The Best Long-Distance Movers in Wilmington, NC
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The best long-distance mover in Wilmington is Absolute Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.52/5) for in-state moves and Safeway Moving (4.9/5) for moves out of North Carolina, per moveBuddha's analysis of 116 North Carolina movers.
Who are the best interstate movers serving Wilmington?
moveBuddha's top-rated interstate movers for Wilmington residents moving out of North Carolina are Safeway Moving (4.9/5), American Van Lines (4.9/5), Allied Van Lines (4.2/5), Mayzlin Relocation (4.8/5), and North American Van Lines (4.8/5). National carriers operate dedicated long-haul networks, carry interstate FMCSA authority, and price moves by weight and mileage, the standard model for cross-state relocations.
Who are the best long-distance movers in Wilmington for in-state moves?
Absolute Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.52/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated Wilmington-based mover for long-distance moves within North Carolina, followed by Little Guys Movers (4.48/5) and Peak Moving and Storage, LLC (4.36/5). Of the 11 intrastate-capable movers serving Wilmington, 12 offer full packing services, which can meaningfully reduce the physical load of a longer in-state move. Full rankings for local long-distance movers serving Wilmington are listed below.
Below are moveBuddha's top picks for long-distance movers that serve Wilmington but stay within North Carolina:
- Absolute Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Little Guys Movers : 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Peak Moving and Storage, LLC: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.42 out of 5 stars
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Efficient service
Quick moving process
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Absolute Moving & Storage, Inc. has been in business for 19 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like international moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Absolute Moving & Storage, Inc. has about 92% positive reviews across roughly 200 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.3.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Absolute Moving & Storage, Inc..
Customer service 4.7
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Absolute Moving & Storage, Inc. emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Phenomenal experience with Absolute Movers. Rick, Luke, and Charles were punctual and professional and took great care of my belongings. I highly recommend them to anyone!"
"Arrived exactly on time; polite, efficient, worked hard to get the job done. Couldn't have asked for more. Our movers were polite, efficient and worked very hard to get the job done."
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Efficient service
Good communication
Quick moving process
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Little Guys Movers has been in business for 32 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Little Guys Movers has about 92% positive reviews across roughly 242 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.3.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Little Guys Movers .
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Little Guys Movers emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
The team that came over to help me did an amazing job! They got the job done super fast and they were very pleasant to talk with! Outstanding work!!! I can't thank them enough:) Highly recommend this company
A friend suggested that I look into Little Guys Movers... The Little Guys team was prompt, respectful, helpful, and completely transparent on how their pricing worked and they were extremely easy to book and work with. Highly recommend!
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Efficient service
Good communication
Quick moving process
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.4
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Peak Moving and Storage, LLC has been in business for 2 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Peak Moving and Storage, LLC has about 92% positive reviews across roughly 13 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.4.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Peak Moving and Storage, LLC.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Peak Moving and Storage, LLC emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"The owner ensured everything went exactly as planned and the movers were kind, careful and efficient. They moved a 3 story townhome in less than the allotted time. 100% worth it and will use again!"
"Moved 2 bedrooms, a living room, washer/dryer, TVs, and more—all finished in the quoted time. The crew was efficient and placed everything as requested. Definitely recommend Peak storage and moving!"
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Good communication
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has been in business for 26 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has about 89% positive reviews across roughly 242 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.9.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from TWO MEN AND A TRUCK.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"The young men who did our move were awesome. Communication was great. They did not waste any time and moved everything professionally and were engaging, friendly, and helpful with things they didn't have to do. Great experience!"
"We always use Two Men & A Truck when moving because of their superior service. This time we were very impressed when a person from management showed up to aid the other three men while moving our items. This dedication is what makes Two Men and A Truck a superior option."
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Good communication
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving has been in business for 7 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and estate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving has about 92% positive reviews across roughly 282 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.5.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"They were courteous. Professional and efficient. They were careful in our home. We appreciated them following covid precautions. Company was incredibly organized"
"They introduced themselves when they arrived, worked quickly but with great care, and were so polite. Our move was finished ahead of schedule and nothing was damaged."
What add-on services do Wilmington movers offer?
