Riley and Sons Moving & Storage review 2026 (Philadelphia, PA)
In business since 1991 · Updated
Riley and Sons Moving & Storage, a Philadelphia, PA moving company, ranks #64 of 268 movers in Pennsylvania, with a moveBuddha rating of 4.22/5.
85% of Riley and Sons Moving & Storage's 211 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its flexibility, while the most common complaint involves unexpected charges.
In business since 1991, Riley and Sons Moving & Storage holds active FMCSA registration (USDOT #85429) and operates 15 trucks. Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.
How Riley and Sons Moving & Storage measures up
Across 211 reviews, Riley and Sons Moving & Storage in Philadelphia, PA is rated 4.7/5 on Google (144 reviews) and 3.6/5 on Yelp (63 reviews), and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Riley and Sons Moving & Storage ranks #64 out of 268 movers in Pennsylvania with a moveBuddha Score of 4.22 out of 5.
What goes into our score
Each category is scored out of 5. The line shows the overall score of 4.22.
- Website
- 5.0
- Industry experience
- 5.0
- Review quality
- 4.2
- Brand
- 4.0
- Customer service
- 3.9
Google rating
Based on 144 reviews
Yelp rating
Based on 63 reviews
Better Business Bureau
Based on BBB profile
Is Riley and Sons Moving & Storage moveBuddha Certified?
Riley and Sons 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. Riley and Sons 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 Riley and Sons Moving & Storage?
Out of 211 verified reviews, 85% of customers left a positive review about Riley and Sons Moving & Storage in Philadelphia, PA. 14.2% of reviews are negative and 0.5% are neutral. Riley and Sons Moving & Storage has a 4% lower positive review percentage than the average Pennsylvania moving company (85% vs the Pennsylvania state average of 89%).
- Positive85.3%(180)
- Neutral0.5%(1)
- Negative14.2%(30)
Based on 211 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.
What customers like about Riley and Sons Moving & Storage
Flexibility
Clients liked that Riley and Sons Moving & Storage was willing to adjust schedules or accommodate last-minute changes.
Affordable rates
Many reviewers found Riley and Sons Moving & Storage to be more budget-friendly than competitors without sacrificing quality.
Respectful of property
Customers appreciated how carefully Riley and Sons 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 Riley and Sons Moving & Storage's attention to detail.
Friendly and approachable staff
Many customers felt at ease working with the courteous and personable team at Riley and Sons Moving & Storage.
What positive reviewers say
“They did not require a deposit and were accommodating when we pushed our moving date back twice.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “The pricing was very competitive, the team was efficient and kind, and they finished under the quoted time.”
Brianna BrophyVerified ReviewerGoogle“They took great care to protect our home, using mats on floors and stairs and treating our belongings as if they were their own.”
Marian MaierVerified ReviewerGoogle“They were very flexible with placing items exactly where I needed them.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “The movers were polite, careful, and friendly, and everything arrived safely without damage.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer
What mixed reviewers say
“John and Steve arrived promptly, worked quickly and gently, and completed the move in about three hours. Office communication and scheduling were poor, with a last-minute change and rude customer service.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer
Most common complaints about Riley and Sons Moving & Storage
Unexpected charges
Hidden fees or surprise costs caused dissatisfaction among some Riley and Sons Moving & Storage clients.
Damage to items
Some customers reported that items were damaged during packing or loading.
Misplaced or lost items
In some cases, belongings went missing or were delivered to the wrong location.
What negative reviewers say
“They left out terms until the day before the move and overcharged me. Get the full contract and rules beforehand.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “They broke my headboard and ripped my sectional. One mover hid the broken headboard piece in the closet while the company delayed my claim.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “Several antiques were broken during transit, and several boxes never arrived. The company said it was not responsible because the boxes had no outside damage.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “The estimate was $1,800, but storage led to another $1,800 charge that was never explained beforehand.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer
Riley and Sons Moving & Storage
4.22Philadelphia, PASince 1991
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
Riley and Sons Moving & Storage
4.22
Philadelphia, PA · Since 1991
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from Riley and Sons Moving & Storage, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Philadelphia.
Compare prices side by side
See where Riley and Sons 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 Riley and Sons Moving & Storage offer?
Riley and Sons Moving & Storage takes on small moves and commercial moves, alongside packing and unpacking.
Services offered
Is Riley and Sons Moving & Storage licensed and insured?
Federally licensed, operating authority active
US DOT 85429 Check on SAFER
Verified against the FMCSA, not by moveBuddha
Yes, Riley and Sons Moving & Storage is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under US DOT number 85429, as JOSEPH P RILEY AND SONS MOVING COMPANY INC, and its operating status is currently active. It also holds a Pennsylvania intrastate license, number A0011104.
Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover Riley and Sons Moving & Storage holds. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you book.
- State license number
- A0011104Issued by Pennsylvania. Covers moves within the state, which the FMCSA does not
- Registered legal name
- JOSEPH P RILEY AND SONS MOVING COMPANY INCThe entity behind the trading name, as filed with the FMCSA
- FMCSA safety rating
- Not ratedMost carriers are unrated. A rating is only assigned after a compliance review. It is not a failed one.
- Trucks registered
- 15Power units reported to the FMCSA
- Miles driven
- 157,530Reported to the FMCSA for 2024
- Roadside inspections
- 0Recorded by the FMCSA
- FMCSA record last updated
- June 2026
How much does Riley and Sons Moving & Storage cost?
Riley and Sons 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 Riley and Sons 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
Riley and Sons 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 Riley and Sons Moving & Storage offer?
