Best Movers Near Emerald Isle, NC (2025 Guide)

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Nov 25, 2025 • 5 min read

Fact Checked by: Hilary Snow

Out of 115 moving companies reviewed in North Carolina, J.E. Thomas & Sons, LLC came out ahead as the leading choice for local moves in Emerald Isle, NC. With 97 total reviews and a 91.8% positive rating, they’re a standout among the competition.

For cross-country or out-of-state moves, Safeway Moving delivers on both quality and cost-effectiveness.

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I've helped thousands of people move over the last decade, and I can tell you that no two moves are exactly alike. Let me help you find the mover that's right for you.

Best local NC mover:

J.E. Thomas & Sons, LLC

4.26
Best interstate mover:

Safeway Moving

4.85
Best DIY moving option:

U-Haul Truck Rental

4.15

Need more help? Build your move plan.

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Preferred partners

Company	Quote	Rating
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.85 / 5
International Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.45 / 5
Mayzlin Relocation	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5

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5 Cheapest movers when moving locally in Emerald Isle, NC

Whether you're planning a move within Emerald Isle or relocating to a nearby North Carolina city like Bogue or Cape Carteret (both under 50 miles away), we’ve rounded up some of the best local movers that combine solid reputations with affordable pricing.

J.E. Thomas & Sons, LLC: 4.26 out of 5 stars
Absolute Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.44 out of 5 stars
Troy Humphrey Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.02 out of 5 stars
Little Guys Movers : 4.42 out of 5 stars
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.42 out of 5 stars

J.E. Thomas & Sons, LLC

169 Drummer Kellum Rd, Jacksonville, NC 28546 US

92% of all reviews were positive

5% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

J.E. Thomas & Sons, LLC draws high marks from its customers, with 91.8% of 97 reviews describing positive experiences. Clients consistently highlight professional, polite staff, fast and efficient service, careful item handling, and helpful movers able to manage complex moves. Many praise the company for making moving less stressful, sticking to quoted prices, and attending to customer needs, making it a preferred choice particularly for military families and large home moves. Most feedback cites reliability and exceptional service, marking the company as a standout in the industry. Negative feedback is rare but centers on occasional unprofessional behavior, missed appointments, and communication gaps. A handful of neutral comments mention minor packing oversights and underwhelming staff performance. J.E. Thomas & Sons sets a strong service benchmark compared to typical moving companies, earning frequent recommendations and repeat business.

Get a Quote (910) 455-0481

Company Info

State license #: 536722

Years in Business: 40

DOT #: 1418527

Services Offered

Local moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Crating
Storage
Safes
Pay by money order
Pay by cash
Pay by credit card

Absolute Moving & Storage, Inc.

115 Commercial Lane, Holly Ridge , NC 28445 US

92% of all reviews were positive

9% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Rave feedback says Absolute Moving & Storage, Inc. makes relocating easier, with 91.5% of input praising their efficient service, professional staff, careful handling, prompt communication, and speedy process. Many mentioned how polite, respectful movers packed and protected items meticulously. Customers frequently cite fair estimates and smooth coordination, setting Absolute apart from average moving companies. A small fraction, about 8.5%, report negative issues such as damaged goods, missing items, or costs that exceeded estimates—often citing frustration with claims and follow-up. Despite some costly or stressful outcomes, most feedback highlights a team that delivers responsive, skilled service.

Get a Quote (910) 399-2661

Company Info

State license #: 2432

Years in Business: 19

DOT #: 1774499

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
International moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Art
Grandfather clocks
Crating
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Pay by credit card

Troy Humphrey Moving & Storage, Inc.

719 Bell Fork Rd, Jacksonville, NC 28540 US

74% of all reviews were positive

24% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Moving experiences shine brighter with Troy Humphrey Moving & Storage, Inc., based on 132 pieces of customer feedback. About 74% of the input is upbeat, reflecting strong satisfaction. Customers frequently highlight the professionalism and courtesy of staff, careful handling of personal belongings, efficiency, and a speedy moving process. Many praise the movers for being helpful and making stressful situations easier. On the other hand, 24% of reports describe negative events, pointing to damages during moves, unprofessional conduct, and billing surprises as the most significant issues. Only a small fraction of reviews are neutral. Compared to industry norms, the consistent praise for professionalism and care outpaces several local competitors, but the company shows similar patterns in terms of occasional damage complaints and select customer service lapses. The feedback makes it clear: many customers trust Troy Humphrey for secure, efficient moves, while a minority voice frustration over damaged items and unsatisfactory staff interactions.

