10 Best Moving Companies in Pennsylvania (2026 Reviews)
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Based on moveBuddha's analysis of 105 movers and 3,168 verified reviews in Pennsylvania, Gentle Giant Moving Company is the top-rated local mover with a 4.64/5 moveBuddha score.
Local moves in Pennsylvania typically cost $476 for a studio up to $4,224 for a 5+ bedroom home. Use moveBuddha's free moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate for your move.
Moving in Pennsylvania right now: Peak season starts now. Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest moving weekends of the year, prices run 20–30% higher around the holiday and movers fill up fast. If you haven't booked yet and are moving in May or June, do it now.
10 Best Local Moving Companies in Pennsylvania
Of 105 Pennsylvania movers scored by moveBuddha using 3,168 verified reviews, FMCSA complaint records, and BBB data, these 10 ranked highest on customer satisfaction and dispute resolution. Gentle Giant Moving Company is #1 with a 4.64/5 moveBuddha score.
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.64/5 stars
- The Armstrong Company: 4.64/5 stars
- South Hills Movers: 4.58/5 stars
- Gardner Moving: 4.58/5 stars
- Hughes Relocation Services: 4.56/5 stars
- Zip to Zip Moving Inc: 4.56/5 stars
- Forward Moving LLC: 4.52/5 stars
- Zippy Shell: 4.52/5 stars
- EverSafe Moving Co.: 4.52/5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.52/5 stars
Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Helpful movers
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. Gentle Giant Moving Company has been in business for 46 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like office moving and international moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Gentle Giant Moving Company has about 98% positive reviews across roughly 242 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.8.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Gentle Giant Moving Company.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Gentle Giant Moving Company emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Gentle Giant was incredibly efficient and careful with my move. Not one item was damaged and they finished under estimate. I couldn’t be happier—highly recommend!"
"Scott and Jon were friendly, fast, and helpful. They treated our belongings with such respect and made the entire process stress-free. We will definitely use Gentle Giant for all future moves."
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Efficient service
Quick moving process
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. The Armstrong Company has been in business for 76 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like intrastate moving and international moving.
Review quality 4.6
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. The Armstrong Company has about 91% positive reviews across roughly 225 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.5.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from The Armstrong Company.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. The Armstrong Company emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"The movers arrived on time, were careful with my furniture, very efficient, and really nice guys. Very happy the move went so well."
"From start to finish, this company was accommodating, professional, patient, and efficient. I would use them again in a heartbeat."
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. South Hills Movers has been in business for 96 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like international moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. South Hills Movers has about 74% positive reviews across roughly 180 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.9.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from South Hills Movers.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. South Hills Movers emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"South Hills Movers were amazing, moved our 33,000 item library in 2 days 😊. Mark Schleicher’s crew was professional, helpful and great to work with. Would definitely recommend for any personal or business move."
"They were super friendly, professional, and efficient. They arrived right on time and quickly packed up our furniture. Despite the cold and rainy weather, they laid out literal red carpets to keep our house clean."
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Affordable rates
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Gardner Moving has been in business for 105 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Gardner Moving has about 90% positive reviews across roughly 145 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.6.
Quote accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Gardner Moving.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Gardner Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Gardner Moving was fantastic - all of the men were professional and fast - no problems at all and the actual price came in below the estimate. I highly recommend them!!"
"They were efficient, professional and thorough. Highly recommend and would definitely use again."
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Efficient service
Good communication
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. Hughes Relocation Services has been in business for 43 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like intrastate moving and international moving.
Review quality 4.6
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Hughes Relocation Services has about 91% positive reviews across roughly 244 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.5.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Hughes Relocation Services.
Customer service 4.7
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Hughes Relocation Services emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
"The movers were so friendly and efficient—they took great care wrapping & packing our items to keep everything safe. The process from setup to move was seamless. Highly recommend."
"Highly recommend Hughes to anyone looking to move. Fair pricing and the crew was amazing. I couldn’t imagine doing it without them."
Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Helpful movers
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Zip to Zip Moving Inc has been in business for 6 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like small-scale moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 4.6
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Zip to Zip Moving Inc has about 98% positive reviews across roughly 278 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.7.
Quote accuracy 4.0
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Zip to Zip Moving Inc, and Zip to Zip Moving Inc makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Zip to Zip Moving Inc emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"The crew was warm, courteous, and handled all of my belongings with great care. Their attention to detail and positive attitude made the whole experience stress-free. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them."
"They showed up on time, were professional and courteous. The guys unpacked and set everything up as we had instructed. And no damage to any items. Would use again."
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Good communication
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. Forward Moving LLC has been in business for 8 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like intrastate moving and labor-only moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Forward Moving LLC has about 97% positive reviews across roughly 231 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.8.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Forward Moving LLC, and Forward Moving LLC makes deposit expectations clear upfront. Discounts may be available for groups like seniors.
Customer service 4.7
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Forward Moving LLC emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"The team arrived on time, handled my belongings with great care, and worked efficiently throughout the entire process. Every piece of furniture was carefully wrapped and protected, and nothing was damaged in transit."
"Best moving experience ever! Very professional people. My highest recommendation. Interstate move delivered the next day. Furniture was well protected with blankets and plastic wrap. Nothing was lost and nothing was damaged."
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Friendly and approachable staff
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. Zippy Shell has been in business for 7 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like estate moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Zippy Shell has about 91% positive reviews across roughly 262 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.8.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Zippy Shell, and Zippy Shell makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Zippy Shell emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Our movers showed up promptly, were very careful with our belongings and had everything moved into our apartment within the two hour window in which they were scheduled to come. They took extra care to rearrange furniture as instructed when we asked."
"Robert and Darrius did an excellent job today with my move. They both have a well manner, friendly polite attitude and more then willing to get it done for you pep in their step, 'I GOT YOU!' I highly recommend them for all jobs."
Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Transparent pricing
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. EverSafe Moving Co. has been in business for 15 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like office moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. EverSafe Moving Co. has about 98% positive reviews across roughly 313 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.7.
Quote accuracy 3.8
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from EverSafe Moving Co., and EverSafe Moving Co. makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. EverSafe Moving Co. emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"The team arrived right on time, worked quickly but carefully, and treated my belongings as if they were their own. They were courteous, friendly, and incredibly organized
"I had a great experience with this moving company. The team was incredibly friendly and worked very quickly and efficiently. They arrived on time and handled everything with care. The whole process was smooth and stress-free. Highly recommend!"
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving has been in business for 13 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like estate moving and labor-only moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving has about 89% positive reviews across roughly 227 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 1.3.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"The team was incredibly helpful, professional, and handled all of my belongings with care. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable and stress-free moving experience."
"Kevin F., Jake W., and Jack A. moved us...and they were amazing!!! It took less time than what was estimated. They were respectful, professional, very hard working and worked together really well."
Compare the top moving companies in Pennsylvania
Based on moveBuddha's 2026 moving data, here's how the top movers in Pennsylvania compare.
| Mover | moveBuddha score | Years in business | BBB rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gentle Giant Moving Company | 4.64 / 5 | 46 | A+ |
| The Armstrong Company | 4.64 / 5 | 76 | A+ |
| South Hills Movers | 4.58 / 5 | 96 | A+ |
| Gardner Moving | 4.58 / 5 | 105 | A+ |
| Hughes Relocation Services | 4.56 / 5 | 43 | A+ |
| Zip to Zip Moving Inc | 4.56 / 5 | 6 | A |
| Forward Moving LLC | 4.52 / 5 | 8 | A+ |
| Zippy Shell | 4.52 / 5 | 7 | A |
| EverSafe Moving Co. | 4.52 / 5 | 15 | A+ |
| College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | 4.52 / 5 | 13 | — |
Other local Pennsylvania movers
These Pennsylvania movers were reviewed by moveBuddha but did not make our top 10. See all 105 Pennsylvania movers we've reviewed →
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
- O'Briens Moving and Storage Inc.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
- Gearharts Moving & Storage
- Mike Moves Pittsburgh
- Walk's Moving & Storage
- Shively's Moving and Storage
- BNT Movers LLC
- B.F. Fields Moving & Storage
- Tri-State Moving Service
- Bright Eye Movers and Cleaners
- Exceptional Movers, LLC
- Jack Treier Moving Storage
- Keystone Moving and Junk Removal
- Parks Van & Storage
- McNaughton Bros Inc
- Shaffer's Transfer and Moving
- Charles E. Groff & Sons, Inc.
