Richmond, VA to Philadelphia, PA Movers ($345 - $6,587)
Moving from Richmond, VA, to Philadelphia, PA, (roughly 248 miles) costs between $345 and $6,587, with an average of $363 – $4,818. Pricing depends primarily on move type (full-service vs. DIY), home size, distance, and add-on services like packing. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,000, while larger 4-5 bedroom relocations can reach $6,587 or more.
- Renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest option, typically running $345 for a 1-bedroom up to $879 for 4+ bedrooms.
- Moving containers range from $998 – $3,183, giving you flexibility without full-service pricing. Truck rentals cost between $345 and $879.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Richmond, VA, to Philadelphia, PA. They're known for transparent pricing, with an average 2-bedroom quote of $4,300 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Cost of full-service movers from Richmond, VA to Philadelphia, PA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 248-mile move from Richmond, Virginia, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with costs ranging from $1,000 - $6,587. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $285 - $1,900. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Richmond and Philadelphia.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs in Richmond by home size:
- Studio apartment/1 bedroom: $1,000 - $3,856
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,781 - $4,818
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,314 - $6,587
Other full-service moving costs to keep in mind
- Full packing: Professional packing services let you hand the entire boxing process over to your movers. Expect to pay roughly $475 for a 1-bedroom apartment and up to $4,750 for a 4–5 bedroom home. The final cost depends on how much you're moving and how fragile your items are.
- Storage: If there's a gap before you're ready to move into your new place in Philadelphia, short-term storage is available. Monthly rates typically start around $190 for smaller moves and can reach $1,140 for larger households. Note that belongings stored through a full-service mover are held in a warehouse where access isn't permitted until delivery. If you need regular access or anticipate a longer storage window, moving containers may be a better and more flexible fit.
- Shuttle fees: Tight streets or restricted parking in Richmond, VA or Philadelphia, PA may require a smaller transfer vehicle. Shuttle fees generally fall between $285 and $2,280.
- Optional added coverage: Full-value protection provides more comprehensive coverage than the default minimum liability included with your move. Unlike standard released-value coverage, which only pays $0.60 per pound per item, full-value protection requires the mover to repair, replace, or reimburse damaged items at current market value. Most companies charge 1%–2% of declared shipment value, which works out to roughly $300–$600 on a $30,000 shipment.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Virginia to Pennsylvania. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May through September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
Best full-service movers from Richmond, VA to Philadelphia, PA move
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Best overall value
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): Most experienced mover
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Best for contents coverage
rating
4.9 / 5
Local interstate movers in Richmond, VA
If your move is under 500 miles, working with a local mover based in Richmond, VA may cost less than hiring a national carrier. Shorter routes often come with lower fuel overhead and simpler logistics. Local movers can also offer more direct communication and quicker booking windows.
The tradeoff is that smaller companies may lack the infrastructure for longer hauls. Verify proper licensing and relevant experience before signing anything.
Cost of moving containers from Richmond, VA to Philadelphia, PA
Moving containers from Richmond, Virginia, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, cost between $998 and $3,183. 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.
Take a look at moving container pricing in Richmond by home size:
- Studio apartment/1 bedroom: $998 - $1,805
- 2-3 bedrooms: $1,249 - $2,405
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,761 - $3,183
Other moving container costs to keep in mind
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Richmond, VA and Philadelphia, PA. 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 five hours typically cost around $665 in Richmond, VA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $71 for small units (7–8 feet) and about $143 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 Virginia to Pennsylvania 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 $1,082. Underestimating and needing 1 – 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,249 – $2,405, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
Best moving containers Richmond, VA to Philadelphia, PA move
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars): Best for locally owned service
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): Best value container
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): Best for large moves
rating
4.8 / 5
Moving truck rental costs from Richmond, VA to Philadelphia, PA
The 248-mile move from Richmond, Virginia, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, using a rental truck generally costs between $345 and $879. You supply the labor and handle the drive, which keeps the base rate lower. Rental truck pricing is based mostly on distance, vehicle size, rental length, and fuel.
These are typical moving truck rental costs in Richmond based on home size:
- Studio apartment/1 bedroom: $345 - $583
- 2-3 bedrooms: $363 - $747
- 4+ bedrooms: $443 - $879
Pro tip: A rental truck from Richmond to Philadelphia looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $345 – $879. But once you factor in fuel , overnight lodging ($143/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 – $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
Other rental truck costs to keep in mind
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $71 and $333.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $143.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $665 for two movers in Richmond, Virginia, for about five hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
Best moving truck rentals from Richmond, VA to Philadelphia, PA move
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars): Best value rental
- Penske Truck Rental (4/5 stars): Most reliable
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars): Best availability
rating
4.3 / 5
Freight trailer costs from Richmond, VA to Philadelphia, PA
If you're moving a larger household from Richmond, Virginia, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $978 and $1,904.
