Native Van Lines
- Fast quote process
- Trained movers
Roadway Moving
- Great reputation
- Hourly rates
Adams Van Lines
- Award winning movers
- Broad range of services
Moving can be chaotic, but the right moving company can make all the difference. Fortunately, Moving APT did the research for you. We looked through authentic customer feedback and pulled from our own 22 years of experience in the moving industry to bring you a list of the top 5 movers in Philly.
In this article, we’ll walk you through our top picks for Philadelphia moving companies, and we’ll also provide some insider info that you can use to make your move go even smoother. Read on to see the best movers in Philadelphia, and get started with your move.
In this article
How Much Does It Cost to Hire Movers in Philadelphia?
The cost of hiring a Philadelphia mover can cost anywhere from $450 to $5100 for a local move. On the other hand, hiring a long distance mover can cost between $1200 and $12500, and sometimes a little more.
The Cost of Moving in Philadelphia
| Distance | 1 Bedroom | 2 – 3 Bedroom | 4 – 5 Bedroom |
| Local (Less than 100 Miles) | $450 – $700 | $850 – $1800 | $1300 – $5100 |
| 100 miles | $1200 – $1600 | $1250 – $1700 | $1500 – $3400 |
| 250 miles | $1300 – $2000 | $1500 – $3500 | $2,000 – $4800 |
| 750 miles | $1500 – $2900 | $2100 – $6900 | $5500 – $7900 |
| 1500 miles | $1700 – $3200 | $2600 – $7400 | $6700 – $9500 |
| 2500 miles+ | $1900 – $3700 | $3900 – $8200 | $12500+ |
Keep in mind that additional services such as packing, unpacking, and storage may also come at an extra cost. It’s important to obtain quotes from multiple moving companies and compare their rates and services to ensure that you’re getting the best value for your money.
Take a look at these articles for more info on your moving costs:
What to Look for in a Philadelphia Moving Company
When it comes to hiring a moving company in Philadelphia, it’s important to know who you’re dealing with. You’ll want to get in touch with a mover that you can trust, so we’ve provided some good signs to keep an eye out for.
- Flat-rate pricing: Flat rate pricing (also known as a binding estimate) means you’re getting a concrete quote for your move, and it won’t change (unless you add a surprise piano or something) before, during, or after your move.
- Licensing and insurance: If a moving company provides out of state moves, they need to be federally licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Look for their FMCSA number to make sure they’re legit.
- Positive reviews: Google and Yelp are your friends. Look for a moving company with a track record of positive customer reviews and ratings. Also check in with family, friends, and neighbors to hear what they have to say about their own moving experiences.
- Experience and expertise: Look for a Philadelphia mover that’s been in business for a number of years. More time in business means more time spent dealing with moves of all shapes and sizes, which is really helpful when it comes to planning.
- Professionalism: Your movers will be handling all your stuff, from packing to loading and hauling. You want to be sure they’re professional, courteous, punctual, efficient, and above all, careful.
Every moving company is different, but if you keep these factors in mind, you’ll be able to choose the right mover for the job.
Compare Moving Companies in Philadelphia
| Company | 
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| Rating | 4.8 4.8/5 | 4.8 4.8/5 | 4.9 4.9/5 | 4.5 4.5/5 | 4.2 4.2/5 |
| Avarage Price (2-3 Bed) | $3210- $7320 | $3300- $7900 | $2950 - $6650 | $2900- $8250 | $3050 - $6820 |
| Superlative | Best Customer Service | Most Experienced Movers | Best For Long Distance | Most Affordable | Best for Local |
| Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote |
Our Top 5 Moving Companies in Philadelphia
If you’re looking for a Philadelphia moving company, Native Van Lines is a great option. They’re a nationwide moving agency with a whole network of vetted movers and agents. They provide free quotes, and can help you find reliable and trustworthy movers while avoiding scams.
Native Van Lines has been in the business for a while, and over the years they’ve built up a reputation for great customer service. They’re an award-winning moving company with over 500 agents across the United States, and to sweeten the deal, they provide up to 30 days of free storage.
Pros
- Free quotes and consultations
- Nationwide network of vetted movers
- 30 days of free storage
- Competitive pricing
Cons
- Personal info required for quote
Why We Recommend Native Van Lines
Native Van Lines is an award-winning moving company. They’ve moved over 250,000 customers since they started their business, and they’re still going strong. We appreciate any moving company that throws in neat bonuses for their customers, and those 30 days of free storage are a definite plus.
Roadway Moving is a relatively new moving company. They started in New York City back in 2008, and have been expanding nationally ever since.
While they’ve been around for a while, they still have a young company’s mindset: They’re driven and determined, and they’ll go the extra mile to help their customers.
Aside from excellent customer service, Roadway Moving also offers a range of services, including a premium, hands-off moving experience called Roadway Black. Whether you’re moving local or moving out of state, Roadway Moving is a great choice.
