($1,340+) Winston-Salem, NC to Fontana, CA Movers
Moving from Winston-Salem, NC, to Fontana, CA, runs anywhere from $1,340 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,034 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,393 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 18 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 $2,449, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $11,034 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,736 - $6,329, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,340 - $3,634.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Winston-Salem, NC, to Fontana, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,272 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 Winston-Salem, NC to Fontana, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Winston-Salem to Fontana: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $3,272 - $6,781. Containers cost roughly 32% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 57% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 2,393 miles, expect 7 to 18 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,393-mile route from Winston-Salem to Fontana, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,449 - $5,160 | $1,736 - $3,288 | $1,340 - $2,644 | $1,532 - $2,990 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,272 - $6,781 | $2,226 - $4,477 | $1,409 - $3,025 | $1,763 - $3,918 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,655 - $11,034 | $3,123 - $6,329 | $1,870 - $3,634 | $2,424 - $4,811 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Winston-Salem, NC to Fontana, CA
For the 2,393-mile move from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to Fontana, California, full-service movers cost between $2,449 and $11,034. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $294 - $1,960 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Winston-Salem generally start around $272 plus $85 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Winston-Salem to Fontana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,449 - $5,160
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,272 - $6,781
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,655 - $11,034
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 Winston-Salem to Fontana.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Winston-Salem, NC to Fontana, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Winston-Salem movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Fontana, 52% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing68% of local movers | $490 - $4,900 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: American Moving & Hauling, Inc. | $196 - $1,176/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $294 - $2,352 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage14% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $980 - $2,940 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,450 - $9,800 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $734 - $1,395 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items21% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: American Moving & Hauling, Inc. | $980 - $2,450 |
| Piano | Any piano type40% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: American Moving & Hauling, Inc. | $784 - $3,430 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling12% of local movers | $294 - $1,470 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect19% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $637 - $1,960 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $294 - $14,700+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $294 - $3,430+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Winston-Salem to Fontana?
Movers licensed to operate in California are typically members of the California Moving & Storage Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Winston-Salem, NC. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Winston-Salem, NC to Fontana, CA
Moving containers from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to Fontana, California, cost between $1,736 and $6,329. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Winston-Salem typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Winston-Salem to Fontana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,736 - $3,288
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,226 - $4,477
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,123 - $6,329
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $74 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $147 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $686 in Winston-Salem, NC, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Fontana, CA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a North Carolina to California 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 $1,736. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $2,226 - $4,477.
What are the best moving containers Winston-Salem to Fontana?
- 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 Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem:
- American Moving & Hauling, Inc. (4.8/5), 20 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 31 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 14 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Winston-Salem, NC to Fontana, CA
Renting a moving truck for the 2,393-mile move from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to Fontana, California, costs between $1,340 and $3,634, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $746 - $853
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem to Fontana based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,340 - $2,644
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,409 - $3,025
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,870 - $3,634
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,340 - $3,634 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Winston-Salem to Fontana. Fuel ($746 - $853), lodging at around $147/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $686.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $746 - $853 for the 2,393-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $59 and $319, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $147 per night for hotel stops on the 2,393-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $294 - $441.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Winston-Salem to Fontana?
- 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 Winston-Salem, NC to Fontana, CA
For larger DIY moves from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Fontana, California.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,763 and $3,918.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Winston-Salem to Fontana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,532 - $2,990
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,763 - $3,918
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,424 - $4,811
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 trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $74 - $147 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, typically costs $686.
What are the best freight companies from Winston-Salem to Fontana?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Fontana, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Fontana, side by side with Winston-Salem on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Winston-Salem, NC | Fontana, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 84 | 119 |
| Average rent | $1,300/mo | $3,000/mo |
| Median home value | $208,184 | $554,802 |
| Average income | $57,673/yr | $98,187/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 7.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.5% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 22/100 | 37/100 |
| Safety index | 67.33/100 | 68.35/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Fontana, CA to Winston-Salem, NC guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from North Carolina to California in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 313 movers based in North Carolina, handy for sizing up options on this 2,393-mile route.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 2,393-mile route from Winston-Salem, NC, to Fontana, CA, run $2,449 - $11,034 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,736 - $6,329, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,340 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,272, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include California Steel Industries and Fontana Unified.
FAQs: Moving from Winston-Salem, NC, to Fontana, CA
How walkable is Fontana?
Fontana has a walkability score of 37 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 41, compared to 22 and 29 in Winston-Salem. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($746 - $853), daily insurance ($29/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $147/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in California?
When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice.
What is the best time of year to move from Winston-Salem, NC to Fontana, CA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
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 4 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 Winston-Salem movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 40% of movers in Winston-Salem handle piano moves, and 21% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.