Moving is an exciting process with tasks and items to check off. Pennsylvania, as with any state, has its own unique considerations for moving in and out, such as local tax laws, housing, education, work and driving.
If you plan on relocating your family, you’ll need a solid plan on times, dates and routes. You’ll need to budget for tolls, food, state-specific parking permits and more. The following is a Pennsylvania moving guide with actionable tips to give you the knowledge you need to transition smoothly into your new life.
Whether you’re moving out of Pennsylvania or in, you should understand the moving landscape, seasonal trends and common reasons people relocate.
Pennsylvania has unique aspects of its moving landscape. There are widely varied local requirements and permits due to the state’s 2,562 municipalities, so you need to know your localized laws and building rules surrounding parking for moving vehicles and apply for an E-ZPass to save on tolls.
A top tip is to plan your move in the middle of the month, as mid-month moves have the least demand, saving you money.
Pennsylvania is a popular state to move to thanks to its 3.07% state income tax, outdoor living opportunities and great educational facilities.
Peak moving season is spring into summer, when leases are up and real estate season is in full swing, ranging from June until early September, when university move-ins spike. If you’re moving to Pennsylvania and want to avoid peak demand, plan your move in late fall or mid-winter. The winters in this state are cold and icy, but a reliable, experienced mover will routinely handle moves through ice and snow.
Make the journey seamless for you and your mover by going to the PA Turnpike toll website to apply for an E-ZPass. You can still have out-of-state vehicle registration, as long as your E-ZPass account is up to date.
People migrate to different places for many reasons, the most common being due to big life changes such as starting a new job, pursuing higher education, retiring or lifestyle changes. Pennsylvania is a large state with much to offer regarding natural spaces and diverse living options.
There is a lot to do during a move, so excellent organization is your best friend. If you can box up your “what if” thoughts in a neatly laid-out plan, you’ll feel ready for anything.
Your first action when forming your timeline is to make a list of hard dates, which include:
Once you know your hard dates and whether you’re using a moving company, start planning your moving timeline.
Lists are essential for any well-thought-out plan. It’s a good idea to create different category lists, for example:
Remember to keep in close contact with real estate professionals, such as property managers and agents, for timely access to both homes.
Knowing the type of moving service and how to find the right one is essential for a good experience. An experienced and skilled company will offer clear service offerings that include:
Choosing a reliable company to partner with is vital to getting your items safely across state lines. All interstate movers need to be registered with the Department of Transportation, which you can verify using their name or USDOT number to ensure their legitimacy.
Choosing the best moving company for your purposes depends on the following:
You’ll want your moving company to offer packing services and supplies to take as much of a load off of you as the budget allows.
Whether you’re moving to a one-bedroom apartment or a family home, using a professional mover will streamline the process and give you peace of mind. Reliable moving companies have the experience and technique to handle the process efficiently.
First, gather packing supplies and start decluttering your home. Separate items you want to keep and donate, slowly pack non-essentials room by room and label each box.
Professional movers use advanced packing techniques and materials suitable for each item to ensure minimal movement during transit, keeping your items safe.
Cut costs by understanding the factors that affect pricing and how to compare rates between companies.
The key factors that affect moving costs are weight, distance and route, service level and access at either location.
A low-priced move may cost you a lot more in the long run because of unreliable, untrained movers, resulting in broken items. The best quote is the one you get from a reliable company that knows what they’re doing and can give you the peace of mind you’re looking for while you move.
Moving companies offer similar services, so get quotes for these services and see how they are broken down and what they cost and compare them.
See the following moving FAQs.
The answer depends on when you’re planning on moving and if there are any factors that require special care or extra time. During peak season, it’s a good idea to book eight to 12 weeks out when you’re moving city to city. Aim for a less busy time, like a weekday in the middle of the month, for better availability and pricing.
Interstate movers must follow federal hazmat rules and can’t move anything hazardous, flammable, corrosive or explosive. Live animals and perishables like food are also not permitted.
Reserve the elevator and loading dock, and request a Certificate of Insurance from your moving company. Defrost your freezer for at least 24 hours and disconnect appliances. Organize your items into “pack” and “do not pack” areas, and make sure you have your moving day kit with your essentials.
Corrigan Moving Systems has been in business since 1929 and offers residential and commercial moving services. We’ll work with you through our guided and transparent process to ensure your move is as seamless as possible. You can trust us for our:
Choose Corrigan Moving Systems for ultimate peace of mind. Contact us online today for your free in-home or virtual consultation.
