Moving onto a Philadelphia block: reserve the curb before the truck arrives

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Work backward from the unloading space

On a rowhouse street, the route from truck to front door can be the hardest part of the move. Walk the block and identify a legal unloading arrangement before booking. Check whether a bus stop, hydrant, corner or other restriction affects the location you had in mind. For an apartment building, ask management whether a loading bay or reserved elevator is required instead. A mover's arrival time does not itself reserve curb space.

Use the city's moving-truck permit process

As checked September 27, 2026, Philadelphia's temporary no-parking permit instructions say to apply at least four business days ahead and post signs at least 24 hours before the permit begins. The listed moving-truck fee is $50 per 40 feet per day in Center City or University City and $25 elsewhere. Follow the current instructions for obtaining and posting the signs; review the page again before paying because rules and charges can change.

Tell the mover what is beyond the curb

Measure the narrowest doorway, stair turn and hallway that a large item must pass through. Tell the mover the floor, elevator availability and distance from unloading space. A rowhouse's steep or turning staircase may matter more than the number of rooms in the move. If an item will not fit, resolve the plan before the truck arrives rather than assuming a window lift or other special method is permitted or included.

Keep shared spaces usable

If the home is one unit in a divided house, agree how the entrance, stairs and any shared yard will be used during unloading. Ask where boxes can temporarily stand and when they must be removed. For a larger building, obtain the insurance certificate requirements and loading instructions in writing. Give the driver the correct entrance, not simply the street address that appears on the lease.

Prepare the accounts and handover

Ask which utilities you need to activate and which remain with the owner or building. Confirm the start date, key collection process and emergency repair contact. At handover, photograph existing condition and test the locks, lights, taps and basic equipment with the responsible person where possible. Record unresolved issues promptly through the agreed channel. Do not rely on a message to an agent who may not manage the property after the lease starts.

Leave time for the first ordinary errand

Set aside documents, medication, chargers, bedding and supplies for the first night so they do not disappear into the truck. After unloading, find the waste and recycling arrangements and the shop you will use the following morning. Use Philadelphia's service directory to locate the correct city information rather than guessing from a neighbor's different building arrangement. Finally, keep the permit, mover agreement and property handover notes together; they are the records you will want if a charge or access issue needs explaining after the move.

Next useful step

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