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Factors that affect the cost of your Pennsylvania move
When planning a move in Pennsylvania, consider these factors that can affect your total price:
- How much stuff you have: The more belongings, the higher your moving costs. Larger loads take more time and often require a bigger moving crew, increasing labor charges. For instance, moving a fully furnished two-bedroom home will cost more than relocating a sparsely decorated studio. To save money, consider downsizing and only bringing items you truly need for your new life in Pennsylvania.
- Moving distance: The farther you move, the higher your overall cost. Local moves are typically charged hourly, depending on the time needed to move your household. For long-distance moves, companies factor in mileage, fuel, tolls, and additional travel time from Pennsylvania to your new location.
- Type of move: You can choose between hiring a full-service mover for maximum convenience or saving money with a DIY solution like renting a moving truck. Renting a truck is cheaper but means doing all the heavy lifting yourself. A moving container option offers a middle ground, saving you some costs while including professional drivers.
- Home layout: Moving from a single-story house with easy access is simpler than moving out of a condo or apartment building. Moves involving elevators, stairs, or tricky parking will likely add extra fees for long carries, stair access, or elevator use.
- Extra services: Doing the work yourself lowers your Pennsylvania moving costs. However, if you prefer to hire professionals for packing, unpacking, or crating fragile items, be prepared to pay additional fees. Extra insurance and short-term storage will also increase your final bill.
- Seasonal timing: Summer moves typically cost 20-30% more due to higher demand. Relocating during the off-peak season — from October through April — can save you a significant amount in Pennsylvania.
Tips to save money on your Pennsylvania move
Whether you’re hiring pros or doing it yourself, there are smart ways to save on your Pennsylvania move:
- Declutter first. Minimizing your belongings can make your move lighter and cheaper. Donate or sell anything you don’t plan to bring with you.
- Save more by asking about discounts. Among the 105 movers working in Pennsylvania, 1 promote AAA savings, 1 have senior-friendly rates, and 0 offer military discounts. It’s also worth checking for deals aimed at teachers, students, or other groups. Asking could lead to major savings on your move.
- Move during the off-season. Movers are busiest between mid-May and mid-September, so, if you can, plan your moving day outside of this peak season. Additionally, movers tend to charge more on weekends because of high demand. If you’re able to relocate during the week, you might save some money.
- Schedule your move early. Booking at least two months ahead of your moving date usually results in lower rates compared to last-minute reservations.
- Do your own packing. Even if you hire movers, packing your items yourself can help you save on your Pennsylvania move.
What is the cheapest way to move in Pennsylvania?
If you’re looking for the cheapest way to move within Pennsylvania, opting for a DIY approach is usually your best bet. In Pennsylvania, some people save more by renting a truck, while others benefit more by hiring a professional moving company.
While it seems like a DIY move would also be the cheapest way to relocate out of Pennsylvania, that’s not always the case. Truck rentals can certainly save you money on shorter-distance moves, but out-of-state relocations often come with hidden or unexpected expenses — things like gas, mileage, toll charges, food, and accommodations. Those costs can add up quickly and may even drive your DIY move above what it would cost to hire a full-service mover.
To help you decide, use our free moving cost calculator to get free personalized, instant quotes and quickly compare the cost of truck rentals and professional moving companies.
Don’t forget car shipping costs for long-distance Pennsylvania moves
Professional car shippers will apply their years of know-how to help get your car to your new home as part of your long-distance move.
Here are the top car shippers in Pennsylvania:
| Company | Our take | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nexus Auto Transport |
4.7 / 5
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| Sherpa Auto Transport |
4.5 / 5
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| Montway Auto Transport |
4.5 / 5
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| Navi Auto Transport |
4.4 / 5
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| SGT Auto Transport |
4.9 / 5
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Helpful Pennsylvania resources
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