Best Moving Companies in Pennsylvania (May 2026)
After digging into 105 movers serving Pennsylvania, we narrowed it down to the companies that stand out for fair pricing, honest estimates, and consistent performance. Check out the choices below to line up quotes, review services, and decide what fits your move best.
Colonial Van Lines
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Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Gentle Giant Moving Company | 4.86
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Colonial Van Lines | 5.0
Why Trust FreightWaves Checkpoint?
At FreightWaves Checkpoint, we routinely evaluate more than 4,000 moving companies across the country using a data-driven scoring system built around performance, accountability, and overall customer experience. Our editorial team assigns weighted scores to the factors that matter most to consumers planning a move.
Here’s how we rank movers:
Customer feedback (40%): Verified consumer reviews carry the most weight in our methodology. We evaluate overall ratings, review volume, consistency across platforms, and patterns in customer experiences to measure satisfaction and service reliability.
Complaint track record (20%): While issues can arise in any move, resolution matters. We review complaint history through public consumer databases, focusing on frequency, severity, and how proactively a company works to address and resolve disputes.
Pricing transparency (15%): Clear estimates, well-defined deposits, and straightforward contracts score higher in our system. We prioritize movers that make it easy to understand what you’ll pay — without hidden fees or vague pricing language.
Service offerings (12%): Companies that provide a wide range of services — including full packing, specialty item handling, storage solutions, and interstate moving — earn stronger marks for flexibility and convenience.
Online experience (8%): We look at how easy a company makes it to get information, request a quote, and understand its services online. Up-to-date websites, clear contact details, and responsive review engagement all factor into the score.
Company track record (5%): Longevity, proper licensing, and overall business stability also play a role. Movers with a consistent operating history and verified credentials receive higher marks.
Our rankings are updated regularly to reflect new data, evolving consumer feedback, and shifts in company performance — helping you compare movers with confidence.
Top Local Movers in Pennsylvania
Not all movers handle your goods with the same care and coordination. Our review of 105 companies in Pennsylvania found Gentle Giant Moving Company to be the top performer for transporting household goods.
Here’s our full list of top local movers in PA:
- Gentle Giant Moving Company, 4.52 out of 5.0
- South Hills Movers, 4.42 out of 5.0
- Hughes Relocation Services, 4.48 out of 5.0
- The Armstrong Company, 4.62 out of 5.0
- Gardner Moving, 4.56 out of 5.0
Gentle Giant Moving Company
Gentle Giant Moving Company (DOT: 373544) offers a comprehensive range of services, including full-service moving, interstate and international relocations, and unpacking services. They cater to a variety of complex needs by providing piano moving and specialized crane vans. However, for those requiring segregated fragile-only packing or senior discounts, this company might not be the ideal choice, as they do not offer these specific services.
The company facilitates convenience by accepting credit card payments and providing instant email quotes for prospective clients. Additionally, they offer storage solutions, though they do not provide climate-controlled storage options or shipment tracking services.
"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
South Hills Movers
South Hills Movers (DOT: 98045) offers a comprehensive array of services, specializing in full-service moving, interstate, intrastate, and international relocations. Customers benefit from their expertise in handling specialized items, including antiques, pianos, and art, and they also provide climate-controlled storage solutions.
While the company does not accept cryptocurrency or offer discounts for seniors or military personnel, they do provide essential services like packing, unpacking, and labor-only options. Unfortunately, services such as junk removal and pool table moving are not available, which could be a downside for some clients. They also facilitate payment via credit card for customer convenience.
"South Hills Movers were amazing, moved our 33,000 item library in 2 days 😊. Mark Schleicher’s crew was professional, helpful and great to work with. Would definitely recommend for any personal or business move."
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Cons
- Damage to items
- Poor complaint handling
- Delayed arrival or delivery
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Full unpacking
- Labor-only
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
Hughes Relocation Services
Hughes Relocation Services (DOT: 110502) offers a variety of services for those needing assistance with their move. They provide comprehensive moving solutions, including interstate and international moves, packing, and unpacking services. Their specialty services include transporting pianos, pool tables, and crating, ensuring that valuable items are handled with care.
While Hughes Relocation Services does not accept cryptocurrency as a form of payment, they do facilitate transactions via credit card, making payment easy for customers. However, they do not offer junk removal or fragile-only packing services, which might be a limitation for some clients.
