How much do movers cost in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia movers charge an average of $145 per hour for 2 movers and a truck for local moves in 2025-2026. The typical range for licensed, insured companies is $120-$179/hour. Budget movers start around $90-$119/hour but may lack PA PUC licensing or adequate insurance. Premium and white-glove services range from $180-$250+/hour. The typical range for licensed, insured companies is $120-$179/hour, covering approximately 75% of the market.

What's the cheapest time to move in Philadelphia?

The cheapest time to move in Philadelphia is during January and February, when off-peak baseline rates sit at approximately $120/hour for 2 movers and a truck. To maximize savings, book a Tuesday or Wednesday mid-month move and pay in cash to avoid the 2.75-3% credit card surcharge. This combination can reduce total cost by 40-50% compared to a Saturday month-end move in late August, when rates spike 35-40% above baseline due to the university lease turnover surge.

Do Philadelphia movers charge more on weekends?

Yes. Tuesday and Wednesday are the cheapest days at approximately $130/hour (cash), while Saturday peaks at around $163/hour — a 25% premium. Sunday can run even higher at certain carriers. Many movers also impose stricter minimums on weekends: Broad Street Movers enforces a 3-hour minimum on weekends and month-end dates versus 2 hours on weekdays. Moving mid-week can save $30-40/hour, translating to $120-$200+ on a typical 4-5 hour move.

What neighborhoods in Philadelphia have the highest moving costs?

Manayunk and Roxborough command the steepest premiums (+25-40%) due to extreme hillside terrain with grades up to 17%, which triggers long carry fees ($200-$500) and potential shuttle truck requirements ($200-$400). Center City and Rittenhouse Square carry a +15-25% premium driven by COI requirements, elevator reservations, and premium TNP permits ($50 per 40 ft vs. $25 elsewhere). Northeast Philadelphia is the only major submarket offering a discount (-5 to -10%) thanks to wide streets, driveways, and modern building access.

Do I need a parking permit to move in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia requires a Temporary No Parking (TNP) permit for moving trucks, issued by the Streets Department. The permit costs $50 per 40 feet per day in Center City and University City, or $25 per 40 feet per day everywhere else. A standard moving truck needs 40-80 feet of curb space, so expect $50-$100 per location. Apply at least 4 business days in advance through stsweb.phila.gov/tnp/. Skipping the permit risks long carry fees of $75-$500 when the truck parks far from your door, plus potential $76+ parking citations.

Why is moving in a Philadelphia rowhouse more expensive?

Philadelphia's housing stock is approximately 70% rowhouses, featuring 28-32 inch doorways (below the 36-inch standard), steep winder staircases, and front stoops. These force furniture disassembly, slower carry speeds, and sometimes exterior hoisting through windows. Expect stair fees of $50-$150 per flight (most rowhouses have 2-3 flights), plus 1-2 additional billable hours compared to elevator-building or suburban moves. Mambo Movers includes free window-hoisting, while most carriers absorb the complexity into extended billable time rather than itemized surcharges.

How does the August 31 lease turnover affect moving prices in Philadelphia?

The August 31/September 1 university lease turnover is Philadelphia's most intense demand event. With 125,000+ students across 53 colleges, concentrated in University City, North Philadelphia, and Center City, the last week of August combines summer peak season, university move-in, and month-end lease transitions simultaneously. Rates spike 35-40% above winter baseline, minimum-hour requirements increase, and carriers book out weeks in advance. Drexel's quarter-system move-in in mid-September extends elevated pricing into late September. Book 6-8 weeks ahead for any August move.

Should I verify my Philadelphia mover's PA PUC license?

Absolutely. Pennsylvania requires all intrastate movers to hold a PA PUC Certificate of Public Convenience — separate from the federal USDOT number. Licensed carriers must file tariff rates, provide written estimates, carry minimum cargo liability of $0.60/lb/article, and cannot exceed estimates by more than 10% at delivery. An estimated 25-40% of Philadelphia moves involve unlicensed operators who offer no regulatory protections. Verify any mover at puc.pa.gov or call 717-783-5010. Since 2018, operating without a PUC license carries criminal penalties up to $5,000 per violation.

Best Movers in Philadelphia, PA (2026) — Compare 237 Top-Rated Companies

How we rank movers. Our rankings draw on federal FMCSA registration records, reviews aggregated from across the web, and direct phone verification of top-ranked companies — along with each mover's years in business, complaint volume, services and service areas, and price transparency. Read our full ranking methodology →

Featured Movers

Top 10 Rated Movers in Philadelphia

Local & Long Distance Movers

We rank using data from our own research, government data and ratings sites: Read Full Ranking Methodology Here

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How we rank movers

EverSafe Moving Co.

