Finding the right North Carolina movers can save you thousands of dollars and countless headaches. Whether you’re relocating within the Tar Heel State or moving across the country, the key is knowing what to look for in a moving company.
Top-Rated North Carolina Moving Companies:
- Truckin’ Movers: Serving since 1976 with 52% fewer damage claims than the industry average.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Raleigh: Over 900 five-star Google reviews.
- Moving Ahead Services: 4.8/5 star rating from moveBuddha.
- Safeway Moving: A top choice for interstate moves with a 4.5/5 star rating.
- Labor-Only Options: Save 20-40% with services like HireAHelper or Undergrads.
Average Moving Costs in NC:
- Local moves: $1,250
- Long-distance moves (1,000 miles): $3,500
- Hourly rate: $105 per hour
Moving doesn’t have to be stressful. North Carolina offers everything from full-service movers to budget-friendly labor-only options. The secret is understanding how to spot legitimate, licensed movers.
I’m Thomas Mumford, and through my work with Undergrads.com, I’ve seen how the right North Carolina movers can transform a relocation. Our platform has helped thousands find affordable, reliable moving help from vetted companies across the state.
Before You Hire: The Non-Negotiables for NC Movers
Before you pack a single box, it’s crucial to understand what makes a North Carolina mover reliable. Doing your homework now is the foundation for a smooth, safe move.
Licensing and Insurance: Your First Checkpoint
A professional mover’s license is non-negotiable. For moves entirely within North Carolina (intrastate), movers must have a “C-Number” license from the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC). This ensures they are accountable and follow state regulations. You can easily verify a North Carolina moving license on the NCUC website.
For moves to or from another state (interstate), companies must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and have a USDOT number, signifying they meet national safety standards.
Insurance is equally important. Reputable North Carolina movers will offer clear coverage options:
- Released Value Protection: This is the free, basic option, but it only covers items at 60 cents per pound. A damaged 50-pound item would only be covered for $30.
- Full Valuation Coverage: This option costs more but covers the actual cost to replace or repair damaged or lost items. We recommend discussing this with your mover.
The FMCSA’s “Your Rights & Responsibilities When You Move” brochure is a valuable resource for protecting yourself during your move.
What to Look for in Professional North Carolina Movers
After confirming licensing and insurance, evaluate the company’s business practices and reputation.
- Reputation and Reviews: Check reviews on Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Companies like Truckin’ Movers (low damage claims) and TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Raleigh (900+ five-star reviews) have proven track records. An A+ BBB grade is a great sign.
- Transparent Pricing: Good movers provide clear, written estimates with no hidden fees. This helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises.
- Years in Business: Experience matters. A long history, like that of Truckin’ Movers (since 1976), indicates reliability and expertise in handling moving challenges.
- Full-Service Options: A full-service mover can handle everything from packing and loading to transport and unpacking, saving you the stress of coordinating multiple providers.
- Professionalism: Look for clear communication, prompt responses, and a respectful attitude. Uniformed staff and well-maintained trucks are also indicators of a professional operation.
Comparing the Top-Rated North Carolina Movers
Now that you know how to vet movers, let’s look at some top-rated full-service North Carolina movers known for quality and reliability.
Best for Local Moves within NC
For moves across town or to a nearby city, you need movers who are efficient, reliable, and know the local area.
- Truckin’ Movers: Serving the area since 1976, they boast 52% fewer damage claims than the industry average and offer a full range of services, including storage.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®: The Raleigh branch has over 900 five-star Google reviews, a testament to their quality and “THE GRANDMA RULE®” of treating customers with care.
- Little Guys Movers: Focused on the Triangle area, they are known for honest work and promoting from within—over 70% of managers started as movers.
- Moving Ahead Services: Earned a strong 4.8 out of 5-star rating from moveBuddha, indicating high customer satisfaction.
- Bellhop Moving: With a 4.8-star average from over 650 Google reviews, they use a modern, tech-forward approach to manage moves.
For movers in specific cities, see our dedicated resources:
Best for Long-Distance & Interstate Moves
Moving across state lines requires specialized logistics and planning. These companies are well-equipped for long-haul relocations.
- Safeway Moving: A top-rated interstate mover with a 4.5 out of 5-star rating from moveBuddha.
- American Van Lines: Has a solid industry reputation built over 20 years, also earning a 4.5-star rating.
- JK Moving Services: A highly-rated choice (4.25 stars) known for a low interstate deposit of just $250.
- North American Van Lines: A veteran with over 74 years of experience and a massive network of trucks and agents.
- Truckin’ Movers: Also excels at long-distance moves, offering guaranteed delivery dates and having completed over 5,000 out-of-state relocations.
When planning a long-distance move, look for key features like guaranteed delivery dates, GPS tracking, and dedicated crews to ensure a smooth transition. For more on budget-friendly long-distance options, see our guide: Long Distance Moving to Raleigh NC: Labor Only Solutions.
Understanding Costs and Services
Understanding how North Carolina movers price their services can make budgeting for your move much clearer.
How Much Do Movers Cost in North Carolina?
The cost of hiring North Carolina movers varies, but here are some general averages to help you plan:
- Local Move: Around $1,250 on average.
- Long-Distance Move (1,000 miles): About $3,500.
- Hourly Rate: Approximately $105 per hour, which typically includes a truck and a small crew.
Several factors influence your final bill:
- Distance: Local moves are often hourly, while long-distance moves are priced by weight and mileage.
- Volume of Belongings: More items require more time, labor, and potentially larger trucks. A studio apartment might cost around $439 to move locally, while a four-bedroom house could be closer to $2,314.
