The Best Long-Distance Movers in Altoona, PA
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The best long-distance mover in Altoona is Gearharts Moving & Storage (4.3/5) 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 Altoona?
moveBuddha's top-rated interstate movers for Altoona 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 Altoona for in-state moves?
Gearharts Moving & Storage (4.3/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated Altoona-based mover for long-distance moves within Pennsylvania, followed by Appalachian Movers LLC (4.5/5) and Walk's Moving & Storage (4.0/5). Of the 4 intrastate-capable movers serving Altoona, 4 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 Altoona are listed below.
Below are moveBuddha's top picks for long-distance movers that serve Altoona but stay within Pennsylvania:
- Gearharts Moving & Storage: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- Appalachian Movers LLC: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Walk's Moving & Storage: 4.0 out of 5 stars
- McNaughton Bros Inc: 4.26 out of 5 stars
- Packer Up Moving LLC: 4.12 out of 5 stars
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Quick moving process
Helpful movers
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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 international moving and interstate 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
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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
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Affordable rates
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.4
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Walk's Moving & Storage has been in business for many years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Walk's Moving & Storage has about 61% positive reviews across roughly 105 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.8.
Quote accuracy 4.0
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Walk's Moving & Storage, and Walk's Moving & Storage makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 3.5
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Walk's Moving & Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Walk’s just completed our move yesterday and we are so grateful to them! They were responsive, timely and took care with our belongings. They placed furniture where we wanted and were so fast!"
"Walks just recently moved my mom into her new home and it was the best first experience we've had in a long time, especially after moving ourselves over 34 times. The men were extremely fast and professional."
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Helpful movers
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. McNaughton Bros Inc has been in business for 105 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. McNaughton Bros Inc has about 85% positive reviews across roughly 81 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.6.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from McNaughton Bros Inc.
Customer service 4.1
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. McNaughton Bros Inc emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
"The BEST!!! I have done 8 military moves with 8 different moving companies - none have been even close to the level of quality, professionalism, and engagement of McNaughton Moving & Storage."
"From scheduling to the actual move, working with McNaughton was so easy. The crew was so friendly, professional, and efficient! They were also very careful not to damage anything. Highly recommend this company."
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Affordable rates
Helpful movers
Efficient service
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Packer Up Moving LLC has been in business for 14 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. Packer Up Moving LLC has about 75% positive reviews across roughly 4 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.3.
Quote accuracy 3.8
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Packer Up Moving LLC, and Packer Up Moving LLC makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 4.1
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Packer Up Moving LLC emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
Just completed a move from Centre County to the Pittsburgh area. Everything about this company was top notch. All our stuff was handled with care and arrived safely in our new home. Adam Packer is a super nice guy.
Packer Up Moving moved furniture and belongings from my five bedroom home to a local storage facility. They were timely, courteous and the owner that I dealt with, Adam, was very helpful and informative.
What add-on services do Altoona movers offer?
Not every mover in Altoona offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 4 Altoona movers, here is what is available and how often:
- Art handling: offered by 25.0% of Altoona movers, compared to 50.48% statewide and 45.83% nationally.
- Junk removal: offered by 50.0% of Altoona movers, compared to 33.33% statewide and 36.39% nationally.
- Fragile-only packing: offered by 25.0% of Altoona movers, compared to 27.62% statewide and 23.87% nationally.
- Storage: offered by 100.0% of Altoona movers, compared to 86.67% statewide and 84.85% nationally.
- Hot tub relocation: offered by 25.0% of Altoona movers, compared to 22.86% statewide and 21.93% nationally.
- Piano moving: offered by 100.0% of Altoona movers, compared to 74.29% statewide and 72.52% nationally.
Specialty service costs below use moveBuddha's pricing dataset adjusted for Altoona's cost of living.
Does Altoona have movers that offer art handling?
Art handling is available from 1 of 4 Altoona movers (25.0%), compared to 50.48% statewide and 45.83% nationally. McNaughton Bros Inc (4.26/5) and Keystone Relocation, LLC (3.98/5) rate highest for art handling in Altoona. Per-piece handling runs $39 to $385, with custom crates adding $116 to $154 per item.
| Art handling in Altoona | Details |
|---|---|
| Altoona movers offering this | 1 of 4 (25.0%) |
| Pennsylvania statewide | 53 of 105 (50.48%) |
| National average | 45.83% |
| Top-rated Altoona art movers | McNaughton Bros Inc, Keystone Relocation, LLC |
| Per-piece handling fee | $39 to $385 |
| Custom crating per item | $116 to $154 |
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 Altoona have movers that offer junk removal?
