Best Moving Companies in Pennsylvania (February 2026)
Colonial Van Lines
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Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Hughes Relocation Services | 4.86
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Colonial Van Lines | 5.0
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We created FreightWaves Checkpoint to be your go-to resource for honest, data-backed advice on moving and car shipping. Our team rates over 4,000 moving companies using key metrics like price, reliability, and customer experience.
We also sift through thousands of real reviews to find patterns that matter — so you get a full picture of what to expect. All our content is fact-checked and updated regularly, so it stays accurate and useful when you need it.
Top Local Movers in Pennsylvania
Not all movers handle your goods with the same care and coordination. Our review of 106 companies in Pennsylvania found Hughes Relocation Services to be the top performer for transporting household goods.
Here’s our full list of top local movers in PA:
Hughes Relocation Services
Hughes Relocation Services (DOT: 110502) offers a comprehensive range of moving services, including full-service moves, international and interstate relocations, unpacking, and packing services. They cater to specialized needs by providing services for pianos, pool tables, and art. Furthermore, they facilitate storage solutions for their customers.
While they provide a wide array of services, it's important to note that they do not offer fragile-only packing, which might be a consideration for those with delicate items. However, their active status and diverse offering make them a competitive choice in the moving industry.
"The movers were so friendly and efficient—they took great care wrapping & packing our items to keep everything safe. The process from setup to move was seamless. Highly recommend."
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Efficient service
- Good communication
- Quick moving process
Cons
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
- Lack of communication
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Senior moving
- Full unpacking
- Debris clean-up
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
Zip to Zip Moving Inc
Zip to Zip Moving Inc (DOT: 2969363) is a comprehensive moving company offering an array of services, including full-service interstate moves and specialized handling for items like hot tubs, pianos, and pool tables. They accommodate small moves and unpacking, providing flexibility for a variety of customer needs. However, the company's lack of international moving services might be a limitation for those looking to relocate abroad. Additionally, while they cater to seniors, they do not offer a senior discount, and storage solutions are available, though not climate-controlled.
"The crew was warm, courteous, and handled all of my belongings with great care. Their attention to detail and positive attitude made the whole experience stress-free. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them."
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Helpful movers
- Good communication
Cons
- Unexpected charges
- Inaccurate estimates
- Lack of communication
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Senior moving
- Full unpacking
- Labor-only
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- Heavy safes
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
Don Farr Moving & Storage
Don Farr Moving & Storage (DOT: 345157) offers a wide range of services for those looking to relocate. They excel in full-service moves, accommodating both interstate and international relocations, with capabilities in handling delicate items like antiques, pianos, and even pool tables. For customers needing a little extra help, they also offer services like unpacking and junk removal.
Although they provide comprehensive services, a noted downside is the lack of climate-controlled storage, which may concern clients with sensitive items. They offer a range of payment options, including credit cards and money orders, but do not accept cryptocurrency or cash.
"Howie, Mike, and Kelly made our move a total breeze. They made quick work of emptying our tall 3 story apartment and getting everything situated in our new home. They were timely, communicative, and above all, nice to work with."
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Helpful movers
Cons
- Damage to items
- Poor complaint handling
- Delayed arrival or delivery
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Junk hauling
- Senior moving
- Full unpacking
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- Heavy safes
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
Gentle Giant Moving Company
Gentle Giant Moving Company (DOT: 373544) offers a range of services, including full-service moves, interstate and international relocation, and unpacking assistance. They accommodate specific needs such as piano and crane van services, making them a versatile choice for complex moving requirements.
Although they provide comprehensive moving solutions, Gentle Giant Moving Company does not offer junk removal or discounts for seniors, students, or military personnel.
"Gentle Giant was incredibly efficient and careful with my move. Not one item was damaged and they finished under estimate. I couldn’t be happier—highly recommend!"
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Helpful movers
- Quick moving process
Cons
- Damage to items
- Poor complaint handling
- Lack of communication
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Full unpacking
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
The Armstrong Company
The Armstrong Company (DOT: 1170867) is an active moving company offering a comprehensive range of services. They provide full-service moves, including interstate and international relocations, with specialized handling for antiques, fragile items, and even pianos. Additionally, Armstrong offers unpacking services and debris removal.
While they provide instant email quotes and do not require a deposit, some customers might find the lack of climate-controlled storage and shipment tracking a drawback. Despite these few limitations, the company supports various payment methods, including credit cards, ensuring a seamless moving experience.
