The Best Long-Distance Movers in Wilkes-Barre, PA
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The best long-distance mover in Wilkes-Barre, PA is Clemmer Moving & Storage (4.48/5 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 658 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 Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre, 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 18 full-service interstate movers serving Wilkes-Barre, drawing on 658 verified customer reviews across Wilkes-Barre.
Safeway Moving was named the top-rated interstate mover for Wilkes-Barre based on moveBuddha's independent analysis.
Who are the best long-distance movers in Wilkes-Barre, PA for in-state moves?
moveBuddha reviewed 5 local movers serving Wilkes-Barre licensed for long-distance moves within Pennsylvania, drawing on 658 verified customer reviews across Wilkes-Barre. Clemmer Moving & Storage (4.48/5) was named the top-rated Wilkes-Barre-based mover based on moveBuddha's independent analysis. 5 of the 5 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 Wilkes-Barre are listed below.
Below are moveBuddha's top picks for long-distance movers that serve Wilkes-Barre but stay within Pennsylvania:
- Clemmer Moving & Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- L&J Moving and Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- NorthEastern Movers Inc.: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- BNT Movers LLC: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- Shively's Moving and Storage: 4.3 out of 5 stars
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. Clemmer Moving & Storage has been in business for 122 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like intrastate moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Clemmer Moving & Storage has about 62% positive reviews across roughly 227 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 1.9.
Quote accuracy 4.0
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Clemmer Moving & Storage.
Customer service 4.7
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Clemmer Moving & Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
"Everyone I worked with was outstanding—estimate, contract, pickup, delivery. Movers were kind, funny, dedicated, worked fast, took care of my items. Highly recommend Clemmer!"
"Clemmer moved us from NJ to TN last week and could not have done a better job. Careful, patient, thorough crews. Substantially lower cost than competitors. Great job guys!"
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Good communication
Efficient service
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. L&J Moving and Storage has been in business for 34 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like office moving and international moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. L&J Moving and Storage has about 80% positive reviews across roughly 252 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.0.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from L&J Moving and Storage.
Customer service 4.7
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. L&J Moving and Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
"The movers were very kind and communicated well to us. They took great care of our furniture. They wrapped, packed and carefully loaded several truck loads to organize and reload to a larger moving truck for the XC move."
"From start to finish the entire process was easy! Ryan came out to give us a quote ASAP and was very friendly. On move in day, the three gentlemen were very timely, efficient, respectful, and took good care of our furniture making sure nothing was damaged."
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. NorthEastern Movers Inc. has been in business for 7 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like office moving and labor-only moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. NorthEastern Movers Inc. has about 86% positive reviews across roughly 279 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.3.
Quote accuracy 4.0
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from NorthEastern Movers Inc..
Customer service 4.7
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. NorthEastern Movers Inc. emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"The crew arrived on the exact time and started packing everything. They delivered everything without any delays. This was the first time I was seeing efficient movers who knew what they were doing. I will definitely hire them again."
"They showed up on time, wrapped every piece of furniture before moving it. Every item was carefully unpacked and placed where we wanted. Polite, professional, friendly, and really helpful. I highly recommend them!"
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Affordable rates
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. BNT Movers LLC has been in business for 21 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like international moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. BNT Movers LLC has about 68% positive reviews across roughly 117 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 BNT Movers LLC.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. BNT Movers LLC emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"My experience with BNT movers was amazing! They were punctual, moved at a very fast yet safe pace. They were cautious not to damage any of the furniture or walls in the house. Very reasonable pricing."
"Office staff, driver & movers all very friendly & professional. Prompt, very careful handling everything, very reasonable fee for the great service."
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Efficient service
Good communication
Helpful movers
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Shively's Moving and Storage has been in business for 102 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like office moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Shively's Moving and Storage has about 93% positive reviews across roughly 251 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.1.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Shively's Moving and Storage, and Shively's Moving and Storage makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Shively's Moving and Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"The moving experience was so positive from the start! The office staff, estimator and crew were professional and so kind. It’s overwhelming to pack and move a lifetime of belongings and memories but Shively’s made it smooth."
"The entire crew was efficient, friendly, and professional. They showed respect for our belongings, took great care with everything, and finished the move faster than estimated. Highly recommend!"
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 Wilkes-Barre, PA movers offer?
Not every mover in Wilkes-Barre offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 5 Wilkes-Barre movers, here is what is available and how often:
- Art handling: offered by 60% of Wilkes-Barre movers, compared to 50% statewide and 46% nationally. Top pick: Clemmer Moving & Storage.
- Fragile-only packing: offered by 60% of Wilkes-Barre movers, compared to 28% statewide and 24% nationally. Top pick: Clemmer Moving & Storage.
- Storage: offered by 60% of Wilkes-Barre movers, compared to 87% statewide and 85% nationally. Top pick: Clemmer Moving & Storage.
- Hot tub relocation: offered by 20% of Wilkes-Barre movers, compared to 23% statewide and 22% nationally. Top pick: Clemmer Moving & Storage.
- Piano moving: offered by 60% of Wilkes-Barre movers, compared to 74% statewide and 73% nationally. Top pick: Clemmer Moving & Storage.
Does Wilkes-Barre have movers that offer art handling?
