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Local moving companies in Pennsylvania
When relocating from Pennsylvania to Raleigh, NC, let our favorite local movers take the stress out of your journey from the Keystone State to the lively City of Oaks. 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 78 Pennsylvania movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Raleigh, NC.
- Zip to Zip Moving Inc: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- The Armstrong Company: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- South Hills Movers: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Forward Moving LLC: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Hughes Relocation Services: 4.76 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 8925314
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 2969363
Zip to Zip Moving Inc has been a trusted local residential moving company in and around Exton, PA since 2018. With an impressive array of services, including packing, unpacking, and specialized moving for items like pianos, safes, and antiques, they outshine many nearby competitors. Their stellar reputation is backed by numerous positive reviews, boasting an average rating of 4.8 on Yelp and a perfect score of 5.0 on Google. Additionally, their A rating from the Better Business Bureau further cements their standing as a reputable choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 8917264
Years in Business: 76
DOT #: 1170867
Alternate Names: Jack Treier Moving & Storage
Armstrong Relocation, a local moving company in Mount Joy, PA, has been providing residential moving services since 1950. They distinguish themselves with a broad range of services including packing, unpacking, and handling fragile items, as well as the expertise to move pianos, art, and antiques. Unlike many nearby competitors, Armstrong Relocation accepts credit cards and requires no deposit. With an impressive 205 reviews on Google averaging 4.7 stars and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, their strong reputation is a testament to their reliability and customer satisfaction.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 94
DOT #: 98045
South Hills Movers, a trusted name in Bethel Park, PA, has been providing local residential moving services since 1931. With an impressive array of offerings that include packing, unpacking, and specialized services for moving pianos, art, and antiques, they cater to a wide range of customer needs. While their Yelp profile shows a modest rating, they boast a stronger 4.1 average on Google and a stellar A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, indicating a generally positive reputation. Compared to other nearby movers, South Hills Movers stands out for their long history and comprehensive service options, making them a reliable choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 8920700
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 3078473
Alternate Names: Forward Moving, LLC.
Forward Moving LLC, serving Exton, PA, has been the reliable choice for local residential moving since 2018. Known for their comprehensive range of services, they handle everything from simple packing and unpacking to more specialized tasks like moving pianos, art, and antiques. While their Yelp reviews average a 3.9 rating from 11 reviewers, their Google My Business profile boasts an impressive 4.9 average from 274 reviews, and they hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many local competitors, Forward Moving LLC accepts credit cards and provides full valuation insurance coverage, ensuring peace of mind for their customers.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 103976
Years in Business: 43
DOT #: 110502
Hughes Relocation Services, based in Lansdale, PA, has been a trusted name in local residential moving since 1983. Renowned for their exceptional customer service, they boast an impressive A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and strong online reviews, including a 4.7 average rating on Google from 292 reviews. Unlike many nearby movers, Hughes Relocation Services also offers packing, unpacking, and crating services, and can handle specialty items such as pianos and art with care. Additionally, they accept credit cards and require no deposit, making them a convenient and reputable choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Comparing local moving companies from Pennsylvania to Raleigh, North Carolina:
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zip to Zip Moving Inc | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ |
| The Armstrong Company | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ |
| South Hills Movers | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Forward Moving LLC | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✔ |
| Hughes Relocation Services | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
Out of the 2,884 movers we’ve reviewed, here’s how Pennsylvania movers stack up compared to the percentage of movers in the country that offer these services and discounts:
| Pennsylvania | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | 97% | 97% |
| Antiques | 56% | 48% |
| Military Discount | 0% | 4% |
| Senior Discount | 1% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from Pennsylvania to Raleigh, NC
Before you grab the packing tape, let’s see how life in Raleigh, NC stacks up against Pennsylvania. We’ll cover everything, from cost of living and the social scene to daily life and can’t-miss attractions in your area.
Cost of living: Pennsylvania vs Raleigh, NC
| Pennsylvania | Raleigh | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,110 | $1,670 |
| Average home value | $268,824 | $431,795 |
| Average income (per capita) | $73,170 | $2,572 |
| Unemployment rate | 3% | 4% |
| State income tax | 3% | 5% |
Raleigh sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Raleigh is about 50% higher than in Pennsylvania. Be sure to factor this into your budget, since both your move-in costs and monthly rent will be higher.
- In Raleigh, expect home prices to be about 61% higher than in Pennsylvania. Get ready for a bigger down payment, increased property taxes, and higher overall homeownership expenses.
