The Best Long-Distance Movers in Penn, PA
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The best long-distance mover in Penn, PA is Don Farr Moving & Storage (4.58/5 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 2,446 verified customer reviews. Full-service movers in Penn average $170/hour for local long-distance work. 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 Penn 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 Penn, 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 24 full-service interstate movers serving Penn, drawing on 2,446 verified customer reviews across Penn.
Safeway Moving was named the top-rated interstate mover for Penn based on moveBuddha's independent analysis.
Who are the best long-distance movers in Penn, PA for in-state moves?
moveBuddha reviewed 12 local movers serving Penn licensed for long-distance moves within Pennsylvania, drawing on 2,446 verified customer reviews across Penn. Don Farr Moving & Storage (4.58/5) was named the top-rated Penn-based mover based on moveBuddha's independent analysis. 12 of the 13 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 Penn are listed below.
Below are moveBuddha's top picks for long-distance movers that serve Penn but stay within Pennsylvania:
- Don Farr Moving & Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Gardner Moving: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- South Hills Movers: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Friendly Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Diversity Moving Company: 4.36 out of 5 stars
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 interstate moving and office 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
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Affordable rates
Show details Hide details
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 office 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
Efficient service
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Good communication
Show details Hide details
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 interstate moving and office 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
Quick moving process
Careful handling
Affordable rates
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.1
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Friendly Movers LLC 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 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Friendly Movers LLC has about 93% positive reviews across roughly 208 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.5.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Friendly Movers LLC.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Friendly Movers LLC emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Awesome experience. On time, incredibly kind, fast, and careful with my furniture. I would recommend them to anyone without hesitation. They are the best of the best!"
"I’ve used them 3 times…they are efficient. My stuff has never been damaged. This time I asked for 2 stops and they were very kind and helpful with everything! Highly recommend!"
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Careful handling
Good communication
Quick moving process
Show details Hide details
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 labor-only 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!"
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 Penn, PA movers offer?
Not every mover in Penn offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 13 Penn movers, here is what is available and how often:
- Art handling: offered by 46% of Penn movers, compared to 50% statewide and 46% nationally. Top pick: Don Farr Moving & Storage.
- Junk removal: offered by 38% of Penn movers, compared to 33% statewide and 36% nationally. Top pick: Don Farr Moving & Storage.
- Fragile-only packing: offered by 23% of Penn movers, compared to 28% statewide and 24% nationally. Top pick: Gardner Moving.
- Storage: offered by 77% of Penn movers, compared to 87% statewide and 85% nationally. Top pick: Don Farr Moving & Storage.
- Hot tub relocation: offered by 15% of Penn movers, compared to 23% statewide and 22% nationally. Top pick: Don Farr Moving & Storage.
- Piano moving: offered by 77% of Penn movers, compared to 74% statewide and 73% nationally. Top pick: Don Farr Moving & Storage.
Does Penn have movers that offer art handling?
Art handling is available from 6 of 13 Penn movers (46.15%), compared to 50.48% statewide and 45.89% nationally. Don Farr Moving & Storage (4.58/5) and Gardner Moving (4.44/5) rate highest for art handling in Penn.
| Art handling in Penn | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Penn providers |
Don Farr Moving & Storage
Gardner Moving |
| Per-piece handling fee | $43 to $430 |
| Custom crating per item | $129 to $172 |
| What to ask | Confirm experience with your specific medium (oil, sculpture, photography, etc.); general fine art credentials vary widely |
Art movers use custom crates and archival materials to guard against UV exposure, humidity shifts, and impact fractures. Standard blankets cannot address these risks. Direct experience with the specific media matters more than general fine art credentials.
Does Penn have movers that offer junk removal?
