($1,501+) Bakersfield, CA to Wilmington, DE Movers
The cost to move from Bakersfield, CA to Wilmington, DE ranges from $1,355 to $11,359, with an average cost of $4,600. Moves can be as low as $1,501 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 2,718 miles and usually takes 7 to 21 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from Bakersfield, CA to Wilmington, DE
Moving options from Bakersfield to Wilmington fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,355 - $11,359 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,600, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 36% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 2,718 miles and typically takes 7 to 21 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,718-mile route from Bakersfield to Wilmington, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $1,355 - $5,615 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,780 - $3,498), rental truck ($1,487 - $2,938), or freight trailer ($1,619 - $3,083). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,900 - $7,795 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $11,359.
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 Bakersfield, CA to Wilmington, DE
Hiring full-service movers from Bakersfield, California, to Wilmington, Delaware, costs between $1,355 and $11,359. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 2,718-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $305 - $2,032, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Bakersfield and Wilmington. For a rough baseline, movers based in Bakersfield tend to start around $420 plus $116/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Bakersfield to Wilmington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,355 - $5,615
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,900 - $7,795
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,337 - $11,359
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 Bakersfield to Wilmington.
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 Bakersfield, CA to Wilmington, DE
Specialty needs vary by market: 71% of Bakersfield movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Wilmington, 53% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $508 - $5,080 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready71% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Express Moving & Storage | $203 - $1,219/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $305 - $2,438 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs43% of local movers | $1,016 - $3,048 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,540 - $10,160 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $761 - $1,446 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items14% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Express Moving & Storage | $1,016 - $2,540 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Express Moving & Storage | $813 - $3,556 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $305 - $1,524 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $660 - $2,032 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $305 - $15,240+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $305 - $3,556+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Bakersfield to Wilmington?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Bakersfield, CA. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Bakersfield, CA to Wilmington, DE
Moving containers from Bakersfield, California, to Wilmington, Delaware, cost between $1,780 and $6,979. 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 Bakersfield typically runs around $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Bakersfield to Wilmington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,780 - $3,498
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,479 - $4,817
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,384 - $6,979
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $711 in Bakersfield, CA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $76 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $152 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Wilmington, DE, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Delaware 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 $1,780. 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 $2,479 - $4,817.
What are the best moving containers Bakersfield to Wilmington?
- 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 Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield:
- Meathead Movers (4.8/5), 23 years in business
- Affordable Quality Moving and Storage (4.9/5), 29 years in business
- PODS Moving & Storage
Moving truck rental costs from Bakersfield, CA to Wilmington, DE
Truck rentals from Bakersfield, California, to Wilmington, Delaware, range from $1,487 - $4,041 for the 2,718-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $879 - $1,004
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Bakersfield daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| 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 Bakersfield to Wilmington based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,487 - $2,938
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,545 - $3,498
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,973 - $4,041
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,487 - $4,041 does not include fuel ($879 - $1,004), lodging ($152/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Bakersfield to Wilmington typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Bakersfield, California, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $711.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $879 - $1,004 for the 2,718-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 $61 and $330, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $152 per night for hotel stops on the 2,718-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $305 - $457.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Bakersfield to Wilmington?
- 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 Bakersfield, CA to Wilmington, DE
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Bakersfield, California, to Wilmington, Delaware. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $914 and $4,056.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Bakersfield to Wilmington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,619 - $3,083
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,847 - $4,056
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,760 - $5,804
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final 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 $76 - $152 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 Bakersfield, California, typically costs $711.
What are the best freight companies from Bakersfield to Wilmington?
- 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.
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: Bakersfield, CA vs Wilmington, DE
Day-to-day costs in Wilmington are close to what you're used to in Bakersfield: cost of living index of 104 versus 100, with average rent of $1,812/mo compared to $1,695/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 37/100 and 41.51/100 in Bakersfield versus 74/100 and 32.68/100 in Wilmington.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Wilmington, DE to Bakersfield, CA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from California to Delaware over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 1,154 movers in our California network to compare for this 2,718-mile move.
Our take
A move from Bakersfield, CA, to Wilmington, DE, 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 $1,355 - $11,359 on the 2,718-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,780 - $6,979, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,487 - $4,041. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,900 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 Nestle and DuPont.
FAQs: Moving from Bakersfield, CA, to Wilmington, DE
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Bakersfield, CA to Wilmington, DE?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What do local movers charge in Bakersfield?
Local movers based in Bakersfield typically start around $420 as a base rate, plus $116/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 Wilmington run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Bakersfield, CA to Wilmington, DE take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 7 to 21 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What are the best neighborhoods in Wilmington?
For families, Forty Acres, Happy Valley, and Trolley Square are worth a look in Wilmington. If you're moving solo or without kids, Trolley Square, Happy Valley, and Midtown Brandywine tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Bakersfield, CA to Wilmington, DE?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,545 - $3,498. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Bakersfield movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 43% of movers in Bakersfield handle piano moves, and 14% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.