Best Moving Companies in Pennsylvania

Did you know that the Declaration of Independence was written in Philadelphia? Or that one of the most important battles of the Civil War was fought in Gettysburg, PA? No matter which part of Pennsylvania you decide to move to, you’ll find yourself in a place of living history. If you’re a history fan or you’re looking for an affordable state with a diverse range of cities, making the choice to move to the Keystone State might have been easy. The hard part of moving for homeowners is often choosing a moving team.

You’ll be trusting your moving company with almost all of your possessions. Isn’t it worth the time to make sure that you’re working with a team that’s careful, affordable, and fully licensed? Don’t worry — House Method is here to help. Read on to learn more about:

• The best Pennsylvania moving companies and what they do best
• Information on moving pricing and estimated costs
• How you can make the most of your time living in Pennsylvania

The 7 Best Moving Companies in Pennsylvania

Our top recommended moving companies in Pennsylvania for 2022:

• Best Full-Service Mover: International Van Lines
• Most Transparent Pricing: American Van Lines
• Most Moving Partners: Moving APT
• Most Vehicle Shipping Options: Allied Van Lines
• Most Customizable Moving Experience: JK Moving Services
• Best Overall Container Service: U-Pack
• Best Pricing Options: North American Van Lines

Compare The Best Moving Companies in Pennsylvania

International Van Lines: Best Full-Service Mover

Why We Recommend International Van Lines

International Van Lines (IVL) has been serving customers for more than two decades and is continually at the top of Forbes’ list of the best moving companies. IVL works in all 50 states as well as in 150 countries all over the world — wherever you need to go, they can help you get there. International Van Lines is a full-service mover, which means they can provide packing services, unloading services, and furniture disassembly and reassembly. Some moves even include complementary storage services. 

You can get a free moving quote using IVL’s own in-house software, MoveOne, which allows you to show your home to a representative using a mobile app. This virtual quoting process is thorough and convenient while also providing you with accurate information. This feature can be convenient if you live in a very rural area or if you don’t have time for an in-home inspection.

Pros & Cons of International Van Lines

Services Offered

A full-service moving company, IVL currently offers the following list of services:

• Local and long-distance residential moving 
• Packing and unpacking services
• Loading and unloading services
• Furniture disassembly and reassembly
• Crating
• Specialized packing services for fragile items
• Short-term and long-term storage services
• Packing supplies
• Auto transportation services
• Military moving services
• Corporate relocation services

How Much Does International Van Lines Cost?

Moving pricing can vary wildly from one customer to the next. To help you get a better idea of what you might pay for your services, we’ve collected customer data from previous movers in Pennsylvania. Use the data below to estimate what you might pay with IVL.

Get a quote from IVL here.

American Van Lines

Why We Recommend American Van Lines

American Van Lines (AVL) got its start in 1967, and since then, it has grown to one of the most reputable and recognizable full-service moving companies in the country. American Van Lines does cross-country moves over most of the US and offers the quality and extra help you expect from a top full-service moving company. Every staff member of American Van Lines does continuing education and training to keep current about advancements in the moving industry, and they all undergo background checks.

Although you can sign up for a full-service move, which includes all of the services from packing to unpacking at your destination, you can also add fragile-only packing services if you have antiques, musical instruments like a piano, or other delicate items. American Van Lines has movers knowledgeable about how to move these sensitive objects without damage so you can have a stress-free move.

Pros & Cons of American Van Lines

Services Offered

You can currently book the following moving services for your upcoming more to or from PA when you move with AVL:

• Packing and unpacking services
• Storage unit arrangement
• Specialty packing services for items like pianos and antiques
• Furniture disassembly and reassembly
• Crating for large items (like pianos)
• Moving supplies
• Office moving services and corporate relocation
• Military moves

How Much Does American Van Lines Cost?

View previous customer data from AVL in the table below to estimate what you might pay for your move.

Get a quote from American Van Lines here.

Moving APT

Why We Recommend Moving APT

Unlike the previous companies we’ve mentioned, Moving APT is a broker rather than a moving company itself. Moving APT’s objective is to help you find the most affordable option for your short- or long-distance move. Moving APT has over 2,500 partners all across the country; when you connect with a representative and give them information about your move, they can search for their local partners at your origin and destination in order to set you up with the local moving companies that fit your budget and moving needs, and those that are available on your move date. This system helps you save money on your move while also stressing less about arrangement details.

