.98/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated labor-only mover in State College, followed by Walk's Moving & Storage (4.0/5).
Labor-only movers handle loading and unloading without providing a truck, making them the right fit for State College 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 State College 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 State College. 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.
What are the best moving containers for long-distance moves from State College, PA?
PODS (4.5/5), Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5), and U-Pack (5.0/5) are moveBuddha's top-rated container options for moves out of State College. Moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, making them the most cost-effective option for State College 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 to know before booking a long-distance mover in State College, PA
- Confirm USDOT registration: Every interstate mover must hold an active USDOT number. Check any carrier at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before signing.
- Binding vs. non-binding quotes: A binding or not-to-exceed estimate locks your price. Non-binding estimates can increase at delivery, so confirm which type you're getting.
- COI requirements: Communicate any building COI requirements to your crew in advance. Most interstate carriers provide certificates of insurance, but processing takes time.
- Book early: Summer moves (May–September) book fast. 6 to 8 weeks' notice is the safe target.
How much does it cost to hire long-distance movers in State College, PA?
Moving costs across Pennsylvania range from $482 for a studio (2 movers, 3 hours at $179/hour) to $4,229 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. For city-specific data, see moving costs in State College. Your actual cost 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 | $482 |
| 1-bedroom home or apartment | $661 |
| 2-bedroom home or apartment | $1,054 |
| 3-bedroom home | $2,406 |
| 4-bedroom home | $2,757 |
| 5+ bedroom home | $4,229 |
*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 State College?
Here are some additional cost considerations for your long-distance State College move:
- Distance: The farther you move from State College, 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.
Final Verdict: Best Long-Distance Moving Companies in State College, PA
| Mover | MB Score | Best For | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safeway Moving | 4.9/5 | Interstate moves out of Pennsylvania | National carrier |
| American Van Lines | 4.9/5 | Interstate, value option | National carrier |
| Appalachian Movers LLC | 4.5/5 | In-state long-distance moves | Local mover |
| Geo. W. Weaver & Sons Inc. | 4.44/5 | In-state alternative | Local mover |
| McNaughton Bros Inc | 4.16/5 | Small loads under 3,000 lbs | Local mover |
| Units Moving and Portable Storage | 4.3/5 | Self-pack, ~30% savings vs. full-service | Moving container |
| Budget Truck Rental | 4.3/5 | DIY driving, lowest cost option | Rental truck |
How to book a long-distance mover from State College, PA
A step-by-step guide to verifying credentials, comparing carriers, and booking a reliable long-distance move from State College, PA.
- Verify USDOT / FMCSA registration. Confirm every carrier's USDOT number at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before signing. Of the 5 movers moveBuddha tracks in State College, 5 hold active FMCSA interstate authorization.
- Confirm binding vs non-binding estimate. Ask whether your estimate is binding, non-binding, or not-to-exceed. A binding or not-to-exceed estimate locks your price; non-binding estimates can increase at delivery based on actual weight or services added.
- Request a COI if your building requires it. If your building requires a certificate of insurance (COI), request one from your mover at least 2 weeks before move day. Most licensed interstate carriers provide COIs at no extra charge when given building requirements upfront.
- Compare national carriers vs in-state movers. Compare national carriers serving State College against in-state long-distance movers. National carriers suit cross-state routes; local carriers often cost less for moves within Pennsylvania.
- Book 4–6 weeks ahead during peak season. Book at least 4 to 6 weeks ahead for peak-season moves (May through September). Summer calendars fill fast and rates run 15% to 25% higher than off-peak months.
- Get a route-specific cost estimate. Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to get a route-specific long-distance estimate for your State College, PA move. Interstate costs from Pennsylvania range from $482 for a studio to $4,229 for a 5+ bedroom home.
Moving out of State College, PA: questions and answers
Are long-distance movers in State College required to be federally licensed?
Federal law requires every mover transporting household goods across state lines to carry a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. In State College, 5 of the 5 movers moveBuddha has evaluated hold that federal credential. Every mover on this page meets that standard. Cross-check any company in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's database before signing anything.
The FMCSA's Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move details the legal protections and obligations that apply to your interstate shipment.
Local vs. national movers: what's best for your State College move?
For moves staying within Pennsylvania, hiring a local mover in State College is almost always the more economical pick. moveBuddha tracks 5 movers in the area, and 5 holding FMCSA interstate authorization.
National movers carry higher price tags, but their experience coordinating multi-state relocations can reduce the risk of delays on longer routes where logistics complexity is high.
When is the cheapest time of year to move away from State College?
November and December are the slowest months for State College movers, driven by winter lows near 17°F and the combined effect of school calendars and the holiday season. Lower demand means more open slots and more pricing flexibility, making it the best time to negotiate a lower rate. If your timeline is flexible, booking an off-peak winter date is the most straightforward way to cut your total moving cost.
What are the cheapest ways to move out of State College?
DIY options are the most affordable route out of State College, especially for moves within 50 miles. According to moveBuddha's research, rental trucks and moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving. The lowest-cost options are renting a moving truck from companies like U-Haul, or booking a moving container such as PODS. For longer relocations, our guide to the cheapest ways to move out of state covers additional cost-cutting strategies.
What is a COI and do State College movers provide one?
A COI (certificate of insurance) is a document proving the moving company carries liability and cargo insurance. Many State College apartment buildings, high-rises, and HOA communities require one before allowing any moving crew on the premises. Most licensed movers provide COIs at no extra cost. Ask at the quote stage whether the company can name your building as an additional insured.
My State College home has a steep driveway — will movers be able to access it?
Full-size moving trucks cannot safely navigate steep or tight driveways. In those cases, movers use a shuttle truck, a smaller vehicle that carries items between the home and the main truck parked on accessible ground. Shuttle services typically add $143 to $475 to the total cost. Mention the driveway grade and access situation when you request quotes so the estimate includes the shuttle from the start.
Ready to book a long-distance mover in State College, PA?
moveBuddha has reviewed 5 moving companies serving State College. Appalachian Movers LLC (4.5/5) leads for in-state long-distance moves and Safeway Moving (4.9/5) for interstate relocations out of Pennsylvania. Get at least 3 quotes, verify USDOT credentials at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov, and book 4 to 6 weeks out to secure the best availability and pricing.