Take a look at freight trailer costs in Richmond based on home size:
- Studio apartment/1 bedroom: $853 - $1,561
- 2-3 bedrooms: $978 - $1,904
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,329 - $2,498
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
Other costs to consider 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 Richmond, Virginia, for roughly five hours typically average $665.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds approximately between $71 and $143 per foot.
Best freight companies for your Richmond, VA to Philadelphia, PA move
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): Best for large moves
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): Best value freight trailer
- Estes Dedicated (4.38/5 stars)
rating
4.5 / 5
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Philadelphia fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Specialty moving services from Richmond, VA to Philadelphia, PA
Some moves from Richmond, Virginia, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, require more than a standard full-service approach. Compact shipments, business relocations, and high-value items like artwork or wine collections often call for a different kind of expertise. Specialty movers come equipped with the tools, training, and experience to handle jobs that fall outside the typical scope.
Small moves from Richmond, VA to Philadelphia, PA
Full-service movers typically require a minimum shipment of 2,000–3,000 pounds, which can make studio and small 1-bedroom moves cost-prohibitive. Small move specialists like MiniMoves skip the minimums entirely.
Pro tip: Don't assume small-move companies only handle the basics. Most offer packing and standard disassembly and reassembly at a flat rate. The exception is specialty items like antiques, custom furniture, or anything with complex assembly. Always confirm ahead of time whether the company can handle it and what the cost looks like.
rating
4.8 / 5
Commercial movers from Richmond, VA to Philadelphia, PA
Moving a company from Richmond, Virginia, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, means coordinating computers, workstations, inventory, and employee timelines. The tools commercial moving specialists bring to the job, including inventory management systems, IT equipment crating, and phased scheduling, are what keep business downtime low. A 15-person office move typically wraps up in 1–2 business days.are set up to handle high volumes of office furniture and sensitive equipment while keeping your schedule intact. Costs generally fall between $950 and $28,500. Offices or storefronts with 1–15 employees cost between $2,375 and $9,500, and businesses with 50–100 employees range from $4,750-$23,750.
Pro tip: Put together a full inventory list and nail down your move timeline well before moving day. The more organized you are going in, the faster your team can get settled and back to work in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Top commercial movers from Richmond, VA to Philadelphia, PA
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Best overall value
- All My Sons Moving & Storage
- Mr. Moving, LLC
rating
4.9 / 5
Car shipping from Richmond, VA to Philadelphia, PA
The cost to ship a car from Richmond, Virginia, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, falls between $712 and $1,352, with most vehicles arriving within 2-7 days. One of the first decisions you'll make is whether to use open or enclosed transport. Open carriers are the go-to for most people (9 in 10 customers choose open transport) because they transport 7–10 vehicles per truck, which keeps per-vehicle costs 30%–40% below enclosed transport. Enclosed transport typically adds $300–$600 to the base rate on a move of 248 miles route but provides full weather and road-debris protection, making it the standard for vehicles valued above $50,000.
Not sure which is right for your car? Our open vs. enclosed auto transport guide breaks down the differences.
Pro tip: Before booking, ask whether your quote comes from a direct carrier or a broker. That distinction can significantly affect your final price.
Top car shippers from Richmond, VA to Philadelphia, PA
- Nexus Auto Transport (4.7/5 stars): Best overall value
- Sherpa Auto Transport (4.5/5 stars): Most accurate pricing
- Navi Auto Transport (4.4/5 stars): Best for budget-conscious shippers
Compare additional car shipping companies serving Richmond, Virginia
rating
4.7 / 5
Antiques & fine art movers from Richmond, VA to Philadelphia, PA
Shipping antiques or artwork from Richmond, Virginia, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, can add between $950 and $2,375 to your total moving costs, depending on collection size. Reputable antique moving companies use white-glove handling, layered protective materials, and often build custom crates for delicate or fragile items. Fine art handling fees typically run between $48 and $475 per piece, and crating usually costs around between $143 and $190 per item. Make sure the company you hire has relevant experience with antique relocation comparable to yours.
Pro tip: Comprehensive valuation coverage can prevent major financial loss if something rare or one-of-a-kind is damaged in transit.
Top antiques & fine art movers from Richmond, VA to Philadelphia, PA
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): Most experienced mover
- All My Sons Moving & Storage
- Mr. Moving, LLC
rating
4.9 / 5
Piano movers from Richmond, VA to Philadelphia, PA
Moving a piano solo requires trained specialists with the right equipment. Costs typically fall between $760 and $3,325, depending on size and complexity. Grand pianos require additional labor and extra handling precautions.
For piano moves on this route, our recommendation is Modern Piano Moving. Browse other top-rated piano moving companies
Pro tip: Only hire a piano-only carrier if the piano is the sole item shipping. If it's part of a larger household move, bundling it with professional movers avoids duplicate transportation costs.
