The Best Long-Distance Movers in Reading, PA
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The best long-distance mover in Reading, PA is The Armstrong Company (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 7,216 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 Reading 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 Reading, 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 46 full-service interstate movers serving Reading, drawing on 7,216 verified customer reviews across Reading.
Safeway Moving was named the top-rated interstate mover for Reading based on moveBuddha's independent analysis.
Who are the best long-distance movers in Reading, PA for in-state moves?
moveBuddha reviewed 38 local movers serving Reading licensed for long-distance moves within Pennsylvania, drawing on 7,216 verified customer reviews across Reading. The Armstrong Company (4.58/5) was named the top-rated Reading-based mover based on moveBuddha's independent analysis. 38 of the 40 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 Reading are listed below.
Below are moveBuddha's top picks for long-distance movers that serve Reading but stay within Pennsylvania:
- The Armstrong Company: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Hughes Relocation Services: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Forward Moving LLC: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Zip to Zip Moving Inc: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Zippy Shell: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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 office 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
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 interstate moving and intrastate 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 3.4.
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."
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 labor-only moving and intrastate 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
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 intrastate moving and small-scale 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."
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Friendly and approachable staff
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. Zippy Shell has been in business for 7 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like small-scale moving and interstate 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."
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 Reading, PA movers offer?
Not every mover in Reading offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 40 Reading movers, here is what is available and how often:
- Art handling: offered by 60% of Reading movers, compared to 50% statewide and 46% nationally. Top pick: The Armstrong Company.
- Junk removal: offered by 40% of Reading movers, compared to 33% statewide and 36% nationally. Top pick: Forward Moving LLC.
- Fragile-only packing: offered by 20% of Reading movers, compared to 28% statewide and 24% nationally. Top pick: The Armstrong Company.
- Storage: offered by 98% of Reading movers, compared to 87% statewide and 85% nationally. Top pick: The Armstrong Company.
- Hot tub relocation: offered by 20% of Reading movers, compared to 23% statewide and 22% nationally. Top pick: Zip to Zip Moving Inc.
- Piano moving: offered by 73% of Reading movers, compared to 74% statewide and 73% nationally. Top pick: The Armstrong Company.
Does Reading have movers that offer art handling?
Art handling is available from 24 of 40 Reading movers (60.0%), compared to 50.48% statewide and 45.9% nationally. The Armstrong Company (4.58/5) and Hughes Relocation Services (4.56/5) rate highest for art handling in Reading.
| Art handling in Reading | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Reading providers |
The Armstrong Company
Hughes Relocation Services |
| Per-piece handling fee | $47 to $470 |
| Custom crating per item | $141 to $188 |
| 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 Reading have movers that offer junk removal?
Junk removal is available from 16 of 40 Reading movers (40.0%). Forward Moving LLC (4.52/5) and Zippy Shell (4.5/5) rate highest in Reading.
| Junk removal in Reading | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Reading providers | Forward Moving LLC Zippy Shell |
| Typical cost per load | $141 to $470 |
| Single large item | $71 to $141 |
| 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 Reading have movers that offer fragile-only packing?
Fragile-only packing is available from 8 of 40 Reading movers (20.0%). The Armstrong Company (4.58/5) and L&J Moving and Storage (4.48/5) rate highest in Reading.
| Fragile-only packing in Reading | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Reading providers | The Armstrong Company L&J Moving and 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 Reading have movers that offer storage?
Storage is available from 39 of 40 Reading movers (97.5%). The Armstrong Company (4.58/5) and Hughes Relocation Services (4.56/5) rate highest in Reading.
| Storage in Reading | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Reading providers | The Armstrong Company Hughes Relocation Services |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $242 |
| 2–3 bedroom monthly estimate (~1,000 cu ft) | $470 |
| 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 $242/month for a 1-bedroom load. Verify the billing start date and whether coverage remains active during the storage period before signing.
Does Reading have movers that offer hot tub relocation?
Hot tub relocation is available from 8 of 40 Reading movers (20.0%). Zip to Zip Moving Inc (4.5/5) and Zippy Shell (4.5/5) rate highest in Reading.
| Hot tub relocation in Reading | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Reading providers | Zip to Zip Moving Inc Zippy Shell |
| Bundled with full-service move | $141 to $376 |
| Standalone hot tub move | $282 to $752 |
| 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 Reading have movers that offer piano moving?
Piano moving is available from 29 of 40 Reading movers (72.5%). The Armstrong Company (4.58/5) and Hughes Relocation Services (4.56/5) rate highest in Reading.
| Piano moving in Reading | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Reading providers | The Armstrong Company Hughes Relocation Services |
| Upright piano | $752 to $1,410 |
| Baby grand piano | $1,128 to $2,350 |
| Grand piano | $1,692 to $3,290 |
| 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 Reading, PA for small long-distance moves?
Zip to Zip Moving Inc leads Reading's small-move providers with a 4.5/5 moveBuddha score, followed by Zippy Shell at 4.5/5. 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 Reading, 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 Reading residents who can handle their own loading or driving.
What are the best labor-only movers in Reading?
13 of 40 Reading movers (32.5%) offer labor-only services, compared to 39.05% statewide and 54.51% nationally. Zippy Shell (4.5/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated labor-only mover in Reading, followed by Forward Moving LLC (4.52/5).
Labor-only movers handle loading and unloading without providing a truck, making them the right fit for Reading 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 Reading 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 Reading. 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 Reading, 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 Reading. Moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, making them the most cost-effective option for Reading 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 Reading, 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 Reading, 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 Reading. 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 Reading?
Here are some additional cost considerations for your long-distance Reading move:
- Distance: The farther you move from Reading, 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 Reading, 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 |
| The Armstrong Company | 4.58/5 | In-state long-distance moves | Local mover |
| Hughes Relocation Services | 4.56/5 | In-state alternative | Local mover |
| Zip to Zip Moving Inc | 4.5/5 | 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 Reading, PA
A step-by-step guide to verifying credentials, comparing carriers, and booking a reliable long-distance move from Reading, PA.
- Verify USDOT / FMCSA registration. Confirm every carrier's USDOT number at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before signing. Of the 40 movers moveBuddha tracks in Reading, 33 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 Reading 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 Reading, PA move. Interstate costs from Pennsylvania range from $482 for a studio to $4,229 for a 5+ bedroom home.
Long-distance moving from Reading, PA: frequently asked questions
What licenses does a long-distance mover in Reading need?
33 of the 40 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in Reading 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 Reading?
Local Reading movers offer the best value for moves within Pennsylvania, across the 40 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in the area. 33 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 Reading?
Movers in Reading run slowest in November and December, when temperatures drop to an average low of 21°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 Reading 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 Reading?
DIY moving is the most affordable option out of the The Pretzel City, 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 Reading apartment building require a COI from the movers?
Multi-unit buildings, condos, and managed communities in Reading 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 Reading 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 Reading, PA
The best starting point is 3 quotes from licensed movers. moveBuddha's top picks are The Armstrong Company 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 40 Reading movers so every recommendation on this page has been independently vetted.