- Geo. W. Weaver & Sons Inc.
- Spirit Moving Company LLC
- Litemovers.com, LLC
- Adam Meyer Moving & Storage
- Fairprice Movers
- Maya's Movers LLC
- Mt. Everest Moving Company
- Reliable Moving & Storage
- BMS Moving & Storage
- S.H. Haughton Trucking Moving Company
- Adam's Moving & Hauling
- Packhorse Moving
- Bellhop Moving
- BR Moving
- Broad Street Movers
- Clemmer Moving & Storage
- Concordia Xpress Moving Services
- Dan the Mover
- Elate Moving LLC
- EverSafe Moving Co.
- Flex Moving & Storage
- Great Valley Moving & Storage
- Havertown Movers LLC
- Isaac's Moving and Storage Inc
- Keep It Moving, LLC
- L&J Moving and Storage
- Mackintosh Moving & Storage
- Millennium Moving Co.
- Moverama
- Moving U & Junk U LLC
- New Horizon Movers
- Nicky's Moving & Storage
- Old City Movers
- PhilaGorilla Movers, LLC
- Ramsey's Moving System
- Riley and Sons Moving & Storage
- Sloane Moving & Storage
- Stellar Movers LLC
- Suburban Solutions Moving & Transport
- Superior Moving & Storage
- The Move Smith LLC
- Zippy Shell
- All My Sons Moving & Storage
- Diversity Moving Company
- Don Farr Moving & Storage
- Friendly Movers LLC
- Miracle Movers
- Forward Moving LLC
- Lausch's Moving Company
- Mountain Movers, LLC
- Movers & Co.
- R & T Movers
- Brier Moving Co.
- Michael's Moving and Storage
- Minute Man Movers
- NorthEastern Movers Inc.
- Appalachian Movers LLC
- Keystone Relocation, LLC
- Packer Up Moving LLC
- Town & Country Moving & Storage
- Zip to Zip Moving Inc
- Mooney's Moving & Storage
- Wayne Moving & Storage
- Kinetic Movers LLC
- Stephan's Moving
Pennsylvania is among the top 10 most outbound states in 2026, with more people searching to leave than arrive. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are the primary sources of outbound moving activity in the state. See moveBuddha's full 2026 Moving Trends Report →
Popular moving routes from Pennsylvania
moveBuddha tracks pricing and mover performance across thousands of routes. Use the links below to find route-specific cost data and recommended movers for your destination. Find your exact moving route →
| Route | Route details |
|---|---|
| Pennsylvania to California | Cross-country route; strong demand year-round |
| Pennsylvania to Texas | Major migration corridor; competitive pricing |
| Pennsylvania to Florida | High-volume retirement and lifestyle move |
| Pennsylvania to New York | Northeast corridor; dense urban delivery complexity |
| Pennsylvania to North Carolina | Growing Southeast destination; strong inbound demand |
| Pennsylvania to Georgia | Southeast hub; major corporate relocation market |
| Pennsylvania to Arizona | Sun Belt destination; seasonal pricing variation |
| Pennsylvania to Washington | Pacific Northwest corridor; tech-sector demand |
| Pennsylvania to Colorado | Mountain West route; strong year-round volume |
| Pennsylvania to Illinois | Midwest hub; major urban access considerations |
If you're moving from Pennsylvania to a destination 500+ miles away, a local mover is not the right fit. Long-distance moves require interstate operating authority, binding estimate practices, and logistics capacity that most local carriers don't carry. We recommend using one of the top-rated long-distance moving companies in Pennsylvania for any out-of-state move of significant distance.
