Best Movers Near Wilmington, NC (2026 Reviews)

College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving is Wilmington's top-rated moving company on moveBuddha, earning a 4.62/5 stars. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving also ranks #4 out of 255 movers statewide in North Carolina. Rankings are based on 8,423 verified customer reviews, BBB rating, and proximity to Wilmington, NC, covering 15 local Wilmington movers.

Local movers in Wilmington on average charge $75/hour for a 2-person crew. Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.56 / 5
  • Years in Business: 8
  • Yelp: 3.6 / 5
  • BBB: D-
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.42 / 5
  • Years in Business: 33
  • Yelp: 4.4 / 5
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.38 / 5
  • Years in Business: 27
  • Yelp: 2.8 / 5
  • BBB: A+

Why use moveBuddha for your Wilmington, NC move

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 Moving in Wilmington, NC right now: November offers some of the lowest prices and best mover availability of the year in Wilmington. The one exception is the Thanksgiving window. The week of and after Thanksgiving sees an end-of-year demand spike. Aim for early to mid-November for the best combination of price and availability.

What are the top-rated moving companies in Wilmington, NC?

College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving is Wilmington's top-rated moving company on moveBuddha, earning a 4.62/5. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving also ranks #4 out of 255 movers statewide in North Carolina.

moveBuddha scored 15 Wilmington movers drawing on 8,423 verified customer reviews, with a market average score of 4.04/5. Rankings include movers based in Wilmington and those serving the area from nearby locations.

  1. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
  2. Little Guys Movers: 4.42 out of 5 stars
  3. Southern Moving and Storage: 4.38 out of 5 stars
  4. Coastal Carrier Moving & Storage: 4.34 out of 5 stars
  5. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.36 out of 5 stars
  6. Absolute Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  7. Pink Zebra Moving: 4.2 out of 5 stars
  8. UniMovers: 4.14 out of 5 stars
  9. Tropical Moves Moving & Storage: 4.14 out of 5 stars
  10. Miracle Movers: 4.06 out of 5 stars
1
checkmark Quick response times
checkmark Quick moving process
checkmark Friendly and approachable staff
checkmark Efficient service
checkmark Professional and polite staff
Get Free Quote
No obligation • Free estimates
Positive reviews
97%
Years active
8
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moveBuddha logo
4.6
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Google logo
4.9
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Yelp logo
3.6
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BBB logo
Grade D-
Show details Hide details

Services offered

  • Full-service moves
  • Labor-only moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Packing materials available
  • Estate moves
  • Piano moves
  • Hot tub moving
  • Debris removal
  • Junk removal
  • Small moves
  • Storage available
  • Interstate moves
  • Intrastate moves
  • Office/business moves

Available discounts

  • Military discount

Company stats

Read full review
Industry experience 5.0

Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving has been in business for 8 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like small-scale moving and office moving.

Review quality 4.5

Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving has about 97% positive reviews across roughly 2083 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.6.

Quote accuracy 4.1

Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving. Discounts may be available for groups like military.

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

Outstanding service. Quick to respond. Efficient. Friendly and professional. Samuel and Stefan were excellent.

Third time using College Hunks and always impressed—we got same day service, the nicest guys, and a discount for being return customers. Highly recommend!!

DOT number
3120022
Address
2051 Andrew Jackson Highway, Leland, NC, 28451
Payment methods
Credit Card
2
checkmark Affordable rates
checkmark Good communication
checkmark Consistency and follow-up
checkmark Flexibility
checkmark Respectful of property
Get Free Quote
No obligation • Free estimates
Positive reviews
95%
Years active
33
link icon
moveBuddha logo
4.4
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Google logo
4.8
link icon
Yelp logo
4.4
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BBB logo
Grade A+
Show details Hide details

Services offered

  • Full-service moves
  • Labor-only moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Packing materials available
  • Antiques moving
  • Piano moves
  • Junk removal
  • Small moves
  • Storage available
  • Interstate moves
  • Intrastate moves
  • Office/business moves

Company stats

Read full review
Industry experience 5.0

Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Little Guys Movers has been in business for 33 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like intrastate moving and interstate moving.

Review quality 4.5

Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Little Guys Movers has about 95% positive reviews across roughly 393 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.4.

Quote accuracy 4.1

Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request 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

Andrew called with a quote within an hour, and Little Guys had the most reasonable piano-moving price. The crew arrived early and handled our piano so gently it needed no retuning.

From scheduling through moving day, communication was outstanding. The crew arrived on time, worked quickly, handled everything carefully, and the final price was quite reasonable.