- Accepts
- Credit Cards
- Deposit
- Not listed, so ask
Riley and Sons Moving & Storage accepts credit cards. Deposit policies vary by mover, so ask whether one is required when you request a quote.
How Riley and Sons Moving & Storage compares with the top 10 Philadelphia movers
Riley and Sons Moving & Storage's moveBuddha score of 4.22 out of 5 places it #23, outside the top 10 Philadelphia moving companies, 0.20 points behind Zippy Shell, the tenth-placed mover. At 211 reviews, Riley and Sons Moving & Storage has fewer reviews than nine of the ten. Where Riley and Sons Moving & Storage falls behind is customer service, with the lowest customer service score in the group.
The ten highest-scoring local movers near Philadelphia, by moveBuddha score.
| # | Mover | Score | Reviews | Yelp | BBB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Superior Moving & StoragePhiladelphia | 4.62 | 1,159 | 4.3 | 2.8 | A+ |
| 2 | Hughes Relocation ServicesLansdale | 4.52 | 626 | 4.7 | 3.4 | A+ |
| 3 | Gentle Giant Moving CompanyPhiladelphia | 4.52 | 448 | 4.9 | 4.8 | A+ |
| 4 | Payless Moving Inc.Blackwood | 4.52 | 221 | 4.5 | 3.4 | A+ |
| 5 | Anchor Moving & Storage Inc.Cinnaminson | 4.48 | 351 | 4.8 | 2.2 | A+ |
| 6 | EverSafe Moving Co.Philadelphia | 4.44 | 962 | 4.9 | 4.7 | A+ |
| 7 | TWO MEN AND A TRUCKNorristown | 4.44 | 902 | 4.4 | 1.8 | A- |
| 8 | Sloane Moving & StorageElkins Park | 4.44 | 340 | 4.8 | 3.7 | A+ |
| 9 | Keep It Moving, LLCPhiladelphia | 4.44 | 191 | 4.2 | 3.1 | A |
| 10 | Zippy ShellPottstown | 4.42 | 602 | 4.6 | 3.8 | C- |
| 23 | Riley and Sons Moving & StorageThis mover · ranks #23 | 4.22 | 211 | 4.7 | 3.6 | A+ |
How does Riley and Sons Moving & Storage compare to other Pennsylvania movers?
- moveBuddha score#64 of 268(better than average)
4.22vs 3.70 avg
Riley and Sons Moving & Storage scores 4.22, above the Pennsylvania average of 3.70, and ranks #64 of 268 Pennsylvania movers.
- Positive reviews#151 of 268(worse than average)
85%vs 89% avg
Riley and Sons Moving & Storage has 85% positive reviews, below the Pennsylvania average of 89%, and ranks #151 of 268 Pennsylvania movers.
- Negative reviews#156 of 268(worse than average)
14%vs 10% avg
Riley and Sons Moving & Storage has 14% negative reviews, above the Pennsylvania average of 10%, and ranks #156 of 268 Pennsylvania movers. A lower percentage is better.
- Reviews analyzed#68 of 268(worse than average)
211vs 289 avg
Riley and Sons Moving & Storage has 211 reviews analyzed, below the Pennsylvania average of 289, and ranks #68 of 268 Pennsylvania movers.
- Yelp rating#47 of 268(better than average)
3.6vs 3.5 avg
Riley and Sons Moving & Storage has a Yelp rating of 3.6, above the Pennsylvania average of 3.5, and ranks #47 of 268 Pennsylvania movers.
- Years in business#28 of 268(better than average)
35 yearsvs 32 years avg
Riley and Sons Moving & Storage has been in business for 35 years, above the Pennsylvania average of 32 years, and ranks #28 of 268 Pennsylvania movers.
| Metric | This moverRiley and Sons Moving & Storage | Pennsylvania avg | Pennsylvania rank | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| moveBuddha score#64 of 268 in Pennsylvania | 4.22 | 3.70 | #64 of 268 | +0.52(better than average) |
| Positive reviews#151 of 268 in Pennsylvania | 85% | 89% | #151 of 268 | −4 pts(worse than average) |
| Negative reviewsLower is better#156 of 268 in Pennsylvania | 14% | 10% | #156 of 268 | +4 pts(worse than average) |
| Reviews analyzed#68 of 268 in Pennsylvania | 211 | 289 | #68 of 268 | −78(worse than average) |
| Yelp rating#47 of 268 in Pennsylvania | 3.6 | 3.5 | #47 of 268 | +0.1(better than average) |
| Years in business#28 of 268 in Pennsylvania | 35 years | 32 years | #28 of 268 | +3(better than average) |
Compared with 268 Pennsylvania movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in Pennsylvania.
Riley and Sons Moving & Storage
4.22Philadelphia, PASince 1991
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 Riley and Sons Moving & Storage, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Philadelphia.
Compare prices side by side
See where Riley and Sons 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.
Riley and Sons Moving & Storage
4.22
Philadelphia, PA · Since 1991
Final verdict: Riley and Sons Moving & Storage
Riley and Sons Moving & Storage earns a 4.22/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #23 among Philadelphia movers, with 85% positive feedback across 211 customer reviews.
Customers consistently praise its flexibility and affordable rates. It is best for customers prioritizing crew professionalism, helpful crews, and reliable service experience.
With 15 trucks and a track record dating to 1991, it has more history than the average Pennsylvania mover, and the most common complaint is unexpected charges.
All ratings reflect moveBuddha's analysis updated November 2026, based on independent research and verified customer reviews.
Riley and Sons Moving & Storage
4.22
Philadelphia, PA · Since 1991
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 Riley and Sons Moving & Storage
- Phone
- (215) 342-0228
- Website
- rileyandsonsmoving.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.