What specialty moving services are available in Pennsylvania?
Not every mover in Pennsylvania offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 105 Pennsylvania movers, here is what is available and how often:
Piano movers in Pennsylvania
| Piano moving in Pennsylvania | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Pennsylvania piano movers | Gentle Giant Moving Company The Armstrong Company |
| Pennsylvania movers offering this | 78 of 105 (74.29%) |
| National average | 72.72% |
| Upright piano | $792 to $1,485 |
| Baby grand piano | $1,188 to $2,475 |
| Grand piano | $1,782 to $3,465 |
The weight range for upright pianos is 400 to 800 lbs. Grand pianos exceed 1,200 lbs. Neither can be safely moved with standard furniture dollies or blankets. Crews certified for piano moving carry piano boards, rigging straps, and padded blankets designed for the instrument's weight distribution and finish. Adding a piano to a full-service household move is almost always cheaper than contracting a piano-only specialist.
See our full guide to the best piano movers for a breakdown of what to look for and how to compare quotes.
Antique movers in Pennsylvania
| Antique handling in Pennsylvania | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Pennsylvania antique movers | The Armstrong Company South Hills Movers |
| Pennsylvania movers offering this | 56 of 105 (53.33%) |
| National average | 46.37% |
| Added cost to a household move | $990 to $2,475 |
| Per-piece handling fee | $50 to $495 |
| Custom crating per item | $149 to $198 |
Released-value protection pays out at $0.60 per pound per item. For a 50-lb antique worth $5,000, that is a $30 reimbursement. Custom crating and acid-free padding lower the physical risk of damage, but they do not change the coverage math. Requesting full valuation coverage before booking is the only way to ensure a claim reflects what the piece is worth, not what it weighs.
See our guide to the best antique moving companies for tips on vetting specialty movers and protecting high-value pieces.
Art movers in Pennsylvania
| Art packing in Pennsylvania | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Pennsylvania art movers | The Armstrong Company South Hills Movers |
| Pennsylvania movers offering this | 53 of 105 (50.48%) |
| National average | 45.86% |
| Per-piece handling fee | $50 to $495 |
| Custom crating per item | $149 to $198 |
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.
See our complete guide to how to pack and move art for a full breakdown of materials, techniques, and questions to ask before booking.
Climate-controlled storage in Pennsylvania
| Climate-controlled storage in Pennsylvania | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Pennsylvania providers | South Hills Movers Gardner Moving |
| Pennsylvania movers offering this | 30 of 105 (28.57%) |
| National average | 33.29% |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $254 |
Temperature-only storage controls heat but not moisture. For wood furniture, vinyl records, and electronics, humidity fluctuation is the primary damage risk in storage, causing warping, cracking, and mold that a temperature-controlled unit will not prevent. True climate control regulates both. For storage gaps longer than 30 days or moves that cross seasons, confirming the distinction before booking is worth the extra step.
See our guide to climate-controlled storage for a deeper look at when it's worth the cost and how to compare options.
Fragile-only packing in Pennsylvania
| Fragile-only packing in Pennsylvania | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Pennsylvania providers | The Armstrong Company Gardner Moving |
| Pennsylvania movers offering this | 29 of 105 (27.62%) |
| National average | 23.81% |
| 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 your shipment that actually needs it.
DIY Moving Options in Pennsylvania
Full-service movers aren't the only way to move in Pennsylvania. Moving containers, rental trucks, and labor-only crews are all solid DIY options that can cut your moving costs by roughly 30%, the right choice comes down to how much you want to handle yourself. If you're weighing the tradeoffs, our guide to professional movers vs. DIY moving breaks down the full cost and effort comparison.
What are the best moving containers in Pennsylvania?
The best moving container companies available in Pennsylvania are PODS (4.5/5), Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5), and MovingYourself (5.0/5), based on moveBuddha's ratings. Container moves work by dropping a portable unit at your door, giving you several days to load at your own pace, then the company handles pickup and delivery. They cost significantly less than full-service movers and carry none of the one-way mileage risk of rental trucks. See our full moving container company guide for cost comparisons by move size.
