How to Choose the Best Local Mover in State College
Make an informed choice by taking the following factors into consideration when choosing movers in State College.
Determine Your Budget
According to our research, State College movers charge $39 per hour on average. The typical cost overall is $4,271 for two-bedroom homes. Your move date, move distance, home size, and any additional tasks you need the movers to do will determine your actual cost.
We advise obtaining quotes from three or more reputable movers in your area. Be sure to request written estimates. These should outline the total cost, including the flat fee or hourly rate. Hold onto your mover's estimate until your move is complete.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer feedback plays an important role for moving companies. Read customer reviews on sites like Yelp, the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, Google Reviews, and social media to find movers with excellent customer service.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in State College must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're making a short-haul move that's purely within Pennsylvania, your mover must have a current PUC number from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC).
The requirements differ 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 carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can see a company's registration status on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Assess whether your chosen mover can provide the specific services you need when requesting quotes. Take inventory of your belongings when seeking quotes and note down any additional services that you may need to ensure accurate pricing. Discuss any special conditions or needs with your moving company representative in order to assess if the company can accommodate your specific requirements.
Types of Moving Services
For basic moves, full-service movers often include the following services in the standard price:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
If you need additional services from your moving company, mention these 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 State College, PA
Keep these tips in mind before moving to, from, or within State College.
Schedule an Early Move
State College usually gets congested with traffic during rush hour. Navigating it can be more difficult in a moving truck compared to a standard personal-use car. Movers caught in traffic may result in delays and a higher cost since local moving companies charge by the hour. Scheduling your move for the early morning ensures that your movers arrive before traffic peaks and head to your new home in the afternoon when traffic is lighter.
Avoid Busy Season
The busiest time for movers—between May and September—coincides with State College's hot weather. This can impact your moving process if you start your search too late and can't find an available moving company. If you book in advance, you should be able to schedule with the mover you want regardless of the season. However, your movers may be hindered by the heat.
Pack in Advance
Most movers only carry items that have been properly packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should have everything boxed up before they arrive. You should start packing around six weeks in advance. 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 depend on it.
How Much do Movers Cost in State College, PA
Movers in State College 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.
| Distance | Studio-1 Bedroom | 2-3 Bedroom | 4+ Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 250 miles | $2,651 | $3,173 | $7,326 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,265 | $3,806 | $10,785 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,305 | $4,362 | $11,219 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,232 | $5,431 | $13,366 |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Moving Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in State College
What is the housing market like in State College?
Does State College have good schools?
How much would a State College move cost for a one-, two-, or three-bedroom house?
What is the best moving company in State College?
How should I pack things up for my move?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