- Expect salaries in Raleigh to be approximately 96% lower than in Pennsylvania. Be sure to reassess your finances and update your budget before making your move.
- Unemployment in Raleigh is about 26% higher than in Pennsylvania. 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 Raleigh are 47% higher than in Pennsylvania, so keep this in mind when you’re mapping out your budget. Your take-home pay might be a bit less than what you’re used to.
How life is different in Raleigh from Pennsylvania
| Raleigh | Pennsylvania | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 467,665 | 12,961,683 |
| Political leaning | Republican 51-48 | Republican 51-49 |
| Summer high | 90ºF | 83ºF |
| Winter low | 30ºF | 19ºF |
| Annual rain | 46" | 44" |
| Annual snow | 4" | 38" |
| Crime index | 38.87 | 17.62 |
Raleigh sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- During the last presidential election, both Pennsylvania and Raleigh supported the Republican candidate.
- Get ready for summer highs of around 90°F in Raleigh, warmer than the average 83°F in Pennsylvania. With more sunshine, you'll have extra chances for outdoor fun, but expect higher cooling costs and a hotter daily routine.
- In the coldest months, temperatures in Raleigh typically reach lows of about 30°F, while Pennsylvania can dip as low as 19°F. By moving to Raleigh, you’ll start to experience milder winters, making everyday life more comfortable, saving money, and giving you more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
- You can expect about 46 inches of rain each year in Raleigh, almost the same as the 44 inches you’d encounter in Pennsylvania. Even though the annual rainfall is similar, different weather patterns and rainfall timing might still change up your daily routine.
- In Raleigh, you’ll see just 4 inches of snow each year, much less than the 38 inches you’re used to in Pennsylvania. Milder winters mean less shoveling, safer streets, and fewer cold-weather headaches. If a gentler winter is what you’re after, Raleigh is definitely the place to be.
- Crime rates in Raleigh are higher than in Pennsylvania, with a crime index of 38.87 compared to 17.62. While this doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker, it’s a good idea to look into local crime data and consider how it could impact your everyday life.
Things to do in Raleigh
From beautiful parks and intriguing museums to thrilling sports and excellent universities, Raleigh can meet a wide variety of interests.
Museums in Raleigh
Parks in Raleigh
Sports Teams in Raleigh
Universities in Raleigh
Other considerations when moving to Raleigh, NC
- Weather: The climate in Raleigh is unlikely to affect your move. However, some days in the winter, the roads may become icy which causes traffic issues.
- HOA rules: Check into any neighborhood or community rules on moving ahead of time to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: One common issue that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
- State licensing: For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a “C Number” issued by the commission, signifying that they’ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the state’s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring them.
- State regulator: You can verify a North Carolina moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- Moving permits: North Carolina does not require any moving permits, but it’s 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 so all of your mail will get properly forwarded to North Carolina. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Compare the pros and cons of Pennsylvania vs. Raleigh, NC
Comparing the pros of Pennsylvania vs. Raleigh, NC:
There’s nothing like the thrill of moving somewhere new. Here’s a snapshot of what sets life in Raleigh apart from living in Pennsylvania.
| Pros of living in Pennsylvania | Pros of living in Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|
| Low cost of living | Exceptional beauty |
| Abundant fun and recreational activities | Ample economic opportunity |
| Beautiful landscapes | Quality education |
| Ample economic opportunity | Bountiful arts and recreational activities |
| Excellent education options | Quality healthcare |
Comparing the cons of living in Pennsylvania vs. Raleigh, NC:
Making the move from Pennsylvania to Raleigh comes with its own set of unique challenges. Here’s what you should keep an eye out for on your journey.
| Cons of living in Pennsylvania | Cons of living in Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|
| Harsh winter weather | High cost of living |
| Bad driving conditions | Quiet nightlife |
| Nuclear power plants | Temperamental weather |
| Unpredictable weather | Allergy-inducing pollen |
| High taxes on gasoline | Urban sprawl |
FAQ
How long does a move from Pennsylvania to Raleigh take?
The time frame for a move from Pennsylvania to Raleigh, NC, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.
Obviously, the further upstate you are in Pennsylvania, the longer the drive time to Raleigh will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.
With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Raleigh from Pennsylvania can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Pennsylvania to Raleigh?
Because of the 500-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Pennsylvania to Raleigh as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Raleigh, NC?
With the summer highs of 90ºF and the winter lows of 30ºF, most people move to Raleigh from Pennsylvania during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Raleigh during summer or winter.
