Highly rated local moving companies for Lancaster to Harrisburg moves
Organizing a move from Lancaster to Harrisburg can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 21 local movers in Lancaster known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Lancaster to Harrisburg.
- Speedwell Transportation Inc.: 4.28 out of 5 stars
- Antelope Valley Van & Storage: 4.28 out of 5 stars
- Elite Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Air 1 Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Gentlemen’s Moving Company: 4.52 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 159158
Years in Business: 37
DOT #: 1861478
Alternate Names: Speedwell Transportation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 0061148
Years in Business: 76
DOT #: 34380
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0189126
Years in Business: 24
DOT #: 1360438
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0189688
Years in Business: 22
DOT #: 1095485
Alternate Names: Air 1 Moving & Storage, Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191251
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 2399435
Alternate Names: Oleg’s Moving
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Lancaster to Harrisburg?
On average, moving companies in California charge about $128 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,308 – $5,227 | $1,370 – $3,209 | $1,382 – $2,788 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,694 – $7,484 | $2,455 – $5,159 | $1,466 – $3,220 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,736 – $12,414 | $3,154 – $6,819 | $1,970 – $4,232 |
Cost to hire movers from Lancaster to Harrisburg
When planning a move to Harrisburg from Lancaster, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,308 and $5,227. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $3,694 and $7,484 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $6,736 to $12,414.
Cost of moving containers from Lancaster to Harrisburg
When you’re heading from Lancaster to Harrisburg, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,370 and $3,209. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,455 and $5,159. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $3,154 to $6,819. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from California easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Lancaster to Harrisburg
A moving rental truck from Lancaster to Harrisburg is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,382 to $2,788. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,466 to $3,220, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Lancaster to Harrisburg costs around $1,970 to $4,232.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Lancaster to Harrisburg
The cost of Lancaster movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Lancaster to Harrisburg may only cost $2,651, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $11,520.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Lancaster.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,382–$3,496), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Lancaster to Harrisburg
Many movers find Harrisburg easier on the wallet than Lancaster – roughly 27% less for singles and 35% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,849 for one person in Harrisburg versus $2,540 in Lancaster. For a family of four, it’s $3,612 compared with $5,562.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Lancaster | Harrisburg | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,305 | $1,550 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,500 | $1,946 |
| Average home value | $473,053 | $230,038 |
| Average income (per capita) | $74,723 | $73,256 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,540 | $1,849 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,562 | $3,612 |
| Unemployment rate | 15.6% | 13.4% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 3.07% |
- Rent is about 54% less expensive in Harrisburg than in Lancaster, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 51% cheaper in Harrisburg than in Lancaster.
- There’s good news: the average income differences between Harrisburg and Lancaster are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Harrisburg. The cost of living for a single person there is 27% below that of Lancaster.
- A move to Harrisburg can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 35% lower compared to Lancaster.
- Harrisburg has a lower unemployment rate than Lancaster by about 14%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are 41% cheaper in Harrisburg compared to Lancaster. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Income taxes are 77% less in Pennsylvania compared to California, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Lancaster versus Harrisburg:
| Living Expense | Lancaster | Harrisburg |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $225.00 | $160.00 |
| Cell phone plan | $43.00 | $59.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $2.67 | $4.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $5.51 | $3.72 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $65.00 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $27.50 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Lancaster than in Harrisburg.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Lancaster than in Harrisburg.
- Eggs are less expensive in Lancaster than in Harrisburg.
- Bread is more expensive in Lancaster than in Harrisburg.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Lancaster than in Harrisburg.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Lancaster than in Harrisburg.
- Gym memberships cost more in Lancaster than in Harrisburg.
How life is different in Lancaster vs. Harrisburg
| Lancaster | Harrisburg | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 173,516 | 50,099 |
| Transportation score | 0 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 29 | 68 |
| Bike friendliness score | 40 | 57 |
| Crime index | 45.5 | 64.18 |
| Safety index | 54.5 | 35.82 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Harrisburg’s population is about 71% less than Lancaster.
- Harrisburg has a public transportation score of 6 out of 10, while Lancaster has no measurable transit system (score of 0).
- Harrisburg is more walkable than Lancaster with a score of 68 out of 100 vs Lancaster’s 29 out of 100.
- With a score of 57 out of 100, Harrisburg is more bike-friendly than Lancaster, which has a score of 40 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Harrisburg’s crime rate is higher than Lancaster with a score of 64.18 compared to Lancaster’s 45.5. This means that Harrisburg neighborhoods are safer than 64.18% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Lancaster neighborhoods are safer than 45.5%.
- Harrisburg is considered to be less safe than Lancaster with a score of 35.82 vs Lancaster’s 54.5.
- Air quality in Harrisburg is Moderate, and in Lancaster it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Lancaster to Harrisburg move
- HOA rules: Costs across Lancaster and Harrisburg are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: For decades movers In Pennsylvania were regulated by the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Each company was issued a PUC Number and was required to abide by a universal publicly published tariff that established the rates movers could charge for various services. Now, some sources claim that the PUC no longer regulates in-state movers, and it appears as though the PUC’s website is no longer functioning. So if you’re moving within Pennsylvania, you’ll want to address these issues with your moving company representative and if possible, contact the state directly. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Pennsylvania, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Pennsylvania, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Harrisburg. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. In Pennsylvania, movers typically offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For more comprehensive coverage, inquire about Full Value Protection with the moving company, or explore third-party insurance options for tailored plans. Consider coverage limits, additional costs, and reviews before making a decision.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Harrisburg
With your sights set on Harrisburg, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Harrisburg.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Midtown
- SoMa
- Capitol District
- Downtown Harrisburg
- Allison Hill
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bellevue Park
- Uptown
- Olde Uptown
- Riverside
- Camp Curtin
Things to do in Harrisburg
With your move to Pennsylvania complete, you can dive right into experiencing Harrisburg. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Harrisburg is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the State Museum of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania National Fire Museum, and Susquehanna Art Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Fort Hunter Mansion and Park, Wildwood Park, Riverfront Park, and Kohl Memorial Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Harrisburg Senators (Baseball-Eastern League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Lancaster to Harrisburg?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Lancaster to Harrisburg. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Lancaster.
When is the cheapest time to move from Lancaster to Harrisburg?
Want to save on your move from Lancaster to Harrisburg? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Lancaster to Harrisburg take?
The 2,592-mile move from Lancaster, CA, to Harrisburg, , takes seven to 21 days. Some Lancaster movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Harrisburg.
What kinds of discounts do Lancaster movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. In Lancaster, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts. 1 movers offer special pricing for military members.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Lancaster?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 20 movers in Lancaster provide piano moving services. 15 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Lancaster moving services
Popular California routes
- California to Pennsylvania car shippers
- California to Florida movers
- California to Georgia movers
- California to Illinois movers
- California to Michigan movers
- California to New York movers
- California to North Carolina movers
- California to Ohio movers
- California to Pennsylvania movers
- California to Texas movers
- See All Moving Routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!