What counts as a long-distance move from Pittsburgh?

In the moving industry, a long-distance move is generally defined as any relocation that crosses state lines or covers more than 100 miles, regardless of whether it stays within Pennsylvania. From Pittsburgh, that means moves to Ohio, West Virginia, New York, or any destination beyond roughly the Erie or Harrisburg corridor within the state. The distinction matters because long-distance moves are priced differently — by shipment weight and mileage rather than hourly rates — and are subject to FMCSA federal regulations. If you're unsure whether your move qualifies, our team can advise you when you request a free estimate.

How early should I book a long-distance move from Pittsburgh?

We recommend booking at least 6–8 weeks in advance for most long-distance residential moves from Pittsburgh. During peak season — roughly May through September — demand is highest and truck availability can be limited, so 8–12 weeks gives you more flexibility on your preferred dates. Last-minute bookings within 2–3 weeks are sometimes possible but come with fewer date options and reduced ability to plan packing carefully. Corporate relocations and large household moves benefit from even earlier scheduling to coordinate survey appointments, corporate billing, and storage if needed.

What is included in a long-distance moving quote from Pittsburgh?

Our long-distance quotes itemize all major cost components: the base transportation charge (calculated on estimated shipment weight and mileage from your Pittsburgh-area origin), any packing and materials charges if you've selected full-service packing, fuel surcharges, and basic released-value liability coverage. Optional add-ons — full replacement value protection, bulky item fees for items like pianos or pool tables, storage-in-transit if delivery can't happen immediately, and shuttle service for addresses a large trailer can't access — are listed separately so you can see exactly what you're choosing. We provide binding or not-to-exceed quotes on request so the final invoice cannot exceed the written estimate.

How long does a long-distance move from Pittsburgh take?

Transit times depend on the destination and shipment size. Moves to neighboring states like Ohio, West Virginia, or New York typically take 2–4 days in transit. Cross-country moves to destinations like Florida, Texas, or California generally run 7–14 days depending on routing and whether your shipment travels on an exclusive truck or is consolidated with others. We provide a delivery spread — a window of 2–3 days — and contact you 24–48 hours before arrival to confirm the exact delivery day.

Do you offer storage if my new home isn't ready on delivery day?

Yes. We offer storage-in-transit for long-distance moves where the destination isn't immediately available — whether because of a delayed closing, a lease start date gap, or a home still being prepared. Your belongings are held securely in our climate-controlled Pittsburgh warehouse or at an Allied Van Lines facility near your destination and delivered when you're ready. Both short-term and long-term storage options are available and itemized separately in your quote. Learn more about our Pittsburgh storage services .

Get a Free Long-Distance Moving Quote from Pittsburgh

Ready to plan your long-distance move from Pittsburgh, PA? Call 412-341-0820 to speak with our Pittsburgh moving team or fill in our free online quote form and we'll follow up within one business day. We serve Pittsburgh and all of Allegheny County — from the North Hills and Cranberry Township to the South Hills and every community in between.

Long Distance Movers in Pittsburgh, PA

Planning a long-distance move from Pittsburgh? Central Van & Storage is a licensed, insured long-distance moving company serving Pittsburgh, PA and the surrounding Allegheny County area. As an authorized Allied Van Lines agent, we have access to a nationwide network of routes, drivers, and relay facilities that lets us handle long-haul relocations with the same care and accountability we bring to every local move.

Whether you're moving from the North Shore to New York, relocating from South Hills to Florida, or heading cross-country from Monroeville or Moon Township, our experienced team handles every detail — from the initial estimate to the final item placed in your new home. Back to our Pittsburgh moving services overview →

Long-Distance Moving Services We Offer from Pittsburgh

A long-distance move involves more planning, more logistics, and more variables than a local one. Our Pittsburgh long-distance moving services are designed to take those variables off your plate entirely:

Full-service packing and unpacking — our crew packs your entire home using professional-grade materials, labels every box by room, and unpacks at your destination if requested
Furniture disassembly and reassembly — beds, sectional sofas, entertainment units, and outdoor structures broken down before loading and reassembled on arrival
Custom crating — for antiques, artwork, mirrors, and other fragile or high-value items requiring additional protection over long distances
Storage in transit — climate-controlled holding at our Pittsburgh-area warehouse or an Allied facility near your destination if your new home isn't immediately ready
Binding and not-to-exceed quotes — written price protection so the final invoice cannot exceed the estimate you approved
GPS-tracked transport — your shipment is trackable throughout its journey and we provide 24–48 hour advance notice before delivery

For corporate and employee relocations, see our corporate relocation services and employee relocation programs.

