Best overall value
Local moving companies in Irvine
- Best California Movers: 5.0 out of 5 stars
- Meathead Movers: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Terry Moving and Storage Inc.: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Maison Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Qshark Moving Company Inc: 4.62 out of 5 stars
Customer Praise
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Professional and polite staff
- Good communication
Customer Complaints
- Damage to items
- Inaccurate estimates
- Poor complaint handling
Review Analysis
Moving perfection is rare, but Best California Movers comes close. Out of 1,177 pieces of customer feedback, over 98% are positive. Customers highlight the company's efficient service, careful handling, quick moving process, professional staff, and great communication. Moves are completed swiftly without sacrificing care, and teams are consistently polite and attentive. Transparent pricing and quick response times also set this company apart from many others. On the flip side, a small number of people mention issues like item damage, inaccurate estimates leading to unexpected costs, and slow resolution to complaints. While most customers found pricing and final charges accurate, those few negative experiences reflect the main risks found in the industryโmiscommunication, claim delays, and the rare mishandling of belongings. Compared to typical movers, Best California Movers receives far fewer complaints about property damage and shows higher reliability and responsiveness. The feedback shows why so many recommend them for hassle-free, well-managed moves.
Company Info
State license #: T0192283
Pricing: $109/hr
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3489907
Alternate Names: Best California Movers & Storage, An Moving Forward
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Customer Praise
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Customer Complaints
- Damage to items
- Higher-than-expected costs
- Delayed arrival or delivery
Review Analysis
Meathead Movers stands out for hustle, professionalism, and customer care. Out of 596 feedback entries, 76.7% reflected positive experiences, far surpassing most moving services. Customers consistently mention the professional and polite attitude of staff, quick and efficient moves, careful handling of belongings, and clear communication throughout the process. On the other hand, some input details damage to furniture or property, unexpected costs, and occasional delays with arrival or delivery. Still, the frequency of efficient and careful service notably outweighs these issues. Based on customer input, Meathead Movers sets a higher standard for moving companies by maintaining reliable service, though attention to damage prevention and transparent pricing could be further improved to match their strong reputation.
Company Info
State license #: 189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meat Head Movers Inc, Meathead Movers Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Customer Praise
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Customer Complaints
- Damage to items
- Unexpected charges
- Lack of communication
Review Analysis
Word travels fast when a moving company stands out, and Terry Moving and Storage Inc. has built a strong reputation with feedback from 419 customersโnearly 94% of whom share positive input. Customers consistently praise the speed and efficiency of service, the professionalism and courtesy of the moving team, and especially their careful handling of valuable items. Staff members receive high marks for their great communication, making the moving process less stressful. Common negatives reported include occasional damage to belongings, unexpected fees or pricing differences, and some gaps in communication during problem situations. While some reviewers faced issues with lost items or claims handling, these incidents are much less frequent than is typical for the industry. Compared to most moving companies, Terry Moving and Storage Inc. is viewed as more reliable and responsive, with a reputation for organization and genuinely helpful crews. The significant volume of positive input confirms this company sets a high bar for moving and storage providers.
Company Info
State license #: 189603
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 649215
Alternate Names: Terry Moving and Storage Inc, Richards Moving Company, Orange County Storage Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Customer Praise
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Good communication
- Quick moving process
Customer Complaints
- Damage to items
- Misplaced or lost items
- Unreliable timing
Review Analysis
Word spreads fast about a moving company that gets the job done. Out of 293 customer reviews, Maison Moving earned high marks, with 84% giving glowing feedback. Customers repeatedly mention the efficiency, professionalism, and care shown by the movers, highlighting strong communication, timely arrivals, and careful handling of belongings. Many found booking straightforward, pricing transparent, and crews helpful and polite. Moving day stresses were often eased by their quick, organized approach. Negative feedback, making up 14% of input, centered on damaged or missing items and rare delays or unprepared crews. Some clients were frustrated by the claims process or communication breakdowns after problems. Only 1% described neutral experiences, usually pointing out minor issues like unexpected fees or average service. Compared to others, Maison Moving stands out for its reliable, efficient service but could improve on accountability and claims handling when things go wrong.
Company Info
State license #: 0190726
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 76628
Alternate Names: Orange County Movers Inc, College Boys Moving and Storage of Orange County, Affordable Moving and Storage of Orange County
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Customer Praise
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Customer Complaints
- Damage to items
- Unreliable timing
- Misplaced or lost items
Review Analysis
Moving with Qshark Moving Company Inc leaves most customers satisfiedโof the 233 feedback entries reviewed, 94% reflect positive experiences. Customers frequently mention the companyโs efficiency, careful handling, professionalism, speed, and quality communication. Friendly movers put families at ease while skillfully protecting and transporting belongings, even on challenging jobs. People enjoyed transparent pricing, easy booking, and prompt serviceโa sharp contrast with typical moving frustrations elsewhere. Some negative input centers on damages to furniture or property, unreliable scheduling, and a handful of lost items, experiences rarely found in top-rated moving services. Qsharkโs customer service stood out, with many reports of prompt resolution and willingness to correct issues, but a few reviewers describe problems with poor packing and slow or unresponsive claims. Most movers arrive with proper equipment, work quickly, and demonstrate respect for clients' homes and personal items. Compared to other providers, Qsharkโs consistently positive input and resolution-driven management set a higher standard, though occasional lapses in care and timing suggest evaluating claims policies for peace of mind.