DOT number
1931566
Address
3948 Market St, Wilmington, NC, 28403
Payment methods
Credit Card
State license
2546
3
checkmark Flexibility
checkmark Respectful of property
checkmark Good communication
checkmark Friendly and approachable staff
checkmark Careful handling
Get Free Quote
No obligation • Free estimates
Positive reviews
95%
link icon
moveBuddha logo
4.3
link icon
Google logo
4.9
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Yelp logo
2.6
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BBB logo
Grade C+
Show details Hide details

Services offered

  • Storage available
  • Office/business moves

Available discounts

  • Military discount

Company stats

Read full review
Industry experience 4.4

Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Southern Moving and Storage has been in business for many years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry.

Review quality 3.8

Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Southern Moving and Storage has about 95% positive reviews across roughly 734 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.6.

Quote accuracy 3.9

Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Southern Moving and Storage. Discounts may be available for groups like military.

Customer service 5.0

From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Southern Moving and Storage emphasizes clear communication.

Recent reviews

Same great service several moves later!! Always friendly and flexible!

Absolutely 10/10 from first phone call to moving day wrapped up. Great communication, movers were very professional and careful.

DOT number
3250673
Address
1536 Castle Hayne Rd., Wilmington, NC, 28401
Payment methods
Credit Card
State license
2593
4
checkmark Respectful of property
checkmark Careful handling
checkmark Professional and polite staff
checkmark Friendly and approachable staff
checkmark Helpful movers
Get Free Quote
No obligation • Free estimates
Positive reviews
97%
link icon
moveBuddha logo
4.3
link icon
Google logo
4.9
link icon
Yelp logo
3.7
link icon
BBB logo
Grade A+
Show details Hide details

Services offered

  • Storage available
  • Interstate moves
  • Intrastate moves
  • Office/business moves

Company stats

Read full review
Industry experience 4.4

Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Coastal Carrier Moving & Storage has been in business for many years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and office moving.

Review quality 4.1

Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Coastal Carrier Moving & Storage has about 97% positive reviews across roughly 1096 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.7.

Quote accuracy 3.9

Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Coastal Carrier Moving & Storage.

Customer service 4.4

From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Coastal Carrier Moving & Storage emphasizes clear communication.

Recent reviews

We especially appreciated that the same crew picked up and delivered our belongings. They were familiar with our things, treated our home and belongings with care, and were respectful from start to finish.

They were friendly, efficient, professional, and clearly knew exactly what they were doing. Ryan, the crew lead, was exceptional. He was constantly checking in to make sure we were okay, asking what we needed.

DOT number
1010926
Address
3121 Wrightsville Ave, Wilmington, NC, 28403
Payment methods
Credit Card
5
checkmark Affordable rates
checkmark Friendly and approachable staff
checkmark Professional and polite staff
checkmark Respectful of property
checkmark Careful handling
Get Free Quote
No obligation • Free estimates
Positive reviews
92%
Years active
27
link icon
moveBuddha logo
4.3
link icon
Google logo
4.7
link icon
Yelp logo
2.8
link icon
BBB logo
Grade A+
Show details Hide details

Services offered

  • Full-service moves
  • Labor-only moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Packing materials available
  • Piano moves
  • Junk removal
  • Small moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
  • Storage available
  • Interstate moves
  • Intrastate moves
  • Office/business moves

Company stats

Read full review
Industry experience 5.0

Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has been in business for 27 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like intrastate moving and small-scale moving.

Review quality 3.8

Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has about 92% positive reviews across roughly 726 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.8.

Quote accuracy 3.9

Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, and TWO MEN AND A TRUCK makes deposit expectations clear upfront.

Customer service 4.4

From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.

Recent reviews

The movers were on time, efficient, careful, friendly and professional.

Great company for a small, short-distance haul at the last minute. Our movers were careful, efficient, super friendly, and the rates were very reasonable too.

DOT number
916912
Address
3861 US-421, Wilmington, NC, 28401
Payment methods
Credit Card
6
checkmark Affordable rates
checkmark Respectful of property
checkmark Careful handling
checkmark Flexibility
checkmark Professional and polite staff
Get Free Quote
No obligation • Free estimates
Positive reviews
90%
Years active
20
link icon
moveBuddha logo
4.5
link icon
Google logo
4.8
link icon
Yelp logo
3.2
link icon
BBB logo
Grade A+
Show details Hide details

Services offered

  • Full-service moves
  • Labor-only moves
  • Packing
  • Packing materials available
  • Piano moves
  • Small moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
  • Storage available
  • Interstate moves
  • Intrastate moves
  • Office/business moves

Company stats

Read full review
Industry experience 5.0

Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Absolute Moving & Storage, Inc. has been in business for 20 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like small-scale moving and labor-only moving.