How Our Long-Distance Move Process Works from Pittsburgh

Every long-distance move we handle follows a structured five-step process designed to eliminate surprises and keep you informed at every stage.

1 Free in-home or virtual estimate

We visit your Pittsburgh-area home — or conduct a live video walkthrough — to assess the volume of your shipment and discuss your destination, timeline, and any specialty items. There is no charge and no obligation. This estimate is the foundation for your written quote.

2 Customized move plan and written quote

We build a detailed move plan covering packing schedule, loading date, route, and delivery window. You receive a written binding or not-to-exceed quote before anything is signed. No hidden fees are added on moving day.

3 Professional packing and loading

Our crew arrives at your Pittsburgh-area home, wraps and packs your belongings using professional materials, loads the truck with care, and inventories every item on a Bill of Lading before the truck leaves. You receive a copy of this inventory.

4 Secure long-haul transport

Your shipment travels in a well-maintained, climate-appropriate trailer with GPS tracking throughout. As an Allied Van Lines agent, we have access to a nationwide network of drivers and relay points, ensuring reliable transit regardless of your destination.

5 Delivery, unloading, and placement

We deliver within the agreed window, contact you 24–48 hours before arrival, and unload every item against the inventory checklist. Furniture is placed in the rooms you designate. Storage options are available at your destination if your home isn't ready on the agreed delivery date.

What Affects the Cost of a Long-Distance Move from Pittsburgh

Long-distance moves are priced differently from local moves. Instead of an hourly rate, long-distance pricing is based on the total weight of your shipment and the mileage from your origin to your destination. Additional services and circumstances can adjust the final cost. Here is what our Pittsburgh customers ask about most:

Shipment weight

The single largest cost driver. A studio apartment typically ships at 2,000–3,500 lbs; a three-bedroom home at 8,000–12,000 lbs. We weigh the loaded truck before departure and again at destination — you pay for actual weight, not estimates.

Distance from Pittsburgh

Mileage is calculated from your origin address, not just from Pittsburgh city limits. A move from Cranberry Township to Charlotte, NC will cost slightly more than one from Pittsburgh's East End to the same destination — the difference is modest but real.

Packing services

Full-service packing adds cost but reduces damage claims significantly over long hauls. You can choose full packing, partial packing (fragile items only), or self-pack — all three options are available and itemized in your quote.

Move timing

Peak season (May through September) and end-of-month dates carry a premium because of higher demand. Mid-week and mid-month moves are typically less expensive and easier to schedule. Booking at least 6–8 weeks out gives you the best rate options.

Valuation coverage

Basic released-value protection is included at no charge but provides minimal coverage (60 cents per pound per item). Full replacement value protection, which covers the cost to repair or replace damaged items at current value, is available for an additional charge and strongly recommended for long hauls.

Specialty items

Pianos, pool tables, gun safes, and oversized items require additional handling, custom crating, or specialized equipment and carry a separate fee. These are always listed explicitly in the quote — never hidden in a line item.

For a personalized cost estimate based on your specific origin, destination, and home size, call 412-341-0820 or request a free quote online.

