At Gardner Moving, your go-to South Hills moving company, we’ve helped thousands of families and businesses transition into new spaces across the Pittsburgh region. While every move is different, relocating within the South Hills of Pittsburgh brings a distinct set of characteristics that sets it apart from other areas.
Known for its suburban charm, varied elevations, and tight-knit communities, the South Hills includes neighborhoods like Mt. Lebanon, Upper St. Clair, South Fayette, Collier Township, Peters Township, and Bethel Park—all with unique logistical considerations.
The South Hills of Pittsburgh offers a wide range of residential styles and landscapes, making it one of the region’s most desirable—and logistically diverse—areas to live in.
At Gardner Moving, we’ve completed countless moves throughout neighborhoods like Mt. Lebanon, South Fayette, Upper St. Clair, and Bethel Park. What we’ve learned over the years is that moving in the South Hills isn’t one-size-fits-all. The combination of terrain, neighborhood layouts, and varying home styles adds unique layers of planning and execution that aren’t always necessary in other parts of the city.
Here’s what sets the South Hills apart—and what you should keep in mind when preparing for your move:
The hills are a defining feature of the region’s landscape. In neighborhoods like South Fayette, Scott Township, and Mt. Lebanon, many homes are built into hillsides or perched at the top of long, sloped driveways. While this makes for beautiful views and distinctive architecture, it also adds challenges when it comes to moving day.
From a moving perspective, hills affect:
Truck Access and Parking: Not all moving trucks are equipped to handle steep or sharply curved driveways. In some cases, the safest option is to park on the street and shuttle belongings up using smaller equipment.
Physical Demand: Repeatedly walking up and down steep inclines—especially while carrying furniture or heavy boxes—can be physically taxing. It slows the process and requires a crew prepared for the extra effort.
Safety Concerns: Sloped surfaces become slippery during the winter or rainy seasons, increasing the risk of accidents. Proper footwear, traction mats, and weather monitoring are critical for safety.
Load Balancing and Securement: Moving trucks parked at an angle may require additional care when loading items to prevent shifting during transport.
Our crews often bring additional tools—like ramp extenders or power stair climbers—when tackling hilly properties. Letting your moving company know about your driveway or street incline in advance helps everyone prepare for a smoother, safer move.
Many South Hills communities were designed in the early to mid-20th century, long before today’s larger personal vehicles and commercial trucks were common. Neighborhoods like Mt. Lebanon, Dormont, and parts of Castle Shannon feature narrow roads, limited off-street parking, and close-set homes—elements that complicate modern moving logistics.
Here’s what that means on moving day:
Tight Street Clearance: Roads may only allow one car to pass when vehicles are parked on both sides, making it difficult for a 26-foot box truck to maneuver. Turning around can also be nearly impossible in some cul-de-sacs or dead ends.
Limited Parking Options: Blocking the road for an extended period is not always easy or legal. In many cases, movers need to work quickly or obtain permits to avoid disrupting the flow of traffic or inconveniencing neighbors.
Tree Coverage and Overhead Obstacles: Mature neighborhoods are often filled with large, low-hanging trees and overhead wires that can interfere with high-clearance trucks or tall furniture pieces.
Sidewalk and Yard Constraints: In neighborhoods where homes are only a few feet apart, there’s often little room to set down items, stage furniture, or navigate awkward angles with bulky pieces.
At Gardner Moving, we’ve found that good communication with neighbors and planning with local municipalities (for things like parking permits or temporary no-parking signs) help keep moves in these areas on schedule and low stress.
The South Hills presents a unique blend of architectural styles, construction eras, and home layouts, all of which influence how we approach each move. It’s common for us to move someone out of a 1920s brick home in Dormont and into a newly built townhome in South Fayette on the same day.
This variety presents several logistical challenges:
Older Homes: Many older homes have narrow staircases, arched doorways, and non-standard room dimensions that weren’t designed with modern furniture in mind. Moving a sectional sofa or king-size bed into a second-floor bedroom can take creativity—and sometimes disassembly.
