Don’t leave your movers up to chance. The Moving Feedback team researched and analyzed over 20 different moving companies in Philadelphia to bring you a list of our top 5 movers, graded on their services, customer reviews, and overall price.
BEST OVERALL
BEST CUSTOMIZATION
BEST FOR LONG DISTANCE
The research department at Moving Feedback has analyzed dozens of moving companies in Philadelphia, using real customer feedback and our own 10+ years of experience as a benchmark for whether the movers on our list are worth your time. We even threw in some insider info you can use to make your move go even smoother.
Ready to get moving? Read on to see our list of the top 5 movers in Philadelphia, see why they made the cut, and see what you can do to make moving day easy.
A move can be overwhelming, and sometimes pricey: A Philadelphia move costs anywhere between $346 and $4340 for a local move, and between $1230 and $11900 if you’re going long distance.
Keep in mind the price of your move varies depending on how much you’re moving, and how far you’re moving.
Distance | 1 Bedroom | 2 – 3 Bedroom | 4 – 5 Bedroom |
---|---|---|---|
Local (Less than 100 Miles) | $346 – $800 | $750 – $1900 | $1200 – $4340 |
100 miles | $1230 – $1500 | $1250 – $1700 | $1500 – $3400 |
250 miles | $1200 – $2000 | $1500 – $3500 | $2,000 – $4800 |
750 miles | $1400 – $2900 | $2100 – $6900 | $5500 – $7900 |
1500 miles | $1600 – $3200 | $2600 – $7400 | $6700 – $9500 |
2500 miles+ | $1900 – $3700 | $3900 – $8200 | $11900+ |
The city of brotherly love is famous for its tolerance and respect for other people’s choices. It probably won’t come as much of a surprise that you’ll be spoiled for choices when moving in Philadelphia.
There are a lot of moving companies in Philly, each with its own unique set of services, pricing, and work culture. We don’t need to tell you how important your choice of a moving company in Philadelphia will be, and the significant role it will play in either making your move easier or making you absolutely loathe the idea of moving in the future.
Because the team at Moving Feedback is helpful and nice and in search of yummy clicks and ad revenue, we have searched, proofed, and compiled a shortlist of four handy ways with which you can tell what mover in Philadelphia is the absolute right fit for you.
It’s debatable whether affordable pricing or good customer service ranks higher in our estimation of the hallmark of a good moving company in Philadelphia.
You will want a mover in Philadelphia with competitive pricing not only because it will cost you less in the long run and significantly reduce total costs associated with moving, but also because it can spell the difference between a legitimate moving company and frauds on the hunt for a quick buck.
Great customer care is everything in the service industry. It doesn’t necessarily mean that the movers in Philadelphia you eventually hire must be well-mannered, polite, and socially adjusted (it’s Philly, after all) but that they’ll be able, willing, and competent enough to provide the right kind of help when you call on them to track down a missing photo album.
We’ve found that the best way to gauge the customer services of moving companies in Philadelphia is through a simple Google check and a quick review of customer comments on social media like Twitter and Facebook.
We have previously mentioned that moving companies in Philadelphia do not all offer the same services — we’ll go into that later — and the necessity of picking a mover in Philadelphia that understands what you need and can do something about it.
Moving companies in Philadelphia can help you pack, disassemble or assemble your furniture, and even take your property to a storage facility for safekeeping as long as it’s part of their service option.
In an ideal world, people will be everything they say they are – and moving companies wouldn’t misrepresent the extent of their licensing or insurance.
Unfortunately, this is Earth in 20, so you’ll need to verify that whatever moving company you choose is fully registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the US Department of Transportation.
If your movers are not properly insured or licensed, you stand the risk of losing all your property without the possibility of compensation.
4.9 | 4.7 | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.3 |
Best Overall | Best for Long Distance | Best Customization | Best Customer Reviews | Best Add-on Services |
15% Seniors & Military Discounts | 18% Flexibility Discount | 20% Seasonal Discount | 20% Seasonal Discount | 15% Student Discount |
$2700-$6200 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom) | $2900-$6500 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom) | $2200-$5400 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom) | $2850-$6350 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom) | $2300-$5600 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom) |
Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote |
BEST OVERALL
Moving APT is a top-rated moving company with a strong reputation for excellent customer service and affordable rates.
Their team of highly trained professionals has extensive experience in handling complex moves, making them a reliable choice for any long-distance move.
