Whether you’ve planned a move before or not, you’re probably aware that it’s one of the most stressful life events you’ll have to endure. Being fully informed ahead of time can lessen the individual burden you carry into this and make for a far smoother transition to your new home overall. Here, we’ve done all of the necessary research to make your moving process more accessible and prepare you for life in the state of North Carolina.
The 7 Best Moving Companies in North Carolina
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 Moving Companies in North Carolina
We’ve put together a quick comparison of all of our top providers here. This breakdown includes basic pricing information, our rating, and BBB rating for the best moving companies. Each mover listed comes with years of experience and is primed to reduce the general stress and hassle a move typically entails. Read our provider summaries below to learn more about each.
| 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 has served domestic moving needs since 2004 and now handles more than 20,000 relocations of all sizes throughout the world. As a broker and carrier, its partner network is one of the most extensive in the moving industry. Regardless of your exact location, you’ll likely be in range of one of IVL’s partners for a move.
Why We Recommend IVL
During any International Van Lines move, the communication and customer service you’ll receive is truly unmatched. Clients routinely rate this provider’s customer service and attention to detail highly in their reviews. If you book a move with IVL, you’ll get the same level of care.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Available across the U.S. and in 180 other countries
- Their customer service features heavily in positive reviews
- One month of free storage included in moves
Cons
- Limited locations in the U.S.
- Brokers out many of its American moves
Services Offered
International can provide the following basic and add-on services:
- Local, long-distance, and international moving
- Packing services
- Unpacking
- Storage services (short-term and long-term)
- Custom crating for fragile items
- Debris removal
- Auto transport
- Piano moving
- Air and ocean freight
- And more
How Much Does International Van Lines Cost
The price points you’ll be treated to with International routinely beat the market rates. Here are some sample ranges for moves by IVL for you to reference.
| <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 one of the larger pure carriers in the U.S. today. With hubs in Florida, North Carolina, Texas, and numerous other smaller locations in other states, American is primed to service moving needs throughout the lower 48. It provides all customers with flat-rate pricing, properly trained moving crews, and a wide array of service options.
Why We Recommend AVL
American’s flat rate pricing is a definite positive of its customer service profile. Many, if not all, moving nightmares directly result from pricing or billing misunderstandings. By providing consistent bottom line pricing to clients, American can eliminate some risk of that.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Flat rate pricing
- Price matching available
- Frequent moving shuttles between significant cities
Cons
- Large deposits (up to 50%) often required at booking
- Reviews mention spotty customer service at times
Services Offered
American’s services include the following, although exact offerings can vary by location.
- 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
Here are some sample flat rates from recent American Van Lines moves.
| <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 was founded in 1999 to make moving and moving services more accessible to customers everywhere. More than 20 years later, this broker has built a network of partner carriers across all 50 states. It’s status as a broker grants it nearly unprecedented versatility and diversity of service. Regardless of your exact moving needs, Moving APT likely has a partner who is up to the task.
Why We Recommend Moving APT
Moving APT has a network of more than 500 local agents spread across all 50 states. In addition to this, it provides detailed pricing information on its website, which are pretty in line with industry rates, and shows what you can expect to pay. As a final positive, this broker offers price matching for all moves. If you can get a competing lower quote, Moving APT will match the offer.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Their website includes complete profiles of many of their most-used partners
- Price matching and discounts offered
- The number of affiliates equals excellent diversity of service
Cons
- Service quality varies depending on the local partner used for your move
- Some negative reviews and FMCSA complaints report price changing by local agents
Services Offered
- 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’s rates are around industry standards. Given its extensive reach, you’ll want to get your quote for service from one of its local agents before booking to get an optimized pricing figure. A 250-mile, two-bedroom move will cost between $1,400 and $3,950 with this mover.
Get a quote from Moving APT here.
JK Moving Services: Most Customizable Moving Experience
JK Moving Services comes equipped with more than 40 years of experience in the industry. In that time, this excellent broker and carrier has assisted clients on more than half a million relocations of all kinds. With direct operational ability in Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland, and broker services offered to the rest of the lower 48 states, JK provides a broad reach and reliable partner network.
