10 best movers in Upper Merion, Pennsylvania

International Van Lines is the best long-distance moving company for relocating out of Pennsylvania. If you're moving in the Upper Merion area, use the filters below to find other local movers.

Long-distance movers in Upper Merion

A long-distance move is when you move over 50 miles away or relocate to another state. When crossing state boundaries, make sure your moving company has the proper federal licensing. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use the USDOT number, MC number or mover's name to verify a carrier’s licensing status in the FMCSA’s database.

The long-distance moving companies below are experienced and actively licensed. They can help get your belongings safely and efficiently to your new home.

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

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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?

The average hourly moving rate for relocating within or out of Upper Merion is higher than the national average, making itrelatively costly. This makes sense considering the cost of living in Upper Merion is above 93.9% of the country.

Various factors are involved when moving, so expenses add up quickly. The following are common moving expenses:

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

These extra considerations can add even more cost to your total:

Transporting specialty items

When hiring a moving companiy, you may have to pay extra for moving breakable, valuable or oversized items. These common items can cost more to move:

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

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

Tipping your movers

Tipping your movers isn’t required, but it’s a common practice if your movers provided quality service. For local moves, a typical tip is $5–$10 per mover per hour. For long-distance moves, tip $20–$40 per mover per day.

Unexpected delays

Delays happen. Transportation emergencies, traffic, limited supplies and bad weather can all add time and money to your move. You can't avoid unexpected delays, but you can prepare for them by being flexible with your schedule and adding 25% more than your movers quote you to your moving budget.

How to save money on moving costs

The following tips can lower your moving expenses in Upper Merion.

Be communicative

Keep your movers informed about any changes to your schedule or inventory, especially when adding items after getting a quote from the movers.

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

Have a flexible schedule

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

Movers are the most booked from May through September. Consider moving during other months if you have a flexible schedule, as there may be lower moving rates or less competition.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

Consider taking an alternative route if you have difficulty finding a cheap moving provider that meets your needs.

One alternative is handling the move by yourself. Consider the amount of labor required and the following costs when deciding between professional moving team and moving by yourself:

• Packing supplies
• Moving truck rental
• Fuel

Getting help from family, friends or neighbors for moving large or heavy items such as furniture can make your move quicker and easier. If you don't have the time or support system required for a self-move, employing movers is valuable.

You can also find movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack, which can be more cost-effective. However, these freelance service providers may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Upper Merion

What’s full-service moving?

Hiring full-service movers means they will take care of every part of the moving process, including providing packing supplies, packing your belongings, transporting them and unpacking them.

Full-service moving is more expensive than services that only include loading and moving your belongings, but it can be worth it considering the time, labor and packing materials you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving may offer more comprehensive insurance coverage compared to self-packed items, which are typically only insured up to 60 cents per dollar. Getting a damage claim approved for self-packed goods can also be challenging.

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 verify 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?

Review what insurance policies your movers provide. All movers will offer released-value coverage, which protects your goods at a rate of 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 high-worth items.

When is the best time of year to move?

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

We suggest scheduling your move in the spring or early fall months to take advantage of pleasant weather and lower costs for moving services.

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 photographs, financial records, identification documents and technology.

Many moving businesses cap insurance coverage on high-value items, like jewelry and family heirlooms. Keep these yourself, as well as any other irreplaceable belongings, if you're worried about potential loss or damage.

There are certain goods and materials prohibited for transportation by movers. These include the following:

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

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.