Best 5 Movers in Philadelphia, PA

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Philadelphia

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

Determine Your Budget

Local movers in Philadelphia charge an average hourly rate of $46. A two-bedroom move in the area costs around $4,382 in total. Your actual costs will vary depending on any additional tasks you need your movers to handle, the season, your home size, and move distance.

Consider getting quotes from a minimum of three moving companies in your area to make an educated choice. Written estimates are important in this process. They should include a comprehensive breakdown of the total cost, covering the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep your mover's estimate handy until the move is completed to ensure fair pricing.

Read Customer Reviews

Good customer feedback is necessary for all moving companies. Reading customer reviews on platforms such as Google Reviews, social media, Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, and Yelp will show you which movers prioritize positive customer experiences. We suggest thoroughly researching customer reviews before selecting a moving company.

Ensure Proper Licensing

Moving companies in Philadelphia must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're moving from one Pennsylvania city to another, your mover must have 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

Assessing whether the mover offers the services you need is essential during the quote process. Get ready for the quote process by making a detailed inventory of your belongings and writing down any services you might require. Inform your moving company representative regarding any special conditions or needs to determine whether the company can provide satisfactory service.

Types of Moving Services

Full-service movers deliver the following standard services as a part of their base price:

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

Tell your moving company about any extra services you need while going through the quote process. Additional fees may apply for these 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 consider for your Philadelphia move.

Schedule an Early Move

Philadelphia sees its fair share of traffic, and navigating this can be difficult in a moving truck. Being stuck in traffic during your move can lead to delays and impact your budget, as local movers charge by the hour. We recommend scheduling before morning rush hour, which ensures the movers beat the traffic and wrap up the move before evening.

Avoid Busy Season

The busiest period for moving, which falls between May and September, coincides with the summer heat in Philadelphia. This can slow or negatively impact your move. If you plan far enough in advance, you should be able to schedule with the mover you want regardless of the month. However, the movers may be hindered by the heat.

Pack in Advance

Most moving companies approach same-day packing requests similarly. Movers will not move loose items that haven’t been packed when your move is scheduled to start in many cases. You should start packing around six weeks before your move. Pack a few boxes each day to avoid rushing on the day of your move. Your movers may have a few spare boxes with them for last-minute packing, but you shouldn’t count on it.

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.