The BEST Moving Companies in Philadelphia, PA
Quick answer: Our top pick for local moves in Philadelphia, PA, is Transtar Moving Systems, thanks to their reputation for quality customer service and specialized handling of pianos and antiques. If you’re moving out of Pennsylvania to another state, we recommend Safeway Moving in terms of overall value.
- Best Philadelphia-based mover: Transtar Moving Systems
- Best interstate mover: Safeway Moving
- Best moving container: PODS
- Best labor-only mover: HireAHelper
- Best rental truck: U-Haul Truck Rental
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Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ moving companies analyzed
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- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Best movers for those moving locally in Philadelphia, PA
- Transtar Moving Systems: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Anchor Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- BR Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Keep It Moving, LLC: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Efficient Service
- Friendly and Professional Crews
- Great Communication
- Inconsistent Quality
- Billing Discrepancies
- Damaged Items During Move
Company Info
State license #: 39PC00058806
Years in Business: 61
DOT #: 939629
Alternate Names: A Action Family Moving Company, Inc., Transtar Moving Systems
Transtar Moving Systems, a reputable local moving company operating in and around Moorestown, NJ since 1963, offers comprehensive residential moving services. Compared to other nearby movers, Transtar stands out with its longevity and strong customer satisfaction, reflected in an impressive 4.8 average rating from 161 Google reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Their services include office moving, packing and unpacking, and specialized relocation for antiques, art, and safes. With no deposit required and full valuation insurance coverage provided, Transtar Moving Systems is a trusted and dependable choice for your local moving needs.
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
- Friendly and Efficient Movers
- Affordable Pricing
- Smooth Reservation Process
- Last-Minute Cancellations
- Poor Customer Service
- Damage to Belongings
Company Info
State license #: 2878240
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving Services
Bellhop Moving, a Philadelphia-based company, has been providing local residential moving services since 2012. Unlike some other nearby movers, Bellhop also offers packing, unpacking, and labor-only services, accepting credit cards for your convenience, though a deposit is required. While their Yelp profile reflects mixed reviews with a 2.8 average rating, their Google My Business profile boasts a stronger 4.2 average rating, indicating a generally positive customer experience. However, potential clients should note their C+ Better Business Bureau rating. Overall, Bellhop Moving may be a reliable choice for local moves, with additional services to ease the transition.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- Outstanding Customer Service
- Professional and Efficient Movers
- Careful Handling of Belongings
- Damage to Items
- Poor Communication Regarding Claims
- Unprofessional Staff Behavior
Company Info
State license #: 125550
Years in Business: 51
DOT #: 125550
Alternate Names: Anchor Moving & Storage
Anchor Moving & Storage Inc., based in Pennsauken, NJ, has been a trusted name in local residential moving since 1974. While their Yelp reviews paint a mixed picture with an average rating of 2.4, their 4.7 average rating from 189 Google My Business reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau highlight their strong reputation. Unlike many competitors, Anchor Moving & Storage Inc. offers a wide range of services including packing, unpacking, crating, and specialized moving for pianos, art, and antiques. They also provide full valuation insurance coverage and shipment tracking, ensuring peace of mind for all local moves.
