The Best Moving Companies in Delaware (2023 Review)

Delaware is among the fastest-growing states in the U.S., even if it’s one of the smallest. If you’re looking to move to this centrally-located East Coast hub, you’ll likely have a few questions about planning, life in Delaware, and the moving process. We’ve done exhaustive research into all of the above and more to make your Delaware move as stress-free as possible. In this article, you’ll learn:

• Who the best Delaware movers are for both local and long-distance moving
• How to plan a hassle-free move
• What you should reasonably expect to pay for your upcoming move

The 7 Best Moving Companies in Delaware

Our top recommended moving companies for 2023:

• Best Full-Service Mover: International Van Lines
• Most Transparent Pricing: American Van Lines
• Most Moving Partners: Moving APT
• Most Vehicle Shipping Options: Allied Van Lines
• Most Customizable Moving Experience: JK Moving Services
• Best Overall Container Service: U-Pack
• Best Pricing Options: North American Van Lines

Compare the Best Delaware Moving Companies

This quick comparison of the best moving companies in Delaware should get you started in your quote process. We’ve included basic cost information, our rating, and Better Business Bureau status in this side-by-side look at our top providers. To learn more about each, you should read below.

Company	Website	Our Take	Our Rating	BBB Rating	Local Cost	Long-Distance Cost
International Van Lines	Site	Best Full-Service Mover	9.8	B	$600 – $1,200	$1,900 – $4,900
American Van Lines	Site	Most Transparent Pricing	9.7	N/A	$500 – $1,000	$2,300 – $5,300
Moving APT	Site	Most Moving Partners	9.6	B		$2,500 – $4,800
JK Moving Services	Site	Most Customizable Moving Experience	9.5	A+	Call for a quote	$2,500 – $5,500
Allied Van Lines	Site	Most Vehicle Shipping Options	9.4	A+	$750 – $1,350	$1,800 – $4,500
U-Pack	Site	Most Widely-Available Container Service	9.3	A+	N/A	$1,200 – $2,200
North American Van Lines	Site	Best Pricing Options	9.2	A+	$750 – $1,350	$1,800 – $4,500

International Van Lines: Best Full-Service Mover

International Van Lines (IVL) is one of the largest brokers and carriers in the United States today. Though it only recently began providing domestic relocation services, it is now one of the most prolific and trusted moving companies. It handles a workload of 20,000 moves per year, encompassing clients of varying needs and move sizes. With a nationwide network of partner carriers, this mover can handle almost any moving need you could have.

Why We Recommend IVL

International Van Lines has had a consistent record of providing superior customer service. Client reviews from past moves praise the communication and attention to detail apparent in any move that this company takes on. Even when working with an IVL partner, you’ll be treated to personalized attention from beginning to end.

Services Offered

International and its partners are able to provide the following services:

• Local, long-distance, and international moving
• Packing services
• Unpacking
• Storage services (short-term and long-term)
• Custom crating for fragile items
• Junk removal
• Auto transport
• Piano moving
• Air and ocean freight
• And more

How Much Does International Van Lines Cost

IVL’s price points are typically lower than those its competitors can provide. The following average costs have been derived from recent move data across its vast service area.

	<250 mi	500 mi	1,000 mi	2,000 mi
2 BR	$1,400 – $4,400	$1,900 – $4,900	$2,100 – $5,100	$2,400 – $5,400
4 BR	$3,200 – $6,200	$5,100 – $8,100	$5,700 – $8,700	$6,200 – $9,200

Get a quote from IVL here.

American Van Lines: Most Transparent Pricing

American Van Lines is a pure carrier that provides moving help to all lower 48 states. No matter where your move takes you in this area, one of American’s excellent crews can provide direct assistance. This carrier utilizes well-trained crews who are fully versed in all aspects of moving and customer service, which should lead to positive moving experiences.

Why We Recommend AVL

American’s flat-rate pricing practices means you’ll never be stuck with hidden fees and needless price hikes. That is unless your inventory increases or your service requirements change. Overall, customers report this as one of the most positive aspects of their dealings with this mover.

Services Offered

American Van Lines can directly provide the following across all contiguous states:

• Local, long-distance, and international moving
• Residential and commercial moving
• Full-service or partial packing
• Car shipping
• Storage
• Furniture assembly and disassembly
• Antique moving
• And more

How Much Does American Van Lines Cost

American’s rates are slightly elevated from industry averages. However, many customers report this as being a welcome tradeoff for the sake of transparency.

	<250 mi	500 mi	1,000 mi	2,000 mi
2 BR	$1,700 – $4,700	$2,300 – $5,300	$2,600 – $5,600	$4,200 – $7,200
4 BR	$4,800 – $7,800	$5,600 – $8,600	$7,400 – $10,400	$10,800 – $13,800

Get a quote from American Van Lines here.

