The Best Long-Distance Movers in Johnstown, PA
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The best long-distance mover in Johnstown is McNaughton Bros Inc (4.26/5) 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 Johnstown?
moveBuddha's top-rated interstate movers for Johnstown 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 Johnstown for in-state moves?
McNaughton Bros Inc (4.26/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated Johnstown-based mover for long-distance moves within Pennsylvania, followed by Gearharts Moving & Storage (4.3/5) and Don Farr Moving & Storage (4.56/5). Of the 4 intrastate-capable movers serving Johnstown, 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 Johnstown are listed below.
Below are moveBuddha's top picks for long-distance movers that serve Johnstown but stay within Pennsylvania:
- McNaughton Bros Inc: 4.26 out of 5 stars
- Gearharts Moving & Storage: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- Don Farr Moving & Storage: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Shaffer's Transfer and Moving: 4.06 out of 5 stars
- Mike Moves Pittsburgh: 4.34 out of 5 stars
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Careful handling
Quick moving process
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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
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.
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
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. Don Farr Moving & Storage has been in business for 45 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like international moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 4.6
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Don Farr Moving & Storage has about 51% positive reviews across roughly 415 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.2.
Quote accuracy 4.0
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Don Farr Moving & Storage.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Don Farr Moving & Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Howie, Mike, and Kelly made our move a total breeze. They made quick work of emptying our tall 3 story apartment and getting everything situated in our new home. They were timely, communicative, and above all, nice to work with."
"Our crew, Harper, Milligan, and Will were phenomenal. They did such a great job!! We had so much stuff and 21 steps to carry it up! Worked quickly, efficiently and cheerfully despite a Steeler loss the night before! Highly recommend these guys and Don Farr to all!"
Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Experienced movers
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Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.1
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Shaffer's Transfer and Moving has been in business for many years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Shaffer's Transfer and Moving has about 60% positive reviews across roughly 15 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 1.0.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Shaffer's Transfer and Moving.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Shaffer's Transfer and Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
They did a fantastic job and even took inventory of what they were moving. Worth every penny not to struggle moving boxes and furniture.
Very responsive. Used them for an appliance move. They worked with my schedule and managed to muscle the refrigerator in with no damage.
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Transparent pricing
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Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Mike Moves Pittsburgh has been in business for 14 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Mike Moves Pittsburgh has about 81% positive reviews across roughly 79 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.5.
Quote accuracy 4.0
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Mike Moves Pittsburgh, and Mike Moves Pittsburgh makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 3.8
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Mike Moves Pittsburgh emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Mike and his team were absolute professionals. From scheduling, arriving on time, to delivering everything in one piece—and incredibly fast. Pricing is also incredibly competitive. If you need movers, look no further."
"Not only were they SUPER professional and came completely prepared, but I was blown away at how effectively they moved and how fair of a price it was—VERY transparent with their quote."
What add-on services do Johnstown movers offer?
Not every mover in Johnstown offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 4 Johnstown movers, here is what is available and how often:
- Art handling: offered by 25.0% of Johnstown movers, compared to 50.48% statewide and 45.83% nationally.
- Fragile-only packing: offered by 25.0% of Johnstown movers, compared to 27.62% statewide and 23.87% nationally.
- Storage: offered by 100.0% of Johnstown movers, compared to 86.67% statewide and 84.85% nationally.
- Piano moving: offered by 100.0% of Johnstown movers, compared to 74.29% statewide and 72.52% nationally.
Specialty service costs below use moveBuddha's pricing dataset adjusted for Johnstown's cost of living.
Does Johnstown have movers that offer art handling?
Art handling is available from 1 of 4 Johnstown movers (25.0%), compared to 50.48% statewide and 45.83% nationally. McNaughton Bros Inc (4.26/5) and Don Farr Moving & Storage (4.56/5) rate highest for art handling in Johnstown. Per-piece handling runs $38 to $380, with custom crates adding $114 to $152 per item.
| Art handling in Johnstown | Details |
|---|---|
| Johnstown movers offering this | 1 of 4 (25.0%) |
| Pennsylvania statewide | 53 of 105 (50.48%) |
| National average | 45.83% |
| Top-rated Johnstown art movers | McNaughton Bros Inc, Don Farr Moving & Storage |
| Per-piece handling fee | $38 to $380 |
| Custom crating per item | $114 to $152 |
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 Johnstown have movers that offer junk removal?
No Johnstown movers in moveBuddha's dataset currently offer junk removal. Statewide, 35 of 105 Pennsylvania movers offer this service (33.33%), compared to 36.39% nationally. Zippy Shell (4.56/5) is the top-rated Pennsylvania mover for junk removal in moveBuddha's dataset and is an option for Johnstown residents needing this service. Standalone junk removal typically runs $114 to $380 per load.
| Junk removal in Johnstown | Details |
|---|---|
| Johnstown movers offering this | 0 of 4 — no Johnstown providers currently listed |
| Pennsylvania statewide | 35 of 105 (33.33%) |
| National average | 36.39% |
| Top-rated Pennsylvania statewide provider | Zippy Shell (4.56/5) |
| Typical cost per load | $114 to $380 |
| Single large item | $57 to $114 |
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 Johnstown have movers that offer fragile-only packing?