Review quality 4.1

Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Absolute Moving & Storage, Inc. has about 90% positive reviews across roughly 219 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.2.

Quote accuracy 4.1

Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request 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

They made moving a breeze from the booking, quotes, day of and more. Pricing was more than fair and the team were super respectful and caring. Would recommend to all!

Not one single item was broken or lost in the move. Compared prices with other moving companies, and Absolute Movers had the cheapest prices in the Brunswick / Wilmington area. The estimate was very close to the final bill.

DOT number
1774499
Address
115 Commercial Lane, Holly Ridge, NC, 28445
Payment methods
Credit Card
7
checkmark Friendly and approachable staff
checkmark Quick moving process
checkmark Helpful movers
checkmark Efficient service
checkmark Professional and polite staff
Get Free Quote
No obligation • Free estimates
Positive reviews
93%
Years active
5
link icon
moveBuddha logo
4.2
link icon
Google logo
4.8
link icon
Yelp logo
2.9
link icon
BBB logo
Grade F
Show details Hide details

Services offered

  • Packing
  • Intrastate moves

Company stats

Read full review
Industry experience 4.4

Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Pink Zebra Moving has been in business for 5 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry.

Review quality 3.8

Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Pink Zebra Moving has about 93% positive reviews across roughly 459 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 Pink Zebra Moving.

Customer service 5.0

From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Pink Zebra Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.

Recent reviews

They picked up my couch, delivered it, put it together and even cleaned up, they were so helpful! I will definitely use Pink Zebra Moving Company again!

The guys were the best! So quick and efficient, I’d basically request the same people again next time I move. Very kind and fun to work with!

DOT number
4438569
Address
108 S Kerr Ave A, Wilmington, NC, 28403
Payment methods
Credit Card
8
checkmark Flexibility
checkmark Quick response times
checkmark Quick moving process
checkmark Friendly and approachable staff
checkmark Professional and polite staff
Get Free Quote
No obligation • Free estimates
Positive reviews
99%
link icon
moveBuddha logo
4.1
link icon
Yelp logo
3.9
Show details Hide details

Services offered

  • Labor-only moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Piano moves
  • Safe moving
  • Small moves
  • Intrastate moves
  • Office/business moves

Available discounts

  • Military discount

Company stats

Read full review
Industry experience 4.4

Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. UniMovers has been in business for many 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. UniMovers has about 99% positive reviews across roughly 255 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.9.

Quote accuracy 3.9

Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from UniMovers. Discounts may be available for groups like military.

Customer service 4.1

From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. UniMovers emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.

Recent reviews

They were on time, texted to confirm, and handled my boxes and furniture carefully. The owner was professional and responsive, making a stressful job run smoothly.

Nick and his team stepped in on extremely short notice, worked late, and returned the next morning. They were polite, professional, and respectful while meeting a tight deadline.

Address
601 College Rd, Wilmington, NC, 28403
Payment methods
Credit Card
9
checkmark Affordable rates
checkmark Flexibility
checkmark Quick response times
checkmark Consistency and follow-up
checkmark Good communication
Get Free Quote
No obligation • Free estimates
Positive reviews
100%
link icon
moveBuddha logo
4.1
link icon
Google logo
5.0
link icon
BBB logo
Grade A
Show details Hide details

Services offered

  • Full-service moves
  • Packing
  • Packing materials available
  • Custom crating
  • Storage available
  • Interstate moves
  • Intrastate moves
  • Office/business moves

Company stats

Read full review
Industry experience 4.1

Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Tropical Moves Moving & Storage has been in business for many years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and office moving.

Review quality 4.1

Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Tropical Moves Moving & Storage has about 100% positive reviews across roughly 183 total reviews.

Quote accuracy 3.7

Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Tropical Moves Moving & Storage.

Customer service 4.1

From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Tropical Moves Moving & Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.

Recent reviews

Fantastic moving service! Best price out of all the competitors and great professional service. Carson was up-front and honest from the very first conversation. No surprise fees.

Carson, the owner, was so easy and responsive to both my calls and text messages. I also had weird dates and time frames to work with. Tropical Moves was easy to accomodate them.