Get a Quote (910) 346-9839

Company Info

DOT #: 90823

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
International moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Art
Antiques
Crating
Storage
Pay by credit card
DOD certified

Little Guys Movers

3948 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28403 US

92% of all reviews were positive

7% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Little Guys Movers sets the pace for moving services with 92% of customer feedback expressing satisfaction. Customers frequently note staff professionalism, careful handling of belongings, and quick, efficient moves. Communication is clear and booking is easy. Moving crews arrive on time, protect property, and often finish faster than anticipated. Pricing tends to match or beat competitors, and helpful follow-ups make the process stress-free. Negative input usually centers on item damage, unresolved complaints about repair or replacement, and a few reports of higher-than-expected charges. Compared to similar companies, Little Guys Movers consistently earns stronger praise for reliability and care, making them a top choice among moving providers.

Get a Quote (910) 795-4054

Company Info

State license #: 2546

Years in Business: 32

DOT #: 1931566

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Hot Tubs
Pool Tables
Crating
Storage
Pay by credit card

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

3861 US-421, Wilmington, NC 28401 US

89% of all reviews were positive

11% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Customers keep coming back to Two Men and a Truck thanks to their professional, polite team and speedy, careful moves. Most feedback highlights efficient service, strong communication, and movers who treat belongings with real respect. Many say the quoting, scheduling, and billing processes are transparent and straightforward. While the majority of clients are highly satisfied, some report issues such as damaged property, unplanned fees, and communication breakdowns. Most negative feedback revolves around property damage going unresolved or unexpected cost increases on moving day. Compared to other moving companies, reviewers frequently mention the staff's reliability, friendliness, and responsiveness as stand-out strengths, making Two Men and a Truck one of the more trusted options in the area despite occasional problems.

Get a Quote (910) 210-0224

Company Info

State license #: 2066

Years in Business: 26

DOT #: 2527384

Alternate Names: T & K Moving, Inc.

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Pianos
Storage
Safes
Pay by credit card

Local moving services in Emerald Isle

Not all moving companies offer the same services, and availability can vary widely depending on where you're located.

Here’s a quick look at how many movers in Emerald Isle, NC, offer key services, compared with the statewide and national numbers so you can see which specialty services may be harder to find in your area.

Service	Emerald Isle	NC	National
Packing	2	111	3068
Unpacking	2	110	2968
Packing Materials	1	81	1808
Piano	2	77	2298
Antiques	1	37	1464
Art	1	40	1448
Storage	2	88	2691
Climate-Controlled Storage	2	34	1030
Custom Crating	2	61	1928
Junk Removal	1	39	1151
Office Moves	2	92	2704
Safe	1	38	1155

Other local NC movers

While these local North Carolina movers did not make our top list, they are still worth looking into:

Top-rated movers in other nearby North Carolina cities

If you need something local Emerald Isle movers don’t offer, consider checking out other trusted companies in NC cities. You might find a better fit just a short drive away.

See less

Cheapest movers when moving out of North Carolina

Relocating from North Carolina to a new state? You’ll need an experienced interstate moving company to get you there. Here are our recommendations:

Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
International Van Lines: 4.45 out of 5 stars
Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
PODS: 4.8 out of 5 stars
American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Safeway Moving

rating

4.85 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran owned

Get A Quote

(855) 650-0657

International Van Lines

rating

4.45 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

24/7 cust. service
Competitive rates
10% discounts

Get A Quote

(855) 929-4120

Mayzlin Relocation

rating

4.9 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Family owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricing

Get A Quote

(980) 217-6841

PODS

rating

4.8 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount

Get A Quote

Visit Website

American Van Lines

rating

4.5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Certified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-owned

Get A Quote

866-835-2392

Cheapest DIY moving options in Emerald Isle, NC

Hiring a full-service mover in Emerald Isle, North Carolina offers maximum convenience, but it’s also the most expensive option. If you’d like to save, consider one of the best moving container companies or opt for a truck rental company instead.

