10 best movers in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania

International Van Lines is the best long-distance mover for moving out of Pennsylvania. For a local move around Upper Darby, use the filters below to find other local moving companies that meet your needs.

Long-distance movers in Upper Darby

A long-distance move means moving over 50 miles away or to another state. Hiring a mover with the right federal licensing is especially important if you're moving across state lines. Interstate movers must have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use these numbers or the mover's name to look up a carrier’s licensing status in the FMCSA’s database.

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

Featured

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

GET ESTIMATE

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

GET ESTIMATE

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

GET ESTIMATE

Why is moving so expensive?

The average hourly moving rate for relocating within or out of Upper Darby is greater than the national average, making itrelatively expensive. This makes sense given that the cost of living in Upper Darby is higher than 81.9% of the country.

Moving expenses add up fast based on what services you need. The following are typical moving expenses:

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

Your total cost may also be impacted by these extra considerations:

Transporting specialty items

Moving companies may charge more to move oversized, valuable or fragile items. The following items commonly are more expensive to move:

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

Find out from potential movers whether they move these items and if so, whether they charge extra.

Tipping your movers

Tipping your movers isn’t required, but it’s a common practice if your movers provided good service. Consider tipping each mover $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves and $5–$10 per hour for local moves.

Unexpected delays

Delays are common due to issues such as traffic, transportation emergencies, a lack of supplies and inclement weather. These can add to your moving costs and extend your timeline. Although delays are unpredictable, you can prepare for them by having a flexible schedule and adding 25% more than your movers quote you to your budget.

How to save money on moving costs

The following tips can reduce your moving expenses in Upper Darby.

Be communicative

Be communicative about any modifications to your schedule or inventory, especially when adding items they have to move.

For example, small items can likely be added to the truck without a problem, but large items — like new furniture or appliances — need to be discussed before the move. The movers may charge more for those additions and won’t start your move until you’ve consented to the additional charges.

Have a flexible schedule

Moving during the week or in the off-season can reduce costs and ensure you get your preferred moving company.

Most people schedule moves from May through September. If you have a flexible timeline, moving during less hectic months may result in less competition or lower ratesfor services.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

If you have difficulty finding an affordable moving provider that works for you, there are alternative routes you can take.

While you can move by yourself, consider the amount of labor required and the following costs:

• Fuel
• Packing supplies
• Moving truck rental

You may also need to get help from friends, family or neighbors for moving heavy items such as furniture. If you lack the time or support system required for a DIY move, hiring movers is valuable.

Another option is to find movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr. While hiring hourly help can be cheaper, these independent contractors may not have proper licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Upper Darby

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving is when your hired movers handle the entire moving process for you. They supply packing materials, pack your belongings, transport them and unpack them.

Full-service moving costs more than standard moving services, which typically only cover loading and moving your belongings. The price can be justified, considering the time and labor packers spare you, as well as covering the cost of packing supplies. Additionally, full-service moving can offer more comprehensive insurance coverage, as self-packed goods are usually only protected up to 60 cents per dollar, and it can be challenging to get a claim accepted for self-packed damaged goods.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving businesses will display proof of registration on their moving trucks and on formal filings like estimates and contracts. As stated above, you should check a company’s USDOT and MC numbers when planning an interstate move by checking 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?

You’ll also need to check out your mover’s insurance policies. All movers should offer released-value coverage, which pays 60 cents per pound per item. If you're moving high-value items, ask about your mover's full-value protection policies. Also consider full-value protection coverage if you're moving valuable goods — just be aware that these plans cost extra.

When is the best time of year to move?

The optimal moving time is between May to September, leading to notably higher demand and pricing for moves both sizable and small. The high summer rates could understandably deter you from moving at that time of year.

We recommend moving during the spring or early fall to experience the best possible weather and lower rates for service.

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

Load up your car with anything too important to lose, such as photos, financial records, identification documents and technology.

Most moving companies restrict insurance coverage for high-value items, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're concerned about irreplaceable and valuable items being lost or damaged, bring those possessions with you.

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including these:

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