The best moving companies in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is the nation’s fifth most populous state,¹ with approximately 12.9 million residents.² However, it gets smaller every day. For example, our proprietary analysis of Google moving trends indicates a mass exodus of people moving out of Pennsylvania. Interestingly, most residents search for movers in Delawar and Florida moving services.³ The average household comprises 2.4 people, and roughly 12% of the population lives in a different house than they did one year ago.¹

The median Pennsylvania income is approximately $63,630,¹ and roughly 62% of the state participates in the labor force.⁴ The most prominent industries in the Keystone State are education, general medical services, and food services. The state’s highest-paying non-medical occupations are pharmaceuticals, finance, and agriculture. Similarly, the wealthiest Pennsylvania counties are Chester County, Montgomery County, and Bucks County.⁵

Pennsylvania’s cost of living is about average compared to the rest of the United States. For example, it ranks 27th in the Council for Community & Economic Research’s list of the most affordable states. In other words, about half of the country is more affordable than Pennsylvania, while the other half is more expensive. Utilities are another story, however. They cost more than average.⁶ Our research shows that the average resident will spend about $390 monthly on Pennsylvania utility bills—including $110 for electricity, $60 for gas, and $60 for broadband internet.

Pennsylvania is somewhat more Democratic than Republican. Half of the state voted for Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election (compared to 49% for Donald Trump).⁵ However, the state’s political composition is slightly more extreme for day-to-day politics. A survey by the Pew Research Center found that roughly 46% of Pennsylvania residents identify as Democratic, while only 39% favor the GOP.⁷ The state’s most Republican counties are Fulton County, Bedford County, and Philadelphia County, while the bluest counties include Philadelphia County, Delaware County, and Montgomery County.⁵

International Van Lines, First National Van Lines, and PODS are the best Philadelphia moving companies. Each moving service offers something unique, from packing services to portable storage.

The best cross-country movers work for International Van Lines. The company’s professional movers have decades of experience helping people move in the greater Philadelphia area—and throughout the state of Pennsylvania.

The cheapest way to move is to rent a truck from one of the best moving truck companies. Our top pick is Penske Truck Rental due to its low prices and reliable vehicles.

The price for packing services varies based on how much stuff you have. For example, IVL says it usually costs less than $700 to pack a 500-square-foot apartment but can run as high as $2,500 for a 2,000-square-foot home.

The most important things to look for in a professional moving company are positive customer reviews, reasonable prices, and binding estimates. You can also avoid moving scams by making sure your moving company has plenty of positive third-party reviews.

We conducted intensive research to identify the best moving companies for long-distance moves and local moves, in addition to container moves, truck rentals, and hourly moving labor. During our searches, we:

• Compare pricing transparency. We gather quotes, check for binding estimates, and read customer reviews about pricing to ensure each moving company’s prices are trustworthy.
• Review accreditation. We check every company’s records in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s database to confirm companies are properly authorized to transport household goods.
• Go mystery shopping. We review every company’s website, pose as customers in calls to companies, and read customer reviews to analyze every company’s moving services, transit protection, and customer service. We also interview actual customers to learn how their moves went from start to finish.
• Perform site visits. We invite moving companies to our headquarters in Salt Lake City, UT, to share data and expertise. We verify the information they provide by comparing it to data gathered through independent research and interviews with other movers.
• Set up regular reviews. We routinely repeat this process to update our recommendations to reflect current data and trends. We also revise each review annually and make updates throughout the year.

• Best Long-Distance Movers
• Best Car Shipping Companies
• Best Moving Container Companies
• Best Packing Services
• Best Cheap Movers in Pennsylvania

• What Is the Best Philadelphia Moving Company?
• Should I Hire a Professional Mover?
• Where Can I Find Free Packing Supplies?
• Are Pennsylvania Utilities Expensive?
• What Should Go on a Moving Day Checklist?
• What are the Best New York City Movers?

1. United States Census Bureau, October 11, 2022, “U.S. and World Population Clock,” Accessed October 11, 2022.
2. United States Census Bureau, “Quick Facts: Pennsylvania,” Accessed October 11, 2022.
3. Google, 2021, “Moving Season Is On: 2021,” Accessed October 11, 2022.
4. United States Congress Joint Economic Committee, September 16, 2022, “Pennsylvania Employment Report,” Accessed October 11, 2022.
5. Deloitte, “Data USA: Pennsylvania,” Accessed October 11, 2022.
6. Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, “Cost of Living Data Series,” Accessed October 11, 2022.
7. Pew Research Center, “Party Affiliation among Adults in Pennsylvania,” Accessed October 11, 2022.