Moving to Philadelphia
No matter where you are in your moving process, VeryApt is here to help you!
We find the best resources available to help make your move
to Philadelphia as easy as possible.
Before Moving
After Moving
Getting Settled
Before Moving
After Moving
Getting Settled
Before Moving
Apartment Hunt
Find an apartment
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$ $ $
Free 1 hour |
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We're a bit biased, but if you want to find an apartment personalized for you and read reviews before you move in, there's no better place to look than VeryApt! Try our personalized recommendation engine to find your perfect apartment in Philadelphia! |
Planning
Check your credit
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$ $ $
Free 0 - 1 hours |
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Your credit rating is one of the most important factors impacting your approval as a tenant. In advance of preparing your rental application, be sure to check your credit score so you can understand how likely you are to be approved. Credit Karma is free and will give you consistent updates on your credit and what you can do to improve it. Don't worry - there are no hidden fees or charges. Many of our employees use this service and love it! |
Take accurate measurements
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$ $ $
$5-15 0 - 5 days |
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One of the most frustrating things about moving day can be learning your couch won't fit in your new apartment! Bring a sturdy 12 foot measuring tape to your apartment viewing. Be sure to check the size of doorways, rooms, elevators, etc. to make sure your largest pieces of furniture will fit. Don't forget to also measure storage areas and ceiling clearance as well! |
Order boxes
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$ $ $
$2 - 5+ / box 0 - 5 days |
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We haven't found moving kits we're in love with (tell us at contact@veryapt.com if you do!), so our general suggestion is to take a quick inventory and order the boxes that work best for you from Amazon. |
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$ $ $
$10+ / container 0 - 5 days |
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One often-overlooked packing option is stackable plastic containers. They may cost a bit more than cardboard, but they're sturdy, easy to label, and can be used for later storage and moves. Typically you should be able to find 5-packs of 30-50 quart containers for $50-100. We've linked to the top selling plastic storage containers on Amazon. |
Moving
Find movers
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$ $ $
$120/hour 2-4 hours |
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Old City Movers is a refreshing presence in a market full of poorly run, discount moving companies. Our executive team used them, and we were blown away by their speed, professionalism, and care. While other companies will quote lower rates, they are also likely to take longer and not treat your furniture and items with the same care. You won't regret going with Old City Movers! |
Reserve a spot for your movers
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$ $ $
$25+ 4 business days |
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Parking access for your moving truck will vary by property, but the best way to make sure you're all set for moving day is to apply for a parking space from the Philadelphia Streets department. This way you can focus on your move instead of whether you're going to get a ticket! |
Storage
Find local storage
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$ $ $
$20+ / month 1 hour |
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SpareFoot offers access to many of the local options for self-storage. Storage units are typically rented on a month-to-month basis, and we like SpareFoot for quickly comparing units and prices in the Philly area. |
Parking and Vehicle Consideration
Find long-term parking
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$ $ $
$35 / vehicle Varies |
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For a cheap parking option, scout out street parking that is eligible for residential parking permits that exempt them from meter and time limit restrictions. If you have Pennsylvania license plates and a registered/insured to your home address in Pennsylvania, you can apply for permit parking with proof of vehicle registration, insurance, your driver's license, and your lease/recent utility bill in your name. |
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$ $ $
$100+ / month 1 hour |
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If you're bringing a car and looking for daily or monthly parking, Best Parking is a great resource. You can search by neighborhood or address and find an affordable spot near your new home or office. |
Update Your Information
Change your address
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$ $ $
Free 7 - 10 business days |
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Once you've found your new place, be sure to make sure your mail gets to you! USPS' online change of address form is simple and will begin forwarding your mail in 7-10 business days. |
Transfer or cancel your existing utilities
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$ $ $
Free 30 days |
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In advance of moving, we recommend you transfer any utilities you have to your new property (if applicable) or cancel them if you will be switching utility providers altogether. Generally, this means writing to your providers of electrical, water, and similar services to make sure that they terminate your service after your last day in your current home, and if relevant, transfer the service to your new apartment. |
After Moving
Property Inspection and Insurance
Inspect your new apartment
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$ $ $
Free 1 hour |