Featured Partner

US DOT: 2261303

4.9(774 reviews)

It seems overkill to say this, but… moving is stressful. Very stressful. Rob Rimeris knew this well when he founded EverSafe Moving. As a long-time antiques dealer, he also knows what it’s like to hand over delicate things to strangers. That’s why his company is committed to excellence. All of his employees are trained and very attentive to detail. They can move your home or office, no matter if it's only for a few blocks or many miles away. They even move antiques with extra care, have storage solutions, and are the ultimate packing experts. These guys will show up on moving day with floor runners and tons of wrapping materials to protect your house and your things. This small, family-owned company is totally committed to its community, and it shows. Plus, it would be tough to find another moving company in Philadelphia that matched EverSafe’s price lock guarantee. You will not pay more than 10% over your quoted price if they exceed their estimate. And you know it’s true because their customers' reviews speak for themselves. After all, as they’ve said, they depend on referrals, so you won’t find a more dedicated team to your happiness than the EverSafe Moving team.

Business Years:+14

Miles Last Year:15,000

Total Drivers:6

Total Trucks:4

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Abc Movers Philadelphia

US DOT: 2728219

5.0(475 reviews)

ABC Movers Philadelphia stands as a trusted relocation specialist serving the City of Brotherly Love with over fifteen years of dedicated experience in the moving industry. The company has successfully completed thousands of moves throughout Philadelphia, establishing themselves as licensed and insured professionals who prioritize customer satisfaction above all else. Their comprehensive service portfolio encompasses residential relocations, commercial office moves, apartment transfers, packing assistance, and specialized storage solutions, all delivered by a team of trained professionals who handle belongings with exceptional care. What distinguishes this Philadelphia-based company from competitors is their commitment to transparent pricing without hidden fees, provision of complimentary packing materials including blankets and plastic wraps, and their dedication to efficiency that often completes moves faster than expected. Their experienced drivers operate well-maintained trucks and utilize professional equipment like dollies and moving straps, ensuring safe transportation throughout Philadelphia's unique urban landscape. The company's local expertise, combined with their customer-first approach and comprehensive service offerings, positions them as a premier choice for stress-free relocations.

Business Years:+10

Miles Last Year:14,000

Total Drivers:2

Total Trucks:2

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Gentle Giant Moving

US DOT: 373544

4.9(356 reviews)

Gentle Giant operates from their Grays Ferry location in Philadelphia, bringing over four decades of moving expertise to the entire metro area including Rittenhouse Square, University City, Manayunk, and the Main Line. Founded by college rowers in 1980, this unique company has grown from a single Boston truck into a national network with 20 locations across the country. What makes Gentle Giant different is their athletic hiring approach - they actively recruit from local rowing programs, creating crews of highly trained, full-time employees who treat moving like professional athletics. Their Philadelphia office has earned recognition as one of the city's "Healthiest Employers," reflecting their investment in employee wellbeing that translates into superior customer service. Unlike many competitors who use day laborers or subcontractors, Gentle Giant maintains direct control over every aspect of the moving process. They offer a 100% crew satisfaction guarantee and specialize in navigating Philadelphia's narrow streets and tight row house staircases, making them the go-to choice for discerning customers throughout southeastern Pennsylvania.

Business Years:+36

Miles Last Year:5,000,000

Total Drivers:253

Total Trucks:88

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No Stress Movers

US DOT: 3360594

4.9(329 reviews)

No Stress Movers operates as a comprehensive relocation specialist strategically positioned in Philadelphia since 2015, serving both local and long-distance moving needs throughout Pennsylvania and the East Coast corridor. The company distinguishes itself by offering an exceptionally diverse service portfolio that extends beyond traditional moving to include white-glove services, corporate support, staging assistance for short-term rentals, and specialized on-site solutions for complex relocations. What sets them apart from competitors is their commitment to transparent pricing through digital booking systems, same-day emergency moving services for clients abandoned by other companies, and their unique evolution from U-Haul labor assistance to full-service operations. Their Philadelphia-based expertise enables efficient navigation of the city's challenging multi-story buildings and tight spaces, while their East Coast coverage allows express interstate relocations to major cities like New York, Virginia, and Massachusetts. With a 9.35 out of 10 customer satisfaction rating, the company has built its reputation on professional communication, careful handling of belongings, and truly delivering on their promise of stress-free moving experiences for both residential and commercial clients.