Plaster Walls and Delicate Finishes: Older interiors are often more fragile, requiring extra care to avoid scratches or damage. Protective coverings for floors and walls are a must.
Basements and Attics: These areas may have tight entryways or steep staircases that limit access. We’ve encountered laundry machines that had to be hoisted out because they wouldn’t fit through the door again.
Newer Builds: On the other hand, homes in developments like Newbury in South Fayette or The Highlands in South Park may feature open floor plans but include multiple floors or longer carry distances from the driveway to the door.
Some may even have home elevators or multi-garage setups that require strategic planning.
Homeowner Association (HOA) Restrictions: In some newer neighborhoods, HOA rules may dictate how and when moving trucks can park or how long they are allowed to remain on site.
Having familiarity with the region helps us plan around these details. For example, we know that certain Mt. Lebanon houses often require smaller trucks due to infrastructure limits. At the same time, newer developments in Bridgeville may allow for easier access but require navigating large cul-de-sacs.
One of the most frequent challenges we encounter involves steep driveways and roads, particularly in Upper St. Clair and South Fayette. Elevation changes may seem manageable until you’re moving heavy furniture, delicate items, or large boxes up or down them.
Carrying items uphill repeatedly can be tiring. Even with a trained crew, safety comes first. For DIY movers, it’s essential to assess their physical limitations and know when to call in help.
During the colder months, driveways and walkways may become icy. We recommend having salt, a snow shovel, and anti-slip mats available. These precautions help protect everyone involved, from movers to family members.
Let your moving company know ahead of time if your property includes steep access points. This allows us to send appropriately sized vehicles, additional staffing, and gear like ramps or stair climbers.
Mt. Lebanon, Castle Shannon, and older parts of Dormont often feature streets that are only one lane wide when cars are parked on both sides.
Check with your local borough office to see if temporary permits are required. Some areas restrict parking for oversized vehicles or blockages beyond a certain time.
Plan your move for mid-morning or early afternoon when fewer cars are on the road. Avoid early mornings and school dismissal times, especially near schools like Hoover Elementary or Mellon Middle School in Mt. Lebanon.
Give your neighbors a heads-up about the move. A quick note or knock on the door can help avoid frustrations and make it easier to coordinate parking and street access.
If legal in your township, use traffic cones or temporary signage to block off space for the moving truck before it arrives. This small step can prevent a major headache later.
The South Hills is no stranger to sudden weather changes. One morning might start sunny and end in a thunderstorm or flurry.
We suggest packing moisture-sensitive items in plastic bins instead of cardboard. If rain or snow is likely, tarps and moving blankets are your first defense.
Start checking forecasts several days before the move and continue monitoring through the day of. Apps like AccuWeather and local news outlets like WPXI or KDKA offer the most regionally accurate data.
During winter moves, shovel snow from walkways, salt icy patches, and keep an ice scraper or snow brush handy for vehicle windows. It may sound minor, but preparation like this helps prevent accidents.
Whether you’re using professional movers or tackling the job with friends, here are some best practices we recommend based on years of experience in the South Hills.
The more we know in advance, the better we can prepare.
A little effort up front can help prevent delays and damage.
South Hills traffic patterns can vary, especially on heavily traveled roads like Washington Road or Bower Hill Road.
Understanding these South Hills characteristics before moving day allows us—and our customers—to plan for the unexpected. Whether that means requesting a smaller truck, hiring additional help for a sloped driveway, or padding your timeline for narrow streets, being proactive is key.
At Gardner Moving, we treat every South Hills move like a unique project. We don’t take a cookie-cutter approach because no two homes—or streets—are exactly alike. Our familiarity with the terrain, infrastructure, and road layouts of this part of Pittsburgh helps us anticipate potential issues and offer real-world solutions before they become problems.
