Top-rated local movers that handle Stockton to Chapel Hill moves
When planning a move from Stockton to Chapel Hill, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 19 local movers in Stockton who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Stockton to Chapel Hill.
- MidCal Moving and Storage Company: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- Pete’s Moving Services: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Grace Moving Company: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Big Island Movers: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Casey Moving Systems: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0190750
Years in Business: 169
DOT #: 2778166
Alternate Names: Bekins , D & S Simoni Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0191440
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 3314910
Alternate Names: Petes Moving Services LLC , Pete’s Moving Services LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0189642
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 2806730
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190630
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 3278221
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0115405
Years in Business: 23
DOT #: 153088
Alternate Names: Casey Records Management , Dawson Van & Storage , United Van Lines
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Stockton to Chapel Hill?
Movers in California charge $128 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,372 – $5,729 | $1,463 – $3,473 | $1,599 – $3,101 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,743 – $8,220 | $2,448 – $5,370 | $1,699 – $3,339 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,190 – $12,010 | $3,240 – $6,903 | $2,002 – $4,272 |
Cost to hire movers from Stockton to Chapel Hill
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Stockton to Chapel Hill, you can expect to spend between $1,372 and $5,729. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,743 to $8,220 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Stockton to Chapel Hill typically runs between $7,190 and $12,010.
Cost of moving containers from Stockton to Chapel Hill
When moving from Stockton to Chapel Hill, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,463 and $3,473. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,448 to $5,370. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,240 up to $6,903. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Stockton to Chapel Hill
Renting a moving truck in Stockton is usually your cheapest option to get to Chapel Hill. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,599 and $3,101. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,699 and $3,339. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $2,002 and $4,272.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Stockton to Chapel Hill
The cost of Stockton movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,583, but larger homes can run up to $11,555.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Stockton.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,599–$4,092) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Stockton to Chapel Hill
Many movers find Chapel Hill easier on the wallet than Stockton – roughly 40% less for singles and 30% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,248 for one person in Chapel Hill versus $3,767 in Stockton. For a family of four, it’s $4,790 compared with $6,810.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Stockton | Chapel Hill | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,500 | $1,325 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,750 | $3,433 |
| Average home value | $437,561 | $592,460 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,915 | $65,621 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,767 | $2,248 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,810 | $4,790 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.3% | 3.2% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.5% |
- As you consider relocating to Chapel Hill, note that rent can be roughly 10% more expensive than it is in Stockton; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 35% higher in Chapel Hill than in Stockton.
- The average income in Chapel Hill and Stockton is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Chapel Hill, where the cost of living for a single person is 40% less than in Stockton.
- Moving to Chapel Hill could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 30% less than in Stockton.
- Chapel Hill experiences an unemployment rate that is about 69% lower than that of Stockton. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 17% lower in Chapel Hill than in Stockton. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Chapel Hill can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 66% lower in North Carolina compared to California. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Stockton with Chapel Hill:
| Living Expense | Stockton | Chapel Hill |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.35 | $156.99 |
| Cell phone plan | $48.67 | $55.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.91 | $4.53 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.63 | $4.04 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $65.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $36.67 | $42.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Stockton than in Chapel Hill.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Stockton than in Chapel Hill.
- Eggs cost more in Stockton than in Chapel Hill.
- Bread is more expensive in Stockton than in Chapel Hill.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Stockton than in Chapel Hill.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Stockton than in Chapel Hill.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Stockton than in Chapel Hill.
How life is different in Stockton vs. Chapel Hill
| Stockton | Chapel Hill | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 320,804 | 63,764 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 44 | 34 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 50 |
| Crime index | 75.2 | 26.42 |
| Safety index | 24.8 | 73.58 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Chapel Hill’s population is about 80% less than Stockton.
- Chapel Hill’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Stockton’s score of 4.
- Chapel Hill is less walkable than Stockton with a score of 34 out of 100 vs Stockton’s 44 out of 100.
- Both Chapel Hill and Stockton have similar bike-friendliness scores (52 vs 50), meaning Chapel Hill is about as safe for cyclists as Stockton. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Chapel Hill’s crime rate is lower than Stockton with a score of 26.42 compared to Stockton’s 75.2. This means that Chapel Hill neighborhoods are safer than 26.42% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Stockton neighborhoods are safer than 75.2%.
- Chapel Hill is considered to be safer than Stockton with a safety index of 73.58 vs Stockton’s 24.8.
- Air quality in Chapel Hill is Moderate, and in Stockton it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Stockton to Chapel Hill move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a “C Number” issued by the commission, signifying that they’ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the state’s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a North Carolina moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While North Carolina doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Chapel Hill smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Chapel Hill
Now that you’ve chosen Southern Part of Heaven as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Chapel Hill to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown Chapel Hill
- Franklin Street Area
- Carrboro
- Midtown Chapel Hill
- East 54
Best neighborhoods for families
- Meadowmont
- The Oaks
- Winmore
- The Preserve at Jordan Lake
- Southern Village
- Briar Chapel
- Dunhill
- Governor’s Club
- Westfall
- Claremont/Claremont South
Things to do in Chapel Hill
After getting comfortable in your new North Carolina home, it’s time to see what Chapel Hill is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Chapel Hill offers cultural landmarks like the The Carolina Basketball Museum, Ackland Art Museum, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, and Kidzu Children’s Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s North Carolina Botanical Garden, Coker Arboretum, Brumley Forest Nature Preserve, and Battle Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an UNC Tar Heels (Various sports) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Stockton to Chapel Hill?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Stockton to Chapel Hill are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Stockton are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Stockton to Chapel Hill?
Because spring and fall moves from Stockton to Chapel Hill are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Stockton to Chapel Hill take?
A move of 2,775 miles from Stockton, CA to Chapel Hill, generally takes seven to 21 days. Movers in Stockton sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Chapel Hill is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Stockton offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 16 movers in Stockton have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 9 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across CA, there are 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
Helpful moving resources
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