Business Years:+6

Miles Last Year:7,000

Total Drivers:1

Total Trucks:2

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Ben The Mover Guy

US DOT: 2857354

4.7(319 reviews)

Business Years:+10

Miles Last Year:22,000

Total Drivers:1

Total Trucks:2

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Old City Movers

US DOT: 1820213

4.7(317 reviews)

Old City Movers operates as Philadelphia's trusted moving specialist with over fifteen years of experience serving the city's unique architectural challenges since 2006. This insured and bonded company has carved out a distinctive niche by mastering the complexities of Philadelphia's historic neighborhoods, narrow streets, and multi-story buildings that define the urban landscape. Their comprehensive service portfolio encompasses local and long-distance relocations, professional packing, furniture delivery, and their signature hoisting services that lift items through windows or over balconies when stairways prove inadequate. What distinguishes them from competitors is their specialized expertise in handling Philadelphia's distinctive moving obstacles, including navigating Trinity houses, managing tight spaces in converted brownstones, and transporting delicate antiques through historic properties. With a remarkable 92% customer satisfaction rate and a 9.10 out of 10 overall score, the company has earned recognition as Philadelphia's neighborhood favorite for three consecutive years. Their deep local knowledge, combined with transparent pricing and efficient service delivery, positions them as the go-to choice for residents requiring honest, affordable moving solutions tailored to Philadelphia's distinctive urban environment.

Business Years:+17

Miles Last Year:68,550

Total Drivers:14

Total Trucks:7

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Pineapple Movers

US DOT: 3579435

5.0(249 reviews)

Pineapple Movers operates as a Philadelphia-based relocation specialist that has quickly established itself in the local moving industry since its founding in 2023. The company particularly excels in handling studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartment relocations, making them a go-to choice for urban dwellers navigating Philadelphia's dense residential neighborhoods. Their comprehensive service portfolio encompasses both residential and commercial moves of varying scales, complemented by professional packing and loading assistance. What distinguishes Pineapple Movers from competing firms is their focus on affordability without compromising service quality, offering significantly lower rates than national moving chains while maintaining exceptional customer care standards. Their well-trained workforce combines competitive pricing with efficient service delivery, ensuring moves are completed faster and safer than industry averages. The company's strategic location in South Philadelphia enables them to serve the entire metropolitan area effectively, from historic Old City apartments to suburban relocations. With an impressive 9.45 out of 10 customer satisfaction rating, they've earned recognition as one of Philadelphia's top-ranked moving services, demonstrating their commitment to reliable, professional relocation solutions.

Business Years:+5

Miles Last Year:5,000

Total Drivers:2

Total Trucks:2

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Riley and Sons Moving

US DOT: 85429

4.7(127 reviews)

Riley and Sons Moving stands out as Philadelphia's premier family-owned relocation company, operating since 1972 when Joseph P. Riley first established the business. Today, his sons Kevin and Tom continue the legacy, bringing decades of expertise to every move. What sets them apart from competitors is their comprehensive approach - they handle everything from local residential moves to complex commercial relocations across the entire East Coast, with particular specialization in Florida moves. Their Northeast Philadelphia facility provides secure storage solutions, while their trained crews offer professional packing services and careful handling of specialty items like pianos. As registered "Pro Movers" with both the Pennsylvania Moving and Storage Association and American Moving and Storage Association, they maintain the highest industry standards. Their commitment shows in consistently beating estimated timeframes while staying within budget, earning them recognition as top-rated movers who combine small-business personal attention with the capabilities to handle moves of any size throughout the region.

Business Years:+52

Miles Last Year:192,760

Total Drivers:9

Total Trucks:17

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MOVERAMA

Featured Partner

US DOT: 2922241

4.8(110 reviews)

Are you moving soon and struggling to find a reliable moving company to help you with your move in Philly? Don't sweat it, we've got exactly what you need! Moverama is the perfect ally for all kinds of moves across Philadelphia and all over the U.S.! And when they say all kinds of moves, they mean it! They will take anything you throw their way. This team, led by Michael Corcoran, is available every single day of the week, rain or shine. They can even help you move on a Sunday afternoon! Whether you're moving your studio, home or the whole office, these folks are the perfect option for you. You might wanna check their online reviews and see for yourself how everyone absolutely loves them! All satisfied customers, and the list of five star reviews keeps getting bigger and bigger! These folks are always on time, super friendly, and ready to go the extra mile. And their prices? Super affordable, and transparent! What you're quoted for is what you pay. Whether you’re moving across Philly or tackling a bigger move, Moverama makes it a stroll around the block. Call them today and let them handle the heavy lifting. You’ll be glad you did!

Business Years:+9

Miles Last Year:56,597

Total Drivers:3

Total Trucks:2

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Fully Loaded Moving And Hauling

US DOT: 2538198

4.8(65 reviews)

Operating throughout Philadelphia's tri-state region, Fully Loaded Junk Removal & Dumpster Rental stands apart as a family-owned business that tackles what others won't touch. Their crew works every single day of the week, making same-day appointments possible when urgent situations arise. What makes them different from typical haulers is their willingness to handle complicated projects - from light demolition of decks and sheds to construction debris cleanup that contractors rely on. The team brings all necessary equipment and provides upfront pricing before any work begins, eliminating surprise costs that plague the industry. Their full-service approach means customers never lift anything themselves - the crew handles sorting, loading, and proper disposal of materials. Unlike national chains focused on quick turnarounds, this Philadelphia-based operation takes time for thorough clean-outs of entire properties, carefully separating recyclable items for responsible disposal. Years of experience have taught them which items require special handling, making them particularly valuable for contractors and homeowners dealing with renovation waste, estate cleanouts, and cluttered spaces throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.

