($175+) Durham, NC to Richmond, VA Movers
Moving from Durham, NC, to Richmond, VA, runs anywhere from $166 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $4,658 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 150 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 2 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 $726, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $4,658 or more.
- Moving containers run $753 - $2,149, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $166 - $417.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Durham, NC, to Richmond, VA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,170 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 Richmond, VA
Moving options from Durham to Richmond fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $1,170 - $3,649 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 150 miles and typically takes 1 to 2 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 150-mile route from Durham to Richmond, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $726 - $2,994 | $753 - $1,265 | $166 - $305 | $705 - $1,174 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,170 - $3,649 | $938 - $1,869 | $192 - $360 | $789 - $1,423 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,672 - $4,658 | $1,272 - $2,149 | $215 - $417 | $1,058 - $1,718 |
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 Richmond, VA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 150-mile move from Durham, North Carolina, to Richmond, Virginia, with costs ranging from $726 - $4,658. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $292 - $1,948. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Durham and Richmond. Local movers in Durham typically start around $240 as a base rate plus $122/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Durham to Richmond:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $726 - $2,994
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,170 - $3,649
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,672 - $4,658
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 Richmond.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from North Carolina to Virginia. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Durham, NC to Richmond, VA
Specialty needs vary by market — 86% of Durham movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Richmond, 89% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $487 - $4,870 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready86% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $195 - $1,169/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $292 - $2,338 |
| 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 | $974 - $2,922 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,435 - $9,740 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $730 - $1,386 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items25% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Truckin' Movers Corporation | $974 - $2,435 |
| Piano | Any piano type64% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $779 - $3,409 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling29% of local movers | $292 - $1,461 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect21% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Athens Moving Experts | $633 - $1,948 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $292 - $14,610+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $292 - $3,409+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Durham to Richmond?
Movers licensed to operate in Virginia are typically members of the Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s 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.
How much do local movers cost in Durham, NC?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Durham to Richmond with a local mover averages $1,170 - $3,649. Working with a local mover based in Durham, NC often costs less than hiring a national carrier on routes under 500 miles. Shorter routes come with lower fuel overhead and simpler logistics, and local movers can offer more direct communication and quicker booking windows.
The tradeoff is that smaller companies may lack the infrastructure for longer hauls. Verify proper interstate licensing and relevant experience before signing anything.
Flex Moving & Storage (4.38/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Durham, based on our analysis of feedback from 397 customers, 93.2% of which is positive.
Address: 4417 Hillsborough Rd, Durham, NC, 27705 | Founded: 2023
Moving container costs from Durham, NC to Richmond, VA
Moving containers from Durham, North Carolina, to Richmond, Virginia, cost between $753 and $2,149. 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 Richmond:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $753 - $1,265
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $938 - $1,869
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,272 - $2,149
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Durham, NC and Richmond, VA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $682 in Durham, NC, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $73 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $146 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a North Carolina to Virginia 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 $753. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $938 - $1,869, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Durham to Richmond?
- 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 Richmond, VA
A rental truck for this 150-mile move from Durham, North Carolina, to Richmond, Virginia, costs between $166 and $417. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $46 - $53
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- 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 Richmond based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $166 - $305
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $192 - $360
- 4+ bedrooms: $215 - $417
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $166 - $417 when pricing out a rental truck from Durham to Richmond. Fuel alone runs ($46 - $53) , and overnight lodging ($146/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 $146 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 $63 and $317 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $46 - $53 in fuel for the 150-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $682 in Durham, North Carolina, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Durham to Richmond?
- 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 Richmond, VA
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 Richmond, Virginia.
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 $789 and $1,423.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Durham to Richmond:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $705 - $1,174
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $789 - $1,423
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,058 - $1,718
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
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 $73 and $146.
- 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 $682.
What are the best freight companies from Durham to Richmond?
- 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.
- Darrell Andrews Trucking, Inc. (4.5/5 stars): Darrell Andrews Trucking, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
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 Richmond 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 Richmond, VA
Good news for your budget: Richmond isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Durham. Cost of living index runs 95 there against 99 here, and rent, income, and tax rates all fall in a comparable band. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores land in a similar range too - 30/100 and 45.28/100 here versus 51/100 and 51.55/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Richmond, VA to Durham, NC guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from North Carolina to Virginia 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 117 movers in our North Carolina network to compare for this 150-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Durham, NC, to Richmond, VA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $726 - $4,658 on the 150-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $753 - $2,149 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $166 - $417 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $1,170 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Brink's and CarMax.
FAQs: Moving from Durham, NC, to Richmond, VA
What is the best time of year to move from Durham, NC to Richmond, VA?
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. Virginia also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Virginia?
In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV).
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($46 - $53), daily insurance ($29/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $146/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Richmond?
Richmond has a walkability score of 51 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 51, 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.
How much does it cost to move from Durham, NC to Richmond, VA?
Costs on this route range from around $726 to $4,658, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $726 and $4,658, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
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.
