The Best Long-Distance Movers in Altoona, PA
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The best long-distance mover in Altoona, PA is Appalachian Movers LLC (4.5/5 stars) for in-state moves and Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) for moves out of Pennsylvania, per moveBuddha's analysis of 105 Pennsylvania movers and 159 verified customer reviews. Interstate costs across Pennsylvania range from $661 for a 1-bedroom to $2,757 for a 4-bedroom home.
Planning a long-distance move from Altoona right now: Peak summer moving season. The 4th of July is one of the busiest interstate moving weekends of the year; rates spike and carrier capacity tightens sharply. If your move is scheduled around the holiday, you should already have a binding estimate locked in. If not, act quickly and be prepared to be flexible on exact dates.
Who are the best interstate movers serving Altoona, PA?
National carriers operate dedicated long-haul networks, carry active FMCSA authority, and price moves by weight and mileage, the standard model for cross-state relocations. moveBuddha reviewed 17 full-service interstate movers serving Altoona, drawing on 159 verified customer reviews across Altoona.
Safeway Moving was named the top-rated interstate mover for Altoona based on moveBuddha's independent analysis.
Who are the best long-distance movers in Altoona, PA for in-state moves?
moveBuddha reviewed 4 local movers serving Altoona licensed for long-distance moves within Pennsylvania, drawing on 159 verified customer reviews across Altoona. Appalachian Movers LLC (4.5/5) was named the top-rated Altoona-based mover based on moveBuddha's independent analysis. 4 of the 4 movers offer full packing services, which can 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:
- Appalachian Movers LLC: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Diversity Moving Company: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- Gearharts Moving & Storage: 4.26 out of 5 stars
- Packer Up Moving LLC: 4.22 out of 5 stars
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Efficient service
Quick moving process
Highly recommended
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Company stats
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 intrastate moving and estate 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.
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Careful handling
Good communication
Quick moving process
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Diversity Moving Company has been in business for 16 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like small-scale moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Diversity Moving Company has about 97% positive reviews across roughly 264 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.6.
Quote accuracy 4.0
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Diversity Moving Company.
Customer service 4.1
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Diversity Moving Company emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"These 4 guys rocked it. They are super funny and know how to get the job done. They had the truck packed so well. Nothing was broke. They made sure to wrap all furniture that had the possibility to break."
"The team was efficient, extremely kind, and professional the entire time and we found the pricing to be very competitive and reasonable. I cannot recommend this company enough!"
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. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has been in business for 13 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like intrastate moving and labor-only moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has about 79% positive reviews across roughly 124 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.6.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from TWO MEN AND A TRUCK.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Absolutely top notch moving company! Bill and John were quick, careful, efficient, and polite. They exceeded my expectations by a mile! Process was seamless. Megan in the office was so helpful and professional."
"From the moment your team arrived, their professionalism, efficiency, and care were evident. They handled my belongings with the utmost respect and ensured everything was transported safely and securely."
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 office moving and intrastate 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.
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.
How moveBuddha rates movers: Every company on this page is scored against 5 criteria: USDOT/FMCSA licensing status, review quality (weighted by recency and volume), quote accuracy verified through submitted moves, pricing transparency (binding vs. non-binding estimates), and customer service responsiveness. No mover pays to appear in these rankings. This reflects moveBuddha's independent analysis of 105 Pennsylvania moving companies.
moveBuddha tracks pricing and mover performance across thousands of routes out of Pennsylvania. Find your exact moving route →
What add-on services do Altoona, PA 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% of Altoona movers, compared to 50% statewide and 46% nationally. Top pick: Diversity Moving Company.
- Junk removal: offered by 50% of Altoona movers, compared to 33% statewide and 36% nationally. Top pick: Appalachian Movers LLC.
- Fragile-only packing: offered by 25% of Altoona movers, compared to 28% statewide and 24% nationally. Top pick: Gearharts Moving & Storage.
- Storage: offered by 100% of Altoona movers, compared to 87% statewide and 85% nationally. Top pick: Appalachian Movers LLC.
- Hot tub relocation: offered by 25% of Altoona movers, compared to 23% statewide and 22% nationally. Top pick: Appalachian Movers LLC.
- Piano moving: offered by 100% of Altoona movers, compared to 74% statewide and 73% nationally. Top pick: Appalachian Movers LLC.