Typical pricing by piano type:
- Upright piano: $760 and $1,425
- Baby grand piano: $1,140 and $2,375
- Grand piano: $1,710 and $3,325
Pool table movers from Virginia to Pennsylvania
Moving a pool table from Richmond, VA, to Philadelphia, PA, long-distance usually runs between $300-$1,500. Costs depend on slate type, table size, and layout challenges. Three-piece slate tables are typically less expensive to move than one-piece slate designs. Even when included in a full-service move, pool tables require complete breakdown and professional setup at the destination. When it comes to specialized pool table transport from Richmond, VA, to Philadelphia, PA, we suggest working with SOLO®.
Pro tip: Improper disassembly can crack slate or damage rails. Let trained specialists handle teardown and re-leveling to protect your investment.
Prices vary, but here are some average costs for pool table moving:
- 6-7 ft. table: $150-$400
- 8-9 ft. table: $400-$700
- 10-12 ft. table: $400-$1,000
Hot tub movers from Richmond, VA to Philadelphia, PA
Because hot tubs are extremely heavy (typically 500-900 pounds) and have built-in plumbing and electrical systems, many homeowners choose a specialized mover rather than adding it to a full household move. Most long-distance hot tub moves run between $618 and $1,900. For hot tub moves between Richmond, Virginia, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, our choice is Platinum Hot Tub Movers.
Pro tip: Clarify upfront who handles electrical disconnection and reconnection. Improper handling can void your manufacturer's warranty.
Wine collection movers from Richmond, VA to Philadelphia, PA
Moving wine from Richmond, Virginia, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, requires temperature control, shock-resistant packing, and careful handling. Expect costs between $285 and $14,250+. Our choice is The Wine Mover.
Pro tip: When possible, schedule wine shipments during milder seasons to reduce the strain on temperature-control systems throughout the journey.
Estimated costs by shipment size:
- 10 cases: $285 and $570
- 100 cases: $1,425 and $2,850
- 1,000+ cases: $7,600 and $14,250+
Pet movers from Richmond, VA to Philadelphia, PA
Moving a pet long distance from Richmond, Virginia, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, takes careful coordination. Most relocations run between $285 and $3,325+.
We recommend Airpets International for safe, professional transport on this route. See more highly rated pet shipping companies
Pro tip: Ask how frequently pets are monitored during ground transport. Regular check-ins reduce stress and improve overall safety throughout the journey.
How much pet moving services typically cost:
- Standard long-distance: $285 and $665
- Private/VIP long-distance: $1,900 and $3,800
- Domestic air: $475 and $1,900
- Flight nanny: $475 and $1,425
Our take
The 248-mile move from Richmond, VA, to Philadelphia, PA, costs between $1,000 and $6,587 with full-service movers, $998–$3,183 with a moving container, and $345–$879 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation on this route, with transparent flat-rate pricing averaging $4,300 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
FAQ
What are some tips for a move from Richmond, VA to Philadelphia, PA?
Decluttering one bedroom's worth of items before your move reduces your shipment by around 500 pounds and saves approximately $200–$400 on a full-service move on this route.
From there, having a clear plan makes everything easier. Use a moving checklist to stay on top of key tasks and deadlines so nothing slips through the cracks as moving day gets closer.
When is the best time of year to move from Richmond, VA to Philadelphia, PA?
The fall and winter months, roughly October through March, are generally the most affordable time to move from Richmond, Virginia, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Demand is lower, movers have more availability, and you'll often find more competitive pricing across all service types.
If you have to move during peak season (mid-May through mid-September), try to book as early as possible and avoid weekends and month-end dates, when demand is highest and prices reflect it.
How long will it take to move from Richmond, VA to Philadelphia, PA?
For full-service movers and moving containers, expect a delivery window of around 5 to 7 days on most long-distance routes. Freight trailers often come with a wider window since carriers consolidate multiple shipments, so factor in a few extra days if that's your plan.
Renting a truck puts the schedule entirely in your hands, though you'll need to account for driving time and any overnight stops on the road from Richmond, Virginia, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. If you need a tighter delivery window, ask movers about expedited options. Just expect to pay a premium for it.
What does it cost to move from Richmond, VA to Philadelphia, PA?
Full-service movers typically fall between $1,000 and $6,587, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during off-peak months can also make a meaningful difference in your final total for a move from Richmond, Virginia, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Costs on this route range from around $1,000 on the low end to $6,587 on the high end. Where you land depends on your home size, the service you choose, and when you move.
What is the most affordable way to move from Richmond, VA to Philadelphia, PA?
Rental trucks are the lowest-cost option for a move from Richmond to Philadelphia, starting at $345, roughly 50% less than full-service movers for a 1-bedroom apartment.
