So, you’ve decided to move to Philadelphia—welcome to the land of cheesesteaks, passionate sports fans, and, most importantly, iconic rowhouses. These charming homes define the city’s streetscape, giving neighborhoods like South Philly, Fishtown, and Queen Village their distinct character. But if you’re picturing an easy-breezy moving day, think again. Rowhouses come with their own set of challenges, and if you’re not prepared, moving in (or out) can feel like an Olympic sport.
The good news? With a little planning, the right approach, and maybe a team of seasoned movers, you can make your Philadelphia move smooth—even in a city where parking is a competitive sport. Let’s break it down.
Understanding the Challenges of Moving in Philadelphia
Rowhouses are quaint, historic, and full of personality—but they aren’t exactly designed for a stress-free move. Narrow doorways, steep staircases, and compact layouts mean you’ll need to get creative when maneuvering furniture. Ever tried to carry a couch up a winding staircase? We don’t recommend it.
Then, there’s the parking situation. Unlike the sprawling suburbs, Philadelphia’s streets can be tight, one-way, or completely occupied by residents who have mastered the art of parallel parking in spaces that seem too small for a bicycle. If you’re moving on a busy street or in a neighborhood with permit regulations, you’ll need a game plan to avoid fines or the dreaded Philly tow truck.
And let’s not forget city traffic. Whether you’re dodging delivery trucks in Center City or dealing with rush hour on I-76 (which, let’s be honest, is all hours of the day), timing your move wisely is essential.
But don’t worry—we’re not just here to highlight the challenges; we’re here to help you tackle them! Keep reading for expert tips from movers who’ve mastered the art of navigating Philly’s rowhouses.
Preparing to Move to a Philadelphia Rowhouse
First things first—declutter. Every extra item you own is another thing you’ll have to squeeze through a narrow doorway. Philly rowhouses weren’t built for hoarders, so now is the time to Marie Kondo your belongings and donate, sell, or toss anything you don’t truly need.
Next, measure everything. And we mean everything. Doorways, staircases, hallways—anything your furniture has to fit through should be checked in advance. There’s nothing worse than realizing your beloved sectional isn’t making it past the front door after you’ve already carried it up the street.
If you’re moving into a permit-required zone, apply for a temporary moving permit from the city. Trust us, circling the block 20 times looking for a parking space is not a fun way to spend moving day. Philly’s permit process is pretty straightforward, but you’ll want to handle it ahead of time.
Hiring Professional Movers for a Philadelphia Move
Could you DIY your Philly move? Sure. Should you? That depends on how much you enjoy navigating tight spaces with heavy furniture and figuring out how to wedge a mattress through a third-floor window. If that doesn’t sound like your idea of a great weekend, hiring professional movers is the way to go.
Local Philadelphia movers like Gentle Giant know the ins and outs of the city’s rowhouse neighborhoods. They’ve handled spiral staircases, tiny entryways, and precariously balanced furniture enough times to know what to expect. Plus, they come armed with specialized equipment—think narrow dollies, furniture sliders, and lifting straps—to make tight-space moves significantly easier.
Before you hire a mover, ask about their experience with rowhouses and urban moves. Not every moving company is cut out for the unique challenges Philly presents.
Moving Tips for Philadelphia Rowhouses
Packing efficiently is key to a smooth rowhouse move. Use compact boxes and avoid overpacking to keep items manageable. If possible, disassemble large furniture in advance—what seems like it might fit through a doorway could be more challenging than expected.
One of the best-kept secrets of rowhouse moves? Use your home’s unique features to your advantage. If your building has a stoop, use it as a staging area. Some rowhouses have rear alley access, which can be a lifesaver if the front entrance is tricky. In some cases, you might even be able to use a second-story window or fire escape—though that’s a move best left to the pros.
For a full breakdown on how to pack efficiently, check out our Pack Like The Pros video series.
Navigating Philly’s Streets and Parking During a Move (A.K.A. The Real Challenge)
Before moving day, scout your route. Philadelphia is full of one-way streets, restricted zones, and areas where a wrong turn can send you on a 20-minute detour. Check the best access points to your new home and plan accordingly.
Parking is another beast entirely. If your street doesn’t have guaranteed spots, try to reserve one with a permit. If that’s not possible, park as close as you can and be prepared for a little creative maneuvering. And—this one’s important—give your neighbors a heads-up. Nothing kills the excitement of moving day like an angry resident who can’t get their car out because your moving truck is blocking the way.
Make Your Philadelphia Move Easy
Moving into a Philly rowhouse isn’t exactly a walk in the park, but with good planning, smart packing, and maybe a little help from professionals, you can handle it with ease.
If you want to make your move as seamless as possible, Gentle Giant specializes in navigating Philly rowhouses skillfully and efficiently. Whether it’s tackling steep staircases, maneuvering tight corners, or securing the best parking spot in the city, we’ve got it covered—so you can focus on settling into your new home.
Ready to make your move? Check out our moving checklist for more information on preparing for a move, and use our free move estimate tool to determine the cost of your relocation.