Gearharts Moving & Storage review 2026 (Altoona, PA)
In business since 1967 · Updated
Gearharts Moving & Storage is an Altoona, PA mover ranked #54 of 267 movers in Pennsylvania with a 4.28/5 rating.
90% of Gearharts Moving & Storage's 76 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its affordable rates, while the most common complaint involves damage to items.
In business since 1967, Gearharts Moving & Storage holds active FMCSA registration (USDOT #120912) and operates 7 trucks. Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.
How Gearharts Moving & Storage measures up
Across 76 reviews, Gearharts Moving & Storage in Altoona, PA is rated 4.6/5 on Google (60 reviews), and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Gearharts Moving & Storage ranks #54 out of 267 movers in Pennsylvania with a moveBuddha Score of 4.28 out of 5.
What goes into our score
Each category is scored out of 5. The line shows the overall score of 4.28.
- Brand
- 5.0
- Industry experience
- 5.0
- Customer service
- 4.4
- Website
- 4.0
- Review quality
- 3.8
Google rating
Based on 60 reviews
Better Business Bureau
Based on BBB profile
Is Gearharts Moving & Storage moveBuddha Certified?
Gearharts Moving & Storage is not moveBuddha Certified. Certified movers are licensed carriers vetted by moveBuddha and spot-checked every quarter. They meet higher standards for insurance, pricing transparency, and customer care.
With a Certified mover, moveBuddha does the vetting for you and provides added protection. Gearharts Moving & Storage hasn't gone through that certification process, so it's important to check licensing, insurance, estimates, and claims policies yourself before booking.
What movebuddha certified movers offer
- Up to $1,000 in added move coverage*. Extra protection for eligible moves.
- Vetted for licensing and insurance**. We verify state-required insurance for local movers and liability and cargo coverage for interstate movers.
- Dedicated moveBuddha support. Help through the move process.
- Dispute mediation. moveBuddha steps in if issues arise.
Before you book, check:
- USDOT and MC numbers. Look up the license and complaint history on FMCSA's site.
- Insurance coverage. Ask for proof of liability and cargo insurance.
- A written estimate. Binding or not-to-exceed, with every fee listed.
- The claims process. Ask how damage claims are filed and how long they take.
* Added move coverage is not replacement-value insurance, or insurance, or an indemnity of any kind. About moveBuddha Certified
** Local movers must hold insurance that meets state requirements for local moves. Interstate movers must carry auto liability of at least $750,000, general liability of at least $1M, and motor truck cargo coverage at or above $5,000 per vehicle and $10,000 per occurrence.
What do customers say about Gearharts Moving & Storage?
Out of 76 verified reviews, 90% of customers left a positive review about Gearharts Moving & Storage in Altoona, PA. 10.5% of reviews are negative. Gearharts Moving & Storage has a 1% higher positive review percentage than the average Pennsylvania moving company (90% vs the Pennsylvania state average of 89%).
- Positive89.5%(68)
- Negative10.5%(8)
Based on 76 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.
What customers like about Gearharts Moving & Storage
Affordable rates
Many reviewers found Gearharts Moving & Storage to be more budget-friendly than competitors without sacrificing quality.
Organized packing
Gearharts Moving & Storage is often recognized for labeling boxes clearly and packing with structure and care.
Respectful of property
Customers appreciated how carefully Gearharts Moving & Storage's team maneuvered furniture through tight spaces without damaging walls or floors.
Careful handling
Belongings are treated with caution, and many customers report zero damage thanks to Gearharts Moving & Storage's attention to detail.
Flexibility
Clients liked that Gearharts Moving & Storage was willing to adjust schedules or accommodate last-minute changes.
What positive reviewers say
“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.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “Tom was creative and flexible and helped us to make a big move easy and affordable.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “Best price by far. If you need something moved, definitely give them a call! Great Service!”
Jake GallagherVerified ReviewerGoogle“The guys were quick and pleasant for my move. They took care with my items and my property. It was convenient and easy to schedule with Gearharts…”
Elizabeth MatthewsVerified ReviewerGoogle“The movers were courteous, careful, and thorough. They made sure everything was marked for an efficient unloading and helped package a fragile painting.”
Sianna SwavelyVerified ReviewerGoogle
Most common complaints about Gearharts Moving & Storage
Damage to items
Some customers reported that items were damaged during packing or loading.
What negative reviewers say
“They broke a leg off of our dresser and couch. They also broke a drawer off of my daughter's dresser and left the broken drawer on her bed.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “When they delivered my things, several pieces were broken, my furniture had gouges and scratches, and my washer and dryer were scratched beyond repair.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “The movers were careless with taking things apart and refused to put things back together. I had some objects broken, including a grandmother clock, oven door, plastic tubs, and glassware.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “The furniture arrived broken. The dispatcher has no idea what car they will move. The loading driver come with no paperwork.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer
Gearharts Moving & Storage
4.28Altoona, PASince 1967
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
Gearharts Moving & Storage
4.28
Altoona, PA · Since 1967
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from Gearharts Moving & Storage, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Altoona.