What are the best rental trucks in Pennsylvania?
The best rental truck options for a DIY move in Pennsylvania are Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5), U-Haul (4.2/5), and Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5). Budget leads on transparent pricing and discount availability. U-Haul offers 7 truck sizes and one-way rentals for moves that won't bring you back. Penske carries the most consistently maintained fleet, with unlimited mileage on select routes.
DIY moves cost roughly 30% less than full-service moving. In Pennsylvania, a full-service 1-bedroom move averages $655 and a 2-bedroom runs $1,049.
Who are the best labor-only hourly movers in Pennsylvania?
The best labor-only movers in Pennsylvania start with South Hills Movers and Zip to Zip Moving Inc, both offering loading, packing, and assembly services. At $128/hour for a 2-person crew in Pennsylvania, labor-only is the most affordable way to get professional help on moving day.
You drive, they lift. Rent a truck, put these crews on the loading and unloading, and keep full control of your timeline and route.
Take a look at these highly recommended labor-only movers for your Pennsylvania move:
How much do movers cost in Pennsylvania?
Local moves in Pennsylvania average $476 for a studio up to $4,224 for a 5+ bedroom home. Most local movers in Pennsylvania charge $128/hour for a 2-person crew, based on moveBuddha's 2026 quote data.
| Home size | Avg. total cost | Cost/hour |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $476 | $179 |
| 1 bedroom | $655 | $179 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,049 | $250 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,401 | $351 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,751 | $351 |
| 5+ bedrooms | $4,224 | $491 |
Summer moves (June–August) and month-end dates cost 15%–20% more. Get a personalized Pennsylvania moving cost estimate →
Know Your Rights as a Pennsylvania Mover
Pennsylvania mover licensing: For decades movers In Pennsylvania were regulated by the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Each company was issued a PUC Number and was required to abide by a universal publicly published tariff that established the rates movers could charge for various services. Now, some sources claim that the PUC no longer regulates in-state movers, and it appears as though the PUC’s website is no longer functioning. So if you’re moving within Pennsylvania, you’ll want to address these issues with your moving company representative and if possible, contact the state directly. Verify a license →
Insurance requirement: In Pennsylvania, movers typically offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For more comprehensive coverage, inquire about Full Value Protection with the moving company, or explore third-party insurance options for tailored plans. Consider coverage limits, additional costs, and reviews before making a decision.
Final Verdict: Best Moving Companies in Pennsylvania
Based on the research and data gathered by moveBuddha, here are our final takeaways on the best moving companies in Pennsylvania:
- Best overall local mover in Pennsylvania: Gentle Giant Moving Company (4.64/5). moveBuddha ranks Gentle Giant Moving Company first among 105 reviewed Pennsylvania movers. Local move costs range from $476 for a studio to $4,224 for a 5+ bedroom home.
- Best overall value for interstate moves: Safeway Moving (4.9/5). Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated interstate carrier for moves out of Pennsylvania, with flat-rate pricing, veteran ownership, and full licensing and insurance for long-distance relocations.
- Best for certified crew quality: American Van Lines (4.9/5). American Van Lines is the strongest pick for movers who prioritize professionally certified crews and transparent flat-rate pricing on interstate moves.
- Best moving container: PODS (4.5/5). Container moves cost significantly less than full-service movers. You load on your own schedule and the company handles transport, with no one-way mileage risk.
- Best budget DIY option: Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5). Rental trucks are the lowest-cost moving method in Pennsylvania. Factor in fuel and per-mile charges on any move with real distance behind it before committing to the base rate.
FAQs about moving in Pennsylvania
What should I look for when choosing a moving company in Pennsylvania?
When choosing a moving company in Pennsylvania, you should look for a solid reputation, fair and transparent pricing, a variety of services, and multiple insurance options. We consider those key factors, among others, in our analysis and rating of moving companies, so you can find the best moving companies in Pennsylvania by reading our top picks.