DOT number
2821438
Address
315 Van Dyke Dr, Ste A, Wilmington, NC, 28405
10
checkmark Friendly and approachable staff
checkmark Professional and polite staff
checkmark Careful handling
checkmark Respectful of property
checkmark Helpful movers
Get Free Quote
No obligation • Free estimates
Positive reviews
92%
link icon
moveBuddha logo
4.0
link icon
Google logo
4.8
link icon
Yelp logo
2.5
Show details Hide details

Services offered

  • Full-service moves
  • Labor-only moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Packing materials available
  • Piano moves
  • Small moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
  • Storage available
  • Interstate moves
  • Intrastate moves
  • Office/business moves

Company stats

Read full review
Industry experience 4.4

Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Miracle Movers has been in business for many years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like small-scale moving and labor-only moving.

Review quality 3.8

Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Miracle Movers has about 92% positive reviews across roughly 1389 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.5.

Quote accuracy 3.7

Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Miracle Movers.

Customer service 4.4

From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Miracle Movers emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.

Recent reviews

The team was friendly, professional, and helpful throughout the move. They made the whole process easier and less stressful. I would definitely recommend them.

The movers were polite, professional, and very careful with our items. They arrived on time and worked efficiently without damaging anything.

DOT number
2461529
Address
5228 US-421, Wilmington, NC, 28401
Payment methods
Credit Card

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How do Wilmington, NC moving companies compare?

Company Our rating City rank Positive reviews BBB Quote
star star star star star
4.62
#1 of 15
Top 10 in North Carolina
97% D-
Little Guys Movers
33 years in business
star star star star star
4.42
#3 of 15 95% A+
star star star star star
4.38
#4 of 15 95% C+
star star star star star
4.34
#6 of 15 97% A+
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
27 years in business
star star star star star
4.36
#5 of 15 92% A+
star star star star star
4.5
#2 of 15 90% A+
Pink Zebra Moving
5 years in business
star star star star star
4.2
#7 of 15 93% F
star star star star star
4.14
#8 of 15 99% N/A
star star star star star
4.14
#9 of 15 100% A
star star star star star
4.06
#10 of 15 92% N/A

Proximity to Wilmington is a ranking factor, so a mover appearing higher on the list may have a lower score than one listed below it. A nearby company can outrank a higher-scored mover based further out. Each company's positive review rate and BBB rating are included so you can compare quality and reputation side by side.

Top-rated movers in nearby North Carolina cities

  North Carolina is one of the top 5 most popular moving destinations in the country, drawing 16.2% of all net inbound moving searches in the U.S. in 2026. Wilmington is one of the most in-demand destination cities in the country for people planning a move. See moveBuddha's full 2026 Moving Trends Report →

Popular moving routes from Wilmington, NC

Local movers in Wilmington are the right choice for moves under 500 miles, typically along I-26, I-40, I-85, and I-95. For longer moves, you need a full-service interstate carrier with USDOT authority, binding estimate practices, and the logistics to handle cross-country delivery. See our guide to the best long-distance movers from Wilmington, NC for route-specific recommendations and pricing.

Mover Certified by moveBuddha
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Veteran owned
  • Portion to charity
Mover Certified by moveBuddha
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
  • Customized moving plans

How much do movers cost in Wilmington, NC?

Local movers in Wilmington charge $75/hour on average for a 2-person crew, compared to the North Carolina average of $105/hour. The actual cost depends on home size, hours on the clock, and any add-on services.

Home size Estimated local move cost in Wilmington
Studio $294 – $490
1 bedroom $392 – $686
2 bedrooms $588 – $980
3 bedrooms $882 – $1,470
4+ bedrooms $1,176 – $2,156

Estimates based on national average local move costs, adjusted for Wilmington's cost of living. Actual costs vary by crew size, hours, and services.

Ready to compare Wilmington mover prices? See our full guide on Wilmington, NC mover costs →

Which Wilmington, NC movers offer specialty services?

Wilmington has 15 reviewed moving companies, but not all offer the same services. moveBuddha tracked specialty service availability across the market. Here is what is offered, how common each service is, and which companies rank highest in each category:

  • Piano moving: 6 of 15 Wilmington movers (40.0%) offer it. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.62/5) is Wilmington's top-rated piano mover.
  • Antique handling: 3 of 15 Wilmington movers (20.0%) offer it. Little Guys Movers (4.42/5) also handles antique care.
  • Art packing: 2 of 15 Wilmington movers (13.33%) offer it. Tropical Moves Moving & Storage (4.14/5) also offers art packing.
  • Climate-controlled storage: 4 of 15 Wilmington movers (26.67%) offer it. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.36/5) also offers climate-controlled storage.
  • Fragile-only packing: 1 of 15 Wilmington movers (6.67%) offer it. (/5) also offers fragile-only packing.

What movers in Wilmington offer piano moving?

Piano moving is available from 6 of 15 Wilmington movers (40.0%). College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.62/5) is Wilmington's top-rated piano mover.