Not every mover in Wilmington offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 12 Wilmington movers, here is what is available and how often:
- Art handling: offered by 50.0% of Wilmington movers, compared to 35.34% statewide and 45.83% nationally.
- Junk removal: offered by 33.33% of Wilmington movers, compared to 33.62% statewide and 36.39% nationally.
- Storage: offered by 75.0% of Wilmington movers, compared to 76.72% statewide and 84.85% nationally.
- Hot tub relocation: offered by 16.67% of Wilmington movers, compared to 18.1% statewide and 21.93% nationally.
- Piano moving: offered by 75.0% of Wilmington movers, compared to 66.38% statewide and 72.52% nationally.
Specialty service costs below use moveBuddha's pricing dataset adjusted for Wilmington's cost of living.
Does Wilmington have movers that offer art handling?
Art handling is available from 6 of 12 Wilmington movers (50.0%), compared to 35.34% statewide and 45.83% nationally. Absolute Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.52/5) and Southern Moving and Storage (4.26/5) rate highest for art handling in Wilmington. Per-piece handling runs $49 to $490, with custom crates adding $147 to $196 per item.
| Art handling in Wilmington | Details |
|---|---|
| Wilmington movers offering this | 6 of 12 (50.0%) |
| North Carolina statewide | 41 of 116 (35.34%) |
| National average | 45.83% |
| Top-rated Wilmington art movers | Absolute Moving & Storage, Inc., Southern Moving and Storage |
| Per-piece handling fee | $49 to $490 |
| Custom crating per item | $147 to $196 |
Custom crates and archival materials are the baseline for art moving, not an upgrade. Standard blankets protect against surface scratches but offer no defense against UV exposure or humidity shifts that cause paint to crack, canvas to warp, or sculpture finishes to degrade. Before booking, confirm the mover has handled pieces in the same medium and ask whether crates are built in-house or outsourced to a third party.
Does Wilmington have movers that offer junk removal?
Junk removal is available from 4 of 12 Wilmington movers (33.33%), compared to 33.62% statewide and 36.39% nationally. Peak Moving and Storage, LLC (4.36/5) and TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.38/5) rate highest for junk removal in Wilmington. Standalone junk removal typically runs $147 to $490 per load.
| Junk removal in Wilmington | Details |
|---|---|
| Wilmington movers offering this | 4 of 12 (33.33%) |
| North Carolina statewide | 39 of 116 (33.62%) |
| National average | 36.39% |
| Top-rated Wilmington junk removal movers | Peak Moving and Storage, LLC, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK |
| Typical cost per load | $147 to $490 |
| Single large item | $74 to $147 |
Removing items before a weight-based long-distance quote is finalized directly reduces the shipment total and the move cost. Movers offering bundled junk removal can clear unwanted furniture and appliances on load day, eliminating a separate scheduling step. Verify the service covers the item types you need removed, since some movers exclude electronics, hazardous materials, and large appliances from standard junk removal pricing.
Does Wilmington have movers that offer fragile-only packing?
No Wilmington movers in moveBuddha's dataset currently offer fragile-only packing. Statewide, 30 of 116 North Carolina movers offer this service (25.86%), compared to 23.87% nationally. E.E. Ward Moving & Storage (4.56/5) is the top-rated North Carolina mover for fragile-only packing in moveBuddha's dataset and is an option for Wilmington residents needing this service. Full professional packing runs $0.15 to $0.21 per pound; fragile-only packing covers dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps at a fraction of that total.
| Fragile-only packing in Wilmington | Details |
|---|---|
| Wilmington movers offering this | 0 of 12 — no Wilmington providers currently listed |
| North Carolina statewide | 30 of 116 (25.86%) |
| National average | 23.87% |
| Top-rated North Carolina statewide provider | E.E. Ward Moving & Storage (4.56/5) |
| Full professional packing rate | $0.15 to $0.21 per pound |
Fragile-only packing targets dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps without a full-service packing contract. Limiting professional packing to breakables keeps total packing cost down while covering the items most likely to break in transit.
Does Wilmington have movers that offer storage?
