Northeastern Pennsylvania has a lot of people moving between its major cities. Whether it’s a job change, a family situation, or a decision to be closer to one metro area’s amenities, moves between Scranton and Allentown are common enough that it’s worth understanding exactly what that distance involves and how to plan for it.

This guide covers the key considerations for a move between these two cities – from choosing the right moving company to protecting your belongings in transit.

Understanding the Distance

Scranton and Allentown sit about 85 miles apart via I-476 South. Under normal conditions, the drive takes roughly 90 minutes. For a moving truck, figure two-plus hours depending on traffic through the Pocono region and around Bethlehem.

This distance puts the move in an interesting middle ground: it’s too far to be a quick, casual move you handle yourself with a rented truck and a few friends, but it’s also short enough that many movers don’t classify it as a true long-distance move. Most professional movers will handle it under their local or regional rates, so it’s worth asking specifically how each company quotes the job.

Choosing a Moving Company

For a move between two cities like this, you want a company with real experience on both ends of the route. A mover based purely in Scranton may not know the Allentown area well; one based in Allentown may not have deep roots in the Scranton market. The best option is a company that serves both.

Look for scranton movers with experience covering the full northeastern Pennsylvania region. A team that regularly runs this corridor will know the best truck routes, understand the parking and access situations in both cities, and be able to offer realistic time estimates rather than guesswork.

Get quotes from at least two or three companies. Be specific about what you’re moving – number of rooms, any oversized items, stair access at either location – and confirm whether the quote is binding or subject to change based on actual weight or time. Binding quotes give you budget predictability; hourly or weight-based quotes can fluctuate.

The Packing Question

Packing is often the most time-consuming part of any move, and on a cross-city relocation, it’s worth taking seriously. Items that aren’t packed well have a higher chance of damage in transit, and a 90-minute drive gives plenty of opportunity for boxes to shift.

Some people pack themselves to save money; others use professional packing services for all or part of the job. A middle-ground approach that many people find effective: pack books, linens, and similar low-risk items yourself, and use safe & secure packing services from your mover for fragile items, artwork, electronics, and anything with high replacement cost. This saves time and gives you peace of mind on the things that matter most.

If you do pack yourself, use new boxes rather than reused ones, which can be inconsistent in strength. Pack heavier items in small boxes and lighter items in large boxes. Wrap fragile items individually and fill voids in boxes with paper or bubble wrap so items can’t shift in transit.

Getting Set Up in Allentown

Allentown is a growing city with distinct neighborhoods that each have a different character. The west side tends to be quieter and more residential; the east side has seen significant development and is closer to downtown amenities. The South Side has a strong community feel with a mix of housing options.

For those coming from Scranton, parking is one of the biggest practical differences to adjust to. Allentown’s streets, particularly in denser neighborhoods, can have limited on-street parking. If you’re renting, confirm the parking situation with your landlord before move day, and coordinate with your mover about truck access and any permits that might be required for blocking loading zones.

Professional professional movers Allentown residents rely on often have experience navigating the parking and access realities of the city’s different neighborhoods. Ask specifically whether your mover has experience at your destination address or neighborhood, particularly if you’re moving into a high-rise, a narrow city street, or a building with specific loading dock requirements.

Moving Out of Scranton

On the Scranton end, the access situation depends heavily on your neighborhood. If you’re moving out of a single-family home in a quiet residential area, logistics tend to be straightforward. Hill neighborhoods in Scranton can have narrow streets and steep grades that affect how the truck is positioned and how long the load takes.

Walk through the move-out logistics with your mover in advance. Share photos or video of the access points if you can. The more information your crew has before they show up, the fewer surprises there are on move day.

Timing and Scheduling

Demand for moving services in northeastern Pennsylvania peaks in summer – June through August – and around the start and end of the month when most leases turn over. If you have flexibility in your schedule, mid-month weekday moves tend to be easier to book and sometimes come with better rates.

Spring and fall are generally good times to move in this region. Winter moves in the Scranton area come with weather risk – the Poconos in particular can get significant snow and ice that affects road conditions for a loaded truck. If you’re moving in winter, keep a flexible buffer in your schedule and confirm your mover’s weather policy before signing anything.

Making It Smooth

The difference between a stressful move and a manageable one usually comes down to preparation. Know what you’re taking before the movers arrive. Have everything labeled and staged so the crew can work efficiently. Keep a bag of personal essentials separate from the rest of your belongings so you have what you need even if unpacking takes a few days.

A little advance work on both ends of a Scranton-to-Allentown move goes a long way toward making the day itself feel controlled and even a little anticlimactic – which is exactly what you want.