Piano moving in Wilmington Details
Wilmington movers offering this 6 of 15 (40.0%)
Top-rated Wilmington piano movers College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving, Little Guys Movers
Upright piano $784 to $1,470
Baby grand piano $1,176 to $2,450
Grand piano $1,764 to $3,430

Piano weight (300 to 800 lbs for uprights, 500 to 1,200 lbs for baby grands, over 1,200 lbs for concert grands) is the primary cost driver, as heavier instruments require more crew and specialized equipment. Bundling a piano into a full household move is usually cheaper than booking a piano-only carrier. See moveBuddha's guide to the best piano movers for vetted options and how to pack and move a piano for prep tips.

What movers in Wilmington offer antique handling?

Antique handling is available from 3 of 15 Wilmington movers (20.0%). Little Guys Movers (4.42/5) also handles antique care.

Antique handling in Wilmington Details
Wilmington movers offering this 3 of 15 (20.0%)
Top-rated Wilmington antique movers Little Guys Movers,
Added cost to a household move $980 to $2,450
Per-piece handling fee $49 to $490
Custom crating per item $147 to $196

Custom crating and per-piece handling fees are the main cost factors. Standard released-value coverage ($0.60/lb) is inadequate for high-value antiques, so full-value protection adds to the total. The more pieces requiring individual crating, the higher the cost. See moveBuddha's guide to best antique moving companies for specialists in this market.

What movers in Wilmington offer art packing?

Art packing is available from 2 of 15 Wilmington movers (13.33%). Tropical Moves Moving & Storage (4.14/5) also offers art packing.

Art packing in Wilmington Details
Wilmington movers offering this 2 of 15 (13.33%)
Top-rated Wilmington art movers Tropical Moves Moving & Storage,
Per-piece handling fee $49 to $490
Custom crating per item $147 to $196

Cost scales with piece count and crating complexity. Framed canvases and sculptures require custom-built crates at $150 to $200 each. Confirm the mover has handled similar media before booking. See how to pack and move art for what to verify before signing.

What movers in Wilmington offer climate-controlled storage?

Climate-controlled storage is available from 4 of 15 Wilmington movers (26.67%). TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.36/5) also offers climate-controlled storage.

Climate-controlled storage in Wilmington Details
Wilmington movers offering this 4 of 15 (26.67%)
Top-rated Wilmington providers TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, Absolute Moving & Storage, Inc.
Storage-in-transit rate About $0.50 per cubic foot per month
1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) $252

Cost is driven by unit size and duration. Longer storage gaps and larger loads raise the monthly total. Climate control is most relevant for wood furniture, electronics, and vinyl; standard units can handle hardier items at lower cost. See moveBuddha's climate-controlled storage guide for a full cost and provider breakdown.

What movers in Wilmington offer fragile-only packing?

Fragile-only packing is available from 1 of 15 Wilmington movers (6.67%). (/5) also offers fragile-only packing.

Fragile-only packing in Wilmington Details
Wilmington movers offering this 1 of 15 (6.67%)
Top-rated Wilmington providers ,
Full professional packing rate $0.15 to $0.21 per pound

Fragile-only packing costs less than full-service packing because it covers only breakables: dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps. It's the most cost-effective way to add professional packing without paying to have the whole home packed. See how to pack breakables for what movers look for and how to prepare.

Apartment and high-rise moving in Wilmington

Moving in or out of an apartment or high-rise in Wilmington adds logistical steps that ground-floor moves don't require. Before booking, confirm the following with your mover:

  • Elevator reservation: most buildings require a reserved service elevator window. Book it as soon as you have your move date. Slots fill quickly, especially on weekends and the first of the month.
  • Certificate of Insurance (COI): many Wilmington apartment buildings and high-rises require a COI from your mover before they'll allow access to service elevators or loading docks. Ask your mover for a COI early. This is a standard request and any licensed mover should provide it without charge.
  • Long carry and shuttle fees: if the moving truck can't park within a short distance of the building entrance, a shuttle vehicle or long-carry charge ($75–$500+) may apply. Confirm the loading dock situation before signing your estimate.
  • Labor-only movers: 47% of Wilmington movers offer labor-only service (loading and unloading without a truck), which pairs well with a rented container or truck. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving is Wilmington's top-rated labor-only provider.

If your building has strict move-in rules, ask your mover for references from similar Wilmington apartment moves before committing.

