Local moving companies in Philadelphia

  1. Anchor Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  2. Transtar Moving Systems: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  3. Bellhop Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  4. BR Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
  5. Keep It Moving, LLC: 4.58 out of 5 stars

Anchor Moving & Storage Inc.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.8 / 5

DOT #: 125550

Years in Business: 51

8295 National Hwy Ste B, Pennsauken, NJ 08110 US

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

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

Alternative Business Names

  • Anchor Moving & Storage
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Transtar Moving Systems

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.76 / 5

DOT #: 939629

Years in Business: 63

925 N Lenola Rd, Moorestown, NJ 08057 US

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

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

Alternative Business Names

  • A Action Family Moving Company, Inc.
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Bellhop Moving

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.66 / 5

DOT #: 2878240

Years in Business: 14

230 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19102 US

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

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Bellhop Moving Services
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BR Moving

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.58 / 5

DOT #: 2508433

Years in Business: 14

1603 N Delaware Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125 US

Customers rave about BR Movingโ€™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 whatโ€™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.

Get a Quote (215) 620-5796

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Fragile-only packing

Additional Information

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Keep It Moving, LLC

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.58 / 5

DOT #: 2313514

Years in Business: 19

300 E Godfrey Ave Suite 100, Philadelphia, PA 19120 US

Movers 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.

Get a Quote (215) 939-2651

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Hot Tubs
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage

Additional Information

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Factors influencing moving costs from Philadelphia to Columbiatoggle

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 Columbia can be as low as $1,409 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 7,567.
  • 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 $574 to $1,385. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Philadelphia to Columbia

Moving from Philadelphia to Columbia means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Philadelphia than in Columbia, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Philadelphia compares to Columbia so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Philadelphia Columbia
Average rent cost $1,695 $1,447
Average home value $216,914 $220,612
Average income (per capita) $70,746 $64,683
Cost of living (single person) $2,541 $1,956
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,190 $4,274
Unemployment rate 10.6% 5.2%
Sales tax 8.0% 8.0%
State income tax 3.07% 7.0%
  • Rent prices in Columbia are 15% lower than in Philadelphia, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Philadelphia.
    Home prices in Columbia are 1.7% higher than in Philadelphia.
  • Income in Columbia is 8.6% lower than in Philadelphia, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Columbia include Pure Fishing, LexiCode, and BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Columbia is 23.0% lower than in Philadelphia. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Columbia is 31.0% lower than in Philadelphia.
  • The unemployment rate in Columbia is 50.94% lower than in Philadelphia.
  • Sales taxes are the same in Columbia and Philadelphia.
  • State income taxes in Columbia are 128.01% higher than in Philadelphia.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,309.33 in Columbia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Philadelphia.

How life is different in Philadelphia vs. Columbia

Columbia Philadelphia
Population 136,632 1,603,797
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 9
Walkability score 35 75
Bike friendliness score 35 67
Crime Index 3.0 66.09
Safety Index 48.39 33.91
Air Quality Good Good
  • Columbia's population is about 91% less than Philadelphia.
  • Columbia's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Philadelphia's higher score of 9.
  • Columbia is less walkable than Philadelphia with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Philadelphia's 75 out of 100.
  • Columbia has a bike-friendliness score 35 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.
  • Columbia's crime rate is lower than Philadelphia with a score of 3.0 compared to Philadelphia's 66.09. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 66.09%.
  • Columbia is considered to be safer than Philadelphia with a safety index of 48.39 vs Philadelphia's 33.91.
  • Air quality in Columbia is good, and in Philadelphia it's good.

Other things to consider for your Philadelphia vs. Columbia move

  • Weather: If you're considering to move to Columbia, SC, better to consider during October, April and May to make sure weather will be pleasant.
  • 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 regulationsโ€”some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • State licensing: To promote safety, economic development, and ethical business practices, the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) oversees movers in the state. They are responsible for inspecting, examining, and auditing public utility providers like movers. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in South Carolina, though it\โ€™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 toColumbia Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.When moving in South Carolina, explore movers' insurance options. Many offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, discuss Full Value Protection with the moving company or consider third-party insurance providers. Prioritize understanding coverage limits and potential extra costs. Read reviews to make an informed decision on the best insurance for your South Carolina move.
  • Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Columbia

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "Soda City" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Columbia to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Seven Oaks
  • Forest Acres
  • Irmo
  • Lexington
  • Woodfield

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Irmo
  • Lexington
  • Blythewood
  • Cayce
  • Oak Grove

Things to do in Columbia

Now that you've made the move to South Carolina, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Columbia. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Columbia, such as the South Carolina State Museum, Columbia Museum of Art, South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum, EdVenture Children's Museum, and South Carolina Military Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park, Saluda Shoals Park, Sesquicentennial State Park, and Finlay 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 Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League), South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC), or Benedict Tigers (SIAC) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Philadelphia to Columbia?

The best time to move from Philadelphia to Columbia 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 Columbia?

Because most people are moving from Philadelphia to Columbia 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 Columbia take?

The 619-mile move from Philadelphia, PA, to Columbia, SC, takes one to six 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 Columbia.

Helpful moving resources