Of all the movers we reviewed, Moving APT stands out as the strongest overall.
BEST CUSTOMIZATION
Roadway Moving is a moving company that prioritizes customer satisfaction above all else.
Their team of experienced professionals is equipped to handle any local move, and they have extensive knowledge of the Philadelphia area.
With a commitment to making the moving process as easy as possible, Roadway Moving is a reliable choice for anyone in need of local moving services.
BEST FOR LONG DISTANCE
Adams Van Lines specializes in premium moving services. They offer a wide range of white-glove options, including transportation for antiques and artwork.
While these premium services may come at a higher cost, they provide a VIP experience that is well worth it for those seeking the utmost care for their belongings.
BEST CUSTOMER REVIEWS
Native Van Lines has earned a reputation for exceptional customer service and transparent pricing.
They specialize in long-distance moves and have a team of experienced professionals who can handle any type of move with ease.
With a strong focus on customer satisfaction, Native Van Lines has earned high praise from their many satisfied customers.
BEST ADD-ON SERVICES
Gentle Giant Moving Company boasts over four decades of experience, and it shows.
They have a strong emphasis on team-building and they have a great company culture, which translates to great service and highly trained movers.
Gentle Giant also supports charitable programs in the community, so they’re a socially responsible choice for your move.
When you talk candidly with movers in Pennsylvania, you may be surprised to find out just how much guesswork and opinion goes into their pricing policies.
The truth is that costs can be incredibly hard to calculate ahead of time due to the nature of moving between two locations.
For example, the following are just a small number of factors that will affect pricing:
Are you moving locally or on a long-distance? How many rooms worth of items are you moving? How many truckloads? How long will it take to unload these items? Are these items bulky and awkward? Do you need extra storage?
There are a seemingly endless number of questions that movers may ask, all of which can affect pricing. Some companies charge by the pound, some give you a flat rate.
There are moving seasons and pricing will fluctuate depending on how in demand the moving services currently are.
Between April and October, the demand is highest as are the acreage prices. While less comfortable, it is generally more affordable to make your move in the winter.
In most cases, a moving company will offer packing supplies at an inflated rate or will offer to pack items for you at a great cost.
Typically you will want to buy packing supplies from a third party and do the vast majority of the packing yourself to save money and time on a moving day – unless you want full coverage insurance (most movers will only provide the option if you pay for their packing, too).
There are also other hidden fees that you will want to be aware of. If you are moving into a taller building, you should be aware of elevator fees.
These fees may occur if an elevator is out of service or cannot accommodate large items and the movers will have to take the items up many flights.
The same kind of issue can occur with long carry fees which occur when you are forced to park the moving trucks an above-average distance from the building you are moving into or out of.
A rough estimate for long carry fees amongst moving companies in Pennsylvania is around $100 for every 75 extra feet.
Movers in Pennsylvania may also be required to charge you a hoisting fee if they need to take larger pieces of furniture in through a larger window rather than through a small doorway. This is common when moving items like pianos into downtown flats and second-story rooms.
The city of Philadelphia is one of the most populous cities in the United States, with an estimated population of 1.6 million people in 2020.
Known as both an educational and economic hub, Philadelphia hosts some of the most reputable colleges and universities in the United States, while also being home to five Fortune 1000 companies and producing a Gross Metropolitan Product (GMP) of close to half a trillion dollars.
Of course, every good thing has a drawback. In Philly’s case, the drawbacks are overcrowding, the high rates of crime (in some areas), and the skyrocketing cost of living.
But if you think the pros outweigh the cons – pun totally intended – and you’re willing to give Philadelphia a try, Moving Feedback put together a complete Philadelphia Moving Guide with everything you need to know about moving in Philly.
Rather surprisingly, the cost of living in Philadelphia is only slightly higher than the national average with an average score of 101.2.
As you may already know, cost of living factors in the prices of things like rent, utilities, and transportation in an attempt to figure out how expensive it is to live in a state or city relative to the rest of the United States.
In Philadelphia, you can have a meal in an inexpensive restaurant that will cost you about $15, but a combo meal at your local fast food place will probably cost around $8.
Expect to pay about $171 for monthly utilities consisting of heating, electricity, water, and garbage, and $68 per month for high-speed internet.
Gas averages about $3.60 a gallon, but we wouldn’t recommend buying from those guys in your neighborhood who are trying to sell it door-to-door.
