Local moving companies in Philadelphia

  1. Transtar Moving Systems: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  2. Bellhop Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  3. Anchor Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  4. Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.58 out of 5 stars
  5. Keep It Moving, LLC: 4.58 out of 5 stars

Transtar Moving Systems

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.76 / 5

DOT #: 939629

Years in Business: 63

925 N Lenola Rd, Moorestown, NJ 08057 US

Moving excellence stands out in Transtar Moving Systems feedback, with 257 reviews analyzed and over 91% praising the service. Customers consistently compliment the staff's professionalism, exceptional care with belongings, efficiency, helpful attitudes, and rapid process. Many highlight smooth moves, polite crews, and stress relief compared to other movers. Negative input, while rare, focuses on property damage, lost items, and unexpected charges, areas where some felt let down. Most concerns relate to issues during storage, delivery, or billing confusion. Compared to competitors, Transtar receives stronger recommendations and more frequent mentions of careful handling and helpful staff, positioning them as a top choice for reliable moves with minimal hassle and friendly service.

Get a Quote (856) 727-1060

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • A Action Family Moving Company, Inc.
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Bellhop Moving

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.72 / 5

DOT #: 2878240

Years in Business: 14

230 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19102 US

Bellhop Moving stands out for making moves run smoothly, with 58% of customer feedback rating their work highly. Many customers highlight the team's efficiency, upbeat attitude, and professional manner, creating a stress-free experience even in challenging situations. Quick, careful service and clear communication set Bellhop apart from typical moving companies. Affordable pricing and approachable staff are often referenced as reasons many would book again. On the downside, a significant portion of input reports last-minute delays, missed appointments, and property damage. These reliability and damage concerns occur more frequently with Bellhop than with traditional, established movers. Some customers also describe struggles with reaching support or navigating the claims process after incidents. While many moves go off without a hitch and cost less than competitors, those considering Bellhop should know there is a real risk of unpredictable scheduling and occasionally careless handling. Reliable and energetic crews deliver standout service when all goes right, but people with rigid timelines or valuable possessions should weigh these risks carefully when booking.

Get a Quote (866) 774-5063

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Bellhop Moving Services
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Anchor Moving & Storage Inc.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.72 / 5

DOT #: 125550

Years in Business: 51

8295 National Hwy Ste B, Pennsauken, NJ 08110 US

Anchor Moving & Storage Inc. earns high praise from customers, with 88% of feedback sharing positive experiences out of 237 total reviews. Clients highlight quick and efficient service, careful handling of belongings, courteous staff, strong communication, and movers who go out of their way to help. Reviewers note that estimates tend to match final charges, and moves are handled responsibly, with many team members recognized by name for their professionalism. Some negative feedback centers around damaged items, delays in claim responses, and a small number of complaints about surprise charges or poor communication after issues arise. Compared to industry averages, Anchor stands out for efficiency and thoroughness but receives similar complaints as other movers regarding claim resolution and damage. Most customers recommend the company, but those looking for seamless problem resolution may want to confirm coverage and response policies before booking.

Get a Quote (856) 787-9898

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Anchor Moving & Storage
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Gentle Giant Moving Company

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.58 / 5

DOT #: 373544

Years in Business: 44

1450 S Warfield Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146 US

Gentle Giant Moving Company stands out for its efficient, careful, and professional teams. Nearly every piece of customer input praises their speedy service, thoughtful handling, and helpful, friendly staff. Most customers report easy, stress-free moves and appreciate the crew's communication and respect for property. Many note that movers quickly finish the job, often coming in under the original estimate. Pricing is described as fair and transparent, and multiple customers return for repeat moves. Only a small fraction of feedback reports damage to items, with frustration focused on slow complaint or claims handling and a lack of responsiveness after issues arise. Claims of mishandled repairs and unresolved complaints cluster within negative reviews, which remain rare compared to competitors. On balance, Gentle Giant Moving Company receives a remarkably high rate of positive feedback among moving companies, with a reputation for reliable, courteous, and efficient service.

