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Shively's Moving and Storage review 2026 (Bethlehem, PA)

In business since 1924 · Updated

Shively's Moving and Storage is a Bethlehem, PA mover ranked #26 of 235 movers in Pennsylvania with a 4.42/5 rating.

94% of Shively's Moving and Storage's 357 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its affordable rates, while the most common complaint involves higher-than-expected costs.

In business since 1924, Shively's Moving and Storage holds active FMCSA registration (USDOT #3103710) and operates 7 trucks. Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.

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How Shively's Moving and Storage measures up

Across 357 reviews, Shively's Moving and Storage in Bethlehem, PA is rated 4.8/5 on Google (271 reviews) and 3.9/5 on Yelp (33 reviews), and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Shively's Moving and Storage ranks #26 out of 235 movers in Pennsylvania with a moveBuddha Score of 4.42 out of 5.

  • moveBuddha Score

    moveBuddha Score

    The moveBuddha Score is a single 0–5 rating that combines everything we know about a mover, so you can compare companies without cross-referencing a dozen review sites.

    It weighs customer service, quote accuracy, review quality, industry experience, website quality, brand strength, and ratings from Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau.

    It is not a paid placement. Partners and non-partners are scored the same way.

  • Google rating

    Based on 271 reviews
  • Yelp rating

    Based on 33 reviews
  • Better Business Bureau

    Based on BBB profile
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Is Shively's Moving and Storage moveBuddha Certified?

Shively's Moving and 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. Shively's Moving and 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 Shively's Moving and Storage?

Out of 357 verified reviews, 94% of customers left a positive review about Shively's Moving and Storage in Bethlehem, PA. 5.6% of reviews are negative. Shively's Moving and Storage has a 5% higher positive review percentage than the average Pennsylvania moving company (94% vs the Pennsylvania state average of 89%).

  • Positive94.4%(337)
  • Negative5.6%(20)

Based on 357 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.

What customers like about Shively's Moving and Storage

  • Affordable rates

    Many reviewers found Shively's Moving and Storage to be more budget-friendly than competitors without sacrificing quality.

  • Consistency and follow-up

    Reviewers liked that Shively's Moving and Storage stayed in touch before and after the move to ensure everything went smoothly.

  • Friendly and approachable staff

    Many customers felt at ease working with the courteous and personable team at Shively's Moving and Storage.

  • Flexibility

    Clients liked that Shively's Moving and Storage was willing to adjust schedules or accommodate last-minute changes.

  • Professional and polite staff

    Customers say the Shively's Moving and Storage's crews and service representatives handled their move professionally and were friendly and helpful throughout the move.

What positive reviewers say

  • “Fast service. Great experience. Consistent communication. Up front and realistic with prices. Definitely recommend.”

    Raquel MenendezVerified ReviewerGoogle
  • “From start to finish Kelly made our moving experience effortless. The crew was respectful, professional and timely. I highly recommend!”

    Dee GadsVerified ReviewerGoogle
  • “Initial estimate was higher than I wanted, so I took on smaller items and boxes myself. With a lower quote, the move finished well under time and under estimate.”

    Chris ColeVerified ReviewerGoogle
  • “The crew was very friendly, efficient, and professional. The office staff was very responsive to concerns and questions as well. Highly recommend!”

    Abbey LovellVerified ReviewerGoogle

Most common complaints about Shively's Moving and Storage

  • Higher-than-expected costs

    Final bills were occasionally much higher than initial estimates, upsetting customers.

  • Unprofessional behavior

    Complaints included movers using foul language, showing up late, or acting inappropriately.

  • Inaccurate estimates

    Estimates from Shively's Moving and Storage were sometimes way off from what customers were ultimately billed.

What negative reviewers say

  • “I received a quote of $3,370 to move seven minutes down the street. Other Lehigh Valley movers quoted $800–$1,200. Great customer service aside from the pricing.”

    GoogleVerified Reviewer
  • “Shively's gave me a great quote but presented a bill 55% over the estimate. The crew was good, but they damaged an appliance, front door, and hardwood floor.”

    GoogleVerified Reviewer
  • “The three men took so many smoke breaks that I felt an hour of the charge was spent smoking. Some items were scratched, and they did not mention the damage.”

    YelpVerified Reviewer
  • “We hired them to load a U-Haul. On unloading, we found major furniture damage; items were not wrapped, and heavy pieces were stacked on light ones.”

    YelpVerified Reviewer

Shively's Moving and Storage

4.42Bethlehem, PASince 1924

Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.

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What services does Shively's Moving and Storage offer?

Licensed under US DOT number 3103710, Shively's Moving and Storage offers full-service moving, local moves, long-distance moves, and commercial moves.

Services offered

Is Shively's Moving and Storage licensed and insured?

Federally licensed, operating authority active

US DOT 3103710 Check on SAFER

Verified against the FMCSA, not by moveBuddha

Yes, Shively's Moving and Storage is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under US DOT number 3103710, as SHIVELY'S MOVING & STORAGE LLC, and its operating status is currently active. It also holds a Pennsylvania intrastate license, number A-8921071.

Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover Shively's Moving and Storage holds. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you book.

State license number
A-8921071Issued by Pennsylvania. Covers moves within the state, which the FMCSA does not
Registered legal name
SHIVELY'S MOVING & STORAGE LLCThe 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
7Power units reported to the FMCSA
Miles driven
87,500Reported to the FMCSA for 2024
Roadside inspections
0Recorded by the FMCSA
FMCSA record last updated
July 2026

How much does Shively's Moving and Storage cost?

