Updated Jan 10, 2023
Updated Jan 10, 2023
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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:
Our top recommended moving companies in Pennsylvania for 2023:
Company | Website | Our Take | Our Rating | BBB Rating | Local Cost |
International Van Lines | Site | Best Full-Service Mover | 9.8 | B | $600 – $1,200 |
American Van Lines | Site | Most Transparent Pricing | 9.7 | N/A | $500 – $1,000 |
Moving APT | Site | Most Moving Partners | 9.6 | B | |
JK Moving Services | Site | Most Customizable Moving Experience | 9.5 | A+ | Call for a quote |
Allied Van Lines | Site | Most Vehicle Shipping Options | 9.4 | A+ | $750 – $1,350 |
U-Pack | Site | Most Widely-Available Container Service | 9.3 | A+ | N/A |
North American Van Lines | Site | Best Pricing Options | 9.2 | A+ | $750 – $1,350 |
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
A full-service moving company, IVL currently offers the following list of services:
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.
City of origin | Destination | Total move distance | Home size | Price paid |
Lewistown, PA | Quincy, MA | 452 miles | Two-bedroom home | $4,125 |
Nashville, TN | Pittsburgh, PA | 560 miles | Two-bedroom home | $5,082 |
Mobile, AL | Meadville, PA | 1,056 miles | Two-bedroom home | $3,970 |
Dana, KY | Philadelphia, PA | 578 miles | Two-bedroom home | $4,046 |
Cumming, GA | Bryn Mawr, PA | 764 miles | Two-bedroom home | $2,950 |
Get a quote from IVL here.
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
You can currently book the following moving services for your upcoming more to or from PA when you move with AVL:
View previous customer data from AVL in the table below to estimate what you might pay for your move.
<250 miles | 500 miles | 1,000 miles | 2,000 miles | |
Two-bedroom home | $1,700 to $4,700 | $2,300 to $5,300 | $2,600 to $5,600 | $4,200 to $7,200 |
Four-bedroom home | $4,800 to $7,800 | $5,600 to $8,600 | $7,400 to $10,400 | $10,800 to $13,800 |
Get a quote from American Van Lines here.
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
Moving APT currently offers brokered moves with the following list of services:
Get a quote from Moving APT here.
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
Operating as a fully customizable full-service moving team, JK Moving Services currently offers the following list of services:
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 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
Another option for full-service moving, Allied Van Lines currently offers the following list of services:
Browse the data table below to learn more about what previous Allied Van Lines’ customers paid for their moving services.
<250 miles | 500 miles | 1,000 miles | 2,000 miles | |
Two-bedroom home | $1,800 to $4,500 | $2,400 to $5,400 | $2,700 to $5,700 | $4,400 to $7,400 |
Four-bedroom home | $3,300 to $6,000 | $5,700 to $8,700 | $7,500 to $10,500 | $10,900 to $13,000 |
Get a quote from Allied Van Lines here.
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
U-Pack currently offers the following list of services:
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.
<250 miles | 500 miles | 1,000 miles | 2,000 miles | |
Two-bedroom home | $600 to $1,600 | $1,200 to $2,200 | $1,600 to $2,600 | $2,100 to $3,100 |
Four-bedroom home | $800 to $1,800 | $1,800 to $2,800 | $2,800 to $3,800 | $4,100 – $5,100 |
Get a quote from U-Pack here.
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
North American Van Lines currently offers the following list of services:
Explore previous North American Van Lines customer pricing using the table below.
<250 miles | 500 miles | 1,000 miles | 2,000 miles | |
Two-bedroom home | $1,800 to $4,500 | $2,400 to $5,400 | $2,700 to $5,700 | $4,400 to $7,400 |
Four-bedroom home | $3,300 to $6,000 | $5,700 to $8,700 | $7,500 to $10,500 | $10,900 to $13,000 |
Get a quote from North American Van Lines here.
Why Trust House Method
House Method’s Experts collected and analyzed 25 critical data points across multiple companies to identify what makes a great moving company in the eye of the consumer. Our reviews team used this data to assess over 40 moving providers for services provided, relocation costs, and national availability to provide unbiased reviews so homeowners can confidently navigate key decisions about their next move.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Let’s take a look at how moving distance can play a role in your upcoming move to Pennsylvania.
Distance | Home Size | Average Cost |
100 miles | 3-4 bedroom home | $1,508 to $1,974 |
250 miles | 3-4 bedroom home | $3,386 to $4,450 |
500 miles | 3-4 bedroom home | $4,081 to $5,395 |
750 | 3-4 bedroom home | $4,590 to $6,088 |
1000 | 3-4 bedroom home | $5,472 to $7,288 |
1500 | 3-4 bedroom home | $6,226 to $8,313 |
2000 | 3-4 bedroom home | $7,382 to $9,885 |
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.
When you arrive in the Keystone State, use these quick tips to get the most out of your new home state.
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.
Whether you’re moving from New York to Pittsburgh or your move is cross-country, long-distance movers can cost a lot. The average range for long-distance movers in the US is from $2,300 to $4,800 for a two- to three-bedroom house. Cost depends on the weight of your stuff and the mileage the vehicles must travel.
Many people don’t realize this, but movers charge for things like each stair they have to traverse or even if they have to load the moving vehicle a certain distance across the yard. These can be unexpected fees that crop up, as can fuel costs for moving vehicles and insurance plans you may not even need. Make sure to get an itemized invoice of each and every thing you’re being charged for before you sign a contract with any Pennsylvania moving companies.
Before loading anything up at all, take photos of all items that you would be concerned about. Then if any of them do sustain damage, take photo evidence of that as well and hang on to the items. Reach out to your moving company’s claims service to begin the process of reimbursement for damages or lost items.
The key is to give your moving team plenty of time to plan and schedule your move. One to two months in advance gives them plenty of time to assess your needs and plan a route as well as to square away any loose ends like staffing availability or vehicle maintenance.
Most professional moving companies will tell you that any move over 400 miles is considered a long-distance move. Some go a bit shorter, and some say that a move has to cross state lines to be labeled a long-distance move.
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.
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