Junk removal is available from 2 of 4 Altoona movers (50.0%), compared to 33.33% statewide and 36.39% nationally. Appalachian Movers LLC (4.5/5) and Keystone Relocation, LLC (3.98/5) rate highest for junk removal in Altoona. Standalone junk removal typically runs $116 to $385 per load.
| Junk removal in Altoona | Details |
|---|---|
| Altoona movers offering this | 2 of 4 (50.0%) |
| Pennsylvania statewide | 35 of 105 (33.33%) |
| National average | 36.39% |
| Top-rated Altoona junk removal movers | Appalachian Movers LLC, Keystone Relocation, LLC |
| Typical cost per load | $116 to $385 |
| Single large item | $58 to $116 |
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 Altoona have movers that offer fragile-only packing?
Fragile-only packing is available from 1 of 4 Altoona movers (25.0%), compared to 27.62% statewide and 23.87% nationally. Gearharts Moving & Storage (4.3/5) rate highest for fragile-only packing in Altoona. 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 Altoona | Details |
|---|---|
| Altoona movers offering this | 1 of 4 (25.0%) |
| Pennsylvania statewide | 29 of 105 (27.62%) |
| National average | 23.87% |
| Top-rated Altoona providers | Gearharts Moving & Storage |
| 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 Altoona have movers that offer storage?
Storage is available from 4 of 4 Altoona movers (100.0%), compared to 86.67% statewide and 84.85% nationally. Gearharts Moving & Storage (4.3/5) and Appalachian Movers LLC (4.5/5) rate highest for storage in Altoona. Storage-in-transit runs about $0.50 per cubic foot per month, putting a 1-bedroom load (about 514 cu ft) at roughly $198/month.
| Storage in Altoona | Details |
|---|---|
| Altoona movers offering this | 4 of 4 (100.0%) |
| Pennsylvania statewide | 91 of 105 (86.67%) |
| National average | 84.85% |
| Top-rated Altoona storage movers | Gearharts Moving & Storage, Appalachian Movers LLC |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $198 |
| 2-3 bedroom monthly estimate (~1,000 cu ft) | $385 |
At $0.50 per cubic foot per month, storage-in-transit for a 1-bedroom load of about 514 cubic feet costs approximately $198 per month in Altoona. A 2 to 3 bedroom load near 1,000 cubic feet runs roughly $385 per month. The key question to ask any mover: does your valuation coverage extend to items held in storage?
Does Altoona have movers that offer hot tub relocation?
Hot tub relocation is available from 1 of 4 Altoona movers (25.0%), compared to 22.86% statewide and 21.93% nationally. Appalachian Movers LLC (4.5/5) and Diversity Moving Company (4.3/5) rate highest for hot tub moves in Altoona. Hot tub moves typically run $116 to $308 per item when bundled with a full-service move.
| Hot tub relocation in Altoona | Details |
|---|---|
| Altoona movers offering this | 1 of 4 (25.0%) |
| Pennsylvania statewide | 24 of 105 (22.86%) |
| National average | 21.93% |
| Top-rated Altoona hot tub movers | Appalachian Movers LLC, Diversity Moving Company |
| Bundled with full-service move | $116 to $308 |
| Standalone hot tub move | $231 to $616 |
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 Altoona have movers that offer piano moving?
Piano moving is available from 4 of 4 Altoona movers (100.0%), compared to 74.29% statewide and 72.52% nationally. Gearharts Moving & Storage (4.3/5) and Appalachian Movers LLC (4.5/5) rate highest for piano moving in Altoona. A standalone piano move typically costs $616 to $2,695, depending on instrument type.
| Piano moving in Altoona | Details |
|---|---|
| Altoona movers offering this | 4 of 4 (100.0%) |
| Pennsylvania statewide | 78 of 105 (74.29%) |
| National average | 72.52% |
| Top-rated Altoona piano movers | Gearharts Moving & Storage, Appalachian Movers LLC |
| Upright piano | $616 to $1,155 |
| Baby grand piano | $924 to $1,925 |
| Grand piano | $1,386 to $2,695 |
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 Altoona for small long-distance moves?
Walk's Moving & Storage leads Altoona's small-move providers with a 4.0/5 moveBuddha score, followed by McNaughton Bros Inc at 4.26/5. 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 Altoona?
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 Altoona. Moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, making them the most cost-effective option for Altoona 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 Altoona?
2 of 4 Altoona movers (50.0%) offer labor-only services, compared to 39.05% statewide and 54.55% nationally. Walk's Moving & Storage (4.0/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated labor-only mover in Altoona, followed by McNaughton Bros Inc (4.26/5). Labor-only movers handle loading and unloading without providing a truck, making them the right fit for Altoona 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 Altoona 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 Altoona. 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 Altoona?
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 Altoona 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 Altoona?
Here are some additional cost considerations for your long-distance Altoona move:
- Distance: The farther you move from Altoona, 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 Altoona
What licenses does a long-distance mover in Altoona need?
4 of the 4 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in Altoona 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 Altoona?
Local Altoona movers offer the best value for moves within Pennsylvania, across the 4 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in the area. 4 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 Altoona?
Movers in Altoona run slowest in November and December, when temperatures drop to an average low of 17°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 Altoona 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 Altoona?
DIY moving is the most affordable option out of Altoona, 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.
