($634+) Durham, NC to New Orleans, LA Movers
Moving from Durham, NC, to New Orleans, LA, runs anywhere from $634 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,497 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 852 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,905, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,497 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,117 - $3,939, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $634 - $1,711.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Durham, NC, to New Orleans, LA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,370 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Durham, NC to New Orleans, LA
There are 3 main ways to move from Durham to New Orleans: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,370 - $5,800. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 2 to 7 days for this 852-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 852-mile route from Durham to New Orleans, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,905 - $4,649 with full-service movers, $1,117 - $2,107 with a container, $634 - $1,116 with a rental truck, or $1,088 - $1,896 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,370 - $5,800 full-service, $1,539 - $2,806 by container, $665 - $1,313 by rental truck, or $1,173 - $2,456 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $3,995 - $7,497 full-service, $2,010 - $3,939 by container, $867 - $1,711 by rental truck, or $1,560 - $3,152 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Durham, NC to New Orleans, LA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 852-mile move from Durham, North Carolina, to New Orleans, Louisiana, with prices running from $1,905 - $7,497. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $301 - $2,004 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Durham and New Orleans are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Durham movers tend to run around $240 as a base rate plus $122/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Durham to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,905 - $4,649
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,370 - $5,800
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,995 - $7,497
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Durham to New Orleans.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from North Carolina to Louisiana. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Durham, NC to New Orleans, LA
Specialty needs vary by market — 86% of Durham movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In New Orleans, 75% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $501 - $5,010 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready86% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $200 - $1,202/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $301 - $2,405 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage18% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs57% of local movers | $1,002 - $3,006 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,505 - $10,020 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $750 - $1,426 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items25% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Truckin' Movers Corporation | $1,002 - $2,505 |
| Piano | Any piano type64% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $802 - $3,507 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling29% of local movers | $301 - $1,503 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect21% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Athens Moving Experts | $651 - $2,004 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $301 - $15,030+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $301 - $3,507+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Durham to New Orleans?
Look for Louisiana Motor Transport Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Louisiana beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Durham, NC. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Durham, NC to New Orleans, LA
Moving containers from Durham, North Carolina, to New Orleans, Louisiana, cost between $1,117 and $3,939. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Durham typically runs around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Durham to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,117 - $2,107
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,539 - $2,806
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,010 - $3,939
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Durham, NC, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $701, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $75 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $150 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Durham, NC, and New Orleans, LA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a North Carolina to Louisiana move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,117. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,539 - $2,806, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Durham to New Orleans?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Durham to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Durham:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 28 years in business
- Truckin' Movers Corporation (4.9/5), 49 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.1/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Durham, NC to New Orleans, LA
Truck rentals from Durham, North Carolina, to New Orleans, Louisiana, range from $634 - $1,711 for the 852-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $272 - $310
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Durham daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.89
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Durham to New Orleans based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $634 - $1,116
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $665 - $1,313
- 4+ bedrooms: $867 - $1,711
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $634 - $1,711 when pricing out a rental truck from Durham to New Orleans. Fuel alone runs ($272 - $310) , and overnight lodging ($150/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $150 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $65 and $326 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $272 - $310 in fuel for the 852-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $701 in Durham, North Carolina, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Durham to New Orleans?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Durham, NC to New Orleans, LA
If you're moving a larger household from Durham, North Carolina, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to New Orleans, Louisiana.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,173 and $2,456.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Durham to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,088 - $1,896
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,173 - $2,456
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,560 - $3,152
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $75 and $150.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Durham, North Carolina, for roughly five hours typically average $701.
What are the best freight companies from Durham to New Orleans?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- Darrell Andrews Trucking, Inc. (4.5/5 stars): Darrell Andrews Trucking, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to New Orleans quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Durham, NC vs New Orleans, LA
Durham and New Orleans land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 99 in Durham and 102 in New Orleans, and rent tracks closely too ($1,699/mo vs. $1,755/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (30 vs 58) and safety scores (45.28 vs 32.69) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our New Orleans, LA to Durham, NC guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from North Carolina to Louisiana, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 117 movers in North Carolina, so you have real options to compare for this 852-mile move.
Our take
A move from Durham, NC, to New Orleans, LA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,905 - $7,497 on the 852-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,117 - $3,939, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $634 - $1,711. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,370 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Entergy and Ochsner Health System.
FAQs: Moving from Durham, NC, to New Orleans, LA
How walkable is New Orleans?
New Orleans has a walkability score of 58 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 66, compared to 30 and 38 in Durham. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What are the best neighborhoods in New Orleans?
For families, Algiers Point, Bayou St. John, and East Carrollton are worth a look in New Orleans. If you're moving solo or without kids, Central Business District, Freret, and Gentilly Terrace tend to be popular picks instead.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Louisiana?
If you’re using a legitimate moving company to relocate from one home or apartment within the state to another, look for a company regulated by the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC). During the pre-move screening process, families on the move should verify that prospective movers are registered and in good standing with the LPSC. In cases of substandard service, inflated costs, and unlicensed movers operating illegally, consumers may file a complaint, after which the commission will initiate an investigation.
What do local movers charge in Durham?
Local movers based in Durham typically start around $240 as a base rate, plus $122/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in New Orleans run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Durham movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 64% of movers in Durham handle piano moves, and 25% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