"The movers arrived on time, were careful with my furniture, very efficient, and really nice guys. Very happy the move went so well."
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Efficient service
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Cons
- Damage to items
- Hard-to-resolve claims
- Unexpected charges
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Full unpacking
- Debris clean-up
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
Local Movers In Pennsylvania
Looking for a local moving company to work with? Check out these resources:
How Much Does It Cost To Hire Local Movers in PA?
Local movers typically charge by the hour, and your final price depends on how many people are on the crew and how long the move takes. Local moves cost an average of $128 in Pennsylvania. The more items you have — and the more help you need — the more you’ll pay.
Want a full breakdown of costs? Read our complete guide on how much Pennsylvania movers cost. Here’s a quick look at average crew sizes and hours based on the size of your home to help you plan your local move in PA:| Home Size | Crew Size | Move Time | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio/1 BR | 2 movers | 3–4 hours | $767 – $1,022 |
| 2 BR | 3 movers | 4–5 hours | $1,533 – $1,916 |
| 3 BR | 4 movers | 6–7 hours | $3,066 – $3,577 |
| 4+ Bedroom | 4–5 movers | 8+ hours | $4,088 – $5,749 |
Best Long-Distance Movers in Pennsylvania
After comparing hundreds of moving companies across Pennsylvania, Colonial Van Lines emerged as the top choice. They strike the right balance between affordability, quality of service, and proven customer experience, making them a smart pick for interstate moves.
Here are the best long-distance movers serving PA residents:
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Colonial Van Lines
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Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Colonial Van Lines
Colonial Van Lines (USDOT: 1434373) is a full-service moving company based in Pompano Beach, Florida, that handles long-distance moves across 48 states. With more than 50 years in the business and over 12,000 moves completed each year, they know their way around an interstate move. Colonial offers packing, storage, and long-distance transport throughout the continental US, all handled by highly trained crews. Their easy-to-use mobile app makes getting a quote quick, and customers often highlight the company’s friendly, professional, and reliable customer service.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Expert in-house crews
- Home electronics setup
- Trash & debris removal
Cons
- No local or international moves
- Not available in AK or HI
Services
- Long-distance moving (nationwide service across contiguous 48 states; excludes Alaska & Hawaii)
- Cross-country & interstate moving (full-service coordination from packing to delivery)
- Professional packing & unpacking (trained packers, specialty blankets, shrink-wrap, custom crating)
- Moving storage services (in-transit, short- & long-term climate-controlled storage options)
- Corporate & commercial relocation (efficient packing, storage, furniture assembly/disassembly)
- Full-service moving (end-to-end handling by CVLU-trained professionals)
- Customizable quotes via moving app or specialist (accurate, transparent estimates with virtual inventory)
- Colonial Moving App (virtual estimates, inventory updates, checklists, and box ordering)
- Colonial Van Lines University training (movers with 2–4 week curriculum and ~10-year average experience)
- Family-owned national service (50+ years, 250k+ moves, 4.6 Trustpilot rating)
Safeway Moving
Safeway Moving (USDOT: 3756000) is a veteran-owned moving company built around the idea of military-level precision. Thanks to its nationwide network of truck capacity, Safeway is able to offer very competitive pricing without cutting corners. The company also uses a multi-stage quality assurance process to keep moves on track from pickup through delivery. That combination of accurate pricing and consistent quality is a big reason Safeway earned a spot on our list.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 30 days of free storage on all interstate moves
- Long distance and cross country moves only
- A portion of every move is donated to charity
- Verification process to guarantee pricing and quality of service
- High level of customer service and support
- Veteran owned company
Cons
- Require a deposit at booking
- No local moving services offered
Services
- Long-distance moving (all 50 states, GPS tracking, barcode-scanned inventory)
- Flat-rate pricing (virtual walk-throughs, no hidden fees)
- Price matching (meets or beats quotes from qualified competitors)
- Comprehensive insurance ($6/lb full-value protection option)
- Packing and unpacking services (includes last-minute packing for an extra charge)
- Custom crating (for fragile, heavy, or high-value items like art and electronics)
- Storage options (30 days free, climate-controlled, long-term available, prorated billing)
- International moving (limited info online, contact customer service)
- 24/7 customer service (available by phone at all times)
American Van Lines
