10 best movers in Lower Merion, Pennsylvania

International Van Lines is the best mover for interstate moves. If you're planning a local move in the Lower Merion area, use the filters below to find other local moving companies.

Long-distance movers in Lower Merion

A long-distance move is when you relocate more than 50 miles away or move to another state. Make sure the mover you choose has the proper federal licensing when crossing state lines. 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 look up a carrier’s licensing status in the FMCSA’s database.

We've confirmed that the long-distance moving services below are actively licensed. They can help get your belongings to your new home safely and smoothly.

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 Lower Merion is relatively costly, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. This makes sense given that the cost of living in Lower Merion is above 96.4% of the country.

Moving costs add up fast, as there are numerous factors involved. Here are some common moving costs:

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

Your total moving cost may also be affected by these additional factors:

Transporting specialty items

When hiring professional movers, you may have to pay extra for moving valuable, fragile or oversized items. These common items can cost more to move:

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

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

Tipping your movers

While tipping movers isn’t mandatory, it's customary to tip if they provide good service. 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 a variety of reasons, including traffic, transportation emergencies, limited supplies and bad weather. These issues may add to the time and money required. Be prepared for delays by budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you and keeping a flexible schedule.

How to save money on moving costs

Consider these ways to save money on moving in Lower Merion.

Be communicative

Be communicative about 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 in the initial inventory.

While small items can typically be accommodated without issue, larger pieces such as new appliances or furniture should be discussed before the move. Additional fees may apply for large items, and your movers won’t begin the move until you’ve consented to the charges.

Have a flexible schedule

Since reliable and cost-effective movers are in high demand, consider moving during the week or in the off-season to keep costs down while still getting your preferred movers.

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

If you can’t find a budget - friendly mover that meets your needs, there are alternative routes you can take.

Move on your own is one option. Before going this route, consider the labor required and the following costs:

• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies
• Fuel

You may also need to get help from family, friends or neighbors for loading and unloading large or heavy items such as furniture. Professional movers provide significant value if you don’t have the time or support to commit to moving yourself.

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

FAQ about moving in Lower Merion

What’s full-service moving?

Hiring full-service movers means they will handle every part of the moving process. They supply packing materials, pack your belongings, transport them and unpack them.

Standard moving services are cheaper than full-service moving, as they typically only include loading and moving your belongings. However, full-service moving can be worth the extra cost when you factor in the time, labor and packing materials you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving tends to provide more comprehensive insurance coverage compared to self-packed goods, which are usually only covered 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?

Any legitimate moving company will show their proof of registration on physical trucks and official files. If you're making an out of state move, you should screen companies for valid USDOT and MC numbers beforehand by visiting 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?

Approximate the complete worth of your belongings to accurately choose the ideal insurance policy. All movers should offer released-value coverage, which pays 60 cents per pound per item. If you're moving high-value items, request information on your mover's full-value protection policies. Also consider full-value protection coverage if you're moving high-worth goods — just know that these plans cost extra.

When is the best time of year to move?

The warmer months — May through September — are the prime moving time in the U.S., which results in considerably increased demand and significantly higher rates across the country for moves of all kinds. Rightfully so, this may steer you away from a summer move due to the higher cost.

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?

On moving day, carry personal documents like financial records and identification documents in your own car. We also recommend keeping any valuable electronics, such as laptops, with you instead of on the moving truck.

Many moving companies restrict insurance coverage on high-value possessions, like jewelry and family heirlooms. Hold onto these yourself, as well as any other irreplaceable belongings, if you're concerned about potential loss or damage.

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

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

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.