Local moving companies in Philadelphia
- Anchor Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Transtar Moving Systems: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- BR Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Keep It Moving, LLC: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Anchor Moving & Storage Inc.

DOT #: 125550
Years in Business: 51
8295 National Hwy Ste B, Pennsauken, NJ 08110 USAnchor Moving & Storage Inc. earns high praise from customers, with 88% of feedback sharing positive experiences out of 237 total reviews. Clients highlight quick and efficient service, careful handling of belongings, courteous staff, strong communication, and movers who go out of their way to help. Reviewers note that estimates tend to match final charges, and moves are handled responsibly, with many team members recognized by name for their professionalism. Some negative feedback centers around damaged items, delays in claim responses, and a small number of complaints about surprise charges or poor communication after issues arise. Compared to industry averages, Anchor stands out for efficiency and thoroughness but receives similar complaints as other movers regarding claim resolution and damage. Most customers recommend the company, but those looking for seamless problem resolution may want to confirm coverage and response policies before booking.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 125550
- State license #: 125550
- DOD certified
Alternative Business Names
- Anchor Moving & Storage
Transtar Moving Systems

DOT #: 939629
Years in Business: 63
925 N Lenola Rd, Moorestown, NJ 08057 USMoving excellence stands out in Transtar Moving Systems feedback, with 257 reviews analyzed and over 91% praising the service. Customers consistently compliment the staff's professionalism, exceptional care with belongings, efficiency, helpful attitudes, and rapid process. Many highlight smooth moves, polite crews, and stress relief compared to other movers. Negative input, while rare, focuses on property damage, lost items, and unexpected charges, areas where some felt let down. Most concerns relate to issues during storage, delivery, or billing confusion. Compared to competitors, Transtar receives stronger recommendations and more frequent mentions of careful handling and helpful staff, positioning them as a top choice for reliable moves with minimal hassle and friendly service.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 939629
- State license #: 39PC00058806
Alternative Business Names
- A Action Family Moving Company, Inc.
Bellhop Moving

DOT #: 2878240
Years in Business: 14
230 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19102 USBellhop Moving stands out for making moves run smoothly, with 58% of customer feedback rating their work highly. Many customers highlight the team's efficiency, upbeat attitude, and professional manner, creating a stress-free experience even in challenging situations. Quick, careful service and clear communication set Bellhop apart from typical moving companies. Affordable pricing and approachable staff are often referenced as reasons many would book again. On the downside, a significant portion of input reports last-minute delays, missed appointments, and property damage. These reliability and damage concerns occur more frequently with Bellhop than with traditional, established movers. Some customers also describe struggles with reaching support or navigating the claims process after incidents. While many moves go off without a hitch and cost less than competitors, those considering Bellhop should know there is a real risk of unpredictable scheduling and occasionally careless handling. Reliable and energetic crews deliver standout service when all goes right, but people with rigid timelines or valuable possessions should weigh these risks carefully when booking.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2878240
- State license #: 2878240
Alternative Business Names
- Bellhop Moving Services
BR Moving

DOT #: 2508433
Years in Business: 14
1603 N Delaware Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125 USCustomers rave about BR Movingโs seamless, efficient service and the professionalism of their team. With 187 reviews analyzed, 87.7% gave highly positive input, praising fast moves, careful handling of belongings, and affordable rates. Polite movers and effective communication are consistently highlighted, helping people feel at ease during whatโs often a stressful time. Negative feedback, representing about 11% of responses, centers on damaged or lost items and dissatisfaction with complaint resolution and follow-up. A few patrons also noted difficulty reaching the company after incidents or expressed concerns about incomplete compensation for damages. Compared to many industry peers, BR Moving receives stronger customer feedback for speed, handling care, and reasonable rates, but like other moving companies, occasional concerns about item safety and communication emerge. For those prioritizing efficiency and professionalism at a fair price, BR Moving stands out from typical movers, but those with high-value or irreplaceable items may want to clarify insurance coverage and communication protocols before booking.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Full-valuation coverage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- DOT #: 2508433
- State license #: 8916888
Keep It Moving, LLC