Why We Recommend JK
JK Moving Services provides basic and additional services on an a la carte basis. This means that you’ll effectively be able to customize your own moving experience. As North Carolina movers, they’re limited to long-distance relocations but are still among the leading options for any moving need.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 24/7 customer support
- Financing options through Enhancify
- Excellent value protection and coverage options
Cons
- Reviews vary across different regions
- Their limited range for local moves
Services Offered
JK’s moving network can provide the following services. If you’re relocating across state lines or
the country, your upcoming move will be well attended to by this nationwide mover.
- Local moving in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC.
- Long-distance and international moving
- Residential and commercial services
- Packing (full service or fragile only)
- Climate controlled storage facilities
- Furniture wrapping
- GPS shipment tracking
- Financing assistance
- And more
How Much Does JK Moving Services Cost
Due to its vast service area and extensive partner network, exact pricing figures can be a bit difficult to come by for JK. Its website doesn’t list costs or provide a quick quote tool. With its AI-assisted virtual estimate tool, this mover can provide accurate free quotes to clients in any geographical area.
Get a quote from JK Moving Services here.
Allied Van Lines: Most Vehicle Shipping Options
Allied Van Lines has been a moving powerhouse for 88 years. It has built up a solid reputation and nationwide (and worldwide) moving network that spans all 50 states and 130 other countries. It employs a network of more than 3,500 moving vans, with even more qualified drivers. Even with a work rate of 100,000 clients per year, it has maintained a sterling 96% customer satisfaction rate.
Why We Recommend Allied
Allied’s network of moving vans includes many vehicles equipped to handle an array of vehicle shipping needs. Whether you’re planning to ship a standard family vehicle, boat, or other unique pieces, this mover can directly handle your needs. This eliminates the need to broker such services to a third party, which most movers do.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Transparent pricing
- Doesn’t outsource vehicle shipping
- GPS tracking offered for all moves
Cons
- Reviews report negative experiences during the claims process
- Elevated costs for longer moves
Services Offered
Allied can provide a diverse range of services, including those listed below. These offerings can vary between locations, highlighting the importance of getting a quote before booking.
- Local and long-distance moving
- International moving
- Packing (full service or partial)
- Unpacking
- Furniture assembly and disassembly
- Car shipping
- Boat and specialty vehicle shipping
- Storage
- Debris removal
- GPS shipment tracking
- Packing supplies
- And more
How Much Does Allied Cost
Here, we’ve assembled some average rates for service from Allied. Use these to help establish budgetary expectations ahead of getting your quote.
| <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 container mover in the U.S. With seven locations directly in North Carolina and several others within a reasonable distance in South Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee, this provider is well within reach, regardless of where you’re moving to or from within the Tarheel State. Though you’ll only be able to find long-distance moving help with U-Pack, this container service can provide cost-effective relocations for even the largest homes — something that isn’t a viable option with many such companies.
Why We Recommend U-Pack
U-Pack’s pricing structure is one of its primary defining features. When you order a trailer from this provider, you’ll be able to exercise some degree of control over the total cost of your move. Rather than paying a flat rate upfront for the trailer, you’ll only be billed for the total space you use. This charge-by-volume structure isn’t typical and allows for even more cost-effective DIY moving.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 240 locations throughout the U.S. and Canada
- Only pay for what you use
- Three-day windows for loading and unloading
Cons
- Finding parking accommodations for units and trailers can be difficult
- No local moving services (under 150 miles)
Services Offered
U-Pack’s long-distance moving service profile comes with the following options:
- Your choice of an 8-foot ReloCube or 27-foot trailer
- Short term and long term storage solutions at U-Pack shipping hubs
- Moving help can be hired if needed through the U-Pack site
How Much Does U-Pack Cost
As a cost-effective moving solution, you’ll be afforded far cheaper rates than normal when you book a move with U-Pack. Here are some recent average rates from this provider:
| <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 is a nationwide mover with a network of 500 local agents spread across all 50 states. This partner network gives NAVL nearly unmatched reach. Whether you’re planning a move within North Carolina or are trying to relocate to the West Coast or beyond, the nine decades of experience this mover brings to each move will be of excellent assistance to you.
