Local moving companies in Philadelphia
Out of 68 Philadelphia movers that can handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to California.
- Bellhop Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Anchor Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Suburban Solutions Moving & Transport: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Transtar Moving Systems: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2878240
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 125550
Years in Business: 51
DOT #: 125550
Alternate Names: Anchor Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
Years in Business: 10
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 money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 373544
Years in Business: 44
DOT #: 373544
Alternate Names: Gentle Giant Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 39PC00058806
Years in Business: 63
DOT #: 939629
Alternate Names: A Action Family Moving Company, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Local moving services in Philadelphia, PA
Quick breakdown of Philadelphia movers that offer specialty add-on services:
Cost to move from Philadelphia, PA to California
The table below breaks down average costs for moves from Philadelphia to California, varying by home size and service option.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,280 – $5,506 | $1,452 – $3,408 | $1,532 – $3,090 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,973 – $7,824 | $2,500 – $5,071 | $1,625 – $3,394 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,900 – $11,410 | $3,554 – $7,490 | $2,161 – $4,255 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 2,835-mile move from Philadelphia, PA, to California using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. moveBuddha aggregates thousands of verified prices from movers nationwide, updating the data monthly to track seasonal patterns and market trends. Your final quote may differ due to move size, optional services, access or parking challenges, fuel costs, and timing. Always compare estimates from several movers for an accurate picture.
Cost to hire movers from Philadelphia to California
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Philadelphia to California will cost between $1,280 and $5,506. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $3,973 to $7,824, and a large move will cost from $6,900 to $11,410.
Cost of moving containers from Philadelphia to California
If you’re moving from Philadelphia to California, expect to pay between $1,452 and $3,408 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $2,500 up to $5,071. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $3,554 and $7,490. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Philadelphia.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Philadelphia to California
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck from Philadelphia to California, expect to spend between $1,532 and $3,090. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,625 and $3,394. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $2,161 up to $4,255 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors influencing moving costs from Philadelphia to CA
When calculating the price of Philadelphia movers, consider:
- Move size: The bigger your home and the more stuff you have, the more expensive your move will be.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Philadelphia, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- DIY vs. professional mover: Going the DIY route can be less expensive but demands more effort compared to hiring experts.
What you should know before moving from Philadelphia to CA
Transitioning from Philadelphia to California offers fresh opportunities, but also a rise in expenses. Given that California’s living costs are generally steeper than in Philadelphia, creating a solid budget will help ease the adjustment.
Find out how Philadelphia contrasts with California so you can head into your move with confidence:
Compare cost of living: Philadelphia vs. California
| Philadelphia, PA | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,695 | $1,856 |
| Average home cost | $216,914 | $771,057 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,746 | $91,905 |
| Cost of living index | 104 | 134 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | 3.07% | 13.3% |
California sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- With rent about 9% higher in California than Philadelphia, prepare for steeper monthly costs.
- Homes in California cost about 255% more than in Philadelphia, so expect a higher mortgage payment.
- Expect incomes in California to be about 30% higher than in Philadelphia, offering more opportunities to save or spend.
- Moving to California means the cost of living runs about 29% higher than in Philadelphia, so you’ll want a clear financial plan.
- In California, the unemployment rate is about 49% below Philadelphia’s, a positive sign of healthier job opportunities.
- Income taxes run about 333% higher in California than in Pennsylvania, which means less spending money.
How life is different in Philadelphia, PA from California
When relocating from Philadelphia to California, get ready for some changes. From weather and population to politics, here’s how living in California stacks up against life in the Philadelphia.
| Philadelphia, PA | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,603,797 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 81-18 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 87ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 26ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 47″ | 22″ |
| Annual snow | 13″ | 7″ |
| Crime index | 66.09 | 28.43 |
California Sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, both Philadelphia and California voted Democratic.
- Comparable summer highs of about 87ºF in California match those of 87ºF in Philadelphia. With similarly warm temperatures, adjusting to your new climate might prove easy. Consider examining humidity, climate patterns, and energy demands for a full representation of how summers will unfold in your new home.
- Winter lows in California are milder, around 59ºF, compared to the colder 26ºF in Philadelphia. This means easier winters, fewer icy days, and potentially lower heating bills.
- You’ll enjoy about 22 inches of annual rain in California, which is less than the 47 inches you’re used to in Philadelphia. That means brighter skies, extra outdoor time, and fewer rainy-day interruptions.
- In California, you can expect about 7 inches of snow each year, much less than the 13 inches you’d deal with in Philadelphia. So, if you’re moving to California, get ready for milder winters, less shoveling, and fewer extreme winter weather events.
- California has a lower crime rate than Philadelphia, with indexes at 28.43 vs 66.09. A lower crime rate usually means safer neighborhoods and extra peace of mind.
Other considerations when moving to California
If you’re moving from Philadelphia to California, there’s more to do than just booking a moving crew and transporting your stuff. Be sure you’re on top of local regulations, permits, and any logistics that might affect your move.
- HOA rules: Confirm whether your HOA has any moving restrictions or requirements before scheduling your movers.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Certain cities ask you to get parking permits for moving trucks or large vehicles. Check in advance to see if you’ll need one for your move.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check a California moving license anytime on the state’s official regulatory website.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit in California, but make sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
- 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 California. Get started here.
- Moving insurance: Insurance requirements vary from state to state. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Use a checklist to move with confidence. Our moving checklist keeps you organized and ensures everything’s covered, so you can relax and focus on the move.
Things to do in California
No matter what you’re into, from parks and museums to sports or college-town vibes—California is packed with things for you to explore and enjoy.
Museums in California
- The Getty Center
- USS Midway Museum
- Hess Persson Estates
- California State Railroad Museum
- The Getty Villa
Parks in California
- La Jolla Cove
- Heisler Park
- Sonoma Plaza
- Mount Rubidoux Park
- Redwood Regional Park
Sports teams in California
- Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
- Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
- San Jose Sharks (NHL)
- Los Angeles Angels (MLB)
- Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)
Universities in California
- Stanford University
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of Southern California
- University of California, San Diego
FAQ
How long does a move from Philadelphia to California take?
Curious about how long it’ll take to move from Philadelphia, PA to California? Typically, the process takes about seven to 21 days, but the service you choose can affect the timeline. Keep in mind that if you’re planning a summer move, things might take a bit longer due to higher demand.
Keep your move on track by confirming delivery timelines with your movers ahead of time. That way, you won’t get stuck with any surprise delays.
How many Philadelphia movers provide custom crating for art or antiques?
There are 46 movers in Philadelphia that offer custom-built crates for delicate or unusual items like artwork, antique pieces, and electronics. If you need special crating, confirm with a Philadelphia moving company that they can accommodate your specific items.
What is the best way to get a car from Philadelphia to California?
Looking to move your car from Philadelphia to California? Choose a service that puts professionalism and vehicle care first, backed by real experience. Check out our top picks for car shippers from Pennsylvania to California.
Why are people moving from Philadelphia to California?
Many people are moving to California because of its ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather.
Read more about the Pros & cons of moving to California.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Philadelphia?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Philadelphia.
Do movers in Philadelphia, PA, accept cash?
Yes, 29 movers in Philadelphia accept cash. However, cash is uncommon in the moving space, where traceable payment types are standard. You’ll typically pay a deposit to secure your booking before moving day. The rest of the total is due at pickup or post-delivery—confirm the schedule and permitted payment methods with your mover.
Helpful moving resources
Pennsylvania moving services
Popular Pennsylvania routes
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