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Local moving companies in Massachusetts
When relocating from Massachusetts to Philadelphia, PA, let our favorite local movers take the stress out of your journey from the Bay State to the lively Philly. We’ve rounded up moving companies that specialize in making your move smooth and simple, so you can focus on settling into your new home.
Out of 83 Massachusetts movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Philadelphia, PA.
- Boston Best Rate Movers: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Oscar's Moving Company: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Poseidon Moving: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Humboldt Storage & Moving: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Olympia Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 31391
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 1718049
Alternate Names: Flat Rate Moving & Storage, Inc.
Boston Best Rate Movers has been a trusted name for local residential moves in and around Waltham, MA since 2006. Unlike many nearby moving companies, they offer a comprehensive range of services including packing, unpacking, and handling fragile items, making them an excellent choice for meticulous movers. Clients consistently praise their reliability, as evidenced by their 4.7 average rating across 32 Yelp reviews and 530 Google reviews, as well as an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Additionally, their no-deposit policy and acceptance of credit cards add to their customer-friendly approach.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 31320
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1637689
Alternate Names: Oscar's Moving Company
Oscar's Moving Company, established in 2008, specializes in local residential moving services in and around Newton, MA. Unlike many nearby movers, Oscar's Moving Company boasts a stellar reputation with a Better Business Bureau rating of A+, an impressive 4.8-star average on Google My Business, and a solid 3.8-star average on Yelp from 143 reviews. They offer a comprehensive range of services, including packing and unpacking, and even have the capability to move pianos. Customers can pay by credit card, though a deposit is required.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 31816
Pricing: $120/hr
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2522855
Alternate Names: Poseidon Moving, LLC
Poseidon Moving, a reputable local moving company based in Brookline, MA, has been providing dependable residential moving services since 2015. With an impressive average rating of 4.5 on Yelp and 4.1 on Google, their customer satisfaction speaks volumes compared to many nearby competitors. They offer a comprehensive suite of services including packing, unpacking, and specialized moving for items such as pianos, art, and antiques. Though a deposit is required and rates start at $120 per hour, Poseidon Moving accepts both cash and credit cards, ensuring a flexible and professional moving experience for their clients.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 363405
Years in Business: 119
DOT #: 363405
Humboldt Storage & Moving has been a trusted local moving company in Canton, MA since 1906, offering a century of expertise in residential moving services. While many nearby movers may not have such an extensive history, Humboldt stands out with its comprehensive services, including packing, unpacking, and crating, as well as the specialized ability to move pianos, art, and antiques. Highly rated with an A+ from the Better Business Bureau, the company garners mixed reviews online, with a 3.6 rating on Yelp and a more favorable 4.4 average on Google. Accepting both cash and credit cards, Humboldt ensures a smooth moving experience without requiring any deposit and offers full valuation insurance coverage for peace of mind.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 70719
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 70719
Olympia Moving & Storage, located in Watertown, MA, has been providing exceptional local residential moving services since 1994. They stand out among nearby moving companies with their comprehensive offerings, including packing and unpacking services, and the ability to move delicate items such as pianos, antiques, and safes. Their reputation is solid, boasting a Yelp average rating of 4.1 from 148 reviews, a Google My Business rating of 4.5 from 229 reviews, and an A+ Better Business Bureau rating. Olympia Moving & Storage also accepts credit cards and offers full valuation insurance coverage, ensuring peace of mind for their customers.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Comparing local moving companies from Massachusetts to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:
Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular services and discounts available for the top movers for your move:
| Company | Full Service | Antiques | Military Discount | Senior Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston Best Rate Movers | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Oscar's Moving Company | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Poseidon Moving | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Humboldt Storage & Moving | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Olympia Moving & Storage | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ |
Out of the 2,891 movers we’ve reviewed, here’s how Massachusetts movers stack up compared to the percentage of movers in the country that offer these services and discounts:
| Massachusetts | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | 99% | 97% |
| Antiques | 61% | 48% |
| Military Discount | 1% | 4% |
| Senior Discount | 3% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from Massachusetts to Philadelphia, PA
Before packing your bags, it’s important to understand how life in Philadelphia, PA differs from what you're used to in Massachusetts. From the cost of living and cultural vibe to everyday experiences. We’ll walk you through key lifestyle differences and the top local attractions you can explore in your new hometown.
Cost of living: Massachusetts vs Philadelphia, PA
| Massachusetts | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,588 | $1,695 |
| Average home value | $623,131 | $216,914 |
| Average income (per capita) | $96,505 | $70,746 |
| Unemployment rate | 4% | 11% |
| State income tax | 9% | 3% |
Philadelphia sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Philadelphia is about 7% higher than in Massachusetts. Be sure to factor this into your budget, since both your move-in costs and monthly rent will be higher.
