Best 5 Movers in Altoona, PA

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Altoona

Make an informed choice by considering the following crucial factors when choosing movers in Altoona.

Determine Your Budget

The average cost of hiring a local mover in Altoona is $43 per hour. The overall cost adds up to $4,271 for a two-bedroom move. Factors that affect your actual cost include the season, move distance, any additional tasks you need done, and your home size.

We advise getting quotes from three or more reputable movers in your area. Always get written estimates, which should detail your total cost and the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep your mover's estimate and compare it to the final cost to ensure fair pricing.

Read Customer Reviews

Customer feedback plays an important role for moving companies. You can find movers that prioritize positive customer experiences by reading reviews on platforms like the Better Business Bureau, social media, Yelp, Trustpilot, and Google Reviews.

Ensure Proper Licensing

Moving companies in Altoona must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are making a short-haul move that's purely within Pennsylvania, your mover must have a PUC number from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC).

The requirements change if you're moving to or from another state. In this case, choose a company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The team should also have active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can check a company's registration status on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.

Services

Assess whether your chosen mover provides the services you need during the quote process. Compile a list of any services you may require and take a comprehensive inventory of your home before seeking quotes. Tell your moving company representative regarding any specific requirements or unique circumstances to determine if the company can provide suitable service.

Types of Moving Services

For basic moves, full-service movers will include the following services in the starting cost:

• Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
• Loading and unloading
• Released liability coverage for loss or damage

Inform your moving company about any other services you require during the quote process. Services that contribute to increased pricing include the following:

• Crating for art or antiques
• Extra flights of stairs
• Long carries
• Packing
• Moving a piano
• Storage
• Unpacking
• Vehicle shipping

Tips To Consider When Moving in Altoona, PA

Here are some additional tips to consider when moving in Altoona.

Schedule an Early Move

Altoona traffic during the morning and evening rush hours is notoriously hectic. Navigating gridlock in a moving truck is even more difficult than with a personal-use vehicle. Movers getting stuck in traffic typically leads to higher costs if they charge by the hour. We advise planning before morning rush hour, which makes sure the movers avoid heavy traffic and wrap up the move before evening.

Avoid Busy Season

The busiest time for movers—between May and September—coincides with Altoona's hot weather. This can affect your move if you begin looking too late and can't find an available moving company. You should be able to book your preferred moving company by contacting companies well in advance. However, remember that the heat may impact your movers.

Pack in Advance

Most moving companies only transport items that have been packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should have everything boxed up before they arrive. You should begin packing around six weeks before your move. Pack a few boxes each day to avoid rushing when move day comes. Your movers may have some spare boxes with them for last-minute packing, but you shouldn’t count on it.

How Much do Movers Cost in Altoona, PA

Movers in Altoona cost $2,651 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,326 to move a larger 4 bedroom house the same distance. See the chart below for more moving estimates, and contact a moving company for a more accurate quote specific to your situation.