10 best movers in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

International Van Lines is the best moving company for interstate moves. Use the filters below to find other moving companies for a local move around Wilkes-Barre.

Long-distance movers in Wilkes-Barre

A long-distance move means moving more than 50 miles away or to another state. Hiring a mover with the proper federal licensing is crucial if you're moving across state boundaries. 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 verify a carrier’s licensing status in the FMCSA’s database.

The long-distance movers below are reliable and have an active license. They can help get you and 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

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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?

Moving is an expensive process, but the average hourly moving rate in Wilkes-Barre is below the national average. The cost of living in Wilkes-Barre is only higher than 42.1% of the country, so moving prices are more affordable than expected.

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

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

Your final moving bill may also be affected by these additional factors:

Transporting specialty items

When hiring professional movers, you may have to pay extra for moving breakable, valuable or very bulky items. These items typically cost more to move:

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

Ask movers whether they move these items and charge additional fees for them.

Tipping your movers

While tipping your movers isn’t required, it’s common if your movers handled your belongings with care or reduced the stress of your move. For local moves, a standard tip is $5–$10 per mover per hour. For long-distance moves, tip $20–$40 per mover per day.

Unexpected delays

Delays are common due to issues such as inclement weather, a lack of supplies, traffic and transportation emergencies. These can raise 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 moving budget.

How to save money on moving costs

Consider these ways to reduce moving expenses in Wilkes-Barre.

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 in the initial inventory you gave the movers.

While small items can typically be accommodated without issue, larger pieces such as new furniture or appliances should be discussed in advance. The movers may need to adjust their quote for these item, and they’ll need your consent to these fees before beginning the move.

Have a flexible schedule

Dependable, cost-effective movers are in high demand. Consider moving in the off-season or on a weekday to reduce costs and still book your preferred moving team.

Most people hire movers between May and September. If your timeline is flexible, moving during slower months may result in less competition or lower rates.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

If you have difficulty finding a budget - friendly mover that works for you, there are alternative routes you can take.

One alternative is moving yourself. Consider the amount of labor required and the following costs when deciding between professional moving team and moving on your own:

• Moving truck rental
• Fuel
• Packing supplies

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

You can also find movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack. While hiring hourly help can be cheaper, these freelance service providers may not have the necessary licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Wilkes-Barre

What’s full-service moving?

Hiring full-service movers means they will handle 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 standard moving services, which typically only cover loading and transporting your belongings. The cost can be worth it, considering the time and labor packers spare you, in addition to the packing supplies costs it covers. Full-service moving may also offer more comprehensive insurance coverage. Self-packed items are typically only insured for up to 60 cents per dollar, and damage claims for these goods can be difficult to get approved.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving companies will display proof of registration on their moving trucks and on formal filings such as 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?

Approximate the complete worth of your belongings to accurately choose the most suitable insurance policy. Every company should offer released-value coverage, which insures items at 60 cents per pound per item. Getting this extra coverage will cost more, but may be worth it if you're moving costly or sentimental items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The hotter months from May to September is best time to move, leading to limited availability of movers and inflated costs for moves both sizable and small. For good reason, the high-costs might discourage you from a summer relocation. However, you may want to steer clear of a winter move, too, as Pennsylvania's icy conditions and snowy weather are less than ideal conditions for a move.

We advise moving in the springtime or early autumn so that you have optimal weather conditions and more affordable pricing for services.

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

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

Many moving businesses place limits on insurance coverage for high-value goods, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're worried about irreplaceable and valuable items being lost or damaged, keep those possessions with you.

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

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

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.