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 45.89% nationally. Diversity Moving Company (4.36/5) and McNaughton Bros Inc (4.16/5) rate highest for art handling in Altoona.
| Art handling in Altoona | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Altoona providers |
Diversity Moving Company
McNaughton Bros Inc |
| Per-piece handling fee | $39 to $385 |
| Custom crating per item | $116 to $154 |
| What to ask | Confirm experience with your specific medium (oil, sculpture, photography, etc.); general fine art credentials vary widely |
Standard blankets do not protect framed artwork or sculpture against UV exposure, humidity fluctuation, or impact fractures. Custom crates and archival packing are the baseline, not an upgrade. Ask any art mover for references specific to the media you are moving before signing.
Does Altoona have movers that offer junk removal?
Junk removal is available from 2 of 4 Altoona movers (50.0%). Appalachian Movers LLC (4.5/5) and Diversity Moving Company (4.36/5) rate highest in Altoona.
| Junk removal in Altoona | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Altoona providers | Appalachian Movers LLC Diversity Moving Company |
| Typical cost per load | $116 to $385 |
| Single large item | $58 to $116 |
| What to ask | Confirm the service covers electronics and appliances; some movers exclude them from standard junk removal pricing |
Items removed before a weight-based quote is locked in lower the base moving rate. Movers offering bundled junk removal can clear furniture and appliances on load day. Confirm they cover electronics and appliances before booking.
Does Altoona have movers that offer fragile-only packing?
Fragile-only packing is available from 1 of 4 Altoona movers (25.0%). Gearharts Moving & Storage (4.26/5) rate highest in Altoona.
| Fragile-only packing in Altoona | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Altoona providers | Gearharts Moving & Storage |
| Full professional packing rate | $0.15 to $0.21 per pound |
| What to ask | Confirm the mover's valuation policy covers fragile-only packed items; some companies exclude liability for items their crew did not pack |
Fragile-only packing applies professional packing only to dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps (the items that account for most in-transit breakage claims) without the cost of a full-service contract. moveBuddha's how to pack breakables guide is useful if you're handling any items yourself.
Does Altoona have movers that offer storage?
Storage is available from 4 of 4 Altoona movers (100.0%). Appalachian Movers LLC (4.5/5) and Diversity Moving Company (4.36/5) rate highest in Altoona.
| Storage in Altoona | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Altoona providers | Appalachian Movers LLC Diversity Moving Company |
| 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 |
| What to ask | Confirm the billing start date and whether valuation coverage stays active during the storage period |
Storage-in-transit is priced at about $0.50 per cubic foot per month, roughly $198/month for a 1-bedroom load. Verify the billing start date and whether coverage remains active during the storage period before signing.
Does Altoona have movers that offer hot tub relocation?
Hot tub relocation is available from 1 of 4 Altoona movers (25.0%). Appalachian Movers LLC (4.5/5) and Diversity Moving Company (4.36/5) rate highest in Altoona.
| Hot tub relocation in Altoona | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Altoona providers | Appalachian Movers LLC Diversity Moving Company |
| Bundled with full-service move | $116 to $308 |
| Standalone hot tub move | $231 to $616 |
| What to ask | Confirm full drainage is required before pickup and whether tight backyard access may add a crane or shuttle relay fee |
Hot tubs weigh 500 to 1,000 lbs empty and require full drainage before pickup. Bundling into a full-service move is almost always cheaper than a standalone specialty carrier. See moveBuddha's guide on how to move a hot tub for what to expect.
Does Altoona have movers that offer piano moving?
Piano moving is available from 4 of 4 Altoona movers (100.0%). Appalachian Movers LLC (4.5/5) and Diversity Moving Company (4.36/5) rate highest in Altoona.
| Piano moving in Altoona | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Altoona providers | Appalachian Movers LLC Diversity Moving Company |
| Upright piano | $616 to $1,155 |
| Baby grand piano | $924 to $1,925 |
| Grand piano | $1,386 to $2,695 |
| What to ask | Confirm the crew carries piano boards and rigging straps, and request full valuation coverage; standard released-value protection covers damage at only $0.60/lb |
Uprights run 400 to 800 lbs and grands top 1,200 lbs, both beyond what standard moving equipment handles safely. Piano boards, padded blankets, and rigging straps are required. moveBuddha's piano mover guide covers what to look for when vetting a crew.
Who are the best movers in Altoona, PA for small long-distance moves?
Diversity Moving Company leads Altoona's small-move providers with a 4.36/5 moveBuddha score, followed by McNaughton Bros Inc at 4.16/5. 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.
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DIY options for your Altoona, PA long-distance move
Labor-only movers and rental trucks are the 2 most cost-effective alternatives to full-service moving, reducing total cost by roughly 30% for Altoona residents who can handle their own loading or driving.
