Local moving companies in Philadelphia

  1. Anchor Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  2. Transtar Moving Systems: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  3. All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  4. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  5. Bellhop Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/AnchorMovingandStorage/, https://twitter.com/anchormoving
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Good communication
  • Helpful movers
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Lack of communication
  • Unexpected charges
Review Analysis
Anchor 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.
Get a Quote (856) 787-9898

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
https://www.facebook.com/TranstarMovingSystems,
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Efficient service
  • Helpful movers
  • Quick moving process
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Misplaced or lost items
  • Unexpected charges
Review Analysis
Moving 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.
Get a Quote (856) 727-1060

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
https://www.facebook.com/AllMySons/, https://twitter.com/allmysonsmoving
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Quick moving process
  • Helpful movers
Customer Complaints
  • Unexpected charges
  • Damage to items
  • Delayed arrival or delivery
Review Analysis
All My Sons Moving & Storage earns credit for sending hard-working, courteous movers who efficiently handle belongings and clearly know how to make a moving day run smoothly. Customers often describe careful wrapping, efficient service, and polite teams who reduce stress and work quickly to finish the job. Many note the benefit of helpful, detail-oriented movers taking care of heavy lifting with minimal damage. On the downside, over half of the feedback references steep unexpected charges, frequent damage to items or property, and persistent delays or late arrivals. Many customers express frustration over price hikes not matching quotes and little accountability when something goes wrong. Compared to other moving companies, this branch stands out positively for employees’ teamwork and professionalism but falls short in transparency and reliability. With 410 reviews analyzed, about 47% describe a positive experience while negative comments reach 52%. Moving with All My Sons can be seamless with the right crew, but many risk extra costs, waiting, or mishandled items.
Get a Quote (856) 878-2369

Company Info

State license #: 39PM00121400

Years in Business: 25

DOT #: 902281

Alternate Names: All My Sons of New Jersey LLC


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/TWOMENANDATRUCKPhiladelphia/, https://twitter.com/tmt_philly
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Quick moving process
  • Helpful movers
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Lack of communication
  • Inexperienced movers
Review Analysis
Moving day is usually stressful, but most customer feedback for Two Men and a Truck tells a different story: out of 276 reviews, nearly 70% gave positive ratings, making this company stand out among moving services. Customers often describe the movers as efficient and quick, taking great care of belongings and maintaining a professional, helpful attitude. Many mention the team's attention to detail and the ease of the booking process. On the downside, some clients experienced significant issues, mainly damage to items, lack of communication, or inexperienced movers. Problems like scratched furniture, lost hardware, or missing items were not always resolved promptly, leaving some customers frustrated. Though high praise for efficient moves is the norm, negative input highlights how critical proper training and reliable follow-up are in the moving industry—and how falling short in these areas places Two Men and a Truck behind the very best competitors in customer care.
Get a Quote (610) 643-4232

Company Info

State license #: 8922046

Years in Business: 19

DOT #: 2527384

Alternate Names: TMT MISSION 1 LLC


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMovingPhilly/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Quick moving process
  • Friendly and approachable staff
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Delayed arrival or delivery
  • Damage to items
  • Lack of communication
Review Analysis
Bellhop 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.
Get a Quote (866) 774-5063

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

Key factors that impact the cost of your Philadelphia to Lancaster movetoggle

The cost of Philadelphia movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Philadelphia to Lancaster can be as low as $1,582 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $12,636.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Philadelphia so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $1,754 to $4,487. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Philadelphia to Lancaster

Moving from Philadelphia to Lancaster means adjusting to a different pace of life — 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%
  • You may want to budget more for rent in Lancaster, since prices are typically 53% higher than in Philadelphia.
  • The home prices in Lancaster are 118.1% higher than in Philadelphia, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
  • You’re likely to make a higher income living in Lancaster, where incomes are, on average, 5.6% higher than in Philadelphia. Major 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.
  • A move to Lancaster can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 10.1% less than what it costs in Philadelphia.
  • The unemployment rate in Lancaster is 47.17% higher than in Philadelphia.
  • Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Lancaster, since its sales taxes are 28.13% higher than what you are paying 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 might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 89% less than Philadelphia.
  • Getting around Lancaster without a car might be more difficult than in Philadelphia. Lancaster has a public transportation score of 0 out of 10, whereas Philadelphia is ranked 9. Ratings are based on a city's transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
  • Lancaster neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Philadelphia. Based on its score of 29 out of 100, Lancaster isn't as walkable as Philadelphia, which has a score of 75 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
  • You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Lancaster, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Philadelphia. While Philadelphia has a bike-friendliness score of 67 out of 100, Lancaster earned a 40. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
  • Lancaster has a lower crime rate than Philadelphia based on scores of 45.5 and Philadelphia's 66.09, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
  • You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Lancaster than in Philadelphia, based on Lancaster's safety index of 54.5 versus 33.91 for Philadelphia. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
  • The air quality in Lancaster and Philadelphia 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 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 regulations—some 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 “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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a California moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in California, though it's 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 to Lancaster 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 – 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

Ready to relocate to ? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Lancaster.

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

After getting comfortable in your new California home, it's time to see what Lancaster is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:

  • Arts and culture: Lancaster features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Lancaster Museum of Art & History, Western Hotel Museum, and Boyle Heights History Studios & Tours.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city's Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, Apollo Community Regional Park, Saddleback Butte State Park, and Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during 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 You'll 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?

Because spring and fall moves from Philadelphia to Lancaster are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.

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.

Helpful moving resources