Pros & Cons of Moving APT

Services Offered

Moving APT currently offers brokered moves with the following list of services:

• Commercial and residential moving
• Piano moving
• Auto shipping
• Packing services
• Packing supplies (included for some moves
• Appliance connection services
• Some furniture disassembly and reassembly

Get a quote from Moving APT here.

JK Moving Services

Why We Recommend JK Moving Services

JK Moving Services has carved out an excellent reputation over the years as friendly, supportive, and ready to adapt moving plans to your specific needs. They specialize in long-distance residential moves, so JK Moving could be the perfect choice for your next major move. When you reach out to JK to get a free quote, you are matched with a certified relocation specialist so that they can walk through your home and communicate to the movers exactly what you need. No matter if you need fragile-only packing, a full-service plan, auto transport, storage services, or anything else for your move. They even have package options for unique residential and commercial moves

All JK staff members, whether they be customer service reps, drivers, movers, or mechanics, are all drug-tested and given background checks. Most also possess certifications in antique moving and piano moving, which can ensure that these delicate items are handled with care. Over the past four decades, JK Moving Services has facilitated more than 500,000 relocations.

Pros & Cons of JK Moving Services

Services Offered

Operating as a fully customizable  full-service moving team, JK Moving Services currently offers the following list of services:

• Packing and unpacking services
• Loading and unloading services
• Long-term and short-term storage unit arrangement
• Transportation and delivery
• Freighting
• Crating
• Furniture disassembly and reassembly services
• Specialty services for items likes antiques and pianos
• Specialized services for commercial moves for law firms, hospitals and other workplaces with unique and important handling needs
• Government moving services
• Archive services
• Auto relocation services

How Much Does JK Moving Services Cost?

Each moving process from JK Moving Services is highly customized, so estimating your price is not possible before you consult a representative. Recent homeowners who moved with JK paid between $2,500 to $5,500 for their two-bedroom, 500-mile moves. Be sure to get your free quote from JK Moving Services before you choose a moving company. 

Get a quote from JK Moving Services here.

Allied Van Lines

Why We Recommend Allied Van Lines

Allied Van Lines has been in the moving business for over 85 years, and they have the moving process down to a science. Everything is included in their full-service moving plan, from packing and unpacking all the way to appliance disconnection and installation. Loading and unloading services are also included in all moves. If you require storage solutions at any point during your move, Allied can provide those as well.

Allied Van Lines has firm quotes and once you sign a contract, you can expect that the stated amount is all you’re going to pay. All shipments have GPS tracking available, and when it comes to customer service, representatives are ready and willing to address any questions or concerns you may have about the moving process.

Pros & Cons of Allied Van Lines 

Services Offered

Another option for full-service moving, Allied Van Lines currently offers the following list of services:

• Packing services and unpacking services
• Fragile-only packing
• Storage for in-transit items
• Arrangement of long-term storage units
• Shipment tracking
• Furniture disassembly and reassembly
• Auto and boat transport
• Basic liability coverage
• Full-value coverage
• Online moving resources

How Much Does Allied Van Lines Cost?

Browse the data table below to learn more about what previous Allied Van Lines’ customers paid for their moving services.

Get a quote from Allied Van Lines here.

U-Pack: Best Overall Container Service

Why We Recommend U-Pack

U-Pack is the only moving container company on this list, although some of the full-service professional moving companies mentioned do offer their own container services. However, moving containers are U-Pack’s specialty. In fact, they have their own patented aluminum and steel ReloCubes built to withstand the elements and overland transport, and they fit within a small parking space. All you have to do when visiting the U-Pack website is check out how many ReloCubes you need in order to pack all your stuff inside or choose a moving trailer size. If you go with the trailer option, you will only be charged the square footage you use inside.

A U-Pack driver drops your containers off at your home. You have to make sure that whatever containers you order can fit in your driveway or apartment parking lot. You then have three days to pack and load everything into the container before the driver returns. This option gives you freedom over how you want to pack, and you don’t have to worry about driving your stuff to your new home. The trained U-Pack driver handles the driving for you, providing a more convenient and safer moving system.

Pros & Cons of U-Pack

Services Offered

U-Pack currently offers the following list of services:

• Long-distance moving services (covering more than 150 miles)
• Storage unit arrangement

How Much Does U-Pack Cost?

