10 best movers in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

International Van Lines is the best long-distance moving company for relocating out of Pennsylvania. For a local move in the Harrisburg area, use the filters below to find other local companies for your move.

Long-distance movers in Harrisburg

A long-distance move is when you move from one state to another or more than 50 miles away. Hiring a moving company with the right federal licensing is essential if you're crossing state boundaries. Interstate movers must have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. To verify a carrier's licensing status, you can input these numbers or the mover's name into the FMCSA's database.

The reliable long-distance movers below are actively licensed. They can help get your belongings safely and efficiently across state lines.

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4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Includes one month of storage with long-distance moves
• Lists add-on service costs online
• Services all 50 states

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4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Operates exclusively as a carrier
• Runs shuttles for moves between major cities
• Offers storage for high-value items and antiques

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3.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Offers flat rates for all long-distance moves
• Has secure storage facilities with 24/7 surveillance
• Includes packing and storage in all quotes

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Why is moving so expensive?

While moving can be expensive, the average hourly rate for moving services in Harrisburg is lower than the national average. The cost of living in Harrisburg is only higher than 73.5% of the country, so moving prices are more affordable than expected.

Numerous factors are involved in moving, resulting in expenses adding up quickly. Common moving expenses include the following:

• Supplies
• Storage
• Junk removal
• Professional labor
• Packing
• Fuel

These additional considerations can cause your total cost to climb even more:

Transporting specialty items

Professional movers may charge more to move certain belongings, especially those that are valuable, fragile or oversized. These items commonly are more expensive to move:

• Artwork and sculptures
• Pianos
• Heavy pieces of furniture or technology
• Safes
• Family heirlooms or antiques

When deciding between moving companies, ask if they move these items and how much it'll cost.

Tipping your movers

While tipping your movers isn’t mandatory, it’s customary if your movers got your belongings to your new home safely and efficiently. Consider tipping each mover $5–$10 per hour for local moves and $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves.

Unexpected delays

Delays can happen for several reasons such as transportation emergencies, bad weather, limited supplies and traffic. These issues may add to the time and money required. Be prepared for delays by adding 25% more than your movers quote you to your moving budget and having a flexible schedule.

How to save money on moving costs

Consider these ways to save money on moving in Harrisburg.

Be communicative

Avoid surprise charges the day of your move by communicating with your movers as much as possible. Tell them about additional items that weren’t included in the initial inventory you gave the movers.

For example, small items can usually be added to the truck without issue, but large items — like new appliances or furniture — should be discussed ahead of time. The movers may charge more for those items and won’t start your move until you’ve consented to the additional charges.

Have a flexible schedule

Since reliable and affordable movers are in high demand, consider moving on a weekday or in the off-season to lower the cost while still reserving your preferred moving team.

Most people schedule moves between May and September. You may get lower moving rates and less competition if your timeline is flexible and you can schedule your move during slower periods.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

If you can’t find a cheap moving provider that meets your needs, there are several alternatives to consider.

You can handle the move yourself, but consider the labor required and the following costs:

• Moving truck rental
• Fuel
• Packing supplies

You may also need to ask friends, family or neighbors for help loading and unloading large or heavy items such as furniture. If you don't have the time or support system required for a DIY move, employing movers is valuable.

Another option is to hire movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr. While hiring hourly help can cost less, these freelance service providers may not have proper licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Harrisburg

What’s full-service moving?

When you choose full-service moving, your hired movers will take care of the entire moving process. This includes supplying packing materials, providing packing services for your belongings, transporting them to the new location and unpacking everything for you.

Standard moving services are cheaper than full-service moving, as they typically only include loading and transporting your belongings. However, full-service moving can be a justifiable expense when you consider the time, labor and packing materials you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving can offer more comprehensive insurance coverage, as self-packed items are usually only covered up to 60 cents per dollar, and it can be difficult to get a claim accepted for self-packed damaged goods.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving businesses will show proof of registration on their transport trucks, as well as on paperwork like estimates and agreements. If you're coordinating an interstate move, confirm the company's USDOT and MC numbers on the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in Pennsylvania are also required to have a license from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.

How does moving insurance work?

See what insurance policies your movers provide. Every company should offer released-value coverage, which covers items at 60 cents per pound per item. However, you may want to inquire about full-value protection, which most movers offer at an additional cost, if your belongings include expensive items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The hotter months from May to September is ideal time to move, leading to limited availability of movers and inflated costs for moves both big and small. For good reason, the high-costs might discourage you from a summer relocation. However, you may want to bypass a winter move, too, as Pennsylvania's icy conditions and snowy weather are less than ideal conditions for a move.

We recommend moving in the spring or early fall seasons when you can expect more favorable weather and lower costs.

What things should I leave to the movers, and what should I transport myself?

For peace of mind, move items like identification documents, financial records and valuable keepsakes in your own car. Similarly, load up your vehicle with any expensive electronics that you wouldn't want lost or damaged.

Many moving businesses cap insurance coverage for high-value items, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're concerned about possible loss or damage, pack those priceless or irreplaceable belongings in your own car.

There are certain goods and materials that moving companies aren't allowed to move. These include the following:

• Perishable foods and produce
• Fertilizers
• Compressed tanks or gas
• Fuel sources
• Batteries
• Flammable chemicals of any kind
• Aerosols
• Toxic chemicals or cleaners
• Plants

Our methodology for selecting moving companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.

We review national moving providers against our full moving methodology. We score movers based on reputation and customer experience, service availability, cost and pricing practices, insurance options, customer service and communication.