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
- Friendly Staff
- Efficient Service
- Careful Handling of Belongings
- Miscommunication
- Unexpected Damages
- Inadequate Follow-Up on Complaints
Company Info
State license #: 8916888
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2508433
BR Moving has been providing exceptional local residential moving services in and around Philadelphia, PA since 2011. The company stands out among competitors thanks to its high customer satisfaction, boasting an impressive average rating of 4.6 on both Yelp and Google My Business, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. In addition to their local moving expertise, BR Moving offers packing and unpacking services, fragile-only packing, office moving, and piano relocation services. Unlike many other movers in the area, they require no deposit and provide full valuation insurance coverage, ensuring a hassle-free and secure moving experience.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Full-valuation coverage
- Fragile-only packing
- Professional Service
- Efficient Movers
- Clear Communication
- Damaged Items
- Long Delays
- Poor Customer Service
Company Info
State license #: 8915205
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 2313514
Keep It Moving, LLC has been offering local residential moving services in and around Philadelphia, PA since 2007, earning a reputable spot in the community. Unlike some local competitors, they provide a broad range of services including office moving, packing, and unpacking services, and they are capable of moving delicate items such as antiques. Customer reviews show a mixed but generally positive sentiment, with a 3.5 average rating on Yelp and a 4.0 average rating on Google, although the company's Better Business Bureau rating is an F. They accept cash and credit cards, and no deposit is required, making them a flexible choice for your local moving needs.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Hot Tubs
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Best movers for those moving out of Pennsylvania
As you may guess, interstate — or out-of-state — moves are those that cross state lines. Movers must meet certain federal licensing requirements and standards to handle interstate moves. Consider one of these highly rated, fully licensed interstate moving companies if you’re leaving Pennsylvania for a new state:
- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- BLVD Moving: 4.25 out of 5 stars
- PODS: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
- Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
- Hands-on customer service
- 24/7 support
- Price-matching policy
- Family owned & operated
- Affordable pricing
- Binding estimates
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
Best moving containers in Philadelphia, PA
Moving containers offer a hybrid DIY solution that falls somewhere between a full-service moving company and a rental truck. With moving containers, you won’t have the help of a moving crew (you’ll have to do the loading and unloading) but you will get the benefit of a professional driver — a perk that doesn’t come with renting a truck.
Container costs in Philadelphia vary depending on how many containers you need and how far you’re moving. Be sure to get moving quotes from multiple companies so you can best compare prices and services.
We recommend starting with these two top-tier moving container companies:
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
Best rental trucks for your Philadelphia, PA move
If you’re looking for the cheapest way to move out of state or locally in Philadelphia, a moving truck rental is your best option. On average, a truck rental in Pennsylvania costs a base rate of $19–$39 a day and a fee of $0.89–$0.99 per mile.
While you’ll certainly save money by renting a truck rather than hiring full-service movers or using a moving container, you will ultimately be responsible for every aspect of your move — including the driving.
We recommend these top truck rental companies for a full DIY move:
- More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
- Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
- Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
- U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
- Limits environmental impact as part of the EPA's SmartWay Program
- Non-slip flooring makes loading and unloading easier
- Easily choose truck size with their Truck Wizard Tool
Labor-only movers in Philadelphia, PA
Labor-only companies can be helpful if you are using a moving container or rental truck but still want some assistance with the heavy lifting. A labor-only mover will provide you with a moving crew to load and unload your items, and you can also pay for additional packing support, as well as disassembly and reassembly of furniture, fitness equipment, and electronics.
Check out our picks for labor-only companies in Philadelphia:
- First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
- Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
- $1,000 money-back service guarantee
- Fast and accurate delivery times
- Free damage coverage with additional coverage options
- Quick and easy booking process
- National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
- Dedicated move concierge specialist
- Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
- The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them
Top-rated movers in nearby cities
How we chose the best movers in Philadelphia
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 85 Pennsylvania movers and listed the top five best movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How do I find a reputable Philadelphia mover?
If you’re looking for the best movers in Philadelphia, here’s what you should look for:
- A good reputation: Whether they’re a new family-owned business in Philadelphia or a large van lines company with years of experience operating all over Pennsylvania, a good reputation is absolutely essential. Watch out for red flags and common moving scams.
- Look into dispute resolution: All businesses may have some hiccups, but it's how they handle these incidents that shows the company’s true colors. If a mover in Philadelphia has a history of unresolved customer complaints, it might be best to look elsewhere.
- Ensure experience aligns with your move: A mover with excellent reviews for local moves in Philadelphia may not be the best interstate moving company. Verify that the company has adequate experience with the type of move you're planning.
- Get multiple estimates: Reputable Philadelphia movers should provide a free estimate for your move. Getting moving quotes from multiple companies will give you a good idea of a fair price for the services you need.
Fortunately, the Philadelphia movers on this list all pass this checklist with flying colors and have been hand selected by our experts at moveBuddha.
If you want to broaden your search to the whole state, check out the best moving companies in Pennsylvania.
