Moving is stressful enough without worrying about whether you've picked the right movers. Pittsburgh has plenty of local moving companies, but not all of them operate the same way. Here are five things worth knowing before you book.
1. Understand How Pittsburgh Movers Price Jobs
Most local movers in the Pittsburgh area charge by the hour, with a minimum. A typical structure looks like this:
- 2-person crew: $100–$180/hour
- 3-person crew: $150–$250/hour
- Minimum charge: Usually 2–3 hours
For a one-bedroom apartment move within Pittsburgh, expect 3–4 hours with a 2-person crew. A full house with 3+ bedrooms can take 6–10 hours with a larger crew.
Long-distance moves (outside the metro) are usually priced by weight and distance instead of hourly.
Some companies also charge a truck fee or travel time fee on top of the hourly rate. Always ask what's included before you agree.
2. Watch for Hidden Fees
The hourly rate is rarely the full story. Common extras that catch people off guard:
Stairs and elevator charges. If you're in a walkup apartment or a multi-story home, many companies charge per flight of stairs.
Long carry fees. If the truck can't park close to your door — common on narrow Pittsburgh streets — they may charge for the extra distance.
Heavy or specialty items. Pianos, safes, pool tables, and large appliances often carry surcharges.
Packing materials. Blankets, tape, and boxes may be billed separately unless you negotiate upfront.
Weekend and peak-season rates. Moving on a Saturday in June? Expect to pay 10–25% more than a Tuesday in February.
The best way to avoid surprises: ask for a written estimate that lists every fee before moving day.
3. Book Early — Especially in Summer
Pittsburgh's moving season peaks from May through September. College move-ins around Pitt and CMU make August especially tight.
If you're moving during peak months, try to book 3–4 weeks ahead. For off-peak months (October through March), a week or two is usually fine.
Weekday moves are almost always cheaper and easier to schedule than weekends.
4. Know What Movers Won't Move
Most moving companies have a list of items they won't touch. Common exclusions:
- Hazardous materials (paint, propane, chemicals)
- Perishable food
- Plants (especially for long-distance moves)
- Valuables like cash, jewelry, or important documents
- Ammunition and firearms
Plan to transport these yourself. If you have something unusual — a fragile antique, a large piece of art — ask the company directly whether they can handle it and what protection they offer.
5. Compare at Least Two Quotes
Getting more than one estimate is worth the effort. Prices can vary significantly between companies for the same job.
When comparing, look beyond the hourly rate:
- What's the minimum charge?
- Are stairs, long carries, and packing included?
- What's their cancellation policy?
- Are they insured? What does their coverage include?
- Do they have reviews from other Pittsburgh-area customers?
A company with a slightly higher hourly rate but fewer add-on fees may end up cheaper overall.
Labor-Only Moving Help
If you have your own truck or rental van, many Pittsburgh movers offer labor-only service — they load and unload, but you handle the driving.
This is usually cheaper and works well for smaller moves, storage unit loads, or situations where you've already rented a U-Haul or similar.
Typical labor-only rates run $60–$120/hour for a 2-person crew.
Getting Quotes
If you're planning a move in the Pittsburgh area and want to compare options, you can request a free quote through PGHPros. We'll connect you with local moving providers who serve your area.