Get a Quote (267) 606-4210

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crane vans
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Gentle Giant Moving & Storage
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Keep It Moving, LLC

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.58 / 5

DOT #: 2313514

Years in Business: 19

300 E Godfrey Ave Suite 100, Philadelphia, PA 19120 US

Movers who deliver peace of mind: Out of 164 customer reviews, nearly 70% praised Keep It Moving, LLC for their professional, efficient, and friendly service. People highlighted careful handling of belongings, swift moving processes, and excellent communication. Multiple customers noted affordable rates and appreciated that the staff arrived on time and kept everything organized, making stressful moves easier. Yet, more than a quarter of all feedback described negative experiences. The most frequent complaints involved damage to property and items, significant delays, and poor follow-up or unreturned calls. A sizeable group also mentioned lost or misplaced possessions. Compared with other moving companies, Keep It Moving, LLC receives stronger praise for professionalism and work ethic, but stands out with more consistent criticism for damages and communication lapses, especially for long-distance moves. If you value a courteous and careful team but want to avoid hassles around broken items or late arrivals, weigh these points before booking.

Get a Quote (215) 939-2651

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Hot Tubs
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage

Additional Information

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Factors influencing moving costs from Philadelphia to Chicago

The cost of Philadelphia movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Philadelphia to Chicago can be as low as $1,299 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 8,228.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Philadelphia, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $621 to $1,655. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Philadelphia to Chicago

Moving from Philadelphia to Chicago comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Chicago is generally more expensive than Philadelphia, it’s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Philadelphia Chicago
Average rent cost $1,695 $2,045
Average home value $216,914 $295,743
Average income (per capita) $70,746 $71,566
Cost of living (single person) $2,541 $3,648
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,190 $9,266
Unemployment rate 10.6% 9.0%
Sales tax 8.0% 10.25%
State income tax 3.07% 4.95%
  • Rent prices in Chicago are 21% higher than in Philadelphia, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Philadelphia.
    Home prices in Chicago are 36.3% higher than in Philadelphia.
  • Income in Chicago is 1.2% higher than in Philadelphia, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Chicago include U.S. Government, Chicago Public Schools, and City of Chicago.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Chicago, since the cost of living for a single person in Chicago is 43.6% higher than in Philadelphia. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If you’re moving your family to Chicago, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 49.7% higher than in Philadelphia.
  • The unemployment rate in Chicago is 15.09% lower than in Philadelphia.
  • You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Chicago, since the city’s sales taxes in Chicago are 28.13% higher than in Philadelphia.
  • State income taxes in Chicago are 61.24% higher than in Philadelphia.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,306.97 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Philadelphia.

How life is different in Philadelphia vs. Chicago

Chicago Philadelphia
Population 2,746,388 1,603,797
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 9 9
Walkability score 77 75
Bike friendliness score 72 67
Crime Index 35.19 66.09
Safety Index 33.87 33.91
Air Quality Good Good
  • Chicago's population is about 71% greater than Philadelphia.
  • Chicago's public transportation has a similar score to Philadelphia.
  • Chicago and Philadelphia are similarily walkable.
  • With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than Philadelphia, which has a score of 67 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Chicago's crime rate is lower than Philadelphia with a score of 35.19 compared to Philadelphia's 66.09. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 66.09%.
  • Chicago and Philadelphia are considered to be equally safe.
  • Air quality in Chicago is good, and in Philadelphia it's good.

Other things to consider for your Philadelphia vs. Chicago move

  • Weather: Although Chicago gets less snowfall than surrounding areas in the Midwest and the Great Lakes region, heavy snowfall could still affect your move in the wintertime.
  • HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • State licensing: In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving company\’s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Illinois, though it\’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toChicago Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items' full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Chicago

Now that you’ve chosen "Chi-Town" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Chicago to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Lake View
  • Lincoln Park
  • The Loop
  • Near North Side
  • West Town

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Beverly
  • Edison Park
  • Lincoln Park
  • North Center
  • West Loop

Things to do in Chicago

Now that you've made the move to Illinois, it’s the perfect time to explore Chicago. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Chicago, such as the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago History Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city’s Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln Park — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Chicago Bears (NFL), Chicago Cubs (MLB), Chicago White Sox (MLB), or Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Philadelphia to Chicago?

The best time to move from Philadelphia to Chicago is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Philadelphia.

When is the cheapest time to move from Philadelphia to Chicago?

Because most people are moving from Philadelphia to Chicago in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Philadelphia to Chicago take?

The 759-mile move from Philadelphia, PA, to Chicago, IL, takes two to seven days. Some Philadelphia movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chicago.

Helpful moving resources