Company Info
State license #: 0191490
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2758929
Alternate Names: Qshark Movers, Shark Moving Compnay, Shark Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Key factors that impact the cost of your Irvine to Philadelphia move
What to know before moving from Irvine to Philadelphia
Moving from Irvine to Philadelphia means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Irvine than in Philadelphia, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Irvine compares to Philadelphia so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Irvine | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $4,000 | $1,695 |
| Average home value | $1,561,760 | $216,914 |
| Average income (per capita) | $114,027 | $70,746 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $9,167 | $2,541 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $18,000 | $6,190 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 10.6% |
| Sales tax | 7.75% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 3.07% |
- Rent prices in Philadelphia are 58% lower than in Irvine, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Philadelphia.
Home prices in Philadelphia are 86.1% lower than in Irvine. - Income in Philadelphia is 38.0% lower than in Irvine, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Philadelphia include Amtak, Comcast, and COFCO.
- The cost of living for a single person in Philadelphia is 72.3% lower than in Irvine. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Philadelphia is 65.6% lower than in Irvine.
- The unemployment rate in Philadelphia is 96.30% higher than in Irvine.
- You'll spend more on retail and restaurants in Philadelphia, since the city's sales taxes in Philadelphia are 3.23% higher than in Irvine.
- One perk of moving to Philadelphia is paying less in state income taxes, which are 76.92% lower than in Irvine.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $831.57 in Philadelphia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Irvine.
How life is different in Irvine vs. Philadelphia
| Philadelphia | Irvine | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,603,797 | 307,670 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 9 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 75 | 43 |
| Bike friendliness score | 67 | 69 |
| Crime Index | 66.09 | 31.01 |
| Safety Index | 33.91 | 68.99 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- The population of Philadelphia is about 421% greater than Irvine, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Philadelphia offers better access to buses and trains than Irvine, based on public transportation ratings. Philadelphia has a transit score of 9 out of 10 compared to 4 in Irvine. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Living in Philadelphia means you'll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Irvine. Philadelphia is considered more walkable than Irvine, with a score of 75 out of 100 versus 43 out of 100 in Irvine. A city's walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- Philadelphia and Irvine are similarly bike-friendly based on their comparable ratings of 67 and 69 respectively. Bike-friendliness scores between 50 and 100 indicate varying levels of infrastructure to support cyclists, including bike lanes and roadway connectivity. Cities with scores under 50 are considered more car-dependent.
- The crime rate in Philadelphia is higher than in Irvine, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 66.09 in Philadelphia, it is 31.01 in Irvine. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city's crime levels.
- You may want to exercise more caution as you're getting used to your new surroundings in Philadelphia. With a crime index of 33.91, Philadelphia ranks lower in overall safety than Irvine, whose index is Irvine's 68.99. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
- The air quality in Philadelphia and Irvine is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Irvine vs. Philadelphia move
- Weather: Philadelphia has hot and muggy summers and the fall and spring are generally mild, and winter is moderately cold. If you are planning a summer move make sure to check the weather to avoid overall humid and hot days,
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: For decades movers In Pennsylvania were regulated by the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Each company was issued a PUC Number and was required to abide by a universal publicly published tariff that established the rates movers could charge for various services. Now, some sources claim that the PUC no longer regulates in-state movers, and it appears as though the PUCโs website is no longer functioning. So if youโre moving within Pennsylvania, youโll want to address these issues with your moving company representative and if possible, contact the state directly. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Pennsylvania moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Pennsylvania does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Philadelphia. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.In Pennsylvania, movers typically offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For more comprehensive coverage, inquire about Full Value Protection with the moving company, or explore third-party insurance options for tailored plans. Consider coverage limits, additional costs, and reviews before making a decision.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Philadelphia
Now that you've decided to make the move to "Philly", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Philadelphia.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cedar Park
- Fishtown
- Manayunk
- Point Breeze
- Washington Square West
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bella Vista
- Bustleton
- Fitler Square/Rittenhouse Square (City Center West)
- Foxchase
- Roxborough
Things to do in Philadelphia
Once you're settled into your new home in Pennsylvania, it's time to get out and discover what Philadelphia has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Philadelphia features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes, Museum of the American Revolution, and The Franklin Institute.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Wissahickon Valley Park, Spruce Street Harbor Park, Fairmount Park, and Love Park โ among other spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Philadelphia 76ers (NBA), Philadelphia Eagles (NFL), Philadelphia Flyers (NHL), or Philadelphia Phillies (MLB) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Irvine to Philadelphia?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Irvine to Philadelphia are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Irvine are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Irvine to Philadelphia?
With many people choosing to move from Irvine to Philadelphia in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Irvine to Philadelphia take?
Moving from Irvine, CA to Philadelphia, PA covers 2,706 miles and usually takes seven to 21 days. Need to move faster? Some Irvine movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Philadelphia.