"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
The Armstrong Company
The Armstrong Company (DOT: 1170867) offers a comprehensive range of moving services, including full-service options, interstate and international moves, and specialized handling for fragile items, antiques, and pianos. They also provide packing and unpacking services to ease their clients' moving experiences.
Customers should note that The Armstrong Company does not accept cryptocurrency payments, which may be a drawback for some clients. Additionally, while they cover many needs, they do not offer climate-controlled storage or discounts for seniors, students, or military personnel.
"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
Gardner Moving
Gardner Moving (DOT: 947009) offers a comprehensive range of moving services, including full service moves, interstate and international relocations, and specialized handling for fragile items and antiques. Customers can also benefit from their climate-controlled storage solutions and instant email quotes, making planning and organizing moves easier.
While Gardner Moving excels in many areas, they do not provide junk removal services, which might be a downside for those looking to declutter during their move.
"Gardner Moving was fantastic - all of the men were professional and fast - no problems at all and the actual price came in below the estimate. I highly recommend them!!"
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Affordable rates
Cons
- Damage to items
- Unprofessional behavior
- Lack of communication
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Senior moving
- Full unpacking
- 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 per hour 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)
BLVD Moving
BLVD Moving (USDOT: 3342827) is a long-distance moving company that puts a strong emphasis on clear pricing and customer communication. The company coordinates interstate moves nationwide and is known for assigning a dedicated move coordinator to guide customers through each step of the process. With professional packing, storage options, and a focus on consistency from pickup to delivery, BLVD Moving is a solid choice for customers who want a more organized, transparent moving experience.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Full-time professional crews
- Flexible rescheduling
- Last-minute services
Cons
- Limited insurance options
- Limited pricing on website
Services
- Long-distance moving (nationwide interstate relocations coordinated across the contiguous US), Cross-country & interstate moving (full-service coordination from packing through delivery), Professional packing & unpacking (trained crews, high-quality materials, specialty packing for fragile items), Moving storage services (short- and long-term storage options through partner facilities), Dedicated move coordinator (single point of contact from quote to delivery), Transparent pricing model (detailed estimates based on virtual or phone inventory reviews), Carrier-vetted moving network (licensed and insured interstate carriers meeting BLVD’s service standards), Specialty item moving (oversized furniture, antiques, and delicate household goods), Customer support throughout the move (proactive communication and scheduling updates from pickup to drop-off)
Popular Moving Routes from Pennsylvania
How Pennsylvania Movers Stack Up
- Total movers: Of the 3,155 total professional moving companies in the U.S., 105 are located in PA.
- Average rating: 4.24 stars — compared to the national average rating of 4.32 stars.
- Mover associations: PA does not currently have any official moving associations. A lack of in-state mover associations doesn’t necessarily reflect poorly on movers in PA — many still meet high standards — but it may mean there's less local oversight or coordination compared to states with active industry groups.
Specialty Services Offered
| Service | PA Movers | PA % | National Movers | National % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antiques | 56 | 53.33% | 1,460 | 46.28% |
| Art | 53 | 50.48% | 1,446 | 45.83% |
| Climate-Controlled Storage | 30 | 28.57% | 1,049 | 33.25% |
| Debris Removal | 21 | 20.0% | 816 | 25.86% |
| Fragile-Only Packing | 29 | 27.62% | 753 | 23.87% |
| Labor-Only | 41 | 39.05% | 1,721 | 54.55% |
| Office Moving | 94 | 89.52% | 2,691 | 85.29% |
| Small Moves | 37 | 35.24% | 1,549 | 49.1% |
| Total Movers | 105 | 100% | 3,155 | 100% |
Discounts Offered
| Discount Type | PA Movers | PA % | National Movers | National % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AAA Discount | 1 | 0.95% | 36 | 1.14% |
| Military Discount | 1 | 0.95% | 136 | 4.31% |
| Senior Discount | 4 | 3.81% | 158 | 5.01% |
| Student Discount | n/a | n/a | 36 | 1.14% |
| Teacher Discount | n/a | n/a | 9 | 0.29% |
| Total Movers | 105 | 100% | 3,155 | 100% |
What Impacts the Cost of Pennsylvania Long-Distance Moves?
- Optional add-ons: Want help with packing? In Pennsylvania, 96.19% of movers offer it. Need storage? 91 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 4 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