Moving APT: Most Moving Partners

Moving APT is one of the country’s largest moving brokers, with an expansive partner network and one of the most diverse service profiles in the industry. This company has more than 20 years of experience facilitating moving services for clients across the country. With in-depth provider breakdowns and pricing charts, Moving APT has made moving more accessible for clients everywhere.

Why We Recommend Moving APT

Moving APT’s 500-partner network across the country has made for a diversity of service that is nearly unmatched in the industry. Specialty services such as antique crating and fragile-only packing are well within your reach when you book with this mover since it likely partners with an appropriate mover near you.

Services Offered

Moving APT’s partners can provide qualified help with the following:

• Local and interstate moving
• Residential and corporate relocation
• Commercial and residential moving
• Storage (one free month included with all moves)
• Piano moving
• Car shipping
• Packing services
• Packing supplies (included for some moves)
• Appliance connection services
• Some furniture disassembly and reassembly
• And more

How Much Does Moving APT Cost

Moving APT offers price matching for moves of all sizes. This means that if you’re able to produce a competing written estimate, this mover will match or beat your given price. As such, this mover’s price points consistently match industry averages. You’ll need to get your free quote from a partner in your area to be sure, but a $3,500 – $4,200 range for a two-bedroom, 1,000-mile move is expected.

Get a quote from Moving APT here.

JK Moving Services: Most Customizable Moving Experience

JK Moving Services has provided leading broker and carrier services to clients in the Greater Washington D.C. area for more than 40 years. Since its founding, JK has expanded its service area to include long-distance moving assistance to customers across 48 contiguous states. Its fully customizable service profile is ideal for most Delaware moving needs, and its AI-driven virtual consultations provide accurate pricing estimates for customers in any location.

Why We Recommend JK

JK allows customers to fully build their move packages from the ground up. This involves selecting services on an a la carte basis, as needed. As a result, you’ll only ever have to pay for precisely the services you need.

Services Offered

JK is able to provide Delaware clients with long-distance moving assistance, including the following:

• Long-distance and international moving
• Residential and commercial services
• Packing (full-service or fragile-only)
• Climate-controlled storage options
• Furniture wrapping
• GPS shipment tracking
• Financing assistance
• And more

How Much Does JK Moving Services Cost

JK’s AI-assisted virtual estimates and financing options for all move bills mean that clients are consistently treated to accurate cost analyses and can pay for moves on almost any budget. For reference, an average price of a two-bedroom, 500-mile move is around $4,300 with this provider.

Get a quote from JK Moving Services here.

Allied Van Lines: Most Vehicle Shipping Options

Allied Van Lines has been in business for 88 years and now enjoys one of the best reputations for quality within the moving industry. Given its reach across all 50 states, you’ve likely seen one of this provider’s distinctive orange and black moving vans on the road at some point. This professional moving juggernaut has moved more than 750,000 clients in the last 15 years and now enjoys a customer satisfaction rating of 96%, meaning any type of move is safe in their hands.

Why We Recommend Allied

Allied’s expansive service profile’s most distinctive feature is the wealth of vehicle transport options it provides. The large moving vans they provide allow this mover to directly handle everything from family cars to boats and other marine vehicles. This directly translates to clients not having to deal with third-party carriers for special shipping needs.

Services Offered

Allied Van Lines offers the following services across all 50 states:

• Local and long-distance moving
• International moving
• Packing (full-service or partial)
• Unpacking
• Furniture assembly and disassembly
• Vehicle shipping
• Boat and specialty vehicle shipping
• Storage
• Debris removal
• GPS shipment tracking
• Packing supplies
• And more

How Much Does Allied Cost

The table below shows some average price ranges for recent Allied moves. When getting a quote for service from this provider, you should use these to set your budgetary expectations.

	<250 mi	500 mi	1,000 mi	2,000 mi
2 BR	$1,800 – $4,500	$2,400 – $5,400	$2,700 – $5,700	$4,400 – $7,400
4 BR	$3,300 – $6,000	$5,700 – $8,700	$7,500 – $10,500	$10,900 – $13,900

Get a quote from Allied Van Lines here.

U-Pack: Best Overall Container Mover

U-Pack is our pick for the best overall container provider. With 240 locations and storage facilities across all 50 states, this provider’s reach is nearly unmatched in the self-service and DIY moving space. Unlike many of its competitors, U-Pack can provide equally cost-effective solutions for small and large homes. This puts cheap moving well within reach of most homeowners and renters.

Why We Recommend U-Pack

U-Pack’s “pay-for-what-you-use” pricing structure is somewhat unique in the container space. When you rent a moving trailer, you’ll be able to exercise far greater control over your final price point than can typically be expected. Rather than paying a flat rate for the entire trailer, you’ll only pay for the space you need, which means that downsizing is a valuable budgeting strategy.

