($296+) Philadelphia, PA to Richmond, VA Movers
Moving from Philadelphia, PA, to Richmond, VA, runs anywhere from $296 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,425 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 253 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $898, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $5,425 or more.
- Moving containers run $855 - $2,536, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $296 - $700.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Philadelphia, PA, to Richmond, VA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,480 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Philadelphia, PA to Richmond, VA
Moving options from Philadelphia to Richmond fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $1,480 - $4,036 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 29% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 80% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 253 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 4 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 253-mile route from Philadelphia to Richmond, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $898 - $3,533 | $855 - $1,418 | $296 - $518 | $733 - $1,315 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,480 - $4,036 | $1,050 - $2,027 | $299 - $607 | $807 - $1,525 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,880 - $5,425 | $1,441 - $2,536 | $392 - $700 | $1,096 - $1,947 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Philadelphia, PA to Richmond, VA
Hiring full-service movers from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Richmond, Virginia, costs between $898 and $5,425. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 253-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $301 - $2,008, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Philadelphia and Richmond. For a rough baseline, movers based in Philadelphia tend to start around $282 plus $130/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Philadelphia to Richmond:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $898 - $3,533
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,480 - $4,036
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,880 - $5,425
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Philadelphia to Richmond.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Philadelphia, PA to Richmond, VA
Specialty needs vary by market: 55% of Philadelphia movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Richmond, 65% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing72% of local movers | $502 - $5,020 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready55% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Superior Moving & Storage | $201 - $1,205/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $301 - $2,410 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage10% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs48% of local movers | $1,004 - $3,012 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,510 - $10,040 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $752 - $1,429 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items27% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Superior Moving & Storage | $1,004 - $2,510 |
| Piano | Any piano type35% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Superior Moving & Storage | $803 - $3,514 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling8% of local movers | $301 - $1,506 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Payless Moving Inc. | $653 - $2,008 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $301 - $15,060+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $301 - $3,514+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Philadelphia to Richmond?
Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Virginia, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Philadelphia, PA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Philadelphia to Richmond with a local mover averages $1,421 - $3,875. A local mover in Philadelphia, PA is worth considering for moves under 500 miles. Short-distance moves don't always need the scale of a national carrier, and local companies can offer streamlined service, more flexible pickup windows, and a more personal approach to coordination.
Be sure to confirm interstate licensing, insurance coverage, and delivery expectations before booking.
Zip to Zip Moving Inc (4.56/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Philadelphia, based on our analysis of feedback from 1,563 customers, 99.3% of which is positive.
Address: 558 W Uwchlan Ave, Exton, PA, 19341 | Founded: 2020
Moving container costs from Philadelphia, PA to Richmond, VA
Moving containers from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Richmond, Virginia, cost between $855 and $2,536. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Philadelphia typically runs around $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Philadelphia to Richmond:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $855 - $1,418
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,050 - $2,027
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,441 - $2,536
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Philadelphia, PA and Richmond, VA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $703 in Philadelphia, PA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $75 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $151 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Pennsylvania to Virginia move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $855. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,050 - $2,027.
What are the best moving containers Philadelphia to Richmond?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Philadelphia to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Philadelphia:
- Superior Moving & Storage (4.3/5), 45 years in business
- Flex Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 4 years in business
- Payless Moving Inc. (4.5/5), 17 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Philadelphia, PA to Richmond, VA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 253 miles from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Richmond, Virginia, running $296 - $700. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $81 - $92
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Philadelphia daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.89 - $0.99
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Philadelphia to Richmond based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $296 - $518
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $299 - $607
- 4+ bedrooms: $392 - $700
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $296 - $700 when pricing out a rental truck from Philadelphia to Richmond. Fuel alone runs $81 - $92, and overnight lodging ($151/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $75 and $351.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $151.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $81 and $92 for the 253-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $703 for 2 movers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Philadelphia to Richmond?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Philadelphia, PA to Richmond, VA
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Richmond, Virginia. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $807 and $1,525.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Philadelphia to Richmond:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $733 - $1,315
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $807 - $1,525
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,096 - $1,947
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $703.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $75 and $151 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Philadelphia to Richmond?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Richmond quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Philadelphia, PA vs Richmond, VA
Day-to-day costs in Richmond are close to what you're used to in Philadelphia: cost of living index of 95 versus 104, with average rent of $1,595/mo compared to $1,695/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 75/100 and 33.91/100 in Philadelphia versus 51/100 and 51.55/100 in Richmond.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Richmond, VA to Philadelphia, PA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Pennsylvania to Virginia over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 267 movers in our Pennsylvania network to compare for this 253-mile move.
Our take
A move from Philadelphia, PA, to Richmond, VA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $898 - $5,425 on the 253-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $855 - $2,536, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $296 - $700. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,480 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Brink's and CarMax.
FAQs: Moving from Philadelphia, PA, to Richmond, VA
What are the best neighborhoods in Richmond?
For families, Bellevue, Byrd Park, and Museum District are worth a look in Richmond. If you're moving solo or without kids, Monroe Ward, The Fan District, and The Museum District tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Philadelphia, PA to Richmond, VA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 4 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What do local movers charge in Philadelphia?
Local movers based in Philadelphia typically start around $282 as a base rate, plus $130/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Richmond run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Philadelphia, PA to Richmond, VA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
How much does it cost to move from Philadelphia, PA to Richmond, VA?
Costs on this route range from around $296 to $5,425, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $898 and $5,425, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What percentage of Philadelphia movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 35% of movers in Philadelphia handle piano moves, and 27% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.