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On your first day in your new apartment, check the doors, windows, floors, carpet, rugs, walls, ceiling, electrical, furniture, appliances and plumbing in each room - note if they are in good condition or not and take plenty of pictures. We suggest storing your pictures and notes in a Dropbox folder and then sending a checklist and pictures to your landlord to document the state of the apartment when you move in. You'll thank yourself when you ask for your deposit back! |
Get renter's insurance
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$ $ $
$10 - $30 / mo. 5 minutes |
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Most leases require you to obtain renter's insurance. Having it is also just a good idea. Take care of it right away before you forget! VeryApt has partnered with SURE to provide an easy, transparent, and efficient means of locking down your renter's insurance at great rates. |
Internet
Sign up for internet
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$ $ $
$40+ / month 1 week |
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Comcast is definitely the most available option in Philadelphia, given it's based here. Internet-only packages start around ~$50/month. One benefit of Comcast in Philly is the great coverage of Infinity WiFi which allows you to access hotspots throughout the city using your email/username and password. We've linked to the Amazon cable store, where you can sign up for relevant Xfinity internet packages. |
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$ $ $
$50+ / month 1 week |
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Fios isn’t as available as hometown company Comcast is in Philadelphia, so to see you can get it in your new Philadelphia apartment hover over “Shop” in the top menu and then click “Check Availability on the right side of the menu. Options start around $50/month. |
Buy your internet hardware
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$ $ $
$70+ 1 - 5 days |
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If you're signing up for cable internet, save yourself the monthly $5-10 modem rental fee and just buy one up front. It can pay for itself in about a year. For most services 150mbs or below, we recommend the ARRIS SURFboard SB6141 (linked) - just make sure it works with your internet provider. For faster speeds, the SB6183 can be a great option. |
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$ $ $
$349+ 1 - 5 days |
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Nothing is worse than springing for that pricy internet package only to have your WiFi router constantly hold you back. Eero is a premium product, with a two-pack running $349 and a three-pack running $499, but if you value consistent high speed connectivity throughout your new apartment without the dead spots or hassle of a sophisticated system, we recommend you consider the investment. |
Furniture
Furnish your new home
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$ $ $
2-5 days |
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Wayfair has a huge selection of furniture across many styles and price points with fast, low-priced shipping. Need we say more? |
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$ $ $
$99+ / month 1+ week |
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CORT furniture rentals are a quick and inexpensive way of making your apartment a home. If you don't plan on staying in your apartment for more than a year or two, you can save money and time with this quick furniture upgrade. |
Upgrade your mattress
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$ $ $
$600 - $995 2 - 3 weeks |
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Helix Sleep is poised to devour the mattress dinosaurs. Order your fully customized and personalized mattress in minutes, and have it delivered to your new apartment. ***Get $50 off your order by using the link to the left.*** |
Public Transit
Get some SEPTA tokens
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$ $ $
$1.80 / token 0 - 1 hours |
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Yes, we know it's bizarre that in 2016 we still have to use tokens to get around the city, but make sure to buy some tokens in advance and save 25% off the cash price of the bus, subway, and trolley. They'll run you $1.80 each, and we've linked to the list of locations to buy them. |
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$ $ $
$90+ 7 - 10 business days |
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If you're not a big fan of carrying large bags of metal coins around Philly, you can opt to buy your SEPTA tokens online. You'll save 25% off the cash fare (as you would buying them at the machines) but will have to pay some shipping and handling, so this is best used for large orders. |
Sign up for ride sharing
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$ $ $
Free signup 5 minutes |
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Uber has been live in Philly for a while now and is incredibly helpful for getting around. If you are one of the few people who hasn't used Uber yet, we can help! To get your first Uber ride free (up to $15), register at get.uber.com/go/veryapt or download the app, and enter the promo code veryapt. |
Vehicles
Update your driver's license
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$ $ $
$29.50 0 - 0 days |
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For renters moving from another state, you will have to obtain a Pennsylvania Driver's license within 60 days of establishing residency. Find your nearest Department of Transportation center and follow all of their instructions listed online to switch out your old out-of-state license for a shiny new Pennsylvania license (sorry it's not actually shiny). |
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$ $ $
Free 10 business days |
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If you're moving within Pennsylvania, be sure to notify the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation within 15 days. You can update your license online, in person, or via mail. |
Sign up for car sharing
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$ $ $