Services Offered

U-Pack and its shipping partner ABF offer the following service options:

• Your choice of an 8-foot ReloCube or 27-foot trailer
• Short-term and long-term storage solutions at U-Pack shipping hubs
• Optional moving labor help hirable through the U-Pack site

How Much Does U-Pack Cost

U-Pack’s rates are consistently lower than those that their competitors can provide. Here are some average ranges for differently-sized moves.

	<250 mi	500 mi	1,000 mi	2,000 mi
2 BR	$600 – $1,600	$1,200 – $2,200	$1,600 – $2,600	$2,100 – $3,100
4 BR	$800 – $1,800	$1,800 – $2,800	$2,800 – $3,800	$4,100 – $5,100

Get a quote from U-Pack here.

North American Van Lines: Best Pricing Options

North American Van Lines has operated continuously since the 1930s and now employs a network of 500 local agents and move crews throughout the U.S. This mover employs a Quality Program to ensure that all drivers and crews live up to its high standards of service. Whether you’re in the market for local or cross-country moving help, North American likely has a quality crew in your area that’s up to the task.

Why We Recommend NAVL

North American offers a few different pricing options, which make it an ideal choice for clients on tighter or more defined budgets. With both “not to exceed” and “bottom line” cost structures offered, you can be sure of your ability to pay every time.

Services Offered

North American offers the following:

• Local and long-distance moving
• International moving
• Packing and unpacking (full-service or partial)
• Furniture assembly and disassembly
• Debris removal
• 24/7 shipment tracking
• Appliance installation
• Storage
• Excellent insurance options
• And more

How Much Does NAVL Cost

NAVL’s costs are a little higher than industry averages. The price range of $2,400 – $5,400 for a two-bedroom move traveling 500 miles is pretty typical for this mover. This cost and more are outlined here:

	<250 mi	500 mi	1,000 mi	2,000 mi
2 BR	$1,800 – $4,500	$2,400 – $5,400	$2,700 – $5,700	$4,400 – $7,400
4 BR	$3,300 – $6,000	$5,700 – $8,700	$7,500 – $10,500	$10,900 – $13,900

Get a quote from North American Van Lines here.

How to Choose a Moving Company

Vetting professional movers for your Delaware relocation can seem difficult. In reality, there are a few set factors that you should look for in any company when you get free moving quotes. When doing this, be sure to request proof of registration and insurance before signing any contracts.

Fully Registered

Movers everywhere have to carry multiple forms of registration. In Delaware, these are as follows.

• FMCSA Registration: Interstate and long-distance movers everywhere are federally regulated, which translates to FMCSA registration. This governing body requires active USDOT and MC numbers, which can be used to research your Delaware mover’s registration status through this link.
• Vehicle Registration: Delaware’s only absolute requirement of local movers is that they carry standard business licenses and permits and full registration for all vehicles they operate.

Fully Insured

Insurance requirements are fairly uniform across the moving industry. Aside from vehicle coverage, this includes the following:

• Workers’ Compensation: This policy is a must for all moving companies and protects your interests in the rare event of a work-related injury during a move. Without this, you could be held liable for damages.
• Released Liability: This industry-standard policy reimburses for lost or damaged goods. In most cases, such claims will have to be filed quickly after your move — ask your mover about their specific policies in this area. At a rate of $0.60 per pound per item, it won’t cover the value of most goods. You can supplement this with valuation coverage from most moving companies if need be.

Well-Reviewed

All moving companies heavily depend on positive feedback in order to function and land new clients. As such, many reputable movers will have reviews available from multiple sources, including Google, Yelp, social media, and Better Business Bureau.

Service Profile Compatibility

Getting free quotes is incredibly important when vetting any company. Be sure to have lists of all services you may need and a full inventory breakdown of your home when you do. Presenting these to your customer service representative will be easy to determine your mover’s ability to move you.

Full-Service Moving

Full-service moves are what come to mind for most people when hiring movers is brought up. This will always be the most expensive option for any relocation. By that same token, these moves will provide the most convenience by a wide margin. Regardless of your service requirements, you’ll likely be able to find a mover to handle your exact needs. This can include full-service packing, crating, debris removal, and far more.

Self-Service

Self-service moves entail renting a moving truck or container while providing for all associated labor on your own. Larger relocations can often involve multiple days of labor around your move date but will cost far less than full-service moves.

Moving To Delaware

Delaware has been an increasingly popular moving destination over the last couple of decades for a number of reasons. Aside from being one of the most tax-friendly states in the country, its central location near New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Washington DC makes it enticing for anyone looking for a new home. We’ve outlined the costs of moving here and a few things to expect when living in Delaware.

Delaware Moving Costs

The table below outlines the relative costs of full-service relocations of varying lengths. These averages include moves with varying degrees of add-on service requirements and take many factors into consideration, including season, move distance, home size, and more.