DOT #: 2313514
Years in Business: 19
300 E Godfrey Ave Suite 100, Philadelphia, PA 19120 USMovers who deliver peace of mind: Out of 164 customer reviews, nearly 70% praised Keep It Moving, LLC for their professional, efficient, and friendly service. People highlighted careful handling of belongings, swift moving processes, and excellent communication. Multiple customers noted affordable rates and appreciated that the staff arrived on time and kept everything organized, making stressful moves easier. Yet, more than a quarter of all feedback described negative experiences. The most frequent complaints involved damage to property and items, significant delays, and poor follow-up or unreturned calls. A sizeable group also mentioned lost or misplaced possessions. Compared with other moving companies, Keep It Moving, LLC receives stronger praise for professionalism and work ethic, but stands out with more consistent criticism for damages and communication lapses, especially for long-distance moves. If you value a courteous and careful team but want to avoid hassles around broken items or late arrivals, weigh these points before booking.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Hot Tubs
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2313514
- State license #: 8915205
Factors that influence moving costs from Philadelphia to Lancaster
What to know before moving from Philadelphia to Lancaster
Moving from Philadelphia to Lancaster means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Philadelphia than in Lancaster, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Philadelphia compares to Lancaster so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Philadelphia | Lancaster | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,695 | $2,600 |
Average home value | $216,914 | $473,053 |
Average income (per capita) | $70,746 | $74,723 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,541 | $2,540 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,190 | $5,562 |
Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 15.6% |
Sales tax | 8.0% | 10.25% |
State income tax | 3.07% | 13.3% |
- Rent prices in Lancaster are 53% higher than in Philadelphia, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Philadelphia.
Home prices in Lancaster are 118.1% higher than in Philadelphia. - Income in Lancaster is 5.6% higher than in Philadelphia, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Lancaster include Antelope Valley Hospital, Antelope Valley Union High School District, and Lancaster School District.
- The cost of living for a single person is the same in Lancaster and Philadelphia. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Lancaster is 10.1% lower than in Philadelphia.
- The unemployment rate in Lancaster is 47.17% higher than in Philadelphia.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Lancaster, since the cityโs sales taxes in Lancaster are 28.13% higher than in Philadelphia.
- State income taxes in Lancaster are 333.22% higher than in Philadelphia.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,998.82 in Lancaster to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Philadelphia.
How life is different in Philadelphia vs. Lancaster
Lancaster | Philadelphia | |
---|---|---|
Population | 173,516 | 1,603,797 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 0 | 9 |
Walkability score | 29 | 75 |
Bike friendliness score | 40 | 67 |
Crime Index | 45.5 | 66.09 |
Safety Index | 54.5 | 33.91 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Lancaster's population is about 89% less than Philadelphia.
- Lancaster's public transportation has a score of 0 out of 10 versus Philadelphia's higher score of 9.
- Lancaster is less walkable than Philadelphia with a score of 29 out of 100 vs Philadelphia's 75 out of 100.
- Lancaster has a bike-friendliness score 40 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Philadelphia, which has a score of 67 out of 100.
- Lancaster's crime rate is lower than Philadelphia with a score of 45.5 compared to Philadelphia's 66.09. This means that Lancaster neighborhoods are safer than 45.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 66.09%.
- Lancaster is considered to be safer than Philadelphia with a safety index of 54.5 vs Philadelphia's 33.91.
- Air quality in Lancaster is good, and in Philadelphia it's good.
Other things to consider for your Philadelphia vs. Lancaster move
- Weather: If you're looking to move to Lancaster, consider doing this on the months of May, October and April. Summers are hot and nearly rainless while winter could be mildly cold.
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโsome areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a โT Numberโ 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving company\โs license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
- Moving permits: You wonโt need a moving permit in California, though it\โs smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toLancaster Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.Opt for Released Value Protection โ 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Lancaster
Now that youโve chosen "" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Lancaster to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown Lancaster
- Central Lancaster
- East Lancaster
- College Terrace
- Skytower Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Quartz Hill
- West Lancaster
- Rancho Vista
- Brentwood
- El Dorado
Things to do in Lancaster
Now that you've made the move to California, itโs the perfect time to explore Lancaster. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Lancaster, such as the Lancaster Museum of Art & History, Western Hotel Museum, and Boyle Heights History Studios & Tours.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, Apollo Community Regional Park, Saddleback Butte State Park, and Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park โ along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Philadelphia to Lancaster?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Philadelphia to Lancaster. Youโll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Philadelphia.
When is the cheapest time to move from Philadelphia to Lancaster?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Philadelphia to Lancaster, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Philadelphia to Lancaster take?
The 2,692-mile journey from Philadelphia, PA to Lancaster, CA typically takes seven to 21 days. Some movers in Philadelphia offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Lancaster.