Pros
- High-quality customer service
- Range of moving services
- Specialized Roadway Black service
- Competitive pricing
Cons
- Limited availability in some regions
Why We Recommend Roadway Moving
Roadway Moving is dedicated to customer satisfaction and goes the extra mile to ensure a seamless and stress-free move. Their Roadway Black service provides a truly luxurious moving experience for those who want a completely hands-off experience.
Adams Van Lines is a well-established moving company that provides a broad range of services, specializing in both local and long distance moving. Their teams of experienced movers and packers ensure a stress-free and efficient move.
Adams Van Lines is committed to providing top-notch customer service. They provide a single point of contact to ensure their customers always have a direct line of communication with their moving team, which means you won’t get bounced around between departments if you ever need help.
Pros
- Excellent customer service
- Experienced movers and packers
- Competitive pricing
- Wide range of moving services
Cons
- Quote required for mover information
Why We Recommend Adams Van Lines
We’re big fans of Adams Van Lines, from their customer service to their vetted network of movers and specialists. Their teams of experienced movers and packers are dedicated to making every move as smooth and easy as possible.
Pricing Van Lines is a great option for moving on a budget. They offer competitive pricing for a broad range of moving services, and they offer a lot of useful moving services for what you’re paying, too.
Pricing Van Lines holds their movers to strict standards, which is great peace of mind for customers who want to save money without cheaping out on service. The team at Pricing Van Lines prides themselves on their ability to help customers find reliable movers while also steering them clear of rogue moving companies.
Pros
- Competitive pricing
- Helps customers find reliable movers
- Offers a range of moving services
- Provides free quotes
Cons
- Not all services are available in all areas
Why We Recommend Pricing Van Lines
Like everyone else, we like saving money, so of course we’re fans of Pricing Van Lines. Pricing Van Lines acts as a valuable screener, separating their customers from sketchy moving companies. They take pride in their ability to connect their customers with trustworthy movers that will provide high-quality moving services – especially for the budget.
Licenses Info:
DOT#: N/A
MC#: N/A
iMoving.com is not a traditional moving company. Instead, they’re more like Expedia or Kayak, but for booking a move. When you use iMoving, you get a whole list of movers in your area, and you’re able to pick and choose a moving company according to your needs.
One of the benefits of using iMoving is the convenience. When you use iMoving to book a move, it’s a completely online process. You won’t have to make any phonecalls or speak to any moving reps, which makes the booking process way more streamlined and easy.
Pros
- Provides a whole list of qualified movers
- Allows customers to compare prices and services of different moving companies
- Offers a convenient and hassle-free way to book a move
- Filters out sketchy moving companies
Cons
- Takes some time to research and compare your search results
Why We Recommend iMoving
iMoving makes it easy for customers to find trustworthy movers without having to make multiple phone calls to various moving companies. We appreciate that kind of convenience, and we also appreciate that they provide a whole list of movers tailored to what you need.
How Long Does a Philadelphia Move Take?
A Philadelphia move takes anywhere between 1 and 21 days, and sometimes a little longer. Like the price of your move, it all depends on how much you’re moving, and how far it all has to go.
Philadelphia Moving Timetable
| Miles | Days |
| 0-500 miles | 1-7 days |
| 500-1500 miles | 3-14 days |
| 1500-2500 miles | 5-21 days |
| 2500+ miles | 7 -21 days |
Most people assume a lighter load means a faster move, but this isn’t always the case. Moving companies don’t like to send half-empty trucks all over the country, so instead they’ll bundle your move with others.
It’s more efficient, but it may take longer for you to get some stuff since they’ll make some pickups or drop-offs along the way. If you want to learn a little more about how to plan out your move, check out these articles, and keep reading to see what you should look for in a good moving company:
How to Prepare for a Move in Philadelphia
Moving can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, but there are things you can do to make it easier.
Here are a few methods that people can try to ease the stress of moving day:
- Create a moving checklist: Make a checklist of everything you need to do before moving day. This will help you stay organized and reduce the likelihood of forgetting something important.
- Declutter before packing: Moving is the perfect time to get rid of all that stuff you don’t need anymore. Go through your belongings and donate or sell anything you don’t want to take with you.
- Pack an essentials bag: Packing a suitcase with essentials such as toiletries, chargers, clothing, and other necessities can help you avoid the hassle of digging through boxes on moving day.
- Label your boxes: Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This makes unpacking easier and helps you keep track of your belongings. For an easier move, we recommend staging all your boxes in one room, or even just a corner.
- Hire professional movers: Consider hiring professional movers to handle the heavy lifting for you. This can save you time and energy and helps ensure that your belongings are safely handled from point A to point B.
What Factors Contribute to Philadelphia Moving Costs?
Here are some factors that contribute to moving costs in Philadelphia:
- Distance: The farther the move, the more expensive it will be. Long distance movers will charge by weight and miles, and local movers charge by hours worked. Whether you’re keeping it in Philly or moving out of state, a greater distance means a greater price tag.
- Weight of your stuff: Just like the distance your stuff has to travel, the amount of stuff being moved makes a big difference in how much you end up paying. Moving to a studio apartment will be cheaper than moving to a five-bedroom house.