Why We Recommend NAVL
North American provides some of the most flexible pricing options in the industry. This makes them one of the best options for any client planning a full-service move while trying to stay within a set budget. Aside from standard pricing packages, North American can provide both bottom line and “not to exceed” pricing quotes.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- GPS tracking available for all moves and shipments
- Dedicated customer service via a personal move coordinator for all relocations
- Variable pricing structure helps clients within their budget
Cons
- Many reviews report complicated claims processes for damage
- Specialty services can be based on local agent ability
Services Offered
North American can provide clients with the following service offerings:
- 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 range slightly higher than industry averages but are still very reasonable. Here are some price ranges derived from recent move data with this massive mover.
| <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
Going into the moving quote process can be unnerving if you haven’t done so before. Whether you’re trying to book local or long-distance movers, knowing what to look for can be challenging. Here, we’ve broken down a few critical criteria to evaluate for any North Carolina move.
Fully Registered
No matter where a mover is based, it will have specific local — and possibly federal — regulations to adhere to. You should request proof of all required registrations.
- FMCSA: If your mover of choice conducts interstate or long-distance relocations, they will have to carry federal licensing with the FMCSA. This also requires such movers to carry active USDOT and MC numbers. You can use these to check the validity of a company’s registration and complaint history through this link.
- NCUC: All local moving companies and any mover based primarily in North Carolina fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission. This governing body issues “C” numbers to be displayed on all moving vehicles and contracts. They also regulate safety standards, insurance requirements, and maximum rate tariff compliance.
Fully Insured
All moving companies must comply with specific insurance standards. Aside from vehicle coverage, this includes the following:
- Workers’ Compensation: This is a universal requirement for all moving companies. It protects your interest in the unlikely event of a workplace injury during a move. Without such coverage, you could be held liable for damages incurred.
- Released Liability: This industry standard coverage is included in the cost of any move. It provides a baseline level of reimbursement — $0.60 per pound, per item — in case of loss or damage to your possessions. You can elect to purchase valuation coverage from most movers if your relocation involves higher-value goods.
Adequate Service Profile
When you get a quote from any moving company, you’ll have to ensure that their service offerings line up with your exact needs. This is best done by compiling a list of all additional services you may need while taking inventory of your home. Most movers will offer a similar line of services, but if your needs include any special requests, this is an all-important step.
Well Reviewed
Customer reviews are an integral part of any mover’s marketing strategy. They’re a solid indicator of efficacy and customer treatment, which you should consult, even after you’ve gotten your own quote from a mover. Some valid sources for this include Google, Yelp, social media, and Better Business Bureau.
Full-Service Moving
A full-service move will come with the highest associated price points but afford consumers the greatest convenience. Such moves will encompass packing, crating, vehicle shipping, and any other such service you can name. Hiring full-service moving companies will require
Self-Service
Self-service movers are generally the cheapest option but will require the most legwork on the part of the consumer. If autonomy is your primary goal, this moving option is the best choice for you. This will involve renting a moving truck or mobile storage unit and providing all necessary labor on your own. This could entail doing all of the heavy lifting on your own, hiring moving labor independently, or a mixture of both.
Moving To North Carolina
North Carolina has become one of the most popular moving destinations. Florida, Georgia, and even New York are among the top contributors to the state’s growing population. Among the reasons for moving here are relatively mild seasons — aside from summer — burgeoning job opportunities, top universities, and a wealth of outdoor activities. Read on to learn more about moving to and settling down in North Carolina.
North Carolina Moving Costs
The table below outlines costs for full-service relocations. You should note that these are simple averages. Though they’ve been derived from real move data from many of our top carriers and brokers, you should know that your exact inventory and service needs could greatly alter your pricing. Use these figures to establish your budgetary parameters, but bear this in mind while getting quotes.
| 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 North Carolina
The following are among the best places in North Carolina to settle down and make your new home:
- Morrisville: Morrisville is a part of the Triangle metropolitan region. This town of 28,000 has grown by around 55% since the last census, continuing a trend that started in the mid-2000s. It ranks among the best places to live in the country, not just North Carolina, and it’s easy to see why. A high safety rating, excellent schools, and median incomes of over $90,000 have made this an increasingly in-demand place to call home. Median home values approach $500,000, but average rents are somewhat reasonable for such an area, at $1,628.
