($250+) Richmond, VA to Wilmington, DE Movers
Moving from Richmond, VA, to Wilmington, DE, runs anywhere from $253 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,205 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 217 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 $810, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $5,205 or more.
- Moving containers run $819 - $2,499, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $253 - $605.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Richmond, VA, to Wilmington, DE. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,332 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 Richmond, VA to Wilmington, DE
Moving options from Richmond to Wilmington fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $1,332 - $3,875 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 217 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 2 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 217-mile route from Richmond to Wilmington, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $810 - $3,444 | $819 - $1,398 | $253 - $465 | $767 - $1,246 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,332 - $3,875 | $1,023 - $1,936 | $273 - $502 | $836 - $1,517 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,808 - $5,205 | $1,440 - $2,499 | $318 - $605 | $1,130 - $1,899 |
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 Richmond, VA to Wilmington, DE
For the 217-mile move from Richmond, Virginia, to Wilmington, Delaware, full-service movers cost between $810 and $5,205. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $296 - $1,972 (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 Richmond generally start around $360 plus $100 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Richmond to Wilmington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $810 - $3,444
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,332 - $3,875
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,808 - $5,205
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 Richmond to Wilmington.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Virginia to Delaware. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Richmond, VA to Wilmington, DE
Specialty needs vary by market — 89% of Richmond movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Wilmington, 89% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing95% of local movers | $493 - $4,930 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready89% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $197 - $1,183/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $296 - $2,366 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage32% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs89% of local movers | $986 - $2,958 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,465 - $9,860 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $739 - $1,403 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items63% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $986 - $2,465 |
| Piano | Any piano type68% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $789 - $3,451 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling37% of local movers | $296 - $1,479 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect32% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: WayForth LLC | $641 - $1,972 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $296 - $14,790+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $296 - $3,451+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Richmond to Wilmington?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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, with 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 Richmond, VA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Richmond to Wilmington with a local mover averages $1,293 - $3,759. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Richmond, VA can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to national carriers. Many price shorter moves using hourly or regional rates that may come in lower overall, with leaner operations and tighter service areas often translating to more flexible scheduling and a more personalized experience.
Keep in mind that not every local mover is authorized for moves that cross city or state lines. Always confirm interstate licensing and proper insurance before booking.
Moving container costs from Richmond, VA to Wilmington, DE
Moving containers from Richmond, Virginia, to Wilmington, Delaware, cost between $819 and $2,499. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Wilmington. If you go over that window, storage in Richmond adds around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Richmond to Wilmington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $819 - $1,398
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,023 - $1,936
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,440 - $2,499
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Richmond, VA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $690, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $74 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $148 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Richmond, VA, and Wilmington, DE, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Virginia 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 $819. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,023 - $1,936, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Richmond 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 Richmond 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 Richmond:
- Mr. Moving, LLC (4.6/5), 6 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 0 years in business
- Heroes Moving and Storage (4.9/5), 5 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Richmond, VA to Wilmington, DE
A rental truck for this 217-mile move from Richmond, Virginia, to Wilmington, Delaware, costs between $253 and $605. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $68 - $78
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Richmond daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $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 Richmond to Wilmington based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $253 - $465
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $273 - $502
- 4+ bedrooms: $318 - $605
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $253 - $605 does not include fuel ($68 - $78) , lodging ($148/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Richmond to Wilmington typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $74 and $345.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $148.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $68 and $78 for the 217-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $690 for 2 movers in Richmond, Virginia, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Richmond 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 Richmond, VA to Wilmington, DE
If you're moving a larger household from Richmond, Virginia, 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 Wilmington, Delaware.
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 $836 and $1,517.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Richmond to Wilmington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $767 - $1,246
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $836 - $1,517
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,130 - $1,899
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 $74 and $148.
- 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 Richmond, Virginia, for roughly five hours typically average $690.
What are the best freight companies from Richmond 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.
- Abilene Motor Express (4.5/5 stars): Abilene Motor Express is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
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: Richmond, VA vs Wilmington, DE
Richmond and Wilmington land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 95 in Richmond and 104 in Wilmington, and rent tracks closely too ($1,595/mo vs. $1,812/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (51 vs 74) and safety scores (51.55 vs 32.68) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Wilmington, DE to Richmond, VA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Virginia to Delaware 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 104 movers based in Virginia, handy for sizing up options on this 217-mile route.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 217-mile route from Richmond, VA, to Wilmington, DE, run $810 - $5,205 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $819 - $2,499, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $253 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,332, 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 Nestle and DuPont.
FAQs: Moving from Richmond, VA, to Wilmington, DE
How much does it cost to move from Richmond, VA to Wilmington, DE?
Costs on this route range from around $810 to $5,205, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $810 and $5,205, 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 is the cheapest way to move from Richmond, VA 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 $273 - $502. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($68 - $78), daily insurance ($30/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $148/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Richmond, VA to Wilmington, DE take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 is the best time of year to move from Richmond, VA to Wilmington, DE?
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 percentage of Richmond movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 68% of movers in Richmond handle piano moves, and 63% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