Compare prices side by side
See where Gearharts Moving & Storage lands against similar movers.
Vetted movers only
Licensing and reviews checked, just like this page.
Free, no obligation
Nothing is booked until you choose a mover.
What services does Gearharts Moving & Storage offer?
Beyond standard household moves, Gearharts Moving & Storage handles piano moving, antique handling, and safe moving.
Services offered
Is Gearharts Moving & Storage licensed and insured?
Federally licensed, operating authority active
US DOT 120912 Check on SAFER
Verified against the FMCSA, not by moveBuddha
Yes, Gearharts Moving & Storage is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under US DOT number 120912, as GEARHARTS MOVING & STORAGE INC, and its operating status is currently active. It also holds a Pennsylvania intrastate license, number 37081.
Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover Gearharts Moving & Storage holds. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you book.
- State license number
- 37081Issued by Pennsylvania. Covers moves within the state, which the FMCSA does not
- Registered legal name
- GEARHARTS MOVING & STORAGE INCThe entity behind the trading name, as filed with the FMCSA
- FMCSA safety rating
- SatisfactoryAssigned after a compliance review
- Trucks registered
- 7Power units reported to the FMCSA
- Miles driven
- 93,000Reported to the FMCSA for 2025
- Roadside inspections
- 0Recorded by the FMCSA
- FMCSA record last updated
- August 2026
How much does Gearharts Moving & Storage cost?
Gearharts Moving & Storage does not publish hourly rates or flat fees publicly. Based on moveBuddha's data on moving companies operating in Pennsylvania, you can expect to pay approximately $137/hr. Total local-move costs from similar movers typically run $400–$750 for a studio or 1-bedroom, $850–$1,750 for a 2-3 bedroom, and $1,700–$3,400 for a 4+ bedroom home. Long-distance (500-1,000 mi) 2-3 bedroom moves from similar movers typically run $4,500–$7,500.
What similar movers typically bill for a local move
Full-service Pennsylvania moving companies similar to Gearharts Moving & Storage typically bill the amounts below using a $137/hr rate for a 2-person crew and scaling up for larger homes that need more movers and hours.
| Home size | Typical total | Time and crew |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $400–$750 | 3–5 hours, 2 movers |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $850–$1,750 | 5–8 hours, 2–3 movers |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,700–$3,400 | 8–12 hours, 3–4 movers |
What similar movers typically bill for a long-distance move
Gearharts Moving & Storage is licensed for interstate moves, which are typically priced by weight and distance. Ranges below reflect totals from similar full-service Pennsylvania moving companies.
| Home size | Distance | Typical total |
|---|---|---|
| 2-3 bedrooms | 500–1,000 mi | $4,500–$7,500 |
| 4+ bedrooms | 500–1,000 mi | $7,000–$11,500 |
What payment options and discounts does Gearharts Moving & Storage offer?
- Accepts
- Credit CardsCash
- Deposit
- Not listed, so ask
Gearharts Moving & Storage accepts credit cards and cash. Deposit policies vary by mover, so ask whether one is required when you request a quote.
How Gearharts Moving & Storage compares with other local movers
With a moveBuddha score of 4.28 out of 5, Gearharts Moving & Storage places second when ranked against the four top-rated movers near Altoona, 0.08 points behind Appalachian Movers LLC and just ahead of McNaughton Bros Inc. At 76 reviews, Gearharts Moving & Storage has fewer reviews than three of the four. Gearharts Moving & Storage stands out with the highest brand score in the group.
The four highest-scoring nearby movers, by moveBuddha score.
| # | Mover | Score | Reviews | Yelp | BBB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Appalachian Movers LLCState College | 4.36 | 144 | 4.5 | 4.0 | A+ |
| 2 | Gearharts Moving & StorageThis mover · ranks #2 | 4.28 | 76 | 4.6 | — | A+ |
| 3 | McNaughton Bros IncIndiana | 4.26 | 81 | — | 3.6 | A+ |
| 4 | Packer Up Moving LLCBellefonte | 4.16 | 49 | 4.8 | 4.3 | A+ |
| 5 | Walk's Moving & StorageAltoona | 4.06 | 130 | 3.7 | 2.8 | A+ |
How does Gearharts Moving & Storage compare to other Pennsylvania movers?
- moveBuddha score#54 of 267(better than average)
4.28vs 3.70 avg
Gearharts Moving & Storage scores 4.28, above the Pennsylvania average of 3.70, and ranks #54 of 267 Pennsylvania movers.
- Positive reviews#132 of 267(better than average)
90%vs 89% avg
Gearharts Moving & Storage has 90% positive reviews, above the Pennsylvania average of 89%, and ranks #132 of 267 Pennsylvania movers.
- Negative reviews#136 of 267(worse than average)
11%vs 10% avg
Gearharts Moving & Storage has 11% negative reviews, above the Pennsylvania average of 10%, and ranks #136 of 267 Pennsylvania movers. A lower percentage is better.
