How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Bethlehem
Consider each moving company's customer reviews, licensing, cost, and services before choosing.
Determine Your Budget
The average hourly rate for local movers in Bethlehem is $58. A two-bedroom move in the area costs around $4,141 in total. Your actual costs will depend on your home size, move distance, any additional tasks you need your movers to handle, and the season.
We advise getting quotes from three or more reputable movers in your area. Always get written estimates, which should break down your total cost and the flat fee or hourly rate. Keep your mover's estimate readily available until the moving process is done to ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Positive customer feedback is important for all moving companies. You can find moving companies that prioritize positive customer experiences by reading reviews on platforms like Yelp, Google Reviews, social media, the Better Business Bureau, and Trustpilot.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Bethlehem must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're moving from one Pennsylvania city to another, your mover must carry a PUC number from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC).
If you're moving across state lines, the regulations are different. Interstate moving companies must be licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and must carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use these numbers to look up a mover’s registration status and complaint history on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Assess whether your chosen mover can provide the services that align with your expectations when requesting quotes. Take inventory of your belongings before getting quotes and document any additional services that you may need to ensure accurate pricing. Share any special conditions or needs with your moving company representative to determine whether the company can accommodate your particular needs.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers will include these services in the base price for standard moves:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
Inform your moving company about any special services you need while going through the quote process. Services that can contribute to higher pricing include:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Bethlehem, PA
Keep these tips in mind before moving to, from, or within Bethlehem.
Schedule an Early Move
Bethlehem traffic during the morning and evening rush hours is notoriously hectic. Navigating gridlock in a moving truck is even more challenging than with a personal-use vehicle. Movers getting stuck in traffic will typically lead to higher costs since they’ll still be on the clock. We recommend arranging before morning rush hour, which makes sure the movers avoid the traffic and complete the move before evening.
Avoid Busy Season
The busiest time for movers—between May and September—coincides with Bethlehem's hot weather. This can negatively impact your move if you start your search too late and can't find a moving company with availability. If you book in advance, you should be able to schedule with your preferred mover regardless of the month. However, the movers may be hampered by the heat.
Pack in Advance
Begin packing around six weeks before your move to avoid rushing at the last minute. You can pack a couple boxes each day to make the process more manageable. Most movers won't move items that haven't been packed by the time your move is supposed to start.
How Much do Movers Cost in Bethlehem, PA
Movers in Bethlehem cost $2,606 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $6,775 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.
Distance | Studio-1 Bedroom | 2-3 Bedroom | 4+ Bedroom |
---|---|---|---|
Less than 250 miles | $2,606 | $2,927 | $6,775 |
250-999 miles | $3,218 | $3,534 | $10,288 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,250 | $4,075 | $10,487 |
2,500+ miles | $3,136 | $5,133 | $12,608 |
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