	1 BR	2 BR	3 BR	4 BR
Local	$1,200	$1,500	$2,000	$2,750
250 mi	$2,750	$3,800	$5,100	$6,000
500 mi	$3,100	$4,100	$6,000	$6,700
1000 mi	$3,500	$4,500	$6,400	$8,400
2000 mi	$4,300	$4,900	$6,800	$9,000
2500 mi	$4,800	$5,100	$7,100	$10,000
3000 mi	$5,100	$6,000	$8,750	$11,250

Best Cities in Delaware

The locales listed are among the best places to live in the First State, which are worth your consideration prior to settling down here.

• Hockessin: With high safety ratings and 14 different schools to choose from, Hockessin is a favorite among prospective residents who are more family-minded. This Philadelphia suburb is home to a little over 13,000 residents and provides quiet surroundings along with easy access to the city. Median home values are currently $441,200, with the vast majority of residents electing to own rather than rent.
• Newark: Newark is another Philadelphia suburb that enjoys far more popularity among childless young professionals than most other demographics. The school system isn’t a strong point here, but nightlife and urban access decidedly are. Despite a relatively dense suburban layout, there are plenty of parks and open spaces to enjoy. Housing is more affordable here, with home median values of $277,800 and average rents around $1,300.
• Middletown: Middletown is an up-and-coming suburb that’s hard not to like. Low median home values and some of the best schools in the state mean that a broad cross-section of demographics is drawn here. That, coupled with high safety ratings and plenty of dining and shopping options, makes this an excellent choice.

Living in Delaware

Overall living costs in Delaware are manageable by almost any standard. We’ve broken down a few basic facts of life that you should familiarize yourself with within the Diamond State.

• Cost of living: The general cost of living is almost average compared with U.S. norms. At only 2.7% above the national average, this overall cost is matched by housing, utilities, groceries, and transportation costs, which are all plus or minus 5%, relative to the metric mentioned above.
• Cost of housing: Housing sits at less than a percentage point above national averages for the total cost. Median homeownership costs are currently $304,500, while rent for a two-bedroom apartment will cost an average of $1,167 per month.
• Employment: The state’s unemployment rate has now leveled off at 4.5%, with jobs in agriculture, chemical manufacturing, healthcare, and commercial fishing being reasonably plentiful. Some of the top employers in Delaware include Bank of America, Citicorp Banking, DuPont, and JP Morgan Chase.
• Weather: Being a northern state, Delaware experiences the harshest conditions that all four seasons have to offer. Be sure to fully stock your wardrobe for all seasons before moving here. Summers are typically hot and muggy, with July highs exceeding 83 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter is cold and wet, with January highs sitting around 39 degrees.

Final Thoughts

The easiest way to plan a stress-free move of any size is to start the process early. Eight weeks prior to moving day, you should begin planning. This should consist of looking up movers in your area while scheduling estimates. At the same time, go through your home and write up a thorough inventory and service list to use during any estimates you receive.

You should actively field estimates beginning around the six-week mark. Once you’ve got several pricing estimates in hand, aim to book your move at least a month ahead of schedule.

Today's Homeowner Rating Methodology

At Today's Homeowner, our primary goals are to be a reliable source of information and to be totally transparent to our readers. With that in mind, we’ve developed the following formula to render objective ratings – on a scale of 10 points – for the moving companies we review.

• Transparency (3.0): Communication and being fully straightforward regarding company policies and licensing are incredibly important. A given mover’s willingness to display these, to supply quick quotes, and to provide clearly-worded moving contracts all factor into the three points within this single rating criteria.
• Cost (2.5): A mover’s cost relative to industry averages, as well as accessibility to cost data play a role in the customer experience as much as anything else. We know that being sure of what you’re paying – and being confident that you’re not overpaying – will ultimately make for a positive move. We’ve weighted cost factors accordingly in our ratings.
• Customer Service (2.0): Establishing an easy line of contact with your movers during the booking process or during the move itself is a huge asset for any moving client. The stress of moving, in general, can be greatly eased by knowing you can talk to a licensed professional whenever you need to, which is why we’ve listed this as a key rating category. This is where customer reviews come into play; since the majority of complaints stem from poor customer service, feedback from BBB, Yelp, Google, and other review platforms factor into this criteria.
• Services Offered (1.5): This rates lower on our priority list than many would think, simply due to the fact that many movers provide a similar line of services. However, breadth of service offerings does still vary to a degree.
• Customization Options (1.0): Having the autonomy to fully customize your move should rate highly on any moving checklist. Here, we’ve taken moving package customization ability, as well as pricing for more involved add-ons. Steep pricing for such services can provide something of a soft barrier for clients looking to add to their move, and we’ve taken this into consideration.