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 54.53% nationally. Walk's Moving & Storage (4.0/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated labor-only mover in Altoona, followed by McNaughton Bros Inc (4.16/5).
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.
What are the best moving containers for long-distance moves from Altoona, PA?
PODS (4.5/5), Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5), and U-Pack (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 to know before booking a long-distance mover in Altoona, PA
- Property access: Hillside properties, high-rise buildings, and gated communities may require a shuttle truck, elevator booking, or a COI from your mover. Flag any access restrictions when requesting quotes so movers can price them accurately.
- Timing: Avoid booking the last week of any month (high demand) and peak summer weekends. Fall and winter moves typically offer better rates and availability.
- USDOT verification: Interstate moves require a USDOT-registered carrier. Verify credentials at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before signing anything.
How much does it cost to hire long-distance movers in Altoona, PA?
Moving costs across Pennsylvania range from $482 for a studio (2 movers, 3 hours at $179/hour) to $4,229 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. For city-specific data, see moving costs in Altoona. Your actual cost 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 | $482 |
| 1-bedroom home or apartment | $661 |
| 2-bedroom home or apartment | $1,054 |
| 3-bedroom home | $2,406 |
| 4-bedroom home | $2,757 |
| 5+ bedroom home | $4,229 |
*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.
Final Verdict: Best Long-Distance Moving Companies in Altoona, PA
| Mover | MB Score | Best For | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safeway Moving | 4.9/5 | Interstate moves out of Pennsylvania | National carrier |
| American Van Lines | 4.9/5 | Interstate, value option | National carrier |
| Appalachian Movers LLC | 4.5/5 | In-state long-distance moves | Local mover |
| Diversity Moving Company | 4.36/5 | In-state alternative | Local mover |
| Diversity Moving Company | 4.36/5 | Small loads under 3,000 lbs | Local mover |
| Units Moving and Portable Storage | 4.3/5 | Self-pack, ~30% savings vs. full-service | Moving container |
| Budget Truck Rental | 4.3/5 | DIY driving, lowest cost option | Rental truck |
How to book a long-distance mover from Altoona, PA
A step-by-step guide to verifying credentials, comparing carriers, and booking a reliable long-distance move from Altoona, PA.
- Verify USDOT / FMCSA registration. Confirm every carrier's USDOT number at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before signing. Of the 4 movers moveBuddha tracks in Altoona, 4 hold active FMCSA interstate authorization.
- Confirm binding vs non-binding estimate. Ask whether your estimate is binding, non-binding, or not-to-exceed. A binding or not-to-exceed estimate locks your price; non-binding estimates can increase at delivery based on actual weight or services added.
- Request a COI if your building requires it. If your building requires a certificate of insurance (COI), request one from your mover at least 2 weeks before move day. Most licensed interstate carriers provide COIs at no extra charge when given building requirements upfront.
- Compare national carriers vs in-state movers. Compare national carriers serving Altoona against in-state long-distance movers. National carriers suit cross-state routes; local carriers often cost less for moves within Pennsylvania.
- Book 4–6 weeks ahead during peak season. Book at least 4 to 6 weeks ahead for peak-season moves (May through September). Summer calendars fill fast and rates run 15% to 25% higher than off-peak months.
- Get a route-specific cost estimate. Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to get a route-specific long-distance estimate for your Altoona, PA move. Interstate costs from Pennsylvania range from $482 for a studio to $4,229 for a 5+ bedroom home.
Long-distance moving from Altoona, PA: frequently asked questions
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.
Will my Altoona apartment building require a COI from the movers?
Multi-unit buildings, condos, and managed communities in Altoona frequently require a certificate of insurance (COI) from any moving company working on the property. Ask your building management what coverage limits and additional insured language they require, then confirm your mover can match them before booking. Request the COI at least 10 to 14 business days before your move.
Do Altoona movers charge extra for hills, narrow streets, or elevator buildings?
They can. Shuttle fees apply when a full-size truck cannot access your property, common for hillside homes, narrow residential streets, and properties with tight turns. High-rise elevator buildings may also charge a long-carry fee if the elevator is far from truck parking. Disclose all access conditions when getting quotes: a mover who knows about constraints upfront will price them into the original estimate rather than adding a surcharge at delivery.
Your next step for a long-distance move from Altoona, PA
The best starting point is 3 quotes from licensed movers. moveBuddha's top picks are Appalachian Movers LLC for in-state moves and Safeway Moving for interstate relocations. Confirm USDOT/FMCSA credentials for any company you consider, ask for a binding estimate, and book at least 4 weeks ahead. moveBuddha has reviewed 4 Altoona movers so every recommendation on this page has been independently vetted.