PODS

rating

4.8 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount

Get A Quote

Visit Website

U-Pack

rating

5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Check prices Visit Website

MovingYourself

rating

4.5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Affordable pricing
Offers car shipping
No hidden fees

Get A Quote

(352) 322-2920

Budget Truck Rental

rating

4.3 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Affordable pricing
Online pricing
Several discounts

Check prices Visit Website

Need a hand? In Emerald Isle, there are 1 labor-only moving options available. That means you can hire a crew to help with loading and unloading, even if you're handling the drive yourself.

How we chose the best movers in Emerald Isle, NC

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 85 North Carolina movers and listed the top five best movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

Average cost of movers in Emerald Isle, NC

Take a look at the pricing table below to get a general idea of the costs associated with local moves in and around the Emerald Isle area. For more details, you can also check out our guide on the moving costs in North Carolina.

Please note that the moving quotes provided in the table are rough estimates, and your actual costs may differ depending on the unique needs of your move. For a more precise estimate, consider using our moving cost calculator.

Home Size	Avg. Total Cost	Cost/hour	# of Movers	# Hours
Studio	$314	$101	2 movers	3 hours
1 Bedroom	$415	$101	2 movers	4 hours
2 Bedroom	$637	$141	3 movers	5 hours
3 Bedroom	$1,400	$198	4 movers	8 hours
4 Bedroom	$1,598	$198	4 movers	9 hours
5+ Bedroom	$2,425	$276	5 movers	10 hours

Compare the top Emerald Isle, NC movers

Let’s compare how the top movers in Emerald Isle, NC stack up in terms of their reputation.

Company	moveBuddha rating	BBB rating	Yelp rating	Google rating
J.E. Thomas & Sons, LLC	4.3/5	A+	4.8/5	4.7/5
Absolute Moving & Storage, Inc.	4.4/5	A	3.3/5	4.8/5
Troy Humphrey Moving & Storage, Inc.	4/5		3.3/5	4/5
Little Guys Movers	4.4/5	A+	4.3/5	4.8/5
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK	4.4/5	A+	2.9/5	4.7/5
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving	4.6/5	A+		4.7/5
Peak Moving and Storage, LLC	4.3/5	A	2.3/5	4.8/5
Southern Moving and Storage	4.3/5	A+	2.7/5	4.9/5
Pink Zebra Moving	4.2/5	F		4.8/5
Coastal Carrier Moving & Storage	4.2/5	A+	3.5/5	4.9/5

FAQs

How can I verify if my mover is legally licensed?

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).

Every mover featured in our guide is fully licensed. Check out our best movers in North Carolina page for top picks.

What should I look for in a reputable Emerald Isle mover?

Choosing a reputable Emerald Isle moving company doesn’t have to be hard if you focus on a few key considerations:

Reputation: Whether it's a family-run business or a major van lines provider, their reputation tells you a lot about what to expect.
Dispute resolution: Companies with many unresolved issues are red flags. Even top Emerald Isle movers have occasional hiccups— it’s how they handle them that matters.
Move-specific experience: Just because a mover is great for local jobs doesn't mean they’re ready for your long-distance move. Ask about their experience with moves like yours.

Which day of the week is cheapest for hiring movers in Emerald Isle, NC?

Movers in Emerald Isle, North Carolina, are often cheaper to hire on weekdays, as weekends see higher demand and pricing. According to our research, the cheapest moving period is from October through April—outside the peak May to September season.

To cut costs, book your Emerald Isle move as early as possible. Avoid high-demand days like weekends, holidays, and summer months. And be wary of movers who offer extremely low quotes. They might raise prices at the last minute.

What’s the most affordable way to relocate from Emerald Isle, NC?

Renting a truck is often considered the cheapest way to move out of state or within Emerald Isle, North Carolina. It’s also the most hands-on — expect to manage the packing, lifting, and driving on your own.

Is a moving container a good option for relocating from Emerald Isle?

Moving containers let you move on your timeline, but keep in mind you’ll be doing all the loading and unloading yourself. After you're packed, the company picks up the container and delivers it to your new home, eliminating the need to drive a moving truck.

Can I get storage from Emerald Isle moving companies?

2 Emerald Isle movers offer both short- and long-term storage options, and 2 provide climate-controlled units for extra safety of your belongings.

Some companies may rely on third-party storage facilities, so be sure to ask how and where your belongings will be stored. It’s a good idea to confirm availability and costs when comparing movers.

Learn more: Should you use your mover's storage solutions?