Choosing the right day for your move can have a surprising impact on how smoothly everything goes. From traffic conditions to mover availability, the day of the week can influence both your costs and your stress levels. Here’s what we’ve seen firsthand as a local moving company serving South Hills residents.
Many moving companies, including ours, offer reduced rates for moves scheduled Monday through Thursday. That’s because demand tends to drop during the workweek. If you’re flexible with timing, a weekday move can be more affordable, especially if you’re working within a strict budget.
When choosing a weekday, you’re more likely to book your preferred moving time. This is especially helpful for last-minute movers or those with specific timing needs, like coordinating access to both homes on the same day or fitting into a building’s limited move-in window.
If you run into issues setting up internet, gas, electric, or trash services, most utility companies and township offices are fully staffed during the week. You’ll also have better access to local resources like permit offices or customer service for address changes or service adjustments.
In neighborhoods with high weekend activity—such as Mt. Lebanon’s Washington Road or downtown Dormont—you may find easier parking on weekdays when residents are at work and local businesses aren’t yet busy with foot traffic.
Main roads like Route 88, Bower Hill Road, Fort Couch Road, and Washington Road (Route 19) are hotspots for traffic during weekday rush hours. Morning congestion (7–9 a.m.) and evening backups (4–6 p.m.) can delay moving trucks or make navigation tricky, especially when maneuvering larger vehicles.
Neighborhoods around schools like Lincoln Elementary in Bethel Park or Boyce Middle School in Upper St. Clair often experience traffic slowdowns during drop-off and pick-up times. If your move coincides with these windows (usually 8–9 a.m. and 2:30–3:30 p.m.), be prepared for temporary roadblocks or limited parking.
Unless you’re retired, self-employed, or working remotely, a weekday move may require you to take paid time off (PTO) or coordinate your schedule with your employer. For some, this adds logistical complexity and time constraints that make weekend moving more appealing.
Friends, family, or neighbors are more likely to be off work and available to lend a hand over the weekend. If you’re doing some or all of the move yourself, having extra help with heavy lifting or unpacking can reduce the overall workload and time commitment.
While weekends can bring potential delays, you’re less likely to encounter standard rush-hour congestion. Roads like Fort Couch and McLaughlin Run Road are generally easier to navigate, especially on Saturday mornings or early Sunday afternoons.
For many families and professionals, moving on a weekend avoids the need to use vacation days or adjust work schedules. You can focus on the move without the added stress of juggling job responsibilities.
Many South Hills neighborhoods have noise ordinances or HOA rules about moving times. Weekends can offer more flexibility when you’re not trying to fit everything into a narrow window before or after work hours.
Because demand for weekend moves is significantly higher, movers typically charge premium rates for Saturday and Sunday bookings. If you’re trying to cut costs, moving mid-week might be a better option.
The South Hills region is active on weekends, with farmers markets, high school sports events, and festivals like Mt. Lebanon’s Uptown Market or Bethel Park’s community days. These can bring added traffic and unexpected road closures that complicate moving day logistics.
If you need assistance with a service issue—say your electricity isn’t turned on or your trash bins haven’t arrived—resolving it on a weekend might not be possible. Most local offices, including South Fayette and Mt. Lebanon municipal departments, are closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Because weekends are popular, they fill up quickly. It’s not uncommon for our Saturday slots to be booked out weeks in advance during peak season. If you’re set on a weekend move, plan to schedule early to ensure availability.
When planning a move in the South Hills, timing it right can make a big difference. Weather, demand for movers, school calendars, and road conditions all shift dramatically throughout the year in Pittsburgh.
At Gardner Moving, we’ve helped clients move during every season, and each one has its pros and cons.
Spring in the South Hills typically brings mild temperatures and longer daylight hours, making it easier for movers and homeowners alike. You won’t have to battle summer heat or winter snow, which reduces fatigue and limits weather-related delays.
