Moving in Philadelphia: Expert Decluttering and Packing Tips
Moving in Philadelphia—whether you’re leaving a Fishtown rowhome, a Rittenhouse Square apartment, a South Philly walk-up, or a University City townhouse—can feel overwhelming without a plan. The key to a smooth, affordable move is decluttering and packing strategically before moving day.
Below are expert, Philly-tested tips from Broad Street Movers to help you save time, protect your belongings, and reduce moving costs.
Why Decluttering Before Moving Saves You Money
Decluttering before a move reduces:
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The number of boxes
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Labor time for movers
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Truck space required
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Overall moving costs
In tight Philadelphia streets like Manayunk, Northern Liberties, and Old City, faster loading also helps avoid parking issues and double-parking fines. If you’re booking professional moving services in Philadelphia, fewer items means a quicker, more efficient move.
Start 3–4 Weeks Before Moving Day
The biggest mistake Philly movers make is waiting until the last week. Give yourself time to go room by room and sort items into:
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Keep
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Donate
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Sell
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Trash
Local donation options include Philly AIDS Thrift, Goodwill, and neighborhood Buy Nothing groups in areas like East Passyunk and Graduate Hospital.
Declutter Storage Spaces Most People Forget
Philadelphia homes often have hidden nooks that collect “stuff”:
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Small basements
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Hall closets
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Garage corners
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Attic crawl spaces
Clearing these out first prevents paying to move things you’ll never use. For business relocations, our commercial movers in Philadelphia help companies declutter offices before packing to reduce downtime.
Use the Right Packing Supplies
Philadelphia moves often involve narrow staircases, tight doorways, and complex street parking. Protect your items with:
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Sturdy moving boxes
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Packing paper and bubble wrap
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Heavy-duty tape
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Mattress bags and furniture blankets
Pro Tip: Keep heavy items like books in small boxes and lighter items in large ones to prevent box breakage.
Pack One Room at a Time
Stay organized by packing room by room and labeling every box with the destination room, key contents, and fragile status. This helps movers place boxes correctly in multi-story homes in neighborhoods like Fairmount and Bella Vista.
Our local Philadelphia movers use labeled box systems to speed up unloading and unpacking.
How to Pack Fragile Items Safely
Philadelphia’s cobblestone streets and potholes mean fragile items need extra protection.
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Wrap dishes vertically (like records).
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Cushion glassware inside and out.
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Fill empty space in boxes to prevent shifting.
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Clearly mark FRAGILE on multiple sides.
For delicate items like TVs, artwork, or antiques, consider professional packing services in Philadelphia to prevent damage.
Pack an “Open First” Essentials Box
Moving day in Philly can include elevator waits and long carry distances. Keep a box with you (not on the truck) containing:
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Chargers and medications
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Toiletries and a change of clothes
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Important documents
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Snacks and water
Plan for Philadelphia Moving Logistics
Before moving day, ensure you:
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Reserve a loading zone if required.
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Notify your building about elevator bookings.
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Measure tight staircases and hallways.
Our full-service movers in Philadelphia help coordinate these details for Center City high-rises and South Philly rowhomes alike.
When to Hire Professional Packers
Consider professional packing if you are short on time, have a large household, or own high-value items. Broad Street Movers offers full-home, kitchen-only, or fragile-only packing.
👉 Get expert packing services in Philadelphia and make your move faster and easier.
People Also Ask (FAQ)
How far in advance should I start packing for a move in Philadelphia? Start decluttering 3–4 weeks before moving day and begin packing non-essential items 2–3 weeks in advance.
What should I pack first when moving? Start with seasonal items, décor, books, and rarely used kitchenware.
Should I hire professional packers for my move? Yes, if you have fragile items, limited time, or want to reduce stress and moving-day labor costs.
How can I save money when moving in Philadelphia? Declutter first, use proper box sizes, label clearly, and book experienced local movers who understand Philly logistics.