($180+) Harrisburg, PA to Newark, NJ Movers
Moving from Harrisburg, PA, to Newark, NJ, runs anywhere from $193 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $4,784 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 159 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 2 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $807, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $4,784 or more.
- Moving containers run $788 - $2,272, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $193 - $428.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Harrisburg, PA, to Newark, NJ. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,276 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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In the past 3 months we've processed over 398 quotes from Harrisburg, PA to Newark, NJ, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors.
Compare moving options from Harrisburg, PA to Newark, NJ
Moving options from Harrisburg to Newark fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $1,276 - $4,099 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 159-mile route from Harrisburg to Newark, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $807 - $3,170 | $788 - $1,493 | $193 - $316 | $738 - $1,331 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,276 - $4,099 | $1,086 - $1,882 | $199 - $381 | $877 - $1,536 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,788 - $4,784 | $1,414 - $2,272 | $237 - $428 | $1,065 - $2,008 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated August 18, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Harrisburg, PA to Newark, NJ
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 159-mile move from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to Newark, New Jersey, with costs ranging from $807 - $4,784. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $324 - $2,160. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Harrisburg and Newark.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Harrisburg to Newark:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $807 - $3,170
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,276 - $4,099
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,788 - $4,784
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Harrisburg to Newark.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Pennsylvania to New Jersey. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
Add-ons and specialty services from Harrisburg, PA to Newark, NJ
Most moves come with a few extras on top of the base price, and some items need a specialist instead of a standard crew. The table below lists what each add-on and specialty service runs from Harrisburg to Newark. Prices are localized to Harrisburg costs.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost (Harrisburg to Newark) |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | You want the crew to box everything | $540 - $5,400 |
| Storage in transit | Your new place is not ready on arrival | $216 - $1,296/mo |
| Shuttle fee | A full-size truck cannot reach the door | $324 - $2,592 |
| Full-value protection | Coverage beyond the default $0.60/lb | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Shipments under about 2,000 lbs | $1,080 - $3,240 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,700 - $10,800 |
| Car shipping | Moving a second vehicle | $809 - $1,537 |
| Antiques & fine art | Climate control and white-glove handling | $1,080 - $2,700 |
| Piano | Upright, baby grand, or grand | $864 - $3,780 |
| Pool table | Disassembly and professional re-leveling | $324 - $1,620 |
| Hot tub | 500 - 900 lb units with electrical disconnect | $702 - $2,160 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled, vibration-safe transport | $324 - $16,200+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or VIP concierge | $324 - $3,780+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Harrisburg to Newark?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
How much do local movers cost in Harrisburg, PA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Harrisburg to Newark with a local mover averages $1,339 - $4,303. Working with a local mover based in Harrisburg, PA often costs less than hiring a national carrier on routes under 500 miles. Shorter routes come with lower fuel overhead and simpler logistics, and local movers can offer more direct communication and quicker booking windows.
The tradeoff is that smaller companies may lack the infrastructure for longer hauls. Verify proper interstate licensing and relevant experience before signing anything.
The Armstrong Company (4.7/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Harrisburg, based on our analysis of feedback from 225 customers, 90.7% of which is positive.
Address: 1074 East Main Street , Mount Joy, PA, 17552 | Founded: 1949
Moving container costs from Harrisburg, PA to Newark, NJ
Moving containers from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to Newark, New Jersey, cost between $788 and $2,272. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Harrisburg to Newark:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $788 - $1,493
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,086 - $1,882
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,414 - $2,272
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $756 in Harrisburg, PA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $81 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $162 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Newark, NJ, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Pennsylvania to New Jersey move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $788. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,086 - $1,882, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Harrisburg to Newark?
- PODS (4.8/5 stars): PODS is best for nationwide coverage. It runs the widest service network of any container company, with secure month-to-month storage and steel-frame containers you load on your own schedule.
- Units Moving & Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars): Units is best for locally owned service. Their steel containers come in multiple sizes that fit tight driveways, and locally owned branches mean you reach a live support team that knows your area.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat: 1-800-Pack-Rat is best for weatherproof storage. Their all-steel containers hold up well in transit and long storage windows, with flexible month-to-month terms when your move-in date slips.
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Harrisburg to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Harrisburg:
- Maya's Movers LLC (4.9/5), 8 years in business
- Stephan's Moving (4.7/5), 6 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5)
Moving truck rental costs from Harrisburg, PA to Newark, NJ
Truck rentals from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to Newark, New Jersey, range from $193 - $428, depending on truck size. With a rental truck, you're getting the vehicle and nothing else. That means loading up all your boxes and furniture yourself, driving the truck the full 159 miles to Newark, and unloading everything there. Additional costs include fuel ($55 - $62 for the drive), insurance ($32/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $22) on top of the base rate.
Rental moving trucks come in sizes ranging from 10 - 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck is the most popular choice for an average 2-bedroom move. If you're moving out of a studio or 1-bedroom apartment, a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck will typically do the job. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck. Trucks in that larger size class generally run on diesel fuel, which can push up your overall cost.