Average cost of movers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The pricing table below shows ballpark costs for local moves within the Philadelphia area and its surrounding suburbs. Or check out our post on the cost to move in Pennsylvania for more pricing info.
Keep in mind the price ranges listed are only averages. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the specific requirements of your move.
You can also check out our moving cost calculator for more accurate moving cost estimate.
Local moving costs in Philadelphia
If you’re moving within 50 miles of Philadelphia, it’s considered a local move. The cost of a rental truck combines a base fee and the mileage fees. In Philadelphia, the base fee ranges from $19 to $39 while the mileage ranges from $0.89 per mile to $0.99 per mile.
And if you’re looking for some labor help, the average cost for movers in Philadelphia is $130 per hour.
| Home Size | Avg. Total Cost | Cost/hour | # of Movers | # Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $456 | $182 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
| 1 Bedroom | $638 | $182 | 2 movers | 4 hours |
| 2 Bedroom | $1,039 | $255 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
| 3 Bedroom | $2,416 | $357 | 4 movers | 8 hours |
| 4 Bedroom | $2,773 | $357 | 4 movers | 9 hours |
| 5+ Bedroom | $4,266 | $499 | 5 movers | 10 hours |
Interstate moving costs out of Philadelphia
The cost to move from Philadelphia to a different state is determined by how much you’re moving and how far away the new state is from Pennsylvania. Here are a few examples:
- Philadelphia to California Movers: $1,687 to $7,723
- Philadelphia to New York Movers: $100 to $3,137
- Philadelphia to Illinois Movers: $612 to $5,701
- Philadelphia to New York Movers: $100 to $3,137
Don’t see your new home state? Check out these popular moving routes.
Factors that affect the cost of your move
- Distance: Your moving costs in Philadelphia will be determined in large part by where you are relocating. A local move within 50 miles of Philadelphia will be less expensive than moving 450 miles across Pennsylvania state lines.
- Move size: The more stuff you have, the more your move will cost, since moving companies determine price based on how large your truck and moving truck need to be. For long-distance and interstate relocations out of Philadelphia, a moving company will base your price on the total estimated weight and volume of your belongings. Decluttering and downsizing to reduce those total measurements can help you keep costs down.
- Moving method: A full-service mover will likely be the most expensive option, and renting a truck will save you the most money. Just make sure you are factoring in services with pricing, so you don’t end up skimping on the help you need for your specific move just to cut costs.
- Additional services: No matter what kind of move you opt for, extra options like packing, labor, and comprehensive insurance will all come with added fees.
- The time of the year: Relocating during peak moving season (May–September) will cost you more because demand is higher and availability is lower. If possible, plan your move between October and April for a lower rate.
FAQs
Do I need to get a parking permit for local movers in Philadelphia?
Moving Truck = $50.00 (Center City and University City) and $25.00 (All other areas), per 40 feet of space, per day (40 feet of space is the equivalent of two (2) parking spaces) Moving/Portable Storage Container = $50.00, per container (maximum of 5 calendar days). Temporary Dumpster = $40.00, per dumpster (maximum of 7 calendar days).
For more info on parking permits in Philadelphia, visit the local DOT website.
How can I save money when hiring a Philadelphia moving company?
You can save money when hiring a Philadelphia mover by planning your moving date outside of peak season, which runs from May through September. Moving during the week and between October and April allows for the greatest savings.
There are other ways to negotiate your moving costs, including asking a company about any moving discounts or deals that may apply to you.
Do Philadelphia movers offer storage?
Yes, many Philadelphia movers offer short- and long-term storage options. Many moving companies operate their own storage facilities, but some may partner with a third-party warehouse. It's always worth asking about a mover’s storage options and getting estimates for the added cost.
If your Philadelphia mover doesn’t offer storage — or you need services beyond what they can provide — reach out to at least three of the best self-storage companies to get an idea of the price of self-storage before choosing one.
How can I see all moving companies in Pennsylvania?
You can see all moving companies in Pennsylvania by taking a look at our full list of Pennsylvania movers.
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