- Time of year: Peak moving season falls across June, July, and August. If you want to save money on your move, avoid these months, and avoid any major holidays. Besides, you don’t want to deal with a move during the summer heat, anyways.
- Day of the week: Moving on weekends or holidays may be more expensive than moving during the week. The same applies to the day of the month. Since most leases end or begin at the end or start of each month, try to schedule for mid-month instead.
- Packing services: Hiring professional packers to pack your belongings can significantly increase the cost of your move. However, it’s a great way to cut down on the stress of moving day, and if you want the best insurance possible, you’ll have to pay for packing.
- Fragile items: Got any antiques or artwork? Moving fragile or valuable items may require additional packing materials and special handling. Sometimes your movers may have to provide specialty moving services for an additional fee.
- Additional services: If you require additional services such as storage, furniture assembly or disassembly, or appliance disconnect and reconnect, expect to pay a little extra for each additional service.
- Access to your home: If your movers have to deal with stairs, long driveways, or elevators, you’ll have to pay a little extra. These are called “access fees”, and you should mention any obstacles to your moving company ahead of time to plan accordingly.
- Insurance: Additional insurance coverage for your belongings can increase your cost, too. Movers are federally required to provide $0.06 per every pound of your stuff that’s lost, damaged, or destroyed. If you want full coverage, expect to pay extra.
- Type of move: Different types of moves, such as local moves, long-distance moves, and international moves, all have different costs associated with them. Communicate with your mover ahead of time to avoid any surprise fees.
It’s important to remember that each moving company in Philadelphia may have its own pricing structures, and they may offer different services at different prices. It’s best to request a quote from several moving companies to compare costs and services.
Philadelphia Moving FAQ
What’s the cheapest way to move?
The cheapest way to move long distances is to do it yourself. However, don’t forget to factor in the cost of gas, food, lodging, and missed work. These costs can add up quickly and make the savings from a DIY move much smaller than expected.
Where can I buy moving boxes?
You can buy moving boxes at different places such as Home Depot, Lowe’s and U-Haul. In some cases, you can also purchase moving boxes right from the moving company. Many movers provide packing materials for an extra fee.
How far in advance should I hire movers in Philadelphia?
It’s best to hire movers 3-6 months in advance. This allows you to plan around peak moving season (June to August). Planning far in advance also gives you enough time to research and book a reputable moving company.
How much should I tip my movers?
Movers typically expect a tip of 15-20%, to be divided between the entire moving team. However, some companies may explicitly decline gratuities. It’s always a good idea to ask your moving company about their tipping policy before the move.
What are movers not allowed to transport?
Movers won’t transport anything hazardous, pressurized, flammable, or explosive. This includes gasoline, propane tanks, and fireworks. They also won’t ship plants, perishable foods, or pets. Check with your moving company to see what other items they won’t transport.
Here’s How We Rank Our Philadelphia Movers
Moving APT has 22 years of experience in the local and long-distance moving field, serving more than 22,000 clients to date. Unlike other recommendation sites, we do real, face-to-face business with the movers in our network.
This makes our data more in-depth and reliable than anything else you’ll find online.
Our rating methodology is based on the following:
Reviews
- Online Reputation: We sort through reviews and company profiles to make sure your movers are highly-rated and backed by plenty of experience.
- Industry-Insider Information: We work with movers to get a full picture of the services provided by other companies across the field.
- Mystery Shopping: We make sure movers are giving you the same rate they give us. Sometimes we call and pose as complete strangers to make sure they’re honest.
licensing and Accreditation
- Arbitration Program: Movers are legally required to have an arbitration program in place to compensate for lost or damaged items. We make sure it’s up to date.
- Active Claim Department: We check to see if movers have any outstanding claims to see how they handle customers who’ve reported damages – and how quickly they help.
- Safety Record: The FMCSA’s Safety Measurement System provides us with up-to-date information about a mover’s safety track record, including accidents and inspections.
- Active Moving Insurance: Long-distance movers in NYC are legally required to provide full or released-value protection on all of your items. We make sure of it.
Client Feedback
- Video and phone reviews: We ask our own clients for short video testimonies detailing their experiences with their movers. It shows which movers are exceeding expectations.
- Online surveys: We take the time to read about each completed move to get the full picture of how a mover performed.
As a moving broker, Moving APT actually deals with drivers and movers on a daily basis. We negotiate deals for our clients and ensure that movers always honor their contracts – no last-minute upselling, no overcharging, and no funny business.
It’s how we help our clients get moved with minimal fuss, and it’s part of maintaining clear communication between clients and moving companies.
More customers for better movers If a mover is exceeding expectations, we send them more business. If a mover needs to improve, we don’t. It’s simple.
Pack Your Bags and Start Planning Your Move
A move can be chaotic, but with the right Philadelphia moving company on your side, it can be an easy (and practically enjoyable) experience.
Now that you’ve seen the movers and learned a little more about how to make your move even easier, all you have to do now is book your move. Get in touch with one of our recommended movers, check out our moving cost calculator, and get started with your move.
