From cobblestone streets to fourth-floor walk-ups, moving in Philadelphia is a unique challenge. Whether you’re heading to Center City, downsizing in South Philly, or relocating to the Main Line, finding a mover who knows the city is essential. The urban layout, historic buildings, and dense neighborhoods mean that not every moving company is equipped to handle Philadelphia’s particular demands.
This guide compares the 7 best Philadelphia moving companies for 2025 based on pricing transparency, service quality, and customer reviews. These companies are trusted by locals for their reliability, responsiveness, and ability to navigate everything from tight alleyways to strict building COI requirements. Moving day in Philly isn’t just about loading a truck; it’s about managing permits, timing, and sometimes the unexpected, like narrow staircases or street festivals.
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, about 8.2 million Americans moved counties in 2022, often for housing, jobs, or family. In a city as densely packed and historically rich as Philly, choosing the right mover can make all the difference between a smooth transition and a stressful one. A knowledgeable mover will understand how to work with the city’s rules and its physical quirks, saving you time and headaches.
Moving in Philadelphia: What to Expect
Source: moveBuddha
Philly’s urban layout makes it one of the most logistically complex places to move in the U.S. In neighborhoods like South Philly, Old City, or Fishtown, you’ll encounter tight alleys, one-way streets, and limited parking, which means moving permits are often required for box trucks or vans. These can be obtained through the Philadelphia Parking Authority and should be secured at least three business days before your move. Missing this step can lead to costly fines or rescheduling delays.
Walk-up buildings, narrow staircases, and historic architecture are also common, especially in Rittenhouse Square or University City. Many buildings require Certificates of Insurance (COIs), so check with your mover and property manager in advance. It’s not unusual for buildings to have strict delivery windows or require elevator reservations – all factors your mover should manage proactively.
June and July are peak months due to lease turnovers and university semester transitions, so it’s best to book early and avoid weekends when possible. Smart timing and preparation can save you hundreds and a major headache. If your schedule is flexible, aim for midweek moves or the shoulder seasons (fall or winter) when demand eases and pricing may be more competitive.
Key Traits to Look for in a Philly Mover
Not all movers are built the same, and in Pennsylvania, it’s crucial to verify that a moving company holds a valid PUC (Public Utility Commission) license. This ensures they meet state regulations and have proper insurance, critical for protecting your belongings.
In addition to licensing, look for movers with:
- Transparent pricing (flat rates or clearly explained hourly fees), so there are no surprise charges at the end of your move.
- A solid inventory system for tracking your items, especially useful if you’re moving valuable or fragile belongings. Many companies now offer digital inventory checklists or apps for easier oversight.
- Consistent local reviews on Google, Yelp, and social media that highlight reliability and customer service. Reviews often reveal how well movers handle unexpected challenges like weather or building restrictions.
Most of the best Philly movers serve both city residents and suburban households, covering areas from Kensington to King of Prussia. They typically have experience navigating the unique challenges of older homes, tight streets, and multi-unit buildings. For more help spotting reliable companies, read our guide on how to find a reputable moving and storage company in your area.
For more help spotting reliable companies, read our guide on how to find a reputable moving and storage company in your area.
Top 7 Philadelphia Moving Companies in 2025
1. Suburban Solutions
With locations in both Philly and its suburbs, Suburban Solutions offers full-service moves, including packing, junk removal, and long-distance relocations. Their flexibility and competitive pricing make them a local favorite. Known for accommodating complex schedules and varied move types, they work well for families and businesses alike.
Services: Local and long-distance, junk removal, packing
Approx. 2025 Pricing: Starting at $140/hour
What Stands Out: All-in-one service and city-suburb flexibility
2. Broad Street Movers
A go-to for students and young professionals, Broad Street Movers shines when it comes to walk-up apartments, transparent pricing, and great communication. Their crews are experienced with tight city layouts and quick turnarounds, making them ideal for college neighborhoods and busy urban residents.
