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 influencing moving costs from Philadelphia to Buffalo
What to know before moving from Philadelphia to Buffalo
Moving from Philadelphia to Buffalo comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Buffalo is generally more expensive than Philadelphia, itโs 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 | Buffalo | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,695 | $1,200 |
Average home value | $216,914 | $213,418 |
Average income (per capita) | $70,746 | $63,443 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,541 | $2,589 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,190 | $5,720 |
Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 9.5% |
Sales tax | 8.0% | 8.75% |
State income tax | 3.07% | 10.9% |
- Rent prices in Buffalo are 29% lower than in Philadelphia, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Buffalo.
Home prices in Buffalo are 1.6% lower than in Philadelphia. - Income in Buffalo is 10.3% lower than in Philadelphia, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Buffalo include UBS, Delaware North, and Human.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Buffalo, since the cost of living for a single person in Buffalo is 1.9% higher than in Philadelphia. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Buffalo is 7.6% lower than in Philadelphia.
- The unemployment rate in Buffalo is 10.38% lower than in Philadelphia.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Buffalo, since the cityโs sales taxes in Buffalo are 9.38% higher than in Philadelphia.
- State income taxes in Buffalo are 255.05% higher than in Philadelphia.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,056.67 in Buffalo to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Philadelphia.
How life is different in Philadelphia vs. Buffalo
Buffalo | Philadelphia | |
---|---|---|
Population | 278,349 | 1,603,797 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 7 | 9 |
Walkability score | 67 | 75 |
Bike friendliness score | 63 | 67 |
Crime Index | 8.0 | 66.09 |
Safety Index | 53.55 | 33.91 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- Buffalo's population is about 83% less than Philadelphia.
- Buffalo's public transportation has a score of 7 out of 10 versus Philadelphia's higher score of 9.
- Buffalo is less walkable than Philadelphia with a score of 67 out of 100 vs Philadelphia's 75 out of 100.
- Buffalo has a bike-friendliness score 63 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.
- Buffalo's crime rate is lower than Philadelphia with a score of 8.0 compared to Philadelphia's 66.09. This means that Buffalo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 66.09%.
- Buffalo is considered to be safer than Philadelphia with a safety index of 53.55 vs Philadelphia's 33.91.
- Air quality in Buffalo is moderate, and in Philadelphia it's good.
Other things to consider for your Philadelphia vs. Buffalo move
- Weather: Best months to move to Buffalo are August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Buffalo, while January and December are the least comfortable months due to extreme winter weather.
- 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: New York requires moving companies to have a license and obtain a New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) number. A NYDOT license ensures your mover is in compliance with the state's safety, insurance, and operational regulations. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a New York moving company\โs license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
- Moving permits: You wonโt need a moving permit in New York, 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 toBuffalo Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers. They're responsible for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, discuss alternatives with your moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Buffalo
Now that youโve chosen "Queen City" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Buffalo to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Allentown
- Elmwood Strip
- Parkside
- West Side
- First Ward
Best neighborhoods for families
- Williamsville
- Eggertsville
- East Aurora
- Grandyle Village
- Lancaster
Things to do in Buffalo
Now that you've made the move to New York, itโs the perfect time to explore Buffalo. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Buffalo, such as the Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park, Pierce-Arrow Museum, Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo Museum of Science, and Burchfield Penney Art Center.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, The Buffalo Zoo, Delaware Park, and Erie Basin Marina 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 Buffalo Bandits, Buffalo Beautsโ, Buffalo Bills (AAFC)โ, or Buffalo Bisons (AHL)โ game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Philadelphia to Buffalo?
The best time to move from Philadelphia to Buffalo is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Philadelphia.
When is the cheapest time to move from Philadelphia to Buffalo?
Because most people are moving from Philadelphia to Buffalo in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Philadelphia to Buffalo take?
The 379-mile move from Philadelphia, PA, to Buffalo, NY, takes one to four days. Some Philadelphia movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Buffalo.