DIY moving options in Wilmington, NC

Not every Wilmington move needs a full-service crew. These alternatives cost significantly less:

Rental trucks

The best rental truck options for a DIY move in Wilmington, NC are Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5), U-Haul (4.2/5), and Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5). Budget leads on transparent pricing and discount availability. U-Haul offers 7 truck sizes and one-way rentals for moves that won't bring you back. Penske carries the most consistently maintained fleet, with unlimited mileage on select routes. Use moveBuddha's moving truck size guide to match the right truck to your home size before booking.

moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.3 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.0 / 5
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  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.2 / 5
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  • Greatest coverage
  • 7 truck sizes
  • One way rentals

Moving containers

The best moving container companies available in Wilmington, NC are PODS (4.5/5), Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5), and MovingYourself (5.0/5), based on moveBuddha's ratings. Container moves work by dropping a portable unit at your door, giving you several days to load at your own pace, then the company handles pickup and delivery. See our full moving container company guide for cost comparisons by move size, or the moving container sizes guide to find the right unit for your load.

moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.5 / 5
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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.3 / 5
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  • Flexible timelines
  • Local franchise support
  • Fits tight spaces
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 5.0 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees

Labor-only movers + rented truck

The best labor-only movers in Wilmington, NC start with College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.62/5) and Little Guys Movers (4.42/5), both offering loading, packing, and assembly services. You drive, they lift. Rent a truck, put these crews on the loading and unloading, and keep full control of your timeline and route.

moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.62 / 5
  • Years in Business: 8
  • 97% positive reviews
  • BBB: D-
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.42 / 5
  • Years in Business: 33
  • 95% positive reviews
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.36 / 5
  • Years in Business: 27
  • 92% positive reviews
  • BBB: A+

Moving in Wilmington, NC: what you need to know

A Wilmington move involves logistics that go beyond booking a crew and loading a truck. The checklist below covers the practical steps specific to moving in this market.

Before move day

  • Update your address: file a change of address with the USPS before your move date. Wilmington residents can start at USPS Mover's Guide. Also update your address with North Carolina DMV, your bank, employer, and any subscription services.
  • Certificate of Insurance (COI): many Wilmington buildings require a COI from your moving company before granting loading dock or elevator access. Request this from your mover as soon as you book. It's a standard document and any licensed mover should provide it free of charge.
  • Reserve your elevator: if you're in a building with a service elevator, reserve a time window as early as possible. Weekend and month-end slots fill fast.
  • Get a binding estimate: a binding estimate locks your final price. A non-binding estimate can change based on actual weight or time. Always confirm in writing before signing.

Timing your move

  • Peak season (May–September): demand is highest in summer. Wilmington's summer highs reach 90°F, which pushes prices up and crew availability down. Book at least 4–6 weeks ahead during this window.
  • Off-peak savings: moves booked in October–April, on weekdays, or mid-month typically cost 10%–20% less. If your schedule is flexible, ask movers about off-peak pricing. See moveBuddha's best time to move guide for a month-by-month breakdown.

North Carolina moving regulations and your rights

  • Verify your mover is licensed: all North Carolina movers are required to be licensed with the state. Check your mover's license at North Carolina's licensed movers directory. Ask for their USDOT number for interstate moves.
  • 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).
  • Released-value coverage: movers are required to offer basic protection at $0.60 per pound per item at no extra cost. This covers almost nothing on high-value items. Ask about full valuation coverage before signing.
  • 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.
  • Your rights as a shipper: for interstate moves, the FMCSA requires movers to provide "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" before your move. Read it. It covers estimates, liability, dispute resolution, and the 110% rule. Download it at fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move.
  • Industry oversight: North Carolina Movers Association sets professional standards for North Carolina movers. Membership is voluntary but signals accountability. Ask your mover if they hold membership.

Frequently asked questions: moving in Wilmington, NC

How much do movers cost in Wilmington, NC?

Local movers in Wilmington, NC charge by the hour. Based on moveBuddha's data from 1 Wilmington movers, hourly rates range from $120/hour to $120/hour, with a median of $120/hour. Wilmington's top-rated mover is College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving, earning a 4.62/5 on moveBuddha, drawing on 93,068 verified customer reviews across North Carolina. It also ranks #4 out of 255 movers statewide in North Carolina.

Key cost factors for a Wilmington move, based on moveBuddha's review data:

  • Access fees: stairs, elevators, long carries, and shuttle service each add $75–$500+ when the truck can't load directly. Get these costs itemized in your estimate before signing.
  • Deposit requirement: 7% of Wilmington movers require a deposit to hold your move date. Confirm refund terms before paying.
  • Full valuation coverage: 7% of Wilmington movers (1 companies) offer it. The default released-value protection covers only $0.60 per pound. Full valuation coverage costs extra and covers replacement value.
  • Hours on-site: local moves bill by the clock. Home size, floor access, elevator waits, and how much packing work the crew handles are the primary time drivers.
  • Long-distance pricing: moves leaving Wilmington across state lines are priced by shipment weight and mileage, not hourly. 67% of Wilmington movers (10 companies) handle interstate moves. Fuel surcharges on long-distance moves typically add 8%–15% to transportation charges.
  • Packing services: 73% of Wilmington movers (11 companies) offer full packing, and 47% supply packing materials. Professional packing adds $0.15–$0.21 per pound on average.