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Harrisburg to Newark based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $193 - $316
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $199 - $381
- 4+ bedrooms: $237 - $428
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $193 - $428 does not include fuel ($55 - $62) , lodging ($162/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Harrisburg to Newark typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $162 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $70 and $351 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $55 - $62 in fuel for the 159-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $756 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Harrisburg to Newark?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars): Budget Truck Rental is the best value rental on this list. Budget consistently offers the lowest base rates of the major truck rental companies, plus discounts for AAA members, military, and online bookings.
- Penske Truck Rental (4/5 stars): Penske Truck Rental is the most reliable option. Their fleet averages under 2 years old, includes unlimited mileage on one-way moves, and 24/7 roadside assistance is included with every rental.
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars): U-Haul Truck Rental offers the best availability. With over 23,000 locations across the U.S. and Canada and 7 truck size options, U-Haul has the largest network and the most flexibility for last-minute bookings.
Freight trailer costs from Harrisburg, PA to Newark, NJ
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to Newark, New Jersey, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $877 and $1,536.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Harrisburg to Newark:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $738 - $1,331
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $877 - $1,536
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,065 - $2,008
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $756.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $81 and $162 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Harrisburg to Newark?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Kinsley Materials Kinsley Industrial Kins (4.42/5 stars): Kinsley Materials Kinsley Industrial Kins is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Newark fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Harrisburg, PA vs Newark, NJ
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Newark, side by side with Harrisburg on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Harrisburg, PA | Newark, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 90 | 135 |
| Average rent | $1,200/mo | $2,300/mo |
| Median home value | $121,765 | $335,418 |
| Average income | $47,783/yr | $48,416/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 13.4% | 13.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 3.07% | Up to 10.7% |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Newark, NJ to Harrisburg, PA guide.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Harrisburg, PA, to Newark, NJ, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $807 - $4,784 on the 159-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $788 - $2,272 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $193 - $428 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $1,276 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
How to plan your move from Harrisburg, PA to Newark, NJ
- Compare your moving service options: Compare the four service types for the 159-mile Harrisburg, PA to Newark, NJ route using the cost table above: full-service movers ($807 - $4,784), moving containers ($788 - $2,272), rental trucks ($193 - $428), and freight trailers.
- Estimate your cost with the moving calculator: Enter your home size and moving date into moveBuddha's moving cost calculator to get an instant, personalized estimate for the Harrisburg, PA to Newark, NJ route.
- Review the top-rated movers for this route: Review the top-rated movers we recommend for this route, including Safeway Moving (4.9/5), PODS (4.8/5), Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5), and MovingYourself, each rated by moveBuddha across pricing, service, and reliability.
- Request free quotes: Request free, no-obligation quotes from the movers you shortlist so you can compare real prices for your Harrisburg to Newark move side by side.
- Verify licensing with the FMCSA: Before booking, confirm any interstate mover's USDOT number and license through the FMCSA to make sure they're authorized for your Harrisburg, PA to Newark, NJ move.
- Book early and time your move: Book early and, if you can, avoid peak season (mid-May through mid-September) to lock in lower rates and better availability on the Harrisburg, PA to Newark, NJ route.
FAQ
How long does a move from Harrisburg, PA to Newark, NJ take?
For full-service and container moves, plan on 5 - 7 days from pickup to delivery on this route. Carriers run consolidated loads, meaning your shipment shares a truck with others heading the same way, which keeps things moving efficiently.
If getting your belongings to Newark as fast as possible is the priority, freight trailers offer the tightest and most predictable delivery windows of any option short of driving yourself. The main thing to know is that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment soon after it arrives.
If your new place isn't ready or you need short-term storage, a container or full-service mover is the better call. A rental truck from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to Newark, New Jersey, gives you full control over the schedule.
What are some tips for planning a move from Harrisburg, PA to Newark, NJ?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment (about one bedroom's worth of items) saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route.
Once you know what's coming with you, put together a moving checklist and work through it systematically. Long-distance moves have a lot of moving parts, and staying ahead of your timeline makes the whole process significantly less stressful.
What's the cheapest way to move from Harrisburg, PA to Newark, NJ?
For most movers, a rental truck is the most affordable way to relocate from Harrisburg to Newark. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route runs $199 - $381, with you handling all the loading and driving. Compare options through our cheapest truck rental recommendations to find the best base rate for your move.
See the truck rental section above for what those add-ons typically run. Booking a few weeks out and avoiding weekends or month-end dates also helps keep the base rate itself lower, on top of whatever you save by shopping the add-on costs separately.
When is the cheapest time to move from Harrisburg, PA to Newark, NJ?
October through March is the sweet spot for lower moving prices. Demand falls off after summer, so movers have more availability and tend to offer more competitive rates on routes like Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to Newark, New Jersey.
If you're stuck moving during peak season, try to pick a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday date in the middle of the month. Those dates consistently come in cheaper than weekends or end-of-month moves, when demand is at its highest.
How much will it cost to move from Harrisburg, PA to Newark, NJ?
Costs for an interstate move from Harrisburg to Newark can range from $807 at the low end to $4,784 at the high end. Your home size and choice of service are the two biggest factors in where you land within that range.
Full-service movers on this route typically run between $807 and $4,784, while DIY options start lower but come with added costs for fuel, equipment, and travel from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to Newark, New Jersey. Getting quotes from multiple providers before booking is the best way to find the right price for your specific move.