- Reviews analyzed#134 of 267(worse than average)
76vs 290 avg
Gearharts Moving & Storage has 76 reviews analyzed, below the Pennsylvania average of 290, and ranks #134 of 267 Pennsylvania movers.
- BBB rating#51 of 267(better than average)
A+vs A avg
Gearharts Moving & Storage has a BBB rating of A+, above the Pennsylvania average of A, and ranks #51 of 267 Pennsylvania movers.
- Years in business#17 of 267(better than average)
59 yearsvs 32 years avg
Gearharts Moving & Storage has been in business for 59 years, above the Pennsylvania average of 32 years, and ranks #17 of 267 Pennsylvania movers.
| Metric | This moverGearharts Moving & Storage | Pennsylvania avg | Pennsylvania rank | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| moveBuddha score#54 of 267 in Pennsylvania | 4.28 | 3.70 | #54 of 267 | +0.58(better than average) |
| Positive reviews#132 of 267 in Pennsylvania | 90% | 89% | #132 of 267 | +1 pts(better than average) |
| Negative reviewsLower is better#136 of 267 in Pennsylvania | 11% | 10% | #136 of 267 | +1 pts(worse than average) |
| Reviews analyzed#134 of 267 in Pennsylvania | 76 | 290 | #134 of 267 | −214(worse than average) |
| BBB rating#51 of 267 in Pennsylvania | A+ | A | #51 of 267 | +1 step(better than average) |
| Years in business#17 of 267 in Pennsylvania | 59 years | 32 years | #17 of 267 | +27(better than average) |
Compared with 267 Pennsylvania movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in Pennsylvania.
Gearharts Moving & Storage
4.28Altoona, PASince 1967
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from Gearharts Moving & Storage, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Altoona.
Compare prices side by side
See where Gearharts Moving & Storage lands against similar movers.
Vetted movers only
Licensing and reviews checked, just like this page.
Free, no obligation
Nothing is booked until you choose a mover.
Gearharts Moving & Storage
4.28
Altoona, PA · Since 1967
Final verdict: Gearharts Moving & Storage
Gearharts Moving & Storage earns a 4.28/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #54 among Pennsylvania movers, with 90% positive feedback across 76 customer reviews.
Customers consistently praise its affordable rates and organized packing. It is best for customers prioritizing helpful crews, careful handling of belongings, and reliable service experience.
With 7 trucks and a track record dating to 1967, it has more history than the average Pennsylvania mover, and the most common complaint is damage to items.
All ratings reflect moveBuddha's analysis updated November 2026, based on independent research and verified customer reviews.
Why moveBuddha?
- 30%+Average savings
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before booking.
Calculate your Pennsylvania moving cost - $1,000Added move coverage*
When you choose a moveBuddha Certified mover, you get $1,000 in added move coverage*, plus dedicated support throughout your move.
- 1-on-1Dispute mediation
If something goes wrong, moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with Certified movers to help resolve the issue and protect your move.
* Added move coverage is not replacement-value insurance, or insurance, or an indemnity of any kind.
Contact Gearharts Moving & Storage
- Phone
- (814) 944-5331
- Website
- gearhartsmoving.com
Helpful Pennsylvania moving resources
How we score moving companies
Every mover on moveBuddha is scored on the same six factors, weighted by how much each one changes a move.
- Quotes & payment optionsWeighs most
The heaviest factor, because price certainty is where moves go wrong. We reward estimates you can hold a mover to, and terms disclosed before you pay.
- Online reputationMajor factor
An objective read from third parties rather than from the mover. The Google rating for the company's headquarters sets the band; Trustpilot, BBB, and independent review sites are read alongside it.
- ServicesMajor factor
The range a mover can actually cover, scored across seven categories, with extra credit for the uncommon ones most companies hand off to a subcontractor.
- Customer supportSupporting factor
How easily you can reach a human, and how clearly the mover sets expectations before, during, and after the move. Verified against company documentation and direct outreach.
- Review feedbackSupporting factor
A company's share of positive customer feedback, converted straight to points, with no curve and no editorial adjustment.
- State availabilityMinor factor
The lightest factor, and deliberately so: wide coverage helps more readers reach a mover, but it says nothing about how good the move will be.
What the scores are built on
- 4,500+Moving companies analyzed
- 1M+Authenticated reviews
- 25+Independent data sources
- 1,000+Live price points a month
- $0Paid for a ranking
- MonthlyRefreshed and re-verified
Written by
Ryan CarriganCo-founder, moveBuddha
Ryan Carrigan is the co-founder of moveBuddha and a leading voice in the moving industry, helping hundreds of thousands of Americans make smarter, safer relocation decisions each year. With more than a decade of experience analyzing moving companies, pricing trends, and industry regulations, Ryan brings hands-on industry knowledge and data-driven insight to every guide and review. His research has been featured in Forbes, Consumer Reports, The New York Times, and NBC News.