DIY options like a rental truck or moving container reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, based on moveBuddha's analysis. Use the moving cost calculator to get a market-specific baseline before collecting quotes.

What do full-service movers in Wilmington include, and what costs extra?

A standard full-service move in Wilmington, NC includes loading, transport, and unloading. Basic furniture padding and simple disassembly/reassembly for bed frames and standard furniture pieces are included in the base rate. Packing, valuation upgrades, storage, crating, and specialty-item handling are add-ons billed separately. The table below shows what Wilmington movers offer and what each add-on typically costs, based on moveBuddha's review data.

Add-on service % of Wilmington movers Typical cost impact
Full packing 73% (11 companies) +$0.15–$0.21 per pound on average
Packing materials 47% Priced per box or kit; confirm before booking
Storage 67% ~$0.50 per cubic foot per month; a 1-bedroom (~514 cu ft) runs ~$252/month
Full valuation coverage 7% (1 companies) 1%–2% of declared shipment value (~$300–$600 on a $30,000 shipment); default released-value protection pays only $0.60/lb
Crating (fragile/high-value items) 7% (1 companies) $150–$200 per item for antiques and artwork; $150–$400 for oversized pieces (safes, sectionals, appliances)
Labor-only (load/unload, no transport) 47% (7 companies) Hourly rate only; no truck or transport charge
Access fees (stairs, elevator, long carry, shuttle) Situational $75–$500+ when the truck can't load directly; shuttle service adds $0.08–$0.12 per pound with minimums starting around $200

Every add-on above requires written confirmation before booking. A binding estimate locks the final price. A non-binding estimate can change based on actual weight or time. See the hidden and unexpected moving costs guide for a full breakdown of what to request in writing.

Do movers in Wilmington offer senior, military, or other discounts?

Wilmington movers are tracked across 6 discount categories by moveBuddha, drawing on 93,068 verified customer reviews across North Carolina. The table below lists each discount type available from at least 1 Wilmington mover, the percentage and count of companies offering it, and which specific movers to ask. Discount types with 0 confirmed Wilmington movers are excluded. NC state averages appear where city-level data is unavailable.

Discount type % of Wilmington movers # of movers Wilmington movers offering it Data source
Military 20% 3 College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving, Southern Moving and Storage, UniMovers Wilmington

Ask each mover whether the discount applies to your specific move date, what proof of eligibility is required, and whether it stacks with seasonal pricing or off-peak rates. Discounts are not automatically applied. Request them at the quote stage, before signing.

How far in advance should I book movers in Wilmington?

Book Wilmington movers at least 4–6 weeks ahead during peak moving season (May through September) and on month-end dates. For off-peak moves (October through April, mid-month, or on a weekday), 2–3 weeks is usually sufficient. Last-minute bookings (under 1 week) are possible but limit your options to movers with open capacity, which may not include your preferred company or the best-rated crews.

Once you have a date, request a binding written estimate before paying any deposit. Confirm the mover's cancellation and reschedule policy in writing at booking. Some Wilmington movers charge a fee for changes made within 48–72 hours of the move.

What is a Certificate of Insurance (COI) and do Wilmington movers provide one?

A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is a document from your mover's insurance carrier that names your building as an additional insured and confirms the mover carries active liability coverage. Many Wilmington apartment buildings, condos, and commercial properties require a COI before they'll permit a moving crew to use service elevators or loading docks.

Any licensed, insured Wilmington mover should provide a COI at no charge. Request it as soon as you book. Your building management may need it 5–10 business days before your move. If a mover hesitates or charges for a COI, that is a red flag worth taking seriously.

Are movers in Wilmington licensed and insured?

North Carolina requires moving companies operating within the state to hold a valid state license. Verify a mover's license at the North Carolina licensed movers directory. For interstate moves (crossing state lines), movers must also hold a USDOT number issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can verify any USDOT number at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.

Always ask your Wilmington mover for their license number and USDOT number before signing. moveBuddha verifies licensing and insurance status for all movers in its database as part of the review process.

How long does a local move take in Wilmington?