American Van Lines (USDOT: 614506) is a long-distance moving company known for its hands-on approach and experienced crews. Based in Florida, the company handles interstate moves nationwide and stands out for using full-time, background-checked movers rather than temporary labor. American Van Lines offers packing, storage, and specialty services for items like antiques and pianos, with a strong focus on careful handling. Customers often point to the company’s professionalism and attention to detail as key reasons it earns high marks.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent customer service
- Last-minute moves
- Private storage options
- Handles antiques, pianos & fine art
- Flat-rate pricing
Cons
- May require a deposit at booking
- Automated calls may be overwhelming
Services
- Local moving (affordable hourly rates, packing, custom crating)
- Long-distance moving (nationwide service, excludes Alaska and Hawaii)
- Packing services (upgrade to include professional wrapping, packing, inventorying)
- Antique and piano moving (specialized handling of fragile/oversized items, custom crating available)
- Military moves (in-home estimates, discounts, packing, storage, furniture assembly/disassembly)
- Corporate relocation (commercial moving, furniture disassembly/reassembly, storage)
- Storage options (secure, private units with surveillance, climate control, fire/storm protection)
- Moving boxes and supplies (available for purchase from AVL)
Allied Van Lines
Allied Van Lines (USDOT: 076235) is one of the most recognizable names in the moving industry, with a nationwide and global network backed by more than 80 years of experience. Alongside full-service local, long-distance, and international moves, Allied offers Allied Express, a portable container option that includes professional loading and unloading. With packing, storage, and specialty services also available, Allied provides flexible solutions for a wide range of moving needs.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Specialty packing services
- Short- and long-term storage
- Appliance disconnection & reconnection
- International shipping
Cons
- Pricing is generally higher than other van lines
- Pricing estimates can take 3-5 days
Services
- Household moving (local, long-distance, cross-country — packing, loading, transport, unloading, unpacking)
- Long-distance & interstate moving (contiguous U.S.; full-service options)
- International moving (130+ countries; online tracking, customs clearance, destination services)
- Military moves (PCS, deployment; temporary/in-transit storage; compliance with DoD regulations)
- Corporate & office relocation (employee moves, office packing, furniture disassembly/reassembly)
- Packing & unpacking services (professional crews, specialty materials, custom crating for fragile/odd items)
- Moving supplies & kits (boxes, shrink-wrap, moving kits available)
- Storage solutions (in-transit, short- & long-term climate-controlled units with security)
- Portable storage containers (rentable containers for packing/storing during move)
- Full-service moving coordinators & 24/7 support (dedicated move coordinator, transparent pricing, no hidden fees)
Mayzlin Relocation
Mayzlin Relocation (USDOT: 2513600) is a long-distance moving company that focuses on transparent pricing and a more hands-on customer experience. The company coordinates interstate moves nationwide and is known for assigning a dedicated move coordinator to guide customers from booking through delivery. With professional packing, storage options, and consistent communication throughout the process, Mayzlin Relocation is a solid choice for customers who want clarity, support, and fewer surprises on moving day.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
- Full refund for cancellations within 7 days of your move
- 24/7 customer support
- Residential, corporate & military moves
Cons
- Only service moves originating on the east coast
- Deposit required at booking
Services
- Local moves (residential service with professional teams and packing assistance)
- Long-distance & out-of-state moves (nationwide across all contiguous states with online quotes, price-match guarantee, and real-time GPS tracking)
- Corporate moves (commercial & office relocation, employee moves, furniture disassembly/reassembly)
- Military moves (compliant with regulations, trained crews, full-service support)
- Packing & unpacking services (trained packers, durable materials, wrapping for fragile items like antiques, pianos, fine arts)
- Storage solutions (in-transit, short- & long-term climate-controlled units, 30 days free storage included)
- Small moves (efficient handling of smaller load requirements)
- Price match guarantee (ensures competitive pricing)
- Deposit & cancellation policy (25% deposit, full refund if canceled within 7 days)
- Online estimates & booking (virtual inventory, transparent pricing, no hidden fees)
- Furniture disassembly & reassembly (handled by crew as part of full-service)
- Dedicated move coordinator & customer support (personalized planning, 24/7 assistance throughout)
How Pennsylvania Movers Stack Up
- Total movers: Of the 3,180 total professional moving companies in the U.S., 106 are located in PA.
- Average rating: 4.24 stars — compared to the national average rating of 4.31 stars.