$75+ 7 - 10 business days |
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Enterprise CarShare offers a number of options for renting a vehicle 24/7 from dedicate spots in lots throughout Philly (it's coverage is particularly good throughout Center City and University City). You'll need a valid license, a credit card, and, if you're 18-20, a valid .edu email address. |
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$ $ $
$25+ 3 - 7 business days |
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Zipcar offers a number of different options for drivers, including plans that don't require an annual fee. They also have a mobile app for iPhone and Android where you can find, book, and unlock your car. You'll need to be 21 or older (18-20 with an affiliated college) and have a valid driver's license to apply. |
Find and pay for hourly parking
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$ $ $
Varies 10 minutes |
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The Philadelphia Parking Authority has create and app that helps you locate metered parking and pay with your phone. Download the app now so you're prepared. |
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$ $ $
Varies 10 minutes |
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SpotHero simplifies the task of finding a local parking spot. You can compare parking spots for the day/month and then book them quickly on your phone or desktop. |
Bill Payments
Pay your rent and bills online
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$ $ $
2.5% credit/0% debit 1 week |
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Does your landlord require paper checks? Are you tired of mailing your utility bills? Plastiq allows you to pay your bills (including rent!) online. For a 2.5% fee or less, Plastiq will let you pay your bill with a credit card. Debit card transactions are free! They'll send the check for you and even set up recurring payments for your rent. |
Manage your bills with roommates
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$ $ $
Free 0 - 1 hours |
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Splitwise makes it easy to split bills. They help you organize all the shared expenses in one place, and best of all, it's free! In addition, to the website, they offer an app for iPhone and Android. |
Getting Settled
Groceries, Food, and Cleaning
Get your food delivered
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$ $ $
Free 0 - 2 hours |
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For traditional delivery restaurants, Grubhub is great. Grubhub will show you all the local delivery options and allow you to place your order online. They'll even text you when your food is on its way! |
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$ $ $
18%+ / order 0 - 2 hours |
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Caviar offers you access to some of the most prestigious restaurants in Philadelphia via delivery. The charges can add up (18% service fee + delivery) but for larger groups and nicer restaurants it can be a great option. |
Take care of your home and dry cleaning
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$ $ $
$40+ 0 - 1 days |
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If you're looking for a local cleaner, Handy helps you manage the entire process online. All their professionals are verified and they offer a 100% money-back guarantee. |
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$ $ $
$5+ 1 days+ |
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Wash Cycle Laundry offers free next-day delivery on all orders over $5 in Philadelphia. You can schedule your pick-up online and help support a green approach to dry cleaning. |
Fitness
Discover fitness classes
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$ $ $
$89 / month Under 1 hour |
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ClassPass gives you a monthly membership to the best fitness classes in Philadelphia (and elsewhere too). You can visit the same studio up to 3 times per month and take as many classes as you want otherwise. Great for finding your new favorite classes in Philly! |
Join a sports league
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$ $ $
Varies Under 1 hour |
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PSN is a great way to meet new people in Philly while playing sports you love. They offer basketball, flag football, and soccer among over a dozen sports! League fees vary and they play at a variety of locations. |
Pets
Take care of your favorite roommate(s)
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$ $ $
Varies Under 1 hour |
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For helping take care of your canine roommates while you're at work or traveling, we suggest checking out Rover. You can quickly learn availability and pricing for dog boarding, house sitting, and dog walking nearby your new apartment in Philly. |
Medical
Find healthcare providers
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$ $ $
Free 0 - 1 hours |
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Finding new doctors (primary care, dentist, eye care, etc.) can be a hassle after moving. ZocDoc's coverage of Philly is great and will help finding doctors that take your insurance easy! You can also schedule your appointment online and some doctors will also let you submit your forms online. |
Volunteering
Sign up to volunteer
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$ $ $
Free 0 - 1 days |
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Offered by the Office of Civic Engagement and Volunteer Service, SERVE Philadelphia is a good starting point for discovering what volunteer opportunities are available in Philadelphia. |
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$ $ $
Free 3 - 4 weeks |
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At VeryApt, we love Big Brothers Big Sisters and the support it provides to children in Philadelphia. Volunteering takes just a few hours a month and can have an incredible impact on the life of your little brother/sister. |