Local Wilmington moves are billed by the hour, so understanding time estimates helps you budget accurately. Based on moveBuddha's Wilmington-area data:

  • Studio/1 bedroom: 2–4 hours with a 2-person crew
  • 2 bedrooms: 4–6 hours with a 2-person crew
  • 3 bedrooms: 6–8 hours with a 3-person crew
  • 4+ bedrooms: 8–12 hours with a 3–4 person crew

These are averages. Actual time increases with stairs, elevator waits, long carries from truck to door, and the amount of packing the crew handles. Pre-packing boxes, reserving an elevator, and ensuring a clear loading path are the most effective ways to keep hourly costs on track.

Do Wilmington movers have experience with apartments and high-rises?

Yes. Most Wilmington movers regularly handle apartment and high-rise moves. When evaluating a mover for this type of move, ask specifically about their experience with:

  • Service elevator scheduling and building move-in procedures in Wilmington
  • Providing a Certificate of Insurance (COI) for building management
  • Shuttle vehicles or alternative loading setups when a truck can't park close to the entrance
  • Stair carries if the service elevator is unavailable or too small for large pieces

A mover with genuine Wilmington apartment experience will ask about your building's move-in process during the quoting stage, not after you've signed. If they don't ask, bring it up yourself before committing.

What is the best time of year to move in Wilmington?

The cheapest time to move in Wilmington is October through April, particularly on weekdays and mid-month dates when mover demand drops. Moving during this window can reduce your total cost by 10%–20% compared to peak summer rates.

Peak season runs May through September. Wilmington's summer highs reach 90°F, which makes physically demanding moves harder on crews and can slow load times on the hottest days. Demand is highest on weekends, the first and last days of the month, and during the school-year transition in late August.

Regardless of season, booking 4–6 weeks ahead gives you the best pick of Wilmington's top-rated movers and the most flexibility on scheduling.

How does moveBuddha rank moving companies in Wilmington?

moveBuddha scores 15 moving companies in Wilmington on a weighted five-factor system covering customer satisfaction, dispute resolution, industry reputation, online reputation, and service options. Based on that scoring, College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving ranks #1 of 15 in Wilmington. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving also ranks #4 out of 255 movers statewide in North Carolina.

How moveBuddha selects and reviews Wilmington, NC moving companies

moveBuddha's moving analyst team evaluated 255 North Carolina moving companies using a five-factor weighted scoring system: customer satisfaction (40%), dispute resolution (20%), industry reputation (15%), online reputation (15%), and service options (10%). Rankings for Wilmington draw on 93,068 verified customer reviews across North Carolina: real move experiences submitted by customers, not scraped from third-party platforms.

That scoring system draws on moveBuddha's dataset of 1,000+ live price points and research across 4,500+ movers nationwide, so you're getting recommendations built on real market data, not just review aggregation.

  • Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently completes moves on time, communicates proactively, and delivers within the estimated cost. These factors matter most when hiring a mover.
  • Dispute resolution (20%): Problems happen in every industry. We reward companies that take clear ownership of issues and make genuine, documented efforts to resolve them.
  • Industry reputation (15%): The company holds standing in professional moving organizations and participates in industry oversight, which signals accountability beyond customer reviews alone.
  • Online reputation (15%): The company maintains accurate, up-to-date information online and responds promptly and professionally to customer inquiries and complaints.
  • Service options (10%): We favor companies that offer full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery. These services matter on a complex move.

Read our complete moving company rating methodology for the full scoring breakdown.

See how Wilmington's top movers stack up. Get free quotes from Wilmington's top movers →

How to move in Wilmington: permits, COI, and city logistics

A step-by-step guide to planning a local move in Wilmington, NC, including permit requirements, certificate of insurance, elevator booking, and mover verification.

  1. Verify your mover's license and insurance. 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). Verify a license.
  2. Request a Certificate of Insurance (COI). If your Wilmington building requires a COI for loading dock or elevator access, request one from your mover immediately after booking. Any licensed mover should provide it free of charge within a few business days.
  3. Reserve your parking and elevator access. Contact your building manager to reserve a service elevator window and, if needed, a parking permit for the moving truck on your Wilmington street. Book these at least 2 weeks before your move date.
  4. Get a binding written estimate. Request a binding estimate from at least 3 Wilmington movers. A binding estimate locks your final price. Review all line items (including access fees, packing, and valuation coverage) before signing.

The final verdict: moving in Wilmington, NC

Collect at least 3 binding estimates, confirm your mover's license and insurance, and request a COI if your building requires one. Use the moveBuddha cost calculator to set your budget baseline before reaching out to movers.