Storage is available from 9 of 12 Wilmington movers (75.0%), compared to 76.72% statewide and 84.85% nationally. Absolute Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.52/5) and Little Guys Movers (4.48/5) rate highest for storage in Wilmington. Storage-in-transit runs about $0.50 per cubic foot per month, putting a 1-bedroom load (about 514 cu ft) at roughly $252/month.
| Storage in Wilmington | Details |
|---|---|
| Wilmington movers offering this | 9 of 12 (75.0%) |
| North Carolina statewide | 89 of 116 (76.72%) |
| National average | 84.85% |
| Top-rated Wilmington storage movers | Absolute Moving & Storage, Inc., Little Guys Movers |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $252 |
| 2-3 bedroom monthly estimate (~1,000 cu ft) | $490 |
Movers that offer storage-in-transit hold belongings in their warehouse between pickup and delivery. The standard rate is approximately $0.50 per cubic foot per month. For a 1-bedroom load (about 514 cu ft), that is roughly $252 per month. Ask how the mover calculates the billing start date before committing to a storage window longer than 30 days.
Does Wilmington have movers that offer hot tub relocation?
Hot tub relocation is available from 2 of 12 Wilmington movers (16.67%), compared to 18.1% statewide and 21.93% nationally. Little Guys Movers (4.48/5) rate highest for hot tub moves in Wilmington. Hot tub moves typically run $147 to $392 per item when bundled with a full-service move.
| Hot tub relocation in Wilmington | Details |
|---|---|
| Wilmington movers offering this | 2 of 12 (16.67%) |
| North Carolina statewide | 21 of 116 (18.1%) |
| National average | 21.93% |
| Top-rated Wilmington hot tub movers | Little Guys Movers |
| Bundled with full-service move | $147 to $392 |
| Standalone hot tub move | $294 to $784 |
Hot tubs are heavy, fragile, and access-dependent. Empty weight runs 500 to 1,000 lbs. Full drainage is required before any move. Tight backyard access may require a crane or a shuttle relay, both of which add to the final cost. Confirm the mover has moved hot tubs specifically, not just bulky items, before booking, since the shell and plumbing require different handling than furniture.
Does Wilmington have movers that offer piano moving?
Piano moving is available from 9 of 12 Wilmington movers (75.0%), compared to 66.38% statewide and 72.52% nationally. Absolute Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.52/5) and Little Guys Movers (4.48/5) rate highest for piano moving in Wilmington. A standalone piano move typically costs $784 to $3,430, depending on instrument type.
| Piano moving in Wilmington | Details |
|---|---|
| Wilmington movers offering this | 9 of 12 (75.0%) |
| North Carolina statewide | 77 of 116 (66.38%) |
| National average | 72.52% |
| Top-rated Wilmington piano movers | Absolute Moving & Storage, Inc., Little Guys Movers |
| Upright piano | $784 to $1,470 |
| Baby grand piano | $1,176 to $2,450 |
| Grand piano | $1,764 to $3,430 |
The weight range for upright pianos is 400 to 800 lbs. Grand pianos exceed 1,200 lbs. Neither can be safely moved with standard furniture dollies or blankets. Crews certified for piano moving carry piano boards, rigging straps, and padded blankets designed for the instrument's weight distribution and finish. Adding a piano to a full-service household move is almost always cheaper than contracting a piano-only specialist.
Who are the best movers in Wilmington for small long-distance moves?
Peak Moving and Storage, LLC leads Wilmington's small-move providers with a 4.36/5 moveBuddha score, followed by College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving at 4.42/5. DIY options like moving containers and rental trucks reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving and are worth comparing for loads under 3,000 pounds.
What are the best moving containers for long-distance moves from Wilmington?
Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5), U-Pack (5.0/5), and MovingYourself (5.0/5) are moveBuddha's top-rated container options for moves out of Wilmington. Moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, making them the most cost-effective option for Wilmington residents who can handle their own loading and unloading. Container pricing varies by distance, container size, and the number of units required, so use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare quotes for your specific move before committing to a provider.
What are the best labor-only movers in Wilmington?