We recommend obtaining quotes from at least 3 moving companies in Pennsylvania, including a top flat-rate mover, to compare prices and services.
Are interstate moves common with Pennsylvania movers?
Many movers in Pennsylvania are qualified to take on cross-state relocations. Of the 105 total moving companies in PA, 90 are licensed for interstate service. This means most providers in the state are equipped to legally manage moves beyond state lines, with a USDOT number and oversight from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
To get started, check out our recommendations for the top long-distance movers in Pennsylvania.
How can I see all moving companies in Pennsylvania?
You can see all moving companies in Pennsylvania in our comprehensive list of Pennsylvania movers.
How much does it cost to hire movers in Pennsylvania?
Local moving costs in Pennsylvania range from $476 for a studio to $4,224 for a 5+ bedroom home. Most local movers charge $128/hour for a 2-person crew. Your total depends on home size, distance, access conditions, and any add-on services like packing or storage.
What is the cheapest way to move in Pennsylvania?
Rental trucks are the cheapest way to move in Pennsylvania. DIY moves cost roughly 30% less than full-service movers. Renting a truck and hiring a labor-only crew for loading and unloading gives you professional help at a fraction of full-service pricing. Moving containers are the next most affordable option and remove the need to drive a large vehicle yourself.
What is a full-service move?
A full-service move means the moving company handles packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and unpacking. 101 of 105 movers in Pennsylvania (96.19%) offer professional packing, and 91 (86.67%) offer storage. Full-service is the most hands-off option but costs more than DIY alternatives. Confirm exactly which services are included in your quote before signing.
What is the difference between a moving broker and a moving carrier?
A moving carrier owns trucks and employs the crew that physically moves your belongings. A moving broker arranges moves through third-party carriers and does not handle your items directly. Brokers can offer competitive pricing but add a layer between you and the company doing the work, which can complicate communication and claims if something goes wrong. moveBuddha is not a broker and does not sell or share your information. We recommend booking directly with a licensed carrier whenever possible.
How much should you tip movers in Pennsylvania?
For a local move, $20 to $50 per mover is a standard tip. For a long-distance move, $50 to $100+ per mover is appropriate, especially if the crew handled heavy furniture, stairs, or challenging access conditions. Tipping is not required, but it is customary for good service. Tip each crew member individually in cash at the end of the job.
How long does a move take in Pennsylvania?
A local move in Pennsylvania typically takes 4 hours for a 1-bedroom and 8 hours for a 3-bedroom home. Long-distance moves out of Pennsylvania add transit time that varies by distance and carrier. Full-service movers typically provide a delivery window of 1 to 14 business days for interstate moves, depending on distance. Rental trucks and moving containers give you more control over exact delivery timing.
When is the best time of year to move in Pennsylvania?
The cheapest time to move in Pennsylvania is during the off-season, from October through April. Peak moving season runs May through September, with June and July commanding the highest rates. Moves booked midweek and mid-month also tend to cost less than weekend or month-end bookings. Planning around these windows can save 15% to 20% on your total moving cost.
How we chose the best moving companies in Pennsylvania
moveBuddha's moving analyst team evaluated 105 Pennsylvania moving companies using a five-factor weighted scoring system: customer satisfaction (40%), dispute resolution (20%), industry reputation (15%), online reputation (15%), and service options (10%).
That scoring system draws on moveBuddha's dataset of 1,000+ live price points and research across 4,500+ movers nationwide, so you're getting recommendations built on real market data, not just review aggregation.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently completes moves on time, communicates proactively, and delivers within the estimated cost. These factors matter most when hiring a mover.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems happen in every industry. We reward companies that take clear ownership of issues and make genuine, documented efforts to resolve them.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company holds standing in professional moving organizations and participates in industry oversight, which signals accountability beyond customer reviews alone.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains accurate, up-to-date information online and responds promptly and professionally to customer inquiries and complaints.
- Service options (10%): We favor companies that offer full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery. These services matter on a complex move.
Read our complete moving company rating methodology for the full scoring breakdown.