Fragile-only packing is available from 1 of 4 Johnstown movers (25.0%), compared to 27.62% statewide and 23.87% nationally. Gearharts Moving & Storage (4.3/5) and Mike Moves Pittsburgh (4.34/5) rate highest for fragile-only packing in Johnstown. 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 Johnstown | Details |
|---|---|
| Johnstown movers offering this | 1 of 4 (25.0%) |
| Pennsylvania statewide | 29 of 105 (27.62%) |
| National average | 23.87% |
| Top-rated Johnstown providers | Gearharts Moving & Storage, Mike Moves Pittsburgh |
| 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 Johnstown have movers that offer storage?
Storage is available from 4 of 4 Johnstown movers (100.0%), compared to 86.67% statewide and 84.85% nationally. McNaughton Bros Inc (4.26/5) and Gearharts Moving & Storage (4.3/5) rate highest for storage in Johnstown. Storage-in-transit runs about $0.50 per cubic foot per month, putting a 1-bedroom load (about 514 cu ft) at roughly $195/month.
| Storage in Johnstown | Details |
|---|---|
| Johnstown movers offering this | 4 of 4 (100.0%) |
| Pennsylvania statewide | 91 of 105 (86.67%) |
| National average | 84.85% |
| Top-rated Johnstown storage movers | McNaughton Bros Inc, Gearharts Moving & Storage |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $195 |
| 2-3 bedroom monthly estimate (~1,000 cu ft) | $380 |
At $0.50 per cubic foot per month, storage-in-transit for a 1-bedroom load of about 514 cubic feet costs approximately $195 per month in Johnstown. A 2 to 3 bedroom load near 1,000 cubic feet runs roughly $380 per month. The key question to ask any mover: does your valuation coverage extend to items held in storage?
Does Johnstown have movers that offer hot tub relocation?
No Johnstown movers in moveBuddha's dataset currently offer hot tub relocation. Statewide, 24 of 105 Pennsylvania movers offer this service (22.86%), compared to 21.93% nationally. Zip to Zip Moving Inc (4.48/5) is the top-rated Pennsylvania mover for hot tub relocation in moveBuddha's dataset and is an option for Johnstown residents needing this service. Hot tub moves typically run $114 to $304 per item when bundled with a full-service move.
| Hot tub relocation in Johnstown | Details |
|---|---|
| Johnstown movers offering this | 0 of 4 — no Johnstown providers currently listed |
| Pennsylvania statewide | 24 of 105 (22.86%) |
| National average | 21.93% |
| Top-rated Pennsylvania statewide provider | Zip to Zip Moving Inc (4.48/5) |
| Bundled with full-service move | $114 to $304 |
| Standalone hot tub move | $228 to $608 |
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 Johnstown have movers that offer piano moving?
Piano moving is available from 4 of 4 Johnstown movers (100.0%), compared to 74.29% statewide and 72.52% nationally. McNaughton Bros Inc (4.26/5) and Gearharts Moving & Storage (4.3/5) rate highest for piano moving in Johnstown. A standalone piano move typically costs $608 to $2,660, depending on instrument type.
| Piano moving in Johnstown | Details |
|---|---|
| Johnstown movers offering this | 4 of 4 (100.0%) |
| Pennsylvania statewide | 78 of 105 (74.29%) |
| National average | 72.52% |
| Top-rated Johnstown piano movers | McNaughton Bros Inc, Gearharts Moving & Storage |
| Upright piano | $608 to $1,140 |
| Baby grand piano | $912 to $1,900 |
| Grand piano | $1,368 to $2,660 |
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 Johnstown for small long-distance moves?
McNaughton Bros Inc leads Johnstown's small-move providers with a 4.26/5 moveBuddha score, followed by Mike Moves Pittsburgh at 4.34/5. 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 Johnstown?
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 Johnstown. Moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, making them the most cost-effective option for Johnstown 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 Johnstown?
2 of 4 Johnstown movers (50.0%) offer labor-only services, compared to 39.05% statewide and 54.55% nationally. McNaughton Bros Inc (4.26/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated labor-only mover in Johnstown, followed by Mike Moves Pittsburgh (4.34/5). Labor-only movers handle loading and unloading without providing a truck, making them the right fit for Johnstown 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 Johnstown 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 Johnstown. 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 Johnstown?
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 Johnstown 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 Johnstown?
Here are some additional cost considerations for your long-distance Johnstown move:
- Distance: The farther you move from Johnstown, 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 Johnstown
What licenses does a long-distance mover in Johnstown need?
4 of the 4 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in Johnstown 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 Johnstown?
Local Johnstown 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 Johnstown?
Movers in Johnstown run slowest in November and December, when temperatures drop to an average low of 19°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 Johnstown 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 Johnstown?
DIY moving is the most affordable option out of Johnstown, 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.
