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.
4.5
One month of free storage included with your move
Provides moves in all 50 states
Offers air & ocean freighting
4.0
Flat rate pricing for all moves
Offers price matching
Expedited moves between big cities
4.2
Top-notch packing services
Nationwide partner network
Comprehensive moving calculator
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 — Today’s Homeowner 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 2023:
Compare The Best Moving Companies in Pennsylvania
The table below outlines data for the best moving companies on the market. We constantly update these ratings and price estimates to reflect industry changes. Continue reading in-depth reviews of several top providers.
Company | Best For | Our Rating | BBB Rating | Local Cost | Long-distance Cost |
 | Best Full-Service | B | $650–$1350 | $2,100–$5,400 | |
 | Most Transparent Pricing | B- | $550–$1,100 | $2,550–$5,700 | |
 | Best Cost Estimation Tools | B | $700 - $1,250 | $1,800 - $4980 | |
 | Best Flat-Rate | Not Rated | Not available for local moves | $2,200–$5,500 | |
 | Most Moving | B | Call for a quote | $2,750–$5,200 | |
 | Most Customizable | A+ | Call for a quote | $2,750–$6,000 | |
 | Best Vehicle | A+ | $800–$1,500 | $2,000–$5,000 | |
 | Best Pricing | A+ | $800–$1,500 | $2,000–$5,000 | |
 | Best Technology | A+ | Call for quote | $2,000–$5,000 | |
 | Best Container Service | A+ | Not available for local moves | $1,350–$2,400 | |
 | Best Valuation Coverage Options | A+ | $1,200-$2,750 | $3,100-$8,400 |
*Quote and cost data are updated and monitored continuously.
International Van Lines
4.5
Our Rating
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.
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
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 |
American Van Lines
4.0
Our Rating
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.
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
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 |
Moving APT
3.9
Our Rating
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.
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
JK Moving Services
4.2
Our Rating
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.
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
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.
Allied Van Lines
4.2
Our Rating
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.
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
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 |
U-Pack
3.5
Our Rating
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.
U-Pack currently offers the following list of services:
- Long-distance moving services (covering more than 150 miles)
- Storage unit arrangement
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 |
North American Van Lines
4.0
Our Rating
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.
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
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 |
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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.
| 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 |
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.
FAQs About Moving Companies in Pennsylvania
How much do movers cost in Pennsylvania?
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.
What are the extra or hidden costs when moving?
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.
What happens if my stuff gets damaged?
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.
How far out in advance should I book a moving company?
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.
What is considered a long-distance move?
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.
Today's Homeowner Rating Methodology
At Today's Homeowner, 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.