- Moving to Philadelphia means you'll spend about 65% less on housing compared to Massachusetts, so your budget will go further.
- Expect salaries in Philadelphia to be approximately 27% lower than in Massachusetts. Be sure to reassess your finances and update your budget before making your move.
- Unemployment in Philadelphia is about 172% higher than in Massachusetts. Still, you can snag a great job by being proactive. Start networking early and hit the ground running on your job hunt.
- Income taxes in Philadelphia are 66% lower than in Massachusetts. That means you can save more, pay off debt faster, or just enjoy a little extra room in your budget.
How life is different in Philadelphia from Massachusetts
| Philadelphia | Massachusetts | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,603,797 | 7,001,399 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 81-18 | Democratic 61.5-36.3 |
| Summer high | 87ºF | 82ºF |
| Winter low | 26ºF | 16ºF |
| Annual rain | 47" | 49" |
| Annual snow | 13" | 47" |
| Crime index | 66.09 | 13.92 |
Philadelphia sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, both Massachusetts and Philadelphia voted Democratic.
- The average high in the summertime in Philadelphia is 87ºF and in Massachusetts, it’s 82ºF. A hotter summer brings more sunshine and chances to enjoy the outdoors, but you might need to adjust your routine, brace for higher cooling bills, and get used to a warmer way of life.
- During the coldest part of the year, Philadelphia reaches a temperature of 26ºF while Massachusetts gets down to 16ºF. Relocating to Philadelphia means you’ll enjoy milder winters, making daily life easier, more affordable, and better for spending time outside.
- You can expect 47 inches of annual rainfall in Philadelphia, which is just about the same as in Massachusetts with 49 inches of rainfall. While you probably won’t see a big change in the total amount of precipitation, shifts in when and how that rain falls could still affect your everyday routine.
- In Philadelphia, it only snows about 13 inches annually vs the 47 inches of snow in Massachusetts that you are likely used to. Moving to Philadelphia, with less snow, means less maintenance and fewer winter-weather events, making it perfect it you prefer a milder winter season.
- Philadelphia has a higher crime rate than Massachusetts with a crime index of 66.09 vs 13.92. A higher crime rate isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, but it’s your cue to research local safety measures and think about how it might affect your day-to-day life.
Things to do in Philadelphia
From parks and museums to sports and top universities, Philadelphia has a little bit of everything waiting for you.
Museums in Philadelphia
Parks in Philadelphia
Sports Teams in Philadelphia
Universities in Philadelphia
Other considerations when moving to Philadelphia, PA
- 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: Before your move, double-check any neighborhood or community guidelines to help everything go smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: Something you’ll want to sort out early is booking your building’s elevator and checking their rules for moving.
- Parking permits: Some cities require you to get a parking permit for moving trucks, so check your new local regulations beforehand.
- 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 PUC’s website is no longer functioning. So if you’re moving within Pennsylvania, you’ll want to address these issues with your moving company representative and if possible, contact the state directly. Before you hire a moving company, double-check that they're properly licensed.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Pennsylvania moving license directly on the state regulator’s official website, here.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit to settle in Pennsylvania, but it’s a smart idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
- Change of address: Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, so your mail will be forwarded to Pennsylvania right on time. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Insurance rules vary from state to state. 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: Peace of mind is everything. With our moving checklist, you can be sure you’re on top of every detail.
FAQ
How long does a move from Massachusetts to Philadelphia take?
How long it takes to move from Massachusetts to Philadelphia, PA depends on your starting point and the type of move you select. Regardless of your choice, packing and loading your belongings usually only takes a day or less, even when you’re doing it yourself.
If you’re heading to Philadelphia from northern Massachusetts, expect a longer trip. When you rent a truck, budget one to two days for the drive, depending on your route and how many stops you make along the way.
Getting your stuff from Massachusetts to Philadelphia can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you choose movers or a moving container. Be sure to request a delivery estimate before you book.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Massachusetts to Philadelphia?
If you’re gearing up for a 296-mile move from Massachusetts to Philadelphia, lock in your moving date as soon as your plans are set. Booking your movers two to three months in advance helps you snag the best rates and ensures you get the date you want.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Philadelphia, PA?
Summer temperatures in Philadelphia can soar to 87°F, while winters can get as chilly as 26°F. That’s why most people making the move from Massachusetts to Philadelphia prefer the milder weather of spring or fall. But if you’re hoping to dodge the crowds and maybe snag a better deal, consider moving during summer or winter. Sure, you’ll have to handle a bit more heat or cold, but it could be worth it. Want more advice? Check out our tips on peak moving season.