For families, a spring move gives everyone time to settle into their new home before school lets out and summer activities ramp up. This gives children the chance to acclimate to their new surroundings before the next school year begins.
The grass is usually still short, and the landscaping hasn’t reached full bloom, which makes outdoor navigation easier when moving large items around the house. It’s also a good time to set up your new space with spring cleaning and organization.
While it’s not the wettest season in Pittsburgh, April and May can bring frequent rain. Sudden showers can delay loading or unloading, make surfaces slippery, and increase the risk of items getting wet.
For those sensitive to pollen, spring moves can be physically taxing. Doors are left open longer, and items like rugs or mattresses can trap allergens during the process.
Summer is typically the driest season in the South Hills, with plenty of daylight and warm—but manageable—temperatures. This makes it a favorite season for moving, especially for those who want to avoid unpredictable conditions.
If you have school-aged children, moving in the summer means fewer disruptions to their education. It’s also easier to get involved in neighborhood activities, camps, or programs that help everyone settle in faster.
Warm weekends make it convenient to host yard sales or give away unwanted items before moving. South Hills communities often host neighborhood-wide garage sales in June and July, which can help you lighten your load.
Summer is the busiest time of year for most moving companies. Availability fills up quickly, and rates are usually at their peak, especially around the end of each month or during the week before school starts.
Pittsburgh summers may not be as hot as southern cities, but temperatures can still climb into the high 80s or 90s, especially in July. This heat can make the move physically challenging and increase the risk of heat exhaustion for DIY movers.
Road work tends to pick up in the summer months across South Hills neighborhoods like Bethel Park and Upper St. Clair. Be prepared for detours or unexpected traffic delays along your route.
Early fall offers cool, crisp air and low humidity—ideal conditions for lifting, walking, and unloading without the sweat. Fewer people are moving compared to the summer, so scheduling flexibility improves.
After Labor Day, demand for movers typically declines. You’ll have an easier time locking in your desired move date, and many moving companies reduce their rates after peak season ends.
Moving in the fall gives homeowners a chance to get unpacked and settled before winter sets in. You’ll also have time to prep your home for the colder months without feeling rushed.
The weather can shift quickly by late October or early November. Sudden cold fronts, rainstorms, or even early snow are possible, especially in higher-elevation areas like Mt. Lebanon and South Fayette.
If you’re moving with kids, transitioning mid-semester can be difficult. You may also run into school zone traffic if your move happens during weekday mornings or afternoons.
Winter is Pittsburgh’s slowest season for residential moves, so many moving companies offer discounts or special promotions. You’re also more likely to find availability for short-notice moves or weekend time slots.
If you’re on a tighter budget or have some scheduling flexibility, a winter move might be your best opportunity to save. Many clients who don’t mind the cold benefit from fewer crowds and more attentive service.
With fewer moves overall, movers can dedicate more resources and time to your relocation, which may help reduce the risk of errors or delays.
Snowstorms, freezing rain, and icy driveways can slow things down significantly. We’ve seen even well-planned moves hit delays when major snowstorms roll through. Slippery surfaces also increase the risk of injury or damage to belongings.
Daylight is limited in winter, especially in December and January. This reduces the number of usable daylight hours and often necessitates earlier starts and tighter time management.
Moving around major holidays like Christmas or New Year’s requires careful planning. Municipal offices and utility providers may be closed, making it harder to transfer services or troubleshoot last-minute issues.
Every move has unique challenges, and South Hills relocations are no exception. The key is preparation and choosing a moving team that knows the region’s ins and outs. If you’re looking for movers near you, Gardner Moving is the top choice!
At Gardner Moving, we’ve navigated the hills, weather patterns, and historic neighborhoods of the South Hills for years. Whether you’re settling into a century-old colonial in Mt. Lebanon or a new build in South Fayette, we can help make your transition efficient, safe, and stress-free.
If you’re preparing for a move in the South Hills, contact our team—we’re here to help.
