10 best movers in Cheltenham, Pennsylvania

International Van Lines is the best moving company for interstate moves. If you're moving around Cheltenham, use the filters below to find other movers in your area.

Long-distance movers in Cheltenham

A long-distance move means moving over 50 miles away or from one state to another. Make sure the moving company you choose has the necessary federal licensing when moving across state lines. Interstate movers must 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 check a carrier’s licensing status in the FMCSA’s database.

The reliable and experienced long-distance moving firms below are actively licensed. They can help get your belongings safely and efficiently 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

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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?

Relocating within or out of Cheltenham is fairly expensive, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. The higher moving rates make sense because the cost of living in Cheltenham is above 86.9% of the country.

Moving expenses add up fast, as there are numerous factors involved. Typical moving expenses include the following:

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

These extra considerations can cause your final moving bill to climb even more:

Transporting specialty items

Moving companies may charge more to move certain belongings, especially those that are fragile, valuable or particularly bulky. The following items typically cost more to move:

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

If you have to move any of these items, ask potential movers whether they charge additional fees for them.

Tipping your movers

While tipping movers is optional, it's customary to tip if they provide quality service. For long-distance moves, a standard tip is $20–$40 per mover per day. For local moves, tip $5–$10 per mover per hour.

Unexpected delays

Delays can happen for several reasons, including bad weather, transportation emergencies, traffic and limited supplies. These issues may add to the time and money required. Delays are unpredictable, but you can prepare for them by having a flexible schedule and budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you.

How to save money on moving costs

Consider these ways to lower moving expenses in Cheltenham.

Be communicative

Communicate any changes to your schedule or inventory to avoid unexpected charges on the day of your move. Inform them of additional items that weren’t included in the initial inventory.

For example, small items can usually be added to the truck without issue, but large items — like new furniture or appliances — need to be discussed ahead of time. The movers may need to adjust their estimate for these item and get your consent to these fees before beginning the move.

Have a flexible schedule

Since reliable and budget-friendly movers are highly sought after, consider moving during the week or in the off-season to keep costs down while still booking your preferred moving company.

Peak moving season is between May and September. If your timeline is flexible, consider moving outside of those months, as there may be less competition or lower rates.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

Consider an alternative if you have difficulty finding an affordable that works for you.

While you can move on your own, weigh the amount of labor required and the following costs:

• Fuel
• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies

Your family, friends or neighbors may also need to help you move, especially if you have bulky items such as furniture. If you lack the time or support system required for a DIY move, employing movers is a worthwhile investment.

You can also find movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack. Hiring hourly help can cost less, but freelance service providers may not have proper licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Cheltenham

What’s full-service moving?

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

Full-service moving costs more than services that only include loading and moving your items, but it can be worth the extra cost considering the time, labor and packing materials it saves. Additionally, full-service moving tends to offer more comprehensive insurance coverage compared to self-packed items, which are usually only covered up to 60 cents per dollar. Getting a damage claim approved for self-packed goods can also be tough.

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 confirm 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. Released-value coverage applies to all moves, which insures 60 cents per pound per item. Adding this supplementary coverage will cost more, but may be worth it if you're moving expensive or irreplaceable items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The warmer months between May to September is the best moving time. This results in a limited supply of available moving companies, and increased costs for moves of any size. The steep seasonal prices may prevent you from going with a summer 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?

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

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

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

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

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.