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment stands at $1,741 (for now) and if you actually want to purchase, get ready to pay roughly $3,000 per square meter.
Located in Center City, Rittenhouse Square is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Philadelphia. It is known for its beautiful tree-lined streets, upscale shops, and top-rated restaurants. Residents can enjoy the nearby park, which features an array of events throughout the year.
This historic neighborhood is known for its colonial architecture and tree-lined streets. It is located just a few blocks away from Independence Hall and other famous Philadelphia landmarks.
Residents can enjoy the neighborhood’s many restaurants and shops, as well as its close proximity to the Delaware River waterfront.
Located in the northwestern part of Philadelphia, Chestnut Hill is a charming neighborhood known for its historic homes and beautiful gardens.
The area is home to a number of boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. It also boasts several parks and hiking trails.
As its name suggests, University City is home to a number of colleges and universities, including the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University.
The neighborhood has a lively and youthful atmosphere, with plenty of coffee shops, restaurants, and bars. Residents can also enjoy the nearby Schuylkill River Trail for biking and walking.
This hip and trendy neighborhood has become a popular spot for young professionals and artists. It is known for its street art, craft breweries, and eclectic shops.
Residents can enjoy the area’s vibrant nightlife scene, as well as its proximity to other popular neighborhoods like Fishtown and Kensington.
You can say a lot about the city of Philadelphia, but you can’t say it’s not fun. If you’re new to Philly and you’re looking for a handy guide with things to do and places to see, then read on.
Oh, and by the way, in your own best interest, it’s best not to say anything bad about the Philly Cheesesteak within hearing distance of the residents as they may get belligerent and force you to try one.
Your trip to Philadelphia won’t be complete if you don’t check out the Liberty Bell. This historical artifact is one of the most powerful symbols of freedom, and any chance to actually see the inscription “proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof”, and realize the impact such a simple, yet profound statement has had on all our lives should never be ignored.
When your eyes are no longer blurry and you regain the visual acuity of a predatory animal – say, a tiger – you can run up the Rocky steps.
Since Sylvester Stallone first ran up the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the classic movie Rocky, thousands of fans have attempted to replicate the iconic moment with varying degrees of success.
After you’ve accomplished this great feat, replenish your expended calories in one of Philly’s signature restaurants. Whether your choice is Biederman’s, the South Philly Barbacoa, or Ember and Ash, restaurants in Philly have a little bit of something for everyone.
Oh, and if you’re looking for Paddy’s pub, you’ll have to fly to LA – but you can still reenact the Gang’s best moments in Philadelphia after getting a little debauched.
A simple Google search will do the trick. Just type in “moving companies in Philadelphia“, and you can get a list of the results sorted either alphabetically or according to reviews. Finding a good moving company is a different story altogether. You may have to search through certain review websites to make sure you’re dealing with the best of the best.
Movers in Philadelphia will typically charge between $80 to $140 per hour for labor. So, if you live in a three-bedroom apartment in the middle of the city, and you have belongings that’ll take a three-man team four hours to move, you’ll pay $900 for labor alone.
Add about $300 for accessory services and $300 for tips and your total will hover around $1,500 for moving the contents of a three-bedroom apartment in Philadelphia.
Ideally, anything from $70 to $100 per worker is acceptable – but it’s important to think about your final cost. We recommend 15% to 20% of the total cost of your move, to be divided between all your movers.
Movers in Philadelphia pay their employees lower prices than their counterparts in other cities, and tipping is one way to make it up to them.
It depends on who you ask. Some would say the Liberty Bell, while others will insist that it’s the Philly Cheesesteak. Famous comedian Bill Burr will insist that Philadelphia isn’t famous for anything at all, but please ignore him.
Other popular answers include the Rocky franchise, Always Sunny in Philadelphia, rapper Meek Mill or being the hometown of the Fresh Prince.
We research and analyze huge amounts of data so that you can make the most educated and informed decision when it comes to choosing your local or long-distance movers.
We dig through customer reviews to get the real scoop on the 6 P’s:
In conclusion, choosing the best movers in Philadelphia can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and stress-free move. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, the top-rated moving companies in Philadelphia offer a range of services to meet your needs.
If you’re ready to get started, pack your bags, get a quote, and see what the best Philadelphia movers can do for you. And don’t forget to check back in with Moving Feedback to see some more tips and tricks to make moving day easier!