Top-rated movers to make your Houston to Wilmington move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Houston that offers long-distance services to Wilmington can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 49 top local movers in Houston who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Houston to Wilmington.
- A Better Tripp Moving & Storage: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- 3 Men Movers: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Square Cow: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage: 4.44 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 005972633C
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 679167
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 000534796B
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 1914113
Alternate Names: 3 Men Movers LTD
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Company Info
State license #: 007018347C
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 006362543C
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1748594
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 0000005457
Years in Business: 56
DOT #: 436264
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Houston to Wilmington?
In Texas, moving services typically cost around $131 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,219 – $5,013 | $936 – $2,495 | $863 – $1,637 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,809 – $6,446 | $1,724 – $3,499 | $924 – $2,030 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,398 – $9,462 | $2,323 – $4,529 | $1,224 – $2,630 |
Cost to hire movers from Houston to Wilmington
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Wilmington from Houston, you can expect prices to land between $1,219 and $5,013. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,809 to $6,446 for the trip from Houston to Wilmington. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $5,398 and $9,462.
Cost of moving containers from Houston to Wilmington
Moving containers from Houston to Wilmington will cost you $936 to $2,495 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,724 to $3,499. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,323 to $4,529. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Texas.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Houston to Wilmington
Renting a moving truck from Houston to Wilmington typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $863 and $1,637 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $924 to $2,030. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $1,224 to $2,630.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Houston to Wilmington move
The cost of Houston movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,394 for a one-bedroom, or up to $8,077 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Houston.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $863 to $2,379, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Houston to Wilmington
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Wilmington runs about 28% higher for singles and -39% higher for families than Houston.
Singles spend around $3,533 in Houston versus $2,770 in Houston; families pay $4,350 compared with $7,157.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Houston | Wilmington | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,658 | $1,933 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,195 | $3,200 |
| Average home value | $263,945 | $307,799 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,833 | $49,354 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,770 | $3,533 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,157 | $4,350 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 10.3% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 0.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 6.6% |
- Planning a move to Wilmington? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 17% higher than in Houston, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Wilmington are about 17% higher than those in Houston.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 29% lower in Wilmington compared to Houston.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Wilmington, as living costs for a single person are 28% higher than in Houston. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- A move to Wilmington can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 39% less than what it costs in Houston.
- Wilmington shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Houston by around 151%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Wilmington has no sales tax, so you’ll save money on every taxable purchase compared to Houston. This can be especially helpful if you make frequent or larger purchases.
- Delaware has a state income tax, while Texas does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Houston and Wilmington:
| Living Expense | Houston | Wilmington |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.52 | $126.92 |
| Cell phone plan | $60.77 | $44.10 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.11 | $3.05 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.05 | $3.56 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $72.50 |
| Gym membership | $38.29 | $33.50 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Houston than in Wilmington.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Houston than in Wilmington.
- Eggs cost more in Houston than in Wilmington.
- Bread costs less in Houston than in Wilmington.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Houston than in Wilmington.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Houston than in Wilmington.
- Gym memberships cost more in Houston than in Wilmington.
How life is different in Houston vs. Wilmington
| Houston | Wilmington | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,301,572 | 70,898 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 47 | 74 |
| Bike friendliness score | 49 | 52 |
| Crime index | 63.5 | 67.32 |
| Safety index | 36.5 | 32.68 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Wilmington’s population is about 97% less than Houston.
- Wilmington’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Houston’s score of 5.
- Wilmington is more walkable than Houston with a score of 74 out of 100 vs Houston’s 47 out of 100.
- With a score of 52 out of 100, Wilmington is more bike-friendly than Houston, which has a score of 49 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Wilmington’s crime rate is higher than Houston with a score of 67.32 compared to Houston’s 63.5. This means that Wilmington neighborhoods are safer than 67.32% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5%.
- Wilmington is considered to be less safe than Houston with a score of 32.68 vs Houston’s 36.5.
- Air quality in Wilmington is Good, and in Houston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Houston to Wilmington move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: Movers headquartered in Delaware that offer local and intrastate moving services don’t need to be licensed. Still, they must comply with Delaware Department of Transportation (DDOT) regulations on insurance and commercial vehicle safety. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Delaware’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Delaware does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Wilmington. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Selecting Released Value Protection is a cost-effective choice, provided at no extra charge by movers, even though it offers limited coverage. Within this option, the mover’s responsibility is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. If you’re concerned about the value of your possessions and require more extensive coverage, consider discussing alternative options with the moving company you’ve chosen or explore third-party insurance providers. Ensure comprehensive protection for your belongings during the move by exploring these additional coverage choices.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Wilmington
Planning your move to Chemical Capital of the World? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Wilmington.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Trolley Square
- Happy Valley
- Midtown Brandywine
- Delaware Avenue
- Trinity Vicinity
Best neighborhoods for families
- Forty Acres
- Happy Valley
- Trolley Square
- Lower Highlands
- Wawaset Park/Wawaset Heghts
Things to do in Wilmington
After settling into your new Delaware home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Wilmington has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Wilmington features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Nemours Estate, Hagley Museum And Library, Delaware Children’s Museum, and Delaware Art Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Bellevue State Park, Brandywine Park, Rockford Park & Tower, and Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Delaware Blue Coats (NBA G League)Wilmington Blue Rocks (MiLB)Delaware Black Foxes (USARL)Bearfight FC of Wilmington (USASA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Houston to Wilmington?
Planning your move from Houston to Wilmington? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Houston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Houston to Wilmington?
Because most people are moving from Houston to Wilmington in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Houston to Wilmington take?
The 1,516-mile journey from Houston, TX to Wilmington, , typically takes four to 15 days. Some movers in Houston offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Wilmington.
Are there special savings available from movers in Houston?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 2 have discounts for military personnel. 2 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Houston?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Houston, 27 movers can manage piano relocations. 15 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Texas has 180 piano movers and 125 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
Helpful moving resources
Houston moving services
Popular Texas routes
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