Serving Pittsburgh and Surrounding Communities for Long-Distance Moves

Our long-distance moving services are available from Pittsburgh and all surrounding Allegheny County communities. Common long-distance move origins we serve include:

North Shore and North Pittsburgh — including the Strip District, Lawrenceville, North Side, and communities along the I-79 corridor heading toward Cranberry Township and Wexford
South Hills — Mt Lebanon, Bethel Park, Peters Township, Canonsburg, and the broader Washington County area; for South Hills moves see our Canonsburg movers and Bridgeville movers pages
Monroeville and East Pittsburgh — including Murrysville, Penn Hills, and communities along the Parkway East / I-376 corridor; a common origin for moves to New York, New Jersey, and New England
Moon Township and the Airport Corridor — including Coraopolis, Robinson Township, and communities along I-376 West; frequent origin for relocations tied to Pittsburgh International Airport-area employers and RIDC Park businesses
Cranberry Township and North Hills — see our dedicated Cranberry Township movers page for the full service area

For all Pittsburgh-area residential moving services — local, long-distance, and commercial — visit our Pittsburgh movers hub page.

Frequently Asked Questions — Long-Distance Moving from Pittsburgh, PA

What counts as a long-distance move from Pittsburgh?
In the moving industry, a long-distance move is generally defined as any relocation that crosses state lines or covers more than 100 miles, regardless of whether it stays within Pennsylvania. From Pittsburgh, that means moves to Ohio, West Virginia, New York, or any destination beyond roughly the Erie or Harrisburg corridor within the state. The distinction matters because long-distance moves are priced differently — by shipment weight and mileage rather than hourly rates — and are subject to FMCSA federal regulations. If you're unsure whether your move qualifies, our team can advise you when you request a free estimate.
How early should I book a long-distance move from Pittsburgh?
We recommend booking at least 6–8 weeks in advance for most long-distance residential moves from Pittsburgh. During peak season — roughly May through September — demand is highest and truck availability can be limited, so 8–12 weeks gives you more flexibility on your preferred dates. Last-minute bookings within 2–3 weeks are sometimes possible but come with fewer date options and reduced ability to plan packing carefully. Corporate relocations and large household moves benefit from even earlier scheduling to coordinate survey appointments, corporate billing, and storage if needed.
What is included in a long-distance moving quote from Pittsburgh?
Our long-distance quotes itemize all major cost components: the base transportation charge (calculated on estimated shipment weight and mileage from your Pittsburgh-area origin), any packing and materials charges if you've selected full-service packing, fuel surcharges, and basic released-value liability coverage. Optional add-ons — full replacement value protection, bulky item fees for items like pianos or pool tables, storage-in-transit if delivery can't happen immediately, and shuttle service for addresses a large trailer can't access — are listed separately so you can see exactly what you're choosing. We provide binding or not-to-exceed quotes on request so the final invoice cannot exceed the written estimate.
How long does a long-distance move from Pittsburgh take?
Transit times depend on the destination and shipment size. Moves to neighboring states like Ohio, West Virginia, or New York typically take 2–4 days in transit. Cross-country moves to destinations like Florida, Texas, or California generally run 7–14 days depending on routing and whether your shipment travels on an exclusive truck or is consolidated with others. We provide a delivery spread — a window of 2–3 days — and contact you 24–48 hours before arrival to confirm the exact delivery day.
Do you offer storage if my new home isn't ready on delivery day?
Yes. We offer storage-in-transit for long-distance moves where the destination isn't immediately available — whether because of a delayed closing, a lease start date gap, or a home still being prepared. Your belongings are held securely in our climate-controlled Pittsburgh warehouse or at an Allied Van Lines facility near your destination and delivered when you're ready. Both short-term and long-term storage options are available and itemized separately in your quote. Learn more about our Pittsburgh storage services.
Get a Free Long-Distance Moving Quote from Pittsburgh
Ready to plan your long-distance move from Pittsburgh, PA? Call 412-341-0820 to speak with our Pittsburgh moving team or fill in our free online quote form and we'll follow up within one business day. We serve Pittsburgh and all of Allegheny County — from the North Hills and Cranberry Township to the South Hills and every community in between.

Central Van & Storage — Pittsburgh, PA

Licensed · Insured · Allied Van Lines Agent · 2017 Agent of the Year

Call: 412-341-0820 · Request a free quote