Junk removal is available from 5 of 13 Penn movers (38.46%). Don Farr Moving & Storage (4.58/5) and Diversity Moving Company (4.36/5) rate highest in Penn.
| Junk removal in Penn | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Penn providers | Don Farr Moving & Storage Diversity Moving Company |
| Typical cost per load | $129 to $430 |
| Single large item | $65 to $129 |
| What to ask | Confirm the service covers electronics and appliances; some movers exclude them from standard junk removal pricing |
Bundled junk removal lowers billable weight and eliminates a separate crew. Confirm the mover covers electronics and appliances, since disposal regulations vary and some exclude them from standard pricing.
Does Penn have movers that offer fragile-only packing?
Fragile-only packing is available from 3 of 13 Penn movers (23.08%). Gardner Moving (4.44/5) and Friendly Movers LLC (4.38/5) rate highest in Penn.
| Fragile-only packing in Penn | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Penn providers | Gardner Moving Friendly Movers LLC |
| 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 covers dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps without a full-service contract. Confirm the mover's valuation policy covers fragile-only packed items, since some companies exclude liability for items their crew did not pack. See the how to pack breakables guide for what to expect from a professional packing crew.
Does Penn have movers that offer storage?
Storage is available from 10 of 13 Penn movers (76.92%). Don Farr Moving & Storage (4.58/5) and Gardner Moving (4.44/5) rate highest in Penn.
| Storage in Penn | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Penn providers | Don Farr Moving & Storage Gardner Moving |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $221 |
| 2–3 bedroom monthly estimate (~1,000 cu ft) | $430 |
| What to ask | Confirm the billing start date and whether valuation coverage stays active during the storage period |
Storage-in-transit runs about $0.50 per cubic foot per month, roughly $221/month for a 1-bedroom load. Confirm the billing start date before committing to a storage window longer than 30 days.
Does Penn have movers that offer hot tub relocation?
Hot tub relocation is available from 2 of 13 Penn movers (15.38%). Don Farr Moving & Storage (4.58/5) and Diversity Moving Company (4.36/5) rate highest in Penn.
| Hot tub relocation in Penn | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Penn providers | Don Farr Moving & Storage Diversity Moving Company |
| Bundled with full-service move | $129 to $344 |
| Standalone hot tub move | $258 to $688 |
| 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, must be fully drained before pickup, and may need a crane if backyard access is tight. Bundling into a full-service move costs less than a standalone specialty carrier in most cases. moveBuddha's hot tub moving guide covers access, drainage, and what to confirm before booking.
Does Penn have movers that offer piano moving?
Piano moving is available from 10 of 13 Penn movers (76.92%). Don Farr Moving & Storage (4.58/5) and Gardner Moving (4.44/5) rate highest in Penn.
| Piano moving in Penn | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Penn providers | Don Farr Moving & Storage Gardner Moving |
| Upright piano | $688 to $1,290 |
| Baby grand piano | $1,032 to $2,150 |
| Grand piano | $1,548 to $3,010 |
| 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 weigh 400 to 800 lbs; grands exceed 1,200 lbs. Both need piano boards and straps that standard crews don't carry. Released-value protection covers damage at only $0.60/lb, so request full valuation coverage. See the best piano movers guide for vetted options.
Who are the best movers in Penn, PA for small long-distance moves?
South Hills Movers leads Penn's small-move providers with a 4.44/5 moveBuddha score, followed by Friendly Movers LLC at 4.38/5. 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 Penn, 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 Penn residents who can handle their own loading or driving.
What are the best labor-only movers in Penn?
7 of 13 Penn movers (53.85%) offer labor-only services, compared to 39.05% statewide and 54.53% nationally. Diversity Moving Company (4.36/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated labor-only mover in Penn, 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 Penn 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 Penn 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 Penn. 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 Penn, 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 Penn. Moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, making them the most cost-effective option for Penn 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 Penn, PA
- Confirm USDOT registration: Every interstate mover must hold an active USDOT number. Check any carrier at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before signing.
- Binding vs. non-binding quotes: A binding or not-to-exceed estimate locks your price. Non-binding estimates can increase at delivery, so confirm which type you're getting.
