Rowhouses, Stoop Turns & Staircases: The Philly Moving Guide That Actually Helps

Moving in Philadelphia is never just “pick up and go.” From narrow rowhouse stoops to steep brownstone staircases and tight alleyway turns, Philly moves have personality — and a handful of tricky hurdles that can turn an easy move into a headache if you’re not prepared. This guide gives practical, neighborhood-tested advice to keep your move smooth, safe, and fast. Use it whether you’re DIY-ing with friends or hiring local movers who actually know these streets.

Why Philly moves are special (and what that means for you)

Philadelphia neighborhoods were built for people, not oversized couches. Narrow stairwells, small vestibules, and curbside parking rules (plus those delightful stoops) mean the best moves combine careful measurement, building etiquette, and local know-how. Planning around these realities saves time — and money.

1) Measure everything — then measure again

Before you book a truck or buy packing supplies:

• Measure large furniture (height, width, depth) and doorways, stairwell widths, and elevator openings.

• Check porch/stoop dimensions and the angle from the curb to the door — many sofas won’t clear a 90° stoop turn.

• If you’re moving into a building with elevators, measure elevator interior dimensions and note weight limits.

Pro tip: take photos while measuring — a picture of the narrow stair landing plus dimensions saves guesswork when you talk to movers.

2) Know neighborhood logistics

Different Philly neighborhoods have different headaches and perks.

• Center City / Rittenhouse / University City: Street parking and loading zones are limited. Reserve a loading zone when possible and expect meter rules.

• Old City / Northern Liberties / Fishtown: Narrow streets and one-way blocks — plan truck route in advance.

• South Philly / Queen Village: Rowhouse stoops and narrow back alleys are common; plan an alternate route (rear yard, basement stair, etc.).

• Germantown / West Philly: Older homes with wider yards can allow easier outdoor maneuvering, but expect uneven steps.

Always check local parking rules and building move hours. If your building requires an elevator reservation or a certificate of insurance from movers, arrange that in advance.

3) Protect your home and your items

Protecting floors, walls, banisters, and furniture is non-negotiable.

• Use floor runners or cardboard for long corridors and to protect stoop edges.

• Wrap banisters and door frames with moving blankets or corrugated board to prevent scuffs.

• Use corner guards on tight turns.

• For wood floors, sticky mats beneath dollies prevent slipping and gouges.

If a piece is especially valuable, remove legs/handles and transport the main body wrapped in blankets inside a soft-sided crate.

4) Smart packing for stairs and stoops

Packing strategy matters when stairs are involved.

• Distribute weight across boxes — avoid one room’s worth of heavy books in a single box.

• Use smaller boxes for heavy items (books, tools) and large boxes for light but bulky items (linens, pillows).

• Clearly label boxes with destination room and “STAIRS” or “TOP STEP” if they belong on an upper floor.

• For fragile or oddly shaped items, pack them into soft crates or padded wardrobe boxes to make carrying on stairs safer.

5) Furniture moves: disassemble, plan, and spot

When in doubt, disassemble.

• Remove doors, legs, cushions, and detachable hardware. Mark screws in labeled bags taped to the item.

• For sofas and armoires, plan the angle: sometimes you’ll need to “diagonal” a piece through a doorway or rotate it on a landing.

• Use at least two spotters on stairs — one above and one below — and communicate clearly.

• Use shoulder straps and forearm lifting straps when carrying heavy items down long flights.

6) Curbside strategy — parking, permits, and timing

Curb access can make or break a move.

• Reserve a loading zone or get a temporary parking permit from the city if possible.

• Time your move for off-peak hours (mid-week mornings often work best). Avoid rush hour and street-cleaning days.

• If the street is narrow, consider smaller vehicles or shuttle runs between a parked truck and the house.

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7) When to hire local pros (and what to ask)

Hiring experienced local movers can be a huge advantage.

Ask potential movers:

• Do you have experience with rowhouses and brownstones?

• Are you insured and licensed for Philadelphia moves?

• Can you provide an on-site estimate, not just a phone estimate?

• Do you handle stairs, stoop turns, and narrow landings regularly?

A local crew knows how to protect banisters, reserve parking, and move efficiently through Philadelphia’s quirks — often saving you time and damage costs.

Quick neighborhood-specific checklists

Rowhouse / Stoops: Measure stoop turn radius, plan an alternate entry (back door/basement), protect stoop edges.Brownstones / Narrow Stairwells: Disassemble tall furniture, reserve elevator (if available), protect banister and plaster walls.Condo / Elevator Moves: Reserve elevator, check building move hours, get certificate of insurance, use elevator pads.

Moving-day timeline (simple)

• Two weeks out: Measure, book truck/movers, reserve parking/loading zone.

• One week out: Confirm measurements, label boxes, schedule elevator/permits.

• Day before: Pack essentials bag, protect floors and main pathways.

• Moving day: Arrive early, direct movers, do final walkthrough for damage.

FAQ — Philly moving edition

Q: Can a couch fit through a typical rowhouse doorway?A: Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Measure both piece and doorway and plan a diagonal carry or partial disassembly if needed.

Q: Do movers need insurance for stairs?A: Movers should be insured. Ask for proof of general liability and ask whether they carry coverage for stair carries and property damage.

Q: What if the truck can’t get close to my front door?A: Use smaller shuttle vehicles or plan a short hand-carry from a nearby legal parking spot. Local movers often anticipate this and charge accordingly.

Final checklist

• Measure all furniture + doorways + stair widths

• Reserve parking/loading zone or permits

• Protect floors, walls, banisters

• Label boxes by room and stairs priority

• Disassemble bulky items and bag hardware

• Confirm mover insurance & on-site estimate

• Pack an essentials box for first 24 hours

  
  

Philadelphia moves reward planning, local knowledge, and a little ingenuity. Whether you’re moving out of a cozy South Philly rowhouse or into a Center City brownstone, taking the time to measure, protect, and coordinate will make moving day faster and less stressful.

If you’d like help with an on-site estimate or need movers who know Philadelphia’s stoops and staircases inside and out, contact Cool Moving through our website or give us a call to talk through your move details. We’ll come prepared — tape, pads, and neighborhood street-smarts included.