5 of 12 Wilmington movers (41.67%) offer labor-only services, compared to 56.03% statewide and 54.55% nationally. Peak Moving and Storage, LLC (4.36/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated labor-only mover in Wilmington, followed by TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.38/5). Labor-only movers handle loading and unloading without providing a truck, making them the right fit for Wilmington residents who plan to drive themselves or who have rented their own vehicle. Combining a labor-only crew with a rental truck or moving container reduces total move cost by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, based on moveBuddha's pricing dataset.
What are the best moving truck rentals for long-distance Wilmington moves?
Budget Truck Rental, Penske Truck Rental, and U-Haul Truck Rental are moveBuddha's top-rated rental truck options for a DIY move out of Wilmington. A truck rental is the cheapest way to move out of state for those willing to handle both the loading and the driving. For moves over 500 miles, a local mover and a national mover price a rental truck the same, so distance alone does not change which provider to choose. Use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare total DIY costs against container and full-service quotes before committing.
How much does it cost to hire long-distance movers in Wilmington?
Moving costs across North Carolina range from $425 for a studio (2 movers, 3 hours at $147/hour) to $3,513 for a 5+ bedroom home (5 movers, 10 hours), according to moveBuddha's analysis of North Carolina mover quotes. The table below shows North Carolina statewide averages by home size. Your actual cost in Wilmington will vary based on distance, access conditions, and your mover's pricing model.
Use our free moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate for your move.
| Home size | Estimated interstate cost from North Carolina* |
|---|---|
| Studio apartment | $425 |
| 1-bedroom home or apartment | $572 |
| 2-bedroom home or apartment | $897 |
| 3-bedroom home | $2,011 |
| 4-bedroom home | $2,300 |
| 5+ bedroom home | $3,513 |
*Estimated costs above are based on varying types of moves that cross state lines in North Carolina. All exceed 150 miles, but might remain below 1,500. Your price depends on inventory, distance, timing, service level, and more.
Data reflects North Carolina statewide averages based on moveBuddha's analysis of mover quotes collected.
What affects moving costs in Wilmington?
Here are some additional cost considerations for your long-distance Wilmington move:
- Distance: The farther you move from Wilmington, the more you pay. A short intrastate move costs far less than a cross-country relocation. Once you cross state lines, pricing structure changes entirely and costs rise considerably.
- Home size and weight: Movers price local moves by the hour and interstate moves by total shipment weight. Downsizing before your move reduces both your bill and your packing time.
- Move type: Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most. DIY options like rental trucks or moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service, according to moveBuddha data.
- Add-on services: Professional packing adds an average of $0.15–$0.21 per pound. Shuttle service, if required, adds $0.08–$0.12 per pound with minimums often starting around $200.
- Timing: Summer moves (May through September) carry the highest rates. Mid-month and mid-week bookings are consistently cheaper than weekend or month-end dates.
FAQs about the best long-distance movers in Wilmington
What licensing requirements apply to long-distance movers in Wilmington?
Any moving company transporting goods from Wilmington to another state must hold a valid USDOT number and active FMCSA registration. 11 of the 12 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in Wilmington meet that standard — and every mover on this page is among them. Verify any company's status in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's database.
The FMCSA's Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move explains what to expect and what protections apply throughout your interstate move.
Should I choose a local or national mover for my Wilmington relocation?
For moves within North Carolina, a local mover in Wilmington is the more cost-effective choice. moveBuddha has reviewed 12 movers in the area, with 11 licensed for intrastate routes and 11 authorized for cross-state moves.
For relocations leaving North Carolina, national carriers bring more logistics infrastructure for long hauls, which can reduce delays and coordination failures on complex routes, even if the price tag is higher.
When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Wilmington?
November and December are the cheapest months to hire movers in Wilmington. Winter lows average 34°F, demand drops sharply from the summer peak, and movers have more open schedule capacity — all of which create real leverage to negotiate on price. Off-season timing also comes with faster quote turnaround and more predictable availability.
What are the cheapest ways to move out of Wilmington?
Budget-friendly moves from the The Port City almost always come down to a DIY approach, especially within 50 miles. Rental trucks and moving containers cut costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, based on moveBuddha's pricing research. The two most affordable routes are a rental truck from companies like U-Haul or a moving container from PODS. Additional strategies for longer moves are in our guide to the cheapest ways to move out of state.
