Best 5 Movers in Reading, PA

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Reading

You should consider several key factors when choosing a mover. Here are some things to look for when hiring movers in Reading.

Determine Your Budget

According to our research, the average mover in Reading costs $39 per hour. The average local move costs $3,915 total for two-bedroom homes. Factors that affect your actual cost include any additional tasks you need done, your home size, the season, and move distance.

Consider getting quotes from at least three reputable movers in your area to make an educated choice. Written estimates are important in this process. They should have a breakdown of the total cost, covering the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep your mover's estimate handy until the moving process is done to ensure fair pricing practices.

Read Customer Reviews

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

Ensure Proper Licensing

Moving companies in Reading must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are only moving intrastate, your mover must carry a current 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 provides the services you need when requesting quotes. Make a list of any services you might need and take a comprehensive inventory of your home before requesting quotes. Furthermore, notify your moving company representative about any particular requirements or unique circumstances you may have to evaluate the company's ability to deliver adequate service.

Types of Moving Services

A full-service mover will include these services for basic moves:

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

Make sure you inform your mover of any special services you require in the quote process. Services that contribute to higher 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 Reading, PA

Here are some extra tips to keep in mind when moving in Reading.

Schedule an Early Move

Reading usually gets congested during rush hour. Navigating it can be more challenging in a moving truck compared to a personal-use car. Movers caught in traffic may result in delays and a higher cost since local moving companies charge hourly. We recommend planning before morning rush hour, which ensures the movers avoid heavy traffic and complete the move before evening.

Avoid Busy Season

The busiest time for movers—between May and September—coincides with Reading's hot weather. This can adversely affect your moving process 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 at least eight weeks before your move. However, remember that the heat may impact your movers.

Pack in Advance

You should start packing about six weeks before you move. Spend some time packing daily to prevent needing to pack at the last minute. Most movers approach same-day packing requests similarly. Movers won't move loose items that haven’t been packed when your move is scheduled to begin in many cases.

How Much do Movers Cost in Reading, PA

Movers in Reading cost $2,528 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $5,818 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.