Moving to Delaware County means choosing between 49 municipalities, each with different housing costs, commute times, school districts, and moving logistics. This Delaware County moving guide breaks down what you can expect to pay, how far in advance to schedule your move, and which communities best fit families, commuters, first-time buyers, and retirees. If you’re planning a local or long-distance relocation, experienced Philadelphia movers can help you complete the move efficiently while avoiding many of the delays and unexpected costs that catch first-time movers off guard.
How Much Does It Cost to Move in Delaware County?
Most local moves in Delaware County cost between $500 and $2,500. Most local moves are billed hourly, while long-distance relocations are typically priced based on shipment size, mileage, and any additional services you request. Understanding these factors before requesting estimates can help you build a more realistic moving budget.
Average Local Moving Costs
The size of your home has the biggest impact on the final price. These ranges reflect a typical local move within Delaware County. The cost may vary depending on access, inventory, and additional services.
- Studio or one-bedroom apartment: $350–$700
- Two-bedroom apartment or townhouse: $700–$1,200
- Three-bedroom home: $1,200–$2,000
- Four-bedroom home: $2,000–$3,500+
Most local moving companies in Philadelphia charge $120–$180 per hour for a two-person crew, while larger homes often require three or four movers to complete the job more efficiently.
What Has the Biggest Impact on Moving Costs?
The distance between homes is only one part of the final estimate. Labor time often has a much greater effect on the total cost, especially for local moves.
- Stairs: Carrying furniture up multiple flights of stairs increases loading and unloading time.
- Limited truck access: Narrow streets, long driveways, or apartment complexes without loading zones can extend carrying distances.
- Large or specialty items: Pianos, gun safes, pool tables, antiques, and oversized appliances usually require additional equipment and experienced movers.
- Packing services: Full packing services in Philadelphia cost more upfront but can reduce moving-day labor and better protect fragile items.
- Temporary storage: If your closing dates don’t align, storage fees and an additional delivery charge may apply.
When Can You Save Money?
The timing of your move can make a noticeable difference in cost. Tuesday through Thursday are often the least expensive days to move because demand is lower than on Fridays and weekends.
Scheduling your move with movers in Delaware County PA between October and April may also reduce costs compared with the busy summer season. Whenever possible, book your move at least four to six weeks in advance to secure your preferred date and compare multiple estimates before making a decision.
Hidden Moving Costs Most People Forget
As this Delaware County moving guide shows, the price quoted by your moving company is only part of your total relocation budget. Many homeowners and renters overlook additional expenses that arise before, during, and after moving day.
Utility Transfers and Connection Fees
Electricity, natural gas, water, internet, and cable services may require activation or installation fees, especially if you’re opening a new account. Some internet providers also charge $50–$100 for professional installation if self-installation isn’t available.
Cleaning, Repairs, and Junk Removal
Many homeowners and renters spend money preparing both properties before and after the move. Professional move-out cleaning typically costs $150–$400, while carpet cleaning averages $100–$300 depending on the size of the home. If you’re disposing of unwanted furniture or household items instead of moving them, junk removal services generally range from $100 for small loads to $600 or more for larger cleanouts.
Apartment and HOA Move-In Fees
Apartment buildings and planned communities may charge additional fees that aren’t included in your moving estimate. Depending on the property, you may need to pay $100–$500 refundable move-in deposits, reserve an elevator, submit a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from your moving company, or schedule a specific loading dock time before moving day.
Temporary Storage and Overlapping Housing Costs
Closing delays, lease overlaps, and renovation work can make temporary storage necessary. Booking temporary storage in Philadelphia generally costs $75–$250 per month, depending on unit size.
If your move-out and move-in dates don’t align, you may also need to budget for an extra month’s rent or mortgage payment, making early planning one of the easiest ways to reduce unnecessary moving expenses.
Best Delaware County Neighborhoods From Our Delaware County Moving Guide
Delaware County’s 49 municipalities offer very different housing markets, commute times, and school districts. Before moving, compare communities based on your budget, daily routine, and long-term plans.
Best for Families: Media and Springfield
Media combines a walkable downtown with the highly regarded Rose Tree Media School District, making it one of the county’s most popular destinations for families. Homebuyers relocating here with movers in Media PA can choose from Victorian homes, newer townhouses, and single-family properties within walking distance of restaurants, parks, and the SEPTA Media/Wawa Line. Median home prices generally range from $625,000 to $650,000.