Shively's Moving and Storage lists an hourly rate of $55, below the Pennsylvania average of $137/hr. At that rate, a studio or 1-bedroom move (3–5 hours with 2 movers) would come to about $150–$300. Larger homes need more movers and hours: totals from similar movers typically run $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 Shively's Moving and 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.

Typical local move totals from similar movers
Home sizeTypical totalTime and crew
Studio / 1 bedroom$400–$7503–5 hours, 2 movers
2-3 bedrooms$850–$1,7505–8 hours, 2–3 movers
4+ bedrooms$1,700–$3,4008–12 hours, 3–4 movers

What similar movers typically bill for a long-distance move

Shively's Moving and 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.

Typical long-distance move totals from similar movers
Home sizeDistanceTypical total
2-3 bedrooms500–1,000 mi$4,500–$7,500
4+ bedrooms500–1,000 mi$7,000–$11,500

What payment options and discounts does Shively's Moving and Storage offer?

Accepts
Credit CardsCash
Deposit
Required to book
Discounts
Military

Shively's Moving and Storage accepts credit cards and cash. A deposit is required to book. Shively's Moving and Storage's terms: A deposit is required to reserve and book a move: $200 for local moves and $1,000 for long-distance moves. The balance is due upon completion. Credit or debit card payments for the balance incur a 3% processing fee; the fee does not apply to card payments for the deposit.

Shively's Moving and Storage also offers a military discount. Ask what you qualify for and how much you could save before you book.

How Shively's Moving and Storage compares with other local movers

With a moveBuddha score of 4.42 out of 5, Shively's Moving and Storage places first when ranked against the four top-rated movers in the Bethlehem area, level on score with Clemmer Moving & Storage but with more reviews. Where Shively's Moving and Storage falls behind is brand, with the lowest brand score in the group.

The four highest-scoring nearby movers, by moveBuddha score.

#MoverScoreReviews
1Shively's Moving and StorageThis mover · ranks #14.42357
2Clemmer Moving & StorageTelford4.42287
3College Hunks Hauling Junk & MovingCoplay4.301,552
4TWO MEN AND A TRUCKAllentown4.30437
5Adam Meyer Moving & StorageBethlehem4.2621

How does Shively's Moving and Storage compare to other Pennsylvania movers?

  • moveBuddha score#26 of 235(better than average)

    4.42vs 3.75 avg

    Shively's Moving and Storage scores 4.42, above the Pennsylvania average of 3.75, and ranks #26 of 235 Pennsylvania movers.

  • Positive reviews#89 of 235(better than average)

    94%vs 89% avg

    Shively's Moving and Storage has 94% positive reviews, above the Pennsylvania average of 89%, and ranks #89 of 235 Pennsylvania movers.

  • Negative reviews#98 of 235(better than average)

    6%vs 10% avg

    Shively's Moving and Storage has 6% negative reviews, below the Pennsylvania average of 10%, and ranks #98 of 235 Pennsylvania movers. A lower percentage is better.

  • Reviews analyzed#44 of 235(better than average)

    357vs 290 avg

    Shively's Moving and Storage has 357 reviews analyzed, above the Pennsylvania average of 290, and ranks #44 of 235 Pennsylvania movers.

  • Yelp rating#37 of 235(better than average)

    3.9vs 3.5 avg

    Shively's Moving and Storage has a Yelp rating of 3.9, above the Pennsylvania average of 3.5, and ranks #37 of 235 Pennsylvania movers.

  • BBB rating#40 of 235(better than average)

    A+vs A avg

    Shively's Moving and Storage has a BBB rating of A+, above the Pennsylvania average of A, and ranks #40 of 235 Pennsylvania movers.

  • Years in business#8 of 235(better than average)

    102 yearsvs 32 years avg

    Shively's Moving and Storage has been in business for 102 years, above the Pennsylvania average of 32 years, and ranks #8 of 235 Pennsylvania movers.

MetricThis moverPennsylvania avg
moveBuddha score#26 of 235 in Pennsylvania4.423.75
Positive reviews#89 of 235 in Pennsylvania94%89%
Negative reviewsLower is better#98 of 235 in Pennsylvania6%10%
Reviews analyzed#44 of 235 in Pennsylvania357290
Yelp ratingBased on only 33 reviews#37 of 235 in Pennsylvania3.93.5
BBB rating#40 of 235 in PennsylvaniaA+A
Years in business#8 of 235 in Pennsylvania102 years32 years

Compared with 235 Pennsylvania movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in Pennsylvania.

Shively's Moving and Storage

4.42Bethlehem, PASince 1924

Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.

Get My Free Quote

No obligation · Fast, easy, and free

Or call (610) 867-4513

Final verdict: Shively's Moving and Storage

Shively's Moving and Storage earns a 4.42/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #26 among Pennsylvania movers, with 94% positive feedback across 357 customer reviews.

Customers consistently praise its affordable rates and consistency and follow-up. It is best for customers prioritizing crew professionalism, helpful crews, and reliable service experience.

With 7 trucks and a track record dating to 1924, it has more history than the average Pennsylvania mover, and the most common complaint is higher-than-expected costs.

All ratings reflect moveBuddha's analysis updated October 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.

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

Read the full scoring methodology

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.

Shively's Moving and Storage
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