- Chapel Hill: Also on our list is one of the best college towns in the country and one of the best places to live overall. Chapel Hill is an excellent choice if education is a priority for you. With the University of North Carolina at its heart, this town offers plenty of restaurants and bars (check out Franklin Street) and entertainment and cultural attractions. The Ackland Art Museum and North Carolina Botanical Garden exist alongside plenty of live music venues, providing options for nights out on the town.
- Cary: This Raleigh suburb is another locale found on many national lists for livability and desirability. Despite a growing population of more than 166,000, it maintains a smaller town feel while providing many of the amenities of a larger city. Great schools, short commute times, high median incomes, and far more are reasons for its status as an in-demand locale for incoming residents. With a median home value of over $580,000, you’ll pay handsomely to own here.
- Raleigh: If you’re in search of a faster pace of living, along with lower living costs, then the state capital should be at the top of your list. Raleigh is one of the more attractive options for young professionals due to the thriving nightlife and multitude of job opportunities here. With both entertainment and plenty of parks and green spaces in equally close reach, you’ll never want for recreational outlets. The median home value is now $389,000 — a low figure, given this city’s current market and size. The average rent is currently $1,522 per month.
Living in North Carolina
Here, we’ve put together a few basic facts about life in North Carolina. Your experience will be largely dictated by the exact area you decide to settle down, but these statistics should give you a basic feel for life in this Southern state.
- Cost of living: Generally speaking, life in North Carolina is extremely affordable. With an overall cost of living figure 10% below the national average, your dollar will stretch much further here. It’s little secret why New York State residents have recently found this an attractive destination. This difference is mainly a product of the far lower housing costs (nearly 20% below the national average). If you elect to live in a higher density, more in-demand location like The Triangle, you’ll see higher costs but will likely still have access to affordable options.
- Cost of housing: At 81% of the national average, housing is among North Carolina’s most affordable necessities. The median home value in the state currently sits at $242,300. The statewide average rent for a two-bedroom place is currently $981. You’ll pay closer to $1,550 per month for comparable rentals in Charlotte or Raleigh.
- Weather: One of the main reasons North Carolina has seen its fair share of Northeastern transplants is the lack of a harsh winter. Although there are exceptions, January highs sit at 48 degrees Fahrenheit, the lows typically don’t go below freezing. The colder months do see their share of rain, however. Summer is hot and humid, with highs approaching 90 degrees.
- Employment: Across the board, North Carolina features one of the more favorable job markets in the U.S. With an unemployment rate at 3.5% that is continuing to fall, this state has one of the more positive outlooks for workers. Agriculture and forestry are the current leading sources of employment, with information technology (led by Raleigh), business and financial services, and manufacturing across many sectors providing numerous openings.
Final Thoughts
Any successful move begins and ends with advance planning. The further ahead of time you begin this process, the better. Planning should start around eight weeks ahead of your ideal move date. Research movers near you and in the surrounding area while compiling a thorough inventory of your home.
Aim to have several quotes lined up around six weeks ahead of your move. Once you have several unique offers, you can evaluate your options. Under ideal circumstances, you should book your move by the one-month marker. Once you’ve done so, obtain copies of your move contract, estimate, and receipt for any deposit you’ve paid.
FAQs about Moving Companies in North Carolina
Should I avoid a summer move to North Carolina?
Given the hot and humid weather North Carolina generally experiences during the height of the summer months, your movers could very well be hampered or slowed down by having to work in such conditions. If you have to plan a summer move, keeping water and refreshments handy for your moving crew is a great way to ensure a successful move.
What happens if my stuff gets damaged?
Unless you’ve purchased valuation coverage, you’ll be reimbursed at a rate of $0.60 per pound per item damaged or lost. Most successful claims for these occurrences will have to be filed shortly after the completion of your move, as many movers have set claims windows written into their contracts.
How long should my interstate move take?
If your interstate moving company is only handling your shipment, then you can expect it to be able to cover a maximum of 400 miles per day with your goods. If your move is packed onto a truck with other shipments, it will likely take longer.
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.