Art handling is available from 3 of 5 Wilkes-Barre movers (60.0%), compared to 50.48% statewide and 45.89% nationally. Clemmer Moving & Storage (4.48/5) and L&J Moving and Storage (4.48/5) rate highest for art handling in Wilkes-Barre.
| Art handling in Wilkes-Barre | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Wilkes-Barre providers |
Clemmer Moving & Storage
L&J Moving and Storage |
| Per-piece handling fee | $41 to $405 |
| Custom crating per item | $122 to $162 |
| 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 Wilkes-Barre have movers that offer junk removal?
No Wilkes-Barre movers in moveBuddha's dataset currently offer junk removal. Don Farr Moving & Storage (4.58/5) is the top-rated Pennsylvania option for Wilkes-Barre residents needing this service.
| Junk removal in Wilkes-Barre | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Pennsylvania provider | Don Farr Moving & Storage (4.58/5) |
| Typical cost per load | $122 to $405 |
| Single large item | $61 to $122 |
| 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 Wilkes-Barre have movers that offer fragile-only packing?
Fragile-only packing is available from 3 of 5 Wilkes-Barre movers (60.0%). Clemmer Moving & Storage (4.48/5) and L&J Moving and Storage (4.48/5) rate highest in Wilkes-Barre.
| Fragile-only packing in Wilkes-Barre | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Wilkes-Barre providers | Clemmer Moving & Storage 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 Wilkes-Barre have movers that offer storage?
Storage is available from 3 of 5 Wilkes-Barre movers (60.0%). Clemmer Moving & Storage (4.48/5) and L&J Moving and Storage (4.48/5) rate highest in Wilkes-Barre.
| Storage in Wilkes-Barre | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Wilkes-Barre providers | Clemmer Moving & Storage L&J Moving and Storage |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $208 |
| 2–3 bedroom monthly estimate (~1,000 cu ft) | $405 |
| 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 $208/month for a 1-bedroom load. Verify the billing start date and whether coverage remains active during the storage period before signing.
Does Wilkes-Barre have movers that offer hot tub relocation?
Hot tub relocation is available from 1 of 5 Wilkes-Barre movers (20.0%). Clemmer Moving & Storage (4.48/5) and Shively's Moving and Storage (4.3/5) rate highest in Wilkes-Barre.
| Hot tub relocation in Wilkes-Barre | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Wilkes-Barre providers | Clemmer Moving & Storage Shively's Moving and Storage |
| Bundled with full-service move | $122 to $324 |
| Standalone hot tub move | $243 to $648 |
| 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 Wilkes-Barre have movers that offer piano moving?
Piano moving is available from 3 of 5 Wilkes-Barre movers (60.0%). Clemmer Moving & Storage (4.48/5) and L&J Moving and Storage (4.48/5) rate highest in Wilkes-Barre.
| Piano moving in Wilkes-Barre | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Wilkes-Barre providers | Clemmer Moving & Storage L&J Moving and Storage |
| Upright piano | $648 to $1,215 |
| Baby grand piano | $972 to $2,025 |
| Grand piano | $1,458 to $2,835 |
| 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 Wilkes-Barre, PA for small long-distance moves?
NorthEastern Movers Inc. leads Wilkes-Barre's small-move providers with a 4.42/5 moveBuddha score, followed by College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving at 4.28/5. 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 Wilkes-Barre, 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 Wilkes-Barre residents who can handle their own loading or driving.
What are the best labor-only movers in Wilkes-Barre?
3 of 5 Wilkes-Barre movers (60.0%) offer labor-only services, compared to 39.05% statewide and 54.53% nationally. NorthEastern Movers Inc. (4.42/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated labor-only mover in Wilkes-Barre, followed by BMS Moving & Storage (4.02/5).
Labor-only movers handle loading and unloading without providing a truck, making them the right fit for Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre. 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 Wilkes-Barre, 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 Wilkes-Barre. Moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, making them the most cost-effective option for Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre, 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 Wilkes-Barre, 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 Wilkes-Barre. 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 Wilkes-Barre?
Here are some additional cost considerations for your long-distance Wilkes-Barre move:
- Distance: The farther you move from Wilkes-Barre, 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 Wilkes-Barre, 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 |
| Clemmer Moving & Storage | 4.48/5 | In-state long-distance moves | Local mover |
| L&J Moving and Storage | 4.48/5 | In-state alternative | Local mover |
| NorthEastern Movers Inc. | 4.42/5 | 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 Wilkes-Barre, PA
A step-by-step guide to verifying credentials, comparing carriers, and booking a reliable long-distance move from Wilkes-Barre, PA.
- Verify USDOT / FMCSA registration. Confirm every carrier's USDOT number at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before signing. Of the 5 movers moveBuddha tracks in Wilkes-Barre, 5 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 Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre, PA move. Interstate costs from Pennsylvania range from $482 for a studio to $4,229 for a 5+ bedroom home.
Long-distance moving from Wilkes-Barre, PA: frequently asked questions
What licenses does a long-distance mover in Wilkes-Barre need?
5 of the 5 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre?
Local Wilkes-Barre movers offer the best value for moves within Pennsylvania, across the 5 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in the area. 5 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 Wilkes-Barre?
Movers in Wilkes-Barre run slowest in November and December, when temperatures drop to an average low of 17°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 Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre?
DIY moving is the most affordable option out of Wilkes-Barre, 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 Wilkes-Barre apartment building require a COI from the movers?
Multi-unit buildings, condos, and managed communities in Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre, PA
The best starting point is 3 quotes from licensed movers. moveBuddha's top picks are Clemmer Moving & Storage 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 5 Wilkes-Barre movers so every recommendation on this page has been independently vetted.