U-Pack offers instant quotes online for the majority of its users. Getting a quote can be done completely online without speaking to a representative. If you’d like to see what past customers have paid for their U-Pack services, take a look at the chart below.

Get a quote from U-Pack here.

North American Van Lines

Why We Recommend North American Van Lines

North American Van Lines is one of the longest-running companies on this list and they’ve used their years of experience to stay on the cutting edge of moving industry technology. For example, they’ve developed their own moving vehicle simulators so that each North American Van Lines driver is trained in proper safety and protocol when operating a moving vehicle. This special training benefits you by limiting the possibility of a collision.

North American is a full-services mover which offers a myriad of options for your move, including everything from fragile-only moving to a complete full-service move with unpacking at your new home. North American is also notable for its list of pricing and estimate options. For example, if you’re moving on a strict budget, you can request “not to exceed” pricing that puts a cap on what movers can charge you.

Pros & Cons of North American Van Lines

Services Offered

North American Van Lines currently offers the following list of services:

• Residential moving
• Commercial moving
• Full-service packing
• Fragile-only packing
• Boxes and moving supplies
• Appliance disconnection and reconnection
• Furniture disassembly and reassembly
• Custom crates
• Loading and unloading
• Crane vans for large items
• Storage
• Satellite tracking
• Auto transport
• Basic liability coverage
• Full-valuation coverage

How Much Does North American Van Lines Cost?

Explore previous North American Van Lines customer pricing using the table below. 

Get a quote from North American Van Lines here.

How to Choose a Moving Company

You’ve already chosen your destination and when you would like to move, or at least a time frame that works for you. You need to decide whether you’d like to hire a moving company to help you relocate or if you’d like to handle your moving experience on your own. The type of move you choose will determine how much you pay for your moving company, so be sure to carefully consider both types of moves detailed below. 

Full-Service Moving

The first thing you should do when determining which moving company to hire is compare quotes. You should look up several local movers or long-distance moving companies, whichever you require. You can then compare service plans and prices. As mentioned above, some Pennsylvania movers have price matching and some have financing plans, so there are plenty of ways you can save on your move. It’s always best to go with the mover that both fits your needs and your budget.

Full-service moving companies can handle the entire relocation process for you. If you need, you can have them provide packing supplies, pack all your stuff, load, unload, and unpack once you arrive at your new home. If you just need help with fragile items or perhaps you have a hot tub or a piano, those are also great reasons to hire movers. You may also want a moving company to help you if you have small children or elderly family members you take care of. Professionals really ease the stress of a big move.

Self-Service

If you plan on accomplishing your move on your own, you can move at your own pace and schedule your move whenever you feel it’s most convenient. The main perk about a DIY move is that you can save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. You may even be able to pack everything up in your vehicle (if you have a studio apartment) or use your vehicle as well as a moving trailer.

If you have more stuff than your vehicle (or a convoy of vehicles made up of your friends and family) can hold, you can opt to rent a moving trailer to attach to your primary vehicle. These come in a variety of sizes, and they are inexpensive to rent out for a day or two, but you can rent them for longer periods of time for a bit more money. You can also rent a moving truck. If you feel comfortable enough to drive a commercial-sized vehicle, this could be an excellent option to save you money and help you retain autonomy and control over your move.

Perhaps you still want to do a self-service move, but you don’t feel comfortable either hauling a moving trailer or driving a huge moving truck. In that case, an excellent DIY packing option is to use a moving container service like U-Pack. With a moving container company, you can pack and load your container yourself, but a professional driver will transport everything to your destination. This makes it so you don’t have to worry about driving a large vehicle you’re not comfortable operating. 

Moving To Pennsylvania

Moving to Pennsylvania can be an exhilarating time for both you and your family. As you enter the final stages of the moving process, you might be excited to settle down in your new home and enjoy everything Pennsylvania has to offer. Read on to learn a little more about what influences your moving prices, some of the best cities in Pennsylvania, and a few quick tips to help you move to the Keystone State fearlessly. 

Pennsylvania Moving Costs

There are two primary factors that will influence the price that you pay for your moving service, so matter what type of move you’re planning.

• Distance: Longer moves will cost more than shorter moves.
• Your home size: If you own a larger home, you probably have more things to move. This increases the price you pay for moving services.

Let’s take a look at how moving distance can play a role in your upcoming move to Pennsylvania. 

