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
Anchor Moving & Storage Inc.
rating
4.76 / 5
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
rating
4.76 / 5
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
rating
4.66 / 5
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
Gentle Giant Moving Company
rating
4.62 / 5
DOT #: 373544
Years in Business: 44
1450 S Warfield Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146 USGentle 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.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 373544
- State license #: 373544
Alternative Business Names
- Gentle Giant Moving & Storage
BR Moving
rating
4.58 / 5
DOT #: 2508433
Years in Business: 14
1603 N Delaware Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125 USCustomers rave about BR Moving’s 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 what’s 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
Key factors that impact the cost of your Philadelphia to Portland move
The cost of Philadelphia movers will depend on:
- Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Philadelphia to Portland (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,652, while larger moves may reach $13,211 for a four-bedroom home.
- Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more — it's the busiest time of year for movers in Philadelphia.
- DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $1,935 to $5,003, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.
What to know before moving from Philadelphia to Portland
Moving from Philadelphia to Portland comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Portland 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 | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,695 | $1,530 |
| Average home value | $216,914 | $522,596 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,746 | $85,876 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,541 | $2,572 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,190 | $6,077 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 6.9% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 0.0% |
| State income tax | 3.07% | 9.9% |
- Rent prices in Portland are 10% lower than in Philadelphia, which means you'll have more 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 Portland are 140.9% higher than in Philadelphia. - Income in Portland is 21.4% higher than in Philadelphia, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Portland include KinderCare Learning Centers, Daimler Trucks North America, and Precision Castparts.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Portland, since the cost of living for a single person in Portland is 1.2% higher than in Philadelphia. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Portland is 1.8% lower than in Philadelphia.
- The unemployment rate in Portland is 34.91% lower than in Philadelphia.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Portland, since the city's sales taxes in Portland are 100.00% lower than in Philadelphia.
- State income taxes in Portland are 222.48% higher than in Philadelphia.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,036.60 in Portland to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Philadelphia.
How life is different in Philadelphia vs. Portland
| Portland | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 652,503 | 1,603,797 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 8 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 81 | 75 |
| Bike friendliness score | 92 | 67 |
| Crime Index | 57.37 | 66.09 |
| Safety Index | 42.63 | 33.91 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Portland might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 59% less than Philadelphia.
- Getting around Portland without a car might be more difficult than in Philadelphia. Portland has a public transportation score of 8 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.
- Living in Portland means you'll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Philadelphia. Portland is considered more walkable than Philadelphia, with a score of 81 out of 100 versus 75 out of 100 in Philadelphia. A city's walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- If cycling is your thing, Portland is considered more bike-friendly than Philadelphia in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Portland has a bike-friendliness score of 92 out of 100, while Philadelphia is rated as 67 out of 100.
- Portland has a lower crime rate than Philadelphia based on scores of 57.37 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 Portland than in Philadelphia, based on Portland's safety index of 42.63 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 Portland 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. Portland move
- Weather: Portland has cool and rainy winters and warm and dry summers. Portland also has overcast, wet, and changing weather conditions in fall, winter, and spring, Be sure to check your weather app to avoid rainy days,
- 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: Moving companies headquartered in Oregon must possess an up-to-date USDOT Number as well as a license issued by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a Oregon moving company's license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
- Moving permits: You won't need a moving permit in Oregon, 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 toPortland Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.Released Value Protection is a cost-effective choice as it comes at no extra cost. Movers provide this option without additional charges, but the coverage it offers is minimal. With Released Value Protection, the mover's liability is limited to 60 cents per pound per article.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Portland
Now that you've chosen "Bridgetown" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Portland to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Northwest
- Buckman
- Eliot
- Richmond
Best neighborhoods for families
- Forest Park
- Hillsdale
- Irvington
- Sellwood-Moreland
- Southwest Hills
Things to do in Portland
Now that you've made the move to Oregon, it's the perfect time to explore Portland. 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 Portland, such as the Portland Art Museum, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Oregon Historical Society, Oregon Maritime Museum, and World Forestry Center - Discovery Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Washington Park, Forest Park, Hoyt Arboretum, and Mount Tabor Park — 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 Portland Trailblazers (NBA), Portland Timbers (MLS), or Portland Thorns (NWSL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Philadelphia to Portland?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Philadelphia to Portland 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 Portland?
With many people choosing to move from Philadelphia to Portland 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 Portland take?
Moving from Philadelphia, PA to Portland, OR covers 2,863 miles and usually takes seven to 21 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 Portland.
