Moving to Philadelphia, PA
Thinking about moving to Philadelphia?
Philadelphia is the sixth-largest city in the U.S., known for its historic roots (hello, Liberty Bell and Independence Hall), vibrant neighborhoods, world-class museums, and a booming food scene. Whether you're moving from NYC, DC, or across the country, Philly offers lower costs, walkable streets, and a strong sense of community.
This guide covers what you need to know about moving to Philadelphia—neighborhoods, rent prices, transit, parking tips—plus how modSTORAGE can help with storage units, U-Haul rentals, moving supplies, and modDISPOSAL services to make your move smooth.
Moving Cost & Distance Calculator
Enter your origin and destination to estimate travel distance, time, and a rough moving cost.
Origin Address
Destination Address
U-Haul Truck & Equipment Rentals
modSTORAGE is a U-Haul neighborhood dealer, ready to help you with truck and equipment rentals for moves of any size.
- Multiple truck sizes available for local and long-distance moves
- Dollies, hand trucks, and furniture pads available at select locations
- Convenient on-site pickup and drop-off
- Reservations and same-day availability at select facilities
- U-Haul near you
Professional Wrapping & Packing Services
Furniture Wrapping
Protect your furniture with shrink wrap, moving blankets, and corner protectors designed for safe transport.
Ask about this service →Mattress & Upholstery Protection
Keep your mattresses, sofas, and chairs clean with professional-grade protective covers and bags.
Ask about this service →On-Site Packing Help
Available at select locations—get assistance with difficult items and access to professional protection materials.
Ask about this service →Boxes & Moving Supplies
We stock a full lineup of moving supplies at modSTORAGE, including boxes, tape, bubble wrap, stretch wrap, labels, and more.
Boxes
Small, medium, large, and wardrobe boxes
Packing Materials
Bubble wrap, packing paper, stretch wrap
Tape & Accessories
Packing tape, tape guns, dispensers
Kits & Bundles
Pre-packaged moving supply kits
modDISPOSAL™ – Junk & Trash Removal
modDISPOSAL helps customers dispose of pallets, cardboard, packaging debris, and unwanted items related to moves, keeping your unit and facility clean.
Keep Your Move Clean
Let modDISPOSAL handle the mess so you can focus on settling in.
- Get rid of leftover boxes and packing materials
- Ask about bulk/junk removal options
- Keep your unit clean and move-out ready
modSTORAGE Moving Guide
6–8 Weeks Before Move
- • Declutter, donate, and decide what to store vs. move
- • Reserve your modSTORAGE unit and U-Haul if needed
4 Weeks Before Move
- • Start packing low-use rooms
- • Label boxes clearly by room and priority
- • Buy moving supplies (boxes, tape, wraps)
1–2 Weeks Before Move
- • Confirm move date and truck reservation
- • Wrap furniture and mattresses
- • Prepare a disposal list for items to be thrown away or recycled
Moving Day
- • Pick up truck and equipment
- • Load heavy items first, use dollies and carts at facility
- • Keep important items and documents easily accessible
After Move
- • Return truck
- • Use modDISPOSAL for leftover materials
- • Confirm unit lock and contact info for your account
Philadelphia Moving FAQs
Is Philadelphia a good city to move to?
Philadelphia offers an excellent quality of life with lower costs than NYC or DC, rich history, diverse neighborhoods, world-class museums, and a thriving food scene. It's a walkable city with good public transit (SEPTA), strong job markets in healthcare, education, and tech, and a growing creative community.
How much does it cost to move to Philadelphia?
Local moves within Philadelphia typically cost $400-$1,800 for a one-bedroom apartment. Add costs for packing supplies ($100-300), truck rental ($50-150/day), and optional services. Long-distance moves from NYC or DC range from $1,500-$4,000 depending on distance and volume.
What are the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia for new residents?
Popular neighborhoods include Center City (walkable, urban), Fishtown (hip, artistic), Northern Liberties (young professionals), University City (students, academics), South Philly (Italian Market, residential), and Manayunk (suburban feel, nightlife). Each has distinct character and price points.
Do I need a car in Philadelphia?
Not necessarily. Center City and surrounding neighborhoods are very walkable with good SEPTA transit. However, a car is convenient for reaching suburbs, certain neighborhoods, or regular trips outside the city. Street parking can be challenging in popular areas—many buildings offer garage parking for $150-300/month.
What storage options does modSTORAGE offer in Philadelphia?
modSTORAGE Philadelphia offers climate-controlled and drive-up units, U-Haul truck rentals, moving supplies, packing services, and modDISPOSAL junk removal. We provide flexible month-to-month leases with 24/7 access at select times—perfect for moves, seasonal storage, or business needs.
Ready to Plan Your Move?
Choose a storage unit near you or talk to one of our moving specialists to get started.