How Much Do Movers Cost in Philadelphia?

Moving locally in Philadelphia: When it comes to local moves within Philadelphia, the cost of professional moving services can vary from $480 to $2,800, based on the time it takes to complete the job.

Moving long distance to or from Philadelphia, PA: For cross-country moves from or to Philadelphia, PA, the average moving costs range from $2,400 (smaller home, shorter distance) to $13,300 (larger home, greater distance).

Whether you’re moving to a new neighborhood or suburb in Philadelphia or starting a fresh chapter of your life in another state, one of the first questions you need to find the answer to is: “How much does it cost to hire movers in Philadelphia?”

As is usually the case, there isn’t a one-fits-all answer – from the size of your home and the distance to your destination to the specific Philadelphia moving company you choose and the time period of your relocation, various factors will affect the final cost of your move.

Yet, you can easily get an idea of the average cost to move in Philly – or out of state from the city – so you can plan your finances in advance. Whether you’re seeking the best Philadelphia movers or trying to cut corners with cheap movers in Philadelphia, being informed is your best move yet.

So, let’s find out – how much do Philadelphia movers cost?

How much does it cost to hire local movers in Philadelphia?

When planning a local move in Philly, you can expect to pay about $450-$650 for a small apartment. For a larger home, the local moving costs in Philadelphia can range from $1,200 to $2,800.

For a clearer financial picture, take a look at the average cost to hire a local moving company in Philadelphia, based on the size of the move:

• Studio or one-bedroom apartment – Moving a small apartment in Philadelphia will cost you between $420 and $670.
• Two-bedroom home – When moving a 2-bedroom home, you should budget about $750-$1,000 for local moving help in Philly.
• Three-bedroom home – For larger moves in the City of Brotherly Love, expect costs from $1,150 to $2,250.
• Four-bedroom house and above – The cost to hire Philadelphia movers for a 4-bedroom home can range from $1,600 to $2,800 or more.

Philadelphia is a sprawling metropolis with many vibrant neighborhoods and suburbs – Manayunk, Fishtown, Rittenhouse, Exton, Ardmore, Devon, Conshohocken, Berwyn, Swarthmore, Bryn Mawr, etc. With each area offering its own unique charm, it’s no wonder many residents opt to relocate within the city confines.

Moving within Philly, however, can be both an exciting adventure and a logistical challenge – and prices can vary considerably, depending on the chosen services, the required hours of labor, and the specific part of the city you’re moving to.

It will be best to get in contact with several reputable moving companies in Philadelphia and see what they have to offer.

When looking for local Philadelphia movers, don’t forget that household carriers in Pennsylvania need to be registered with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). Make sure your chosen company is properly licensed, so you can have a peace of mind that you’re dealing with qualified and trustworthy professionals.

How much does it cost to hire Philadelphia movers for a long distance move?

If you’re moving away from the loving embrace of Philly to seek adventures in other parts of the country, your moving costs will naturally surge.

So, what is the average cost to hire a professional moving company in Philadelphia for a long-distance relocation?

Here is what you can expect to pay for some popular moving routes from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to other big cities in the USA:

• Moving from Philadelphia, PA to Atlanta, GA
  • $2,300 – $5,000 (1-bedroom)
  • $2,700 – $5,800 (2-bedroom)
  • $3,450 – $6,300 (3-bedroom)
  • $4,200 – $7,100 (4-bedroom)
• Moving from Philadelphia, PA to Boston, MA
  • $1,200 – $3,100 (1-bedroom)
  • $1,650 – $4,050 (2-bedroom)
  • $2,000 – $4,600 (3-bedroom)
  • $2,350 – $5,100 (4-bedroom)
• Moving from Philadelphia, PA to Chicago, IL
  • $2,450 – $5,100 (1-bedroom)
  • $2,800 – $5,700 (2-bedroom)
  • $3,500 – $6,200 (3-bedroom)
  • $4,200 – $7,000 (4-bedroom)
• Moving from Philadelphia, PA to Denver, CO
  • $3,200 – $5,250 (1-bedroom)
  • $3,800 – $6,400 (2-bedroom)
  • $4,250 – $6,950 (3-bedroom)
  • $5,300 – $8,600 (4-bedroom)
• Moving from Philadelphia, PA to Houston, TX
  • $3,100 – $5,000 (1-bedroom)
  • $3,600 – $5,900 (2-bedroom)
  • $4,200 – $6,700 (3-bedroom)
  • $5,200 – $8,400 (4-bedroom)
• Moving from Philadelphia, PA to Los Angeles, CA
  • $2,900 – $5,600 (1-bedroom)
  • $3,950 – $6,850 (2-bedroom)
  • $5,250 – $8,100 (3-bedroom)
  • $7,350 – $11,300 (4-bedroom)
• Moving from Philadelphia, PA to Seattle, WA
  • $2,700 – $5,500 (1-bedroom)
  • $3,800 – $6,800 (2-bedroom)
  • $5,150 – $7,950 (3-bedroom)
  • $7,200 – $11,200 (4-bedroom)