Springfield attracts families looking for larger suburban neighborhoods and consistently strong public schools. Springfield School District remains one of the area’s highest-performing districts, while shopping centers, township parks, and youth sports facilities make daily life convenient. Most single-family homes are priced between $500,000 and $550,000.
Best for Commuters: Swarthmore and Morton
For residents working in Philadelphia, Swarthmore provides direct SEPTA Regional Rail service to Center City in approximately 30 minutes. The borough combines a compact downtown, Swarthmore College, and wide residential streets, although median home prices are typically around $650,000.
Morton offers a more affordable alternative with quick access to I-476, Baltimore Pike, and the Media/Wawa Line. Buyers often choose Morton because it provides shorter commutes without Swarthmore’s higher home prices.
Best Value for First-Time Buyers: Brookhaven and Ridley Township
Brookhaven remains one of the more affordable communities in central Delaware County. It offers a mix of townhomes, twins, and detached houses. Buyers also benefit from convenient access to shopping centers along Edgmont Avenue and Route 352.
Ridley Township appeals to buyers who want detached homes at prices that are often lower than those in Media or Springfield. Easy access to I-95, Philadelphia International Airport, and major employment centers also makes the township attractive for commuters.
Best for Larger Homes: Newtown Square and Broomall
Buyers searching for more square footage often focus on Newtown Square and Broomall. Newtown Square features newer executive homes, established neighborhoods, and convenient access to the Route 3 corporate corridor, while Broomall offers spacious Colonial and split-level homes within the Marple Newtown School District.
If you’re using this Delaware County moving guide to compare neighborhoods, these communities are worth considering if larger lots, suburban streets, and long-term homeownership are your priorities.
Delaware County Moving Timeline
Starting early gives you more flexibility when comparing estimates, scheduling movers, and preparing your home. Following the right Delaware County moving guide and a structured timeline also reduces the risk of delays caused by paperwork, utility transfers, or last-minute packing.
6–8 Weeks Before Moving
- Request estimates from at least three licensed moving companies.
- Create a home inventory, especially for valuable or fragile items.
- Decide whether you’ll pack yourself or hire professional packing services.
- Begin decluttering to reduce the volume and cost of your move.
4 Weeks Before Moving
- Confirm your moving date and signed estimate.
- Schedule electricity, water, gas, internet, and trash service transfers.
- Order moving supplies in Philadelphia PA if you’re packing yourself.
- Pack anything you won’t use before moving day.
- Notify your bank, insurance provider, employer, and subscription services of your new address.
2 Weeks Before Moving
- Finish packing most rooms, leaving only everyday essentials.
- Donate, sell, or recycle items you no longer need.
- Confirm arrival times with your movers.
- Reserve elevators or loading areas if required by your building.
- Arrange childcare or pet care for moving day if needed.
One Week Before Moving
- Pack an essentials bag with medications, chargers, toiletries, important documents, and several days of clothing.
- Separate valuables, passports, jewelry, and financial documents so they travel with you.
- Confirm parking availability for the moving truck at both addresses.
Moving Day
- Keep walkways, driveways, and entrances clear.
- Complete a final walkthrough before the truck departs.
- Verify the inventory before signing the Bill of Lading.
- Record any existing damage to high-value furniture before loading begins.
- Keep your phone, payment method, and moving paperwork readily available.
How to Choose the Right Delaware County Movers?
Choosing the right moving company can make the difference between a successful relocation and unexpected delays or added costs. As this Delaware County moving guide shows, comparing movers based only on price often leads to problems later in the process.
Verify Licensing and Insurance
For moves within Pennsylvania, confirm that the company is licensed by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PA PUC).
If you’re moving across state lines and hiring Philadelphia interstate movers, verify that they also have a valid USDOT number. Ask whether the mover provides valuation coverage and whether additional protection is available for high-value items.
Review the Written Estimate Carefully
A professional estimate should clearly list the hourly rate or total price, crew size, travel charges, packing services, storage fees, and any additional costs for stairs, long carries, or specialty items. Reviewing these details before booking helps prevent unexpected charges on moving day.
Look for Local Experience
Moving companies that regularly work throughout Delaware County are more familiar with local neighborhoods, apartment building requirements, parking limitations, and older homes. That experience can reduce delays and help the move stay on schedule.
Plan Your Move With This Delaware County Moving Guide!
This Delaware County moving guide gives you the information you need to budget accurately, choose the right neighborhood, and plan every stage of your relocation. When you’re ready to move, contact BR Moving for a free estimate. Our experienced team can help make your Delaware County move efficient, organized, and stress-free.
