Best overall value
Local moving companies in Philadelphia
- Anchor Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Transtar Moving Systems: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- BR Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
Customer Praise
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Helpful movers
- Quick moving process
Customer Complaints
- Damage to items
- Poor complaint handling
- Lack of communication
Review Analysis
Gentle Giant Moving Company stands out for its efficient, careful, and professional teams. Nearly every piece of customer input praises their speedy service, thoughtful handling, and helpful, friendly staff. Most customers report easy, stress-free moves and appreciate the crew's communication and respect for property. Many note that movers quickly finish the job, often coming in under the original estimate. Pricing is described as fair and transparent, and multiple customers return for repeat moves.
Only a small fraction of feedback reports damage to items, with frustration focused on slow complaint or claims handling and a lack of responsiveness after issues arise. Claims of mishandled repairs and unresolved complaints cluster within negative reviews, which remain rare compared to competitors. On balance, Gentle Giant Moving Company receives a remarkably high rate of positive feedback among moving companies, with a reputation for reliable, courteous, and efficient service.
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
Customer Praise
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Affordable rates
Customer Complaints
- Damage to items
- Misplaced or lost items
- Lack of communication
Review Analysis
Customers 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.
Company Info
State license #: 8916888
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2508433
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Full-valuation coverage
- Fragile-only packing
Key factors that impact the cost of your Philadelphia to Newark move
What to know before moving from Philadelphia to Newark
Moving from Philadelphia to Newark comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Newark is generally more expensive than Philadelphia, it's important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Philadelphia | Newark | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,695 | $2,300 |
| Average home value | $216,914 | $475,797 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,746 | $41,335 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,541 | $2,575 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,190 | $5,617 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 13.0% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 6.63% |
| State income tax | 3.07% | 10.7% |
- Rent prices in Newark are 36% higher than in Philadelphia, which means you'll have less money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Philadelphia.
Home prices in Newark are 119.3% higher than in Philadelphia. - Income in Newark is 41.6% lower than in Philadelphia, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Newark include Panasonic Corporation of North America, Prudential Financial, and Prudential Capital & Investment Services.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Newark, since the cost of living for a single person in Newark is 1.3% higher than in Philadelphia. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Newark is 9.3% lower than in Philadelphia.
- The unemployment rate in Newark is 22.64% higher than in Philadelphia.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Newark, since the city's sales taxes in Newark are 17.13% lower than in Philadelphia.
- State income taxes in Newark are 248.53% higher than in Philadelphia.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,040.14 in Newark to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Philadelphia.
How life is different in Philadelphia vs. Newark
| Newark | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 304,960 | 1,603,797 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 9 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 76 | 75 |
| Bike friendliness score | 51 | 67 |
| Crime Index | 75.24 | 66.09 |
| Safety Index | 24.76 | 33.91 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Newark might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 81% less than Philadelphia.
- Your access to buses, shuttles, trams, or trains in Newark will be about the same as it currently is in Philadelphia. The cities share a similar public transportation score, which means their transit systems are comparable in terms of how connected they are, how often they provide service, and how close they are to jobs, housing, retail and food stores, and other important locations.
- You'll find Newark to be about as walkable as Philadelphia. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 76 and 75 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
- You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Newark, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Philadelphia. While Philadelphia has a bike-friendliness score of 67 out of 100, Newark earned a 51. 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.
- The crime rate in Newark is higher than in Philadelphia, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 75.24 in Newark, it is 66.09 in Philadelphia. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city's crime levels.
- You may want to exercise more caution as you're getting used to your new surroundings in Newark. With a crime index of 24.76, Newark ranks lower in overall safety than Philadelphia, whose index is Philadelphia's 33.91. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
- The air quality in Newark 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. Newark move
- Weather: Newark has cold winters and hot humid summers.
- 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: In New Jersey, the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs handles the regulation of in-state moving companies. The stateโs Division of Consumer Affairs works to ensure that warehousemen (public storage companies) and public movers provide safe, reliable, and ethical services while adhering to all relevant state rules and regulations. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a New Jersey moving company's license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
- Moving permits: You won't need a moving permit in New Jersey, 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 toNewark Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.Released Value Protection is the most economical option as it incurs no cost. It is provided by movers at no additional charge, but the coverage is minimal. Under this option, no more than 60 cents per pound per article is the responsibility of the mover. For example, if a delicate china set weighing 20 pounds is lost or damaged by the mover, only $12 (60 cents x 20 pounds) would be received. If coverage for the full value of your items is needed, consultation with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider is recommended.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Newark
Now that you've chosen "Brick City" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Newark to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- North Ironbound
- South Ironbound
- Downtown
- Seventh Avenue
- Upper Roseville
Best neighborhoods for families
- Downtown
- Upper Vailsburg
- Seventh Avenue
- North Ironbound
- Springfield/Belmont
Things to do in Newark
Now that you've made the move to New Jersey, it's the perfect time to explore Newark. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Newark, such as the Newark Museum, Grammy Museum Experience Prudential Center, Gateways to Newark: Portraits, The New Jersey Historical Society, and Museum of the Old First Ward.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Branch Brook Park, Military Park, and Weequahic 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 New Jersey Devils (NHL) and Metropolitan Riveters (NWHL) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Philadelphia to Newark?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Philadelphia to Newark are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Philadelphia are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Philadelphia to Newark?
With many people choosing to move from Philadelphia to Newark in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Philadelphia to Newark take?
Moving from Philadelphia, PA to Newark, NJ covers 85 miles and usually takes one to two days. Need to move faster? Some Philadelphia movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Newark.