- Time of Year: The peak season (May-September) is more expensive. Moving during the off-season or mid-week can lead to significant savings.
- Extra Services: Add-ons like packing or specialty item handling will increase the total cost.
For a detailed cost breakdown, check our guide: Cost of Moving in Charlotte NC: Full Service vs. Labor Only.
Common & Specialized Moving Services Offered
North Carolina movers offer a variety of services to fit your needs.
- Full-Service Moving: The “white glove” option where movers handle everything: packing, loading, transport, unloading, and even unpacking.
- Packing and Unpacking: Professionals use the right materials and techniques to protect your items. Some companies, like TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®, offer custom crating services for fragile belongings.
- Storage Solutions: Many movers, including Truckin’ Movers and Capital Moving & Storage, offer secure short-term or long-term storage, with climate-controlled options available.
- Specialty Item Moving: Trained crews can safely move large, heavy, or delicate items like pianos, art, antiques, safes, and hot tubs. Companies like Gentle Giant Moving Company and All Ways Moving specialize in this.
- Commercial and Office Moves: These require careful planning to minimize business downtime. Many movers offer services like furniture disassembly/reassembly and IT equipment transport. For efficient office moving labor, see our services: Relocating Your Office to Raleigh: Efficient Moving Labor.
DIY & Hybrid: Exploring Cost-Effective Moving Options
Full-service movers are convenient, but they aren’t the only path to a smooth relocation. A hybrid approach—combining a truck rental with professional loading and unloading—can cut hundreds off your bill without sacrificing peace of mind.
Truck Rentals: The Ideal Partner for Labor-Only Help
Renting your own truck through well-known companies such as U-Haul or Penske gives you full control over timing and route while keeping transportation costs predictable. You simply pick up the vehicle, drive to your new home, and return it when you’re done.
Key advantages of pairing a rental truck with labor-only movers:
- Flexibility: Choose the truck size and pick-up/return windows that fit your schedule.
- Lower Cost: You avoid the markup that full-service movers charge for providing a vehicle, fuel, and driver.
- Professional Muscle Where It Counts: Skilled loaders protect your belongings and maximize every cubic foot, reducing the number of trips or truck size required.
Labor-Only Help: Where Undergrads Shines
If the heavy lifting is what worries you most, labor-only services are the perfect solution—and this is Undergrads’ specialty.
- Save Up to 30%: By renting your own truck and hiring our trained student movers, you’ll often pay 20–40% less than a comparable full-service quote.
- Professional Training: Undergrads receive instruction on efficient loading patterns, safe lifting techniques, and proper furniture protection.
- Support Student Scholarships: A portion of every job funds higher-education scholarships, so you get reliable help and give back at the same time.
- Local Expertise: We serve Charlotte, Raleigh, and Durham, and our crews can handle local jobs or load you for a cross-country drive.
A DIY-plus-labor model delivers the best of both worlds: major savings and experienced help when it matters most. Find the details in our guide: Labor Only Movers Charlotte: Renting a Truck & Undergrads.
Frequently Asked Questions about Moving in NC
We’re here to answer your common questions and help ensure your move in the Tar Heel State is a success.
How do I verify a moving company is licensed in North Carolina?
This is a critical first step. For moves within North Carolina (intrastate), verify the company has a “C-Number” certificate from the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) on their website: How to verify a North Carolina moving license. For moves across state lines (interstate), the company must have a USDOT number registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which you can verify on the FMCSA website. Avoid any mover who lacks the proper credentials.
What’s the difference between a binding and non-binding estimate?
This is key for budgeting.
- A binding estimate is a fixed price for your move. As long as the inventory of items doesn’t change, the price is guaranteed, offering cost predictability.
- A non-binding estimate is the mover’s best guess of the final cost. The actual price is determined by the final weight of your belongings and services used, so it can be higher or lower than the estimate. Always get your estimate in writing.
When is the best time to move in North Carolina?
The best time to move depends on your priorities.
- Peak Season (May-September): This is the busiest and most expensive time. Book movers well in advance if you must move during these months.
- Off-Season (Fall, Winter, Early Spring): You’ll find lower rates and more scheduling flexibility.
- Mid-Week vs. Weekend: Moving on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday is typically cheaper than on a weekend.
Also, be mindful of regional weather. Plan for potential snow in the mountains during winter and hurricane season (June-November) along the coast.
Conclusion: Making Your North Carolina Move a Success
Moving in the Tar Heel State can be a smooth experience with the right knowledge and planning. By now, you’re equipped to make smart decisions for your upcoming relocation.
The most important takeaway is to always check licenses and insurance first. Verify a mover’s C-Number with the NCUC for in-state moves or their USDOT number with the FMCSA for interstate moves. This simple check provides crucial protection.
Next, compare quotes from multiple companies. Look beyond the price to see what services are included and read recent customer reviews. The cheapest quote isn’t always the best value.
Remember the variety of options available. A traditional full-service mover offers maximum convenience, while a labor-only service like ours at Undergrads provides a hybrid approach that can save you up to 30%. You rent the truck, and we provide the professional, trained muscle.
Planning ahead is key. Book your movers in advance, and if possible, schedule your move during the off-season or mid-week to save money.
Moving is the start of a new chapter. Whether you’re heading to the mountains, the coast, or a vibrant city, the right partner makes all the difference. At Undergrads, we’re proud to offer affordable moving labor that also supports student scholarships.
Ready to make your North Carolina move happen? Get help with your North Carolina move and find how our professional student movers can make your relocation affordable and stress-free.