Business Years:+11

Miles Last Year:1

Total Drivers:1

Total Trucks:2

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Complete Directory of Movers in Philadelphia, PA

Local & Long Distance Movers

Below is the complete list of local and long‑distance movers we've found for Philadelphia, PA (237 total). Compare each company's USDOT number, years running, fleet size (trucks/drivers), reported miles per year, and the address on file—then use DOT Record to verify details on the official FMCSA listing.

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Complete list of local and long-distance movers in Philadelphia, PA.
Business Name	Years Running	Owner's Name	DOT #	Trucks ↓	Drivers	Miles/Year	Address
napa transportation inc	35	ronald accomando	446997	389	365	35562000	4800 east trindle road, mechanicsburg, pa 17055-0959
gentle giant movingView Profile	36	laurence o'toole	373544DOT Record	88	253	5000000	7 mckay ave, winchester, ma 1890
edo's trucking inc	21	jasna ljuca	1327266	52	45	4802994	12 long lane, mechanicsburg, pa 17050
a c k deliveries llc	5	kwame ruffin	3522997	20	20	0	5451 pentridge st, philadelphia, pa 19143-4125
remarkable solutions inc	7	avi turgeman	3208047	20	1	180000	1701 s 25th st, philadelphia, pa 19145
towaway express inc	40	thomas s sheaffer	265753	20	20	1803842	18 brenneman circle, mechanicsburg, pa 17050
oler relo movingView Profile	16	samuel michael shovel	1989213DOT Record	20	20	23000	1804 trinity valley drive, carrolton, tx 75006
riley and sons movingView Profile	52	kevin m riley	85429DOT Record	17	9	192760	9800 ashton rd, philadelphia, pa 19114

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How much does it cost to move in Philadelphia?

Moving costs in Philadelphia can range from affordable to premium, depending on the size of your move and the distance involved. Whether youre relocating locally or long-distance, understanding the average moving costs in Philadelphia will help you plan your budget more effectively.

Check out our breakdown of the average costs for moving a studio, 1-bedroom apartment, or 3-bedroom house in Philadelphia. You can also explore our moving cost calculator to get an estimate tailored to your specific needs.

View cost details

Moving costs in Philadelphia

Move Size	Average Cost
Studio/1-bedroom	$1,500
2-bedroom apartment	$2,100
3-bedroom house	$2,700

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About the city

Philadelphia: Moving trends and city insights

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania's largest city with approximately 1.57 million residents, maintains a robust moving industry serving the sixth-largest U.S. city and broader metropolitan area of 5.8 million. The local market features 99 moving companies with 60 licensed for interstate relocations, providing comprehensive services from local apartment moves to cross-country transitions. Local moving costs typically range from $473 to $4,221, averaging $128 per hour for standard crews. Long-distance relocations range from $2,200 to $12,770 depending on distance and home size. The city's median household income of $60,698 and diverse demographic composition—38.9% Black, 33.6% White, and 15.2% Hispanic—support varied moving service demand. Despite a modest post-pandemic population decline of 29,878 residents since 2020, Philadelphia added 10,500 residents in 2024, showing recovery momentum. The metropolitan area's steady growth, driven by international migration and access to major job centers, sustains consistent demand for residential and commercial moving services throughout this historic East Coast hub.

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Philadelphia Moving Rates: 2 Movers + Truck

Price Distribution (Histogram)

Market Tiers

EverSafe Moving Co.

US DOT: 2261303

Abc Movers Philadelphia

US DOT: 2728219

Gentle Giant Moving

US DOT: 373544

No Stress Movers

US DOT: 3360594

Ben The Mover Guy

US DOT: 2857354

Old City Movers

US DOT: 1820213

Pineapple Movers

US DOT: 3579435

Riley and Sons Moving

US DOT: 85429

MOVERAMA

US DOT: 2922241

Fully Loaded Moving And Hauling

US DOT: 2538198

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How much do movers cost in Philly?

What's the cheapest time to move in Philly?

Do movers charge more on weekends?

Which neighborhoods cost the most?

Do I need a TNP parking permit?

Why are rowhouse moves more expensive?

How does Aug 31 turnover affect pricing?

Should I verify my mover's PA PUC license?

How much do movers cost in Philly?

What's the cheapest time to move in Philly?

Do movers charge more on weekends?

Which neighborhoods cost the most?

Do I need a TNP parking permit?

Why are rowhouse moves more expensive?

How does Aug 31 turnover affect pricing?

Should I verify my mover's PA PUC license?

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