Best 5 Movers in Philadelphia, PA

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Philadelphia

A few factors to consider when choosing a moving company include services offered, cost, customer reviews, and licensing.

Determine Your Budget

The average hourly rate for a local mover in Philadelphia is $46. Based on this, a local two-bedroom move costs approximately $4,382 overall. Factors that affect your actual cost include move distance, the season, any additional tasks you need done, and your home size.

We suggest obtaining quotes from at least three reputable movers in your area. It's essential to get written estimates, which should break down your total cost and the flat fee or hourly rate. Hold onto your moving company's estimate until your move is done.

Read Customer Reviews

Moving companies depend on good customer reviews. You can find moving companies that provide good customer service by reading reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, Google Reviews, Yelp, and social media.

Ensure Proper Licensing

Moving companies in Philadelphia must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're only moving intrastate, your mover must have a current PUC number from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC).

If you're moving across states, the regulations are different. Choose a company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It should also carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers, which you can use on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool to check a mover’s registration status and complaint history.

Services

Ask if the mover you chose provides the services that align with your expectations when requesting quotes. Prepare for the quote process by making a detailed inventory of your possessions and writing down any services you may need. Tell your moving company representative regarding any special conditions or needs to see if the company can provide suitable service.

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

When seeking a quote from your moving company, disclose any additional services you require. Increased pricing may apply for the following services:

• Crating for art or antiques
• Extra flights of stairs
• Long carries
• Packing
• Piano moving
• Storage
• Unpacking
• Vehicle shipping

Tips To Consider When Moving in Philadelphia, PA

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind for your Philadelphia move.

Schedule an Early Move

Philadelphia traffic during the morning and evening rush hours is notoriously hectic. Navigating gridlock with a moving truck is even more difficult than with a standard personal-use vehicle. Movers getting stuck in traffic will typically lead to higher costs if they charge by the hour. Planning your move for the early morning ensures that your movers get there before traffic peaks and head to your new home in the middle of the day when traffic is limited.

Avoid Busy Season

The peak moving season—between May and September—coincides with Philadelphia's hot weather. This can adversely affect your move if you begin looking 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, your movers may be hindered by the heat.

Pack in Advance

Most movers treat same-day packing requests similarly. Movers will not move loose items that haven’t been packed by the time your move is scheduled to start in many cases. You should begin packing about six weeks before you move. Spend some time packing daily to prevent last-minute scrambling on moving day.

How Much do Movers Cost in Philadelphia, PA

Movers in Philadelphia cost $2,689 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,796 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.