Best Cities in Pennsylvania

Not sure where you want to move in the Keystone State? The following are some of the best moving companies in Pennsylvania. 

Allentown

Allentown, Pennsylvania, has a population of over 125,000 residents,  and it’s the fastest-growing city in the state. There are plenty of jobs in the healthcare, service, and manufacturing industries. Allentown has tons of museums, including the Allentown Art Museum, Da Vinci Science Center, the Liberty Bell Museum, and the Museum of Indian Culture. There are plenty of parks to enjoy, and some of Allentown’s schools are ranked among the best in eastern Pennsylvania.

Lancaster

Although Amish live all over the state, Lancaster is known as the heart of the Pennsylvania Amish community. Besides the Amish farms and rolling hills, Lancaster is also home to Central Market, the oldest continuously running farmers market in the US. You’ll also find the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design and the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1947. The main employer in the city is Lancaster General Hospital, although public administration and manufacturing are also large industries in Lancaster besides healthcare.

Harrisburg

Harrisburg, the capital city of Pennsylvania, is an attractive city for millennials thanks to its affordable housing and its abundant job opportunities. The State Museum of Pennsylvania is nicknamed “the Smithsonian of Pennsylvania,” and this along with other museums make Harrisburg a haven for history buffs. If you enjoy the great outdoors, you can take a breath of fresh air in Wildwood Park, Riverfront Park, and several preserves and nature parks with hiking trails through Appalachian forests. Harrisburg has quite a diverse economy, with 45,000 businesses operating in the city. The main employment sectors are healthcare, biotechnology, and service-related jobs.

Living in Pennsylvania

When you arrive in the Keystone State, use these quick tips to get the most out of your new home state. 

• Save a bit more for taxes: Pennsylvania residents not only pay federal and state taxes; they also have to pay local earned income taxes as well as a local services tax each year. Although these are added taxes to your income, some items aren’t taxed at all, such as groceries, clothing, parking, and even tattoos and piercings.
• The amount of snow you’ll see might be shocking: Pennsylvania experiences the range of four temperate seasons, but you need to prepare yourself for massive heaps of yearly snowfall each winter. Some places average over three feet of snow each year, so if you’re coming from a place like Florida or Southern California, definitely be aware of this change in climate.
• Don’t miss out on the talents of the Pennsylvania Dutch: The Keystone State has many deeply rooted Amish and Mennonite communities all the way back from the seventeenth century. These communities are known for their construction work, carpentry, and homemade foodstuffs.

Final Thoughts

Though moving can be a stressful and expensive process, planning ahead can save you tons of time and money. We recommend that you get a moving quote from each of our seven recommended moving service providers before you set a moving date. Getting quotes from multiple companies can help ensure that you don’t end up overpaying for your move to Pennsylvania. After all, you can’t be sure what the best price is before you know what each company is offering.

House Method Rating Methodology

At House Method, our primary goals are to be a reliable source of information and to be totally transparent to our readers. With that in mind, we’ve developed the following formula to render objective ratings – on a scale of 10 points – for the moving companies we review.

• Transparency (3.0): Communication and being fully straightforward regarding company policies and licensing are incredibly important. A given mover’s willingness to display these, to supply quick quotes, and to provide clearly-worded moving contracts all factor into the three points within this single rating criteria.
• Cost (2.5): A mover’s cost relative to industry averages, as well as accessibility to cost data play a role in the customer experience as much as anything else. We know that being sure of what you’re paying – and being confident that you’re not overpaying – will ultimately make for a positive move. We’ve weighted cost factors accordingly in our ratings.
• Customer Service (2.0): Establishing an easy line of contact with your movers during the booking process or during the move itself is a huge asset for any moving client. The stress of moving, in general, can be greatly eased by knowing you can talk to a licensed professional whenever you need to, which is why we’ve listed this as a key rating category. This is where customer reviews come into play; since the majority of complaints stem from poor customer service, feedback from BBB, Yelp, Google, and other review platforms factor into this criteria.
• Services Offered (1.5): This rates lower on our priority list than many would think, simply due to the fact that many movers provide a similar line of services. However, breadth of service offerings does still vary to a degree.
• Customization Options (1.0): Having the autonomy to fully customize your move should rate highly on any moving checklist. Here, we’ve taken moving package customization ability, as well as pricing for more involved add-ons. Steep pricing for such services can provide something of a soft barrier for clients looking to add to their move, and we’ve taken this into consideration.