Services: Local moves, apartments, packing, furniture moving
Approx. 2025 Pricing: $135–$150/hour, depending on crew size
What Stands Out: Known for efficiency in tight city layouts
3. Old City Movers
Old City Movers specializes in the quirks of Philly real estate—think narrow hallways, brownstones, and antique furniture. Their crew is experienced with hoisting and handling fragile or high-value items, providing peace of mind when moving delicate possessions in historic homes.
Services: Local moves, antique transport, packing, hoisting
Approx. 2025 Pricing: From $140/hour
What Stands Out: Great reputation for tricky downtown jobs
4. Gentle Giant Moving Company
With a national footprint and a strong Philly presence, Gentle Giant delivers premium moving services, including piano moving, white-glove packing, and top-tier customer care. They are a solid choice if you want extra attention to detail and a hassle-free experience.
Services: Local, long-distance, pianos, specialty items
Approx. 2025 Pricing: Starting at $160/hour
What Stands Out: Elite service for high-end or complex moves
5. Ben The Mover Guy
Founded in 2015, Ben The Mover Guy is a Philadelphia-based moving company known for its hands-on, owner-led service. Ben and his team specialize in local residential moves, offering services such as packing assistance, furniture pickup and delivery, and junk removal.
Services: Local residential moves, packing assistance, furniture pickup and delivery, junk removal, labor-only services
Approx. 2025 Pricing: Starting around $135/hour
What Stands Out: Owner-led team with a strong reputation for professionalism and efficiency
6. EverSafe Moving Co.
True to its name, EverSafe emphasizes secure and insured moves with no hidden fees. Their flat-rate pricing and virtual estimate options make planning easier for busy professionals. They are particularly known for transparency and clear communication throughout the move.
Services: Residential, commercial, packing, storage
Approx. 2025 Pricing: Flat-rate and hourly options
What Stands Out: Great for predictable pricing and detailed planning
7. Stellar Movers
Veteran-owned and locally operated, Stellar Movers is known for punctuality, professionalism, and flexible booking. They handle residential and commercial moves with care and speed, with many clients appreciating their veteran-owned status and dependable service.
Services: Residential, commercial, military, packing
Approx. 2025 Pricing: From $130/hour
What Stands Out: Great reviews, veteran-owned, flexible scheduling
Moving Tips Specific to Philly
Reserve your moving permit via the Philadelphia Parking Authority at least three business days before your move to avoid last-minute complications. First-time movers often overlook this permit, but it is crucial in neighborhoods with restricted parking or street closures.
Avoid move-in weekends at Temple, Drexel, and UPenn unless booked well in advance, as demand surges dramatically during university turnover periods. Also, be mindful of parades, festivals, or construction projects, which are frequent in Philly and can block streets or cause delays. Checking local event calendars ahead of time can help you plan the best moving date.
Confirm COI requirements and ask about fees for stairs, long carries, or tight entries—common in older Philly buildings. These fees vary by company, so it’s best to clarify costs upfront to avoid surprises on moving day.
For more insights, grab our step-by-step moving checklist and keep your relocation on track.
FAQs About Philadelphia Moving Companies
How much does a local move cost in Philly?
Depending on services and timing, expect to pay $130–$160/hour for a 2–3 person crew. Costs can fluctuate with peak seasons or additional services like packing or hoisting.
Are Philly movers licensed through the state or city?
Movers must hold a PUC license from the state of Pennsylvania, confirming they meet all regulatory and insurance requirements.
Do I need to be present during the entire move?
It’s recommended – especially for inventory confirmation and last-minute decisions – but not required. Being available can help resolve unexpected issues quickly.
What are common extra fees in a Philly move?
Stair fees, long carries, hoisting, and same-day COIs are common. Ask upfront to understand potential additional charges.
Conclusion
Moving in Philadelphia comes with its own set of quirks, but the right mover can make it painless.
These 7 companies were selected for their reputation, experience, and transparency, whether you need help with a rowhome, a high-rise apartment, or a cross-state relocation.
Before booking, compare at least a few quotes, double-check licenses, and read the fine print. For even more resources, tools, and recommendations, visit our homepage for additional guides and local insights!