- COI requirements: Communicate any building COI requirements to your crew in advance. Most interstate carriers provide certificates of insurance, but processing takes time.
- Local rate benchmark: In-state moves in Penn average $170/hour. Get at least 3 quotes to benchmark that number.
- Book early: Summer moves (May–September) book fast. 6 to 8 weeks' notice is the safe target.
How much does it cost to hire long-distance movers in Penn, 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 Penn. 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 Penn?
Here are some additional cost considerations for your long-distance Penn move:
- Distance: The farther you move from Penn, 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 Penn, 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 |
| Don Farr Moving & Storage | 4.58/5 | In-state long-distance moves | Local mover |
| Gardner Moving | 4.44/5 | In-state alternative | Local mover |
| South Hills Movers | 4.44/5 | 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 Penn, PA
A step-by-step guide to verifying credentials, comparing carriers, and booking a reliable long-distance move from Penn, PA.
- Verify USDOT / FMCSA registration. Confirm every carrier's USDOT number at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before signing. Of the 13 movers moveBuddha tracks in Penn, 11 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 Penn 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 Penn, PA move. Interstate costs from Pennsylvania range from $482 for a studio to $4,229 for a 5+ bedroom home.
Moving out of Penn, PA: questions and answers
Are long-distance movers in Penn required to be federally licensed?
Federal law requires every mover transporting household goods across state lines to carry a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. In Penn, 11 of the 13 movers moveBuddha has evaluated hold that federal credential. Every mover on this page meets that standard. Cross-check any company in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's database before signing anything.
The FMCSA's Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move details the legal protections and obligations that apply to your interstate shipment.
Local vs. national movers: what's best for your Penn move?
For moves staying within Pennsylvania, hiring a local mover in Penn is almost always the more economical pick. moveBuddha tracks 13 movers in the area, with average hourly rates of $170, and 11 holding FMCSA interstate authorization.
National movers carry higher price tags, but their experience coordinating multi-state relocations can reduce the risk of delays on longer routes where logistics complexity is high.
When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Penn?
November and December are the slowest months for Penn movers, driven by winter lows near 20°F and the combined effect of school calendars and the holiday season. Lower demand means more open slots and more pricing flexibility, making it the best time to negotiate a lower rate. If your timeline is flexible, booking an off-peak winter date is the most straightforward way to cut your total moving cost.
What are the cheapest ways to move out of Penn?
DIY options are the most affordable route out of Penn, especially for moves within 50 miles. According to moveBuddha's research, rental trucks and moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving. The lowest-cost options are renting a moving truck from companies like U-Haul, or booking a moving container such as PODS. For longer relocations, our guide to the cheapest ways to move out of state covers additional cost-cutting strategies.
What is a COI and do Penn movers provide one?
A COI (certificate of insurance) is a document proving the moving company carries liability and cargo insurance. Many Penn apartment buildings, high-rises, and HOA communities require one before allowing any moving crew on the premises. Most licensed movers provide COIs at no extra cost. Ask at the quote stage whether the company can name your building as an additional insured.
My Penn home has a steep driveway — will movers be able to access it?
Full-size moving trucks cannot safely navigate steep or tight driveways. In those cases, movers use a shuttle truck, a smaller vehicle that carries items between the home and the main truck parked on accessible ground. Shuttle services typically add $129 to $430 to the total cost. Mention the driveway grade and access situation when you request quotes so the estimate includes the shuttle from the start.
Ready to book a long-distance mover in Penn, PA?
moveBuddha has reviewed 13 moving companies serving Penn. Don Farr Moving & Storage (4.58/5) leads for in-state long-distance moves and Safeway Moving (4.9/5) for interstate relocations out of Pennsylvania. Get at least 3 quotes, verify USDOT credentials at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov, and book 4 to 6 weeks out to secure the best availability and pricing.