Remember that these figures are only rough estimates – your moving costs may be lower or higher, depending on the specific circumstances in your case. You can use our free moving cost calculator to get a better idea of what you can expect to pay for your relocation, but for an accurate number, be sure to request in-house estimates from a few top-rated Philadelphia movers.

See also: How much does it cost to hire movers?

How do Philadelphia moving companies estimate costs?

Understanding how moving costs are calculated is crucial when budgeting for your relocation in or out of Philly. So, let’s explore the main factors affecting the cost of a move:

• Relocation distance: When moving locally (within 50 miles), you’ll be charged by the hour. When moving long distance, the price of your relocation will be based on the weight of your shipment.
• Size of the move: Simply put, the more stuff you have for moving, the more you’ll pay – the movers will take longer to complete the job (local moving costs are calculated on an hourly basis, so the price will be higher) and the shipment will weigh more (long distance moving costs are calculated per pound, so the price will be higher).
• Specialized services:
  • Moving antique furniture, a grand piano, or a pool table? Such specialty items require specialized moving supplies and special handling care, so each of them will add to the cost of your move;
  • Prefer not to deal with packing and unpacking, furniture disassembly and reassembly, etc.? Your movers will do the work for you for an extra charge;
  • Need hoisting services, temporary storage, or split pickup or delivery? Every required extra service incurs an extra cost;
  • The movers need to take your items down multiple flights of stairs or wait for an elevator? You’ll be charged an extra flight/elevator fee;
  • There is no convenient parking space for the moving truck close to the entrance of your home and the movers need to carry your items long distance to the waiting vehicle? The final bill will increase.
• Time of year: Moving costs tend to be higher during peak moving season (from April to September), on weekends, and on national holidays due to the high demand for moving services during these periods.
• Insurance: Opting for full-value protection for your belongings will cost you extra, but will ensure your peace of mind.

See also: The average cost of moving

How to reduce your moving costs

Moving is not cheap, but with proper preparation and good moving partners, you can stay on the lower end of the spectrum:

• Declutter your home before your move: One of the most effective ways to lower your moving costs is to reduce the number of items you’re moving. Sell, donate, or recycle everything you no longer need or love;
• Pack yourself: While it’s convenient to have the movers pack for you, packing your items yourself can save you a considerable sum. Not only will you not need to pay for professional packing services, but you won’t have to buy many packing supplies either (you may be able to get moving boxes for free and to use alternative packing materials that you already have at home (bags, suitcases, buckets, baskets, and other containers instead of cardboard boxes, old clothes, sheets, and blankets instead of bubble wrap and moving blankets, etc.);
• Schedule your move wisely: Schedule your relocation well ahead of time (many movers offer discounts for early bookings) and, if possible, opt for a weekday move during the off-peak season (many moving companies offer their rates in order to attract more customers during the less busy periods of the year);
• Shop around for reliable and affordable Philadelphia movers: Ask for recommendations, read reviews, and see what different moving companies in Philly have to offer. Don’t settle for the first quote you get – request estimates from several reputable movers and compare rates and services to get the best deal.

Bonus tip: Negotiate with your chosen movers

Getting multiple quotes allows for a broad perspective on costs and services – and gives you negotiation power. If you have a favorable quote from one mover, you can use it as leverage. Many companies will be willing to match or beat the competitors’ prices – so you may be able to get the movers that you like best to lower their initial quote.

Be sure to ask for discounts and special offers – many moving companies offer discounts for seniors, students, military personnel, etc. But even if you’re not eligible for a discount and there are no ongoing promotions at the moment, the movers might be able to come up with a special offer – they don’t want to lose you as a customer, you know.

And if you’re using the same company for several services, such as moving and storage, for example, inquire about bundled discounts.

Remember – the cost isn’t always set in stone and it doesn’t hurt to ask! You may be able to save a lot of money on your move with the power of smart negotiation.

You can find more tips on how to cut moving costs here.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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