- Mover associations: Pennsylvania has 6 in-state mover associations — a strong indicator of quality standards and coordination in the local moving industry.
Specialty Services Offered
| Service | PA Movers | PA % | National Movers | National % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antiques | 55 | 51.89% | 1,465 | 46.07% |
| Art | 52 | 49.06% | 1,449 | 45.57% |
| Climate-Controlled Storage | 28 | 26.42% | 1,035 | 32.55% |
| Debris Removal | 23 | 21.7% | 822 | 25.85% |
| Fragile-Only Packing | 27 | 25.47% | 749 | 23.55% |
| Labor-Only | 41 | 38.68% | 1,728 | 54.34% |
| Office Moving | 95 | 89.62% | 2,711 | 85.25% |
| Small Moves | 37 | 34.91% | 1,555 | 48.9% |
| Total Movers | 106 | 100% | 3,180 | 100% |
Discounts Offered
| Discount Type | PA Movers | PA % | National Movers | National % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AAA Discount | 1 | 0.94% | 36 | 1.13% |
| Military Discount | 1 | 0.94% | 130 | 4.09% |
| Senior Discount | 2 | 1.89% | 141 | 4.43% |
| Student Discount | 0 | 0.0% | 37 | 1.16% |
| Teacher Discount | 0 | 0.0% | 11 | 0.35% |
| Total Movers | 106 | 100% | 3,180 | 100% |
What Impacts the Cost of Pennsylvania Long-Distance Moves?
- Optional add-ons: Want help with packing? In Pennsylvania, 95.28% of movers offer it. Need storage? 92 providers can help. These extras will be reflected in your final quote.
- Moving destination: The farther the shipment, the more you’ll pay for fuel, labor, and wear-and-tear on the truck.
- Home size: A larger home means more goods to load and haul and higher pricing for both labor and transport.
- The season: Moving during peak season — especially summer — can significantly increase your costs due to tight trucking availability.
How To Choose the Right Pennsylvania Mover
When you’re planning a move in Pennsylvania, it’s not just about loading boxes — it’s about choosing a reliable partner to manage your shipment. A little research can help you avoid major headaches.
Make sure your mover checks these boxes:
- Licensing and credentials: Ensure they’re fully licensed for household goods shipments and insured through the FMCSA.
- Pricing and estimates: Request walkthrough-based estimates, as they’re more accurate and often binding. Aim for three quotes to compare.
- Discounts and price matching: Ask about special pricing — 1 movers in PA offer military discounts and 2 give breaks for seniors.
- Service and reviews: Movers with a proven record of reliable service tend to have strong customer ratings.
- Booking and flexibility: Check their policy for changes or cancellations in case your timeline shifts.
FAQs
How are long-distance moves scheduled?
Movers schedule long-distance routes based on geography, demand, and truck availability. Once your window is set, they'll coordinate pickup and delivery accordingly.
Can I ship a vehicle with my household items?
Some full-service movers offer auto transport alongside household goods, but it’s often a separate service with its own carrier and delivery timeline.
What kind of moving truck will transport my items?
Most long-distance moves use 26-foot box trucks or tractor-trailers. Smaller moves may be loaded onto shared trucks or containerized for efficiency.
Is there a weight limit on my move?
Technically, yes. Residential moves must comply with federal weight limits for trucks. Large or heavy moves may require multiple trips or special permits.
Thinking About Moving to Pennsylvania?
Whether you're relocating for work, family, or a change of scenery, Pennsylvania has a lot to offer. From cost of living considerations to entertainment, career options, and climate, here's a quick overview of how to prepare for your PA relocation and what to expect once you arrive.
Life in Pennsylvania: What To Expect
- Pennsylvania is 1% cheaper than the national average, with average rent near $1,110 and home values around $268,824.
- The job market in Pennsylvania is more competitive, with an unemployment rate of 3.4%. Top industries include Professional and business services ($101.8 billion), Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($95.7 billion), and Real estate and rental and leasing ($95.4 billion).
- Recreation options in Pennsylvania include attractions like Hersheypark and Gettysburg National Military Park, outdoor escapes such as Gettysburg National Military Park and Presque Isle State Park, and museums like Eastern State Penitentiary and The Hershey Story Museum.
- Sports lovers can cheer on teams like Philadelphia 76ers (NBA) and Philadelphia Eagles Football (NFL), which draw fans from across the state.
Pennsylvania Relocation Resources
