Top-rated local movers that handle Irvine to Chapel Hill moves
When planning a move from Irvine to Chapel Hill, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 86 local movers in Irvine who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Irvine to Chapel Hill.
- Meathead Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Maison Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Terry Moving and Storage Inc.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Best California Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meat Head Movers Inc , Meathead Movers Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190726
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 76628
Alternate Names: Orange County Movers Inc , College Boys Moving and Storage of Orange County , Affordable Moving and Storage of Orange County
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0182466
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Alternate Names: NorthStar Moving Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 189603
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 649215
Alternate Names: Terry Moving and Storage Inc , Richards Moving Company , Orange County Storage Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: T0192283
Pricing: $109/hr
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3489907
Alternate Names: Best California Movers & Storage , An Moving Forward
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Irvine to Chapel Hill?
Movers in California charge $128 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,330 – $5,035 | $1,247 – $3,267 | $1,345 – $2,712 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,805 – $7,451 | $2,216 – $4,851 | $1,441 – $3,163 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,738 – $12,358 | $3,179 – $6,927 | $1,821 – $4,119 |
Cost to hire movers from Irvine to Chapel Hill
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Irvine to Chapel Hill, you can expect to spend between $1,330 and $5,035. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,805 to $7,451 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Irvine to Chapel Hill typically runs between $6,738 and $12,358.
Cost of moving containers from Irvine to Chapel Hill
When moving from Irvine to Chapel Hill, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,247 and $3,267. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,216 to $4,851. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,179 up to $6,927. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Irvine to Chapel Hill
Renting a moving truck in Irvine is usually your cheapest option to get to Chapel Hill. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,345 and $2,712. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,441 and $3,163. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,821 and $4,119.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Irvine to Chapel Hill
The cost of Irvine movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,507, but larger homes can run up to $10,823.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Irvine.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,345–$3,506) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Irvine to Chapel Hill
Many movers find Chapel Hill easier on the wallet than Irvine – roughly 75% less for singles and 73% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,248 for one person in Chapel Hill versus $9,167 in Irvine. For a family of four, it’s $4,790 compared with $18,000.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Irvine | Chapel Hill | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,719 | $1,325 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,575 | $3,433 |
| Average home value | $1,561,760 | $592,460 |
| Average income (per capita) | $114,027 | $65,621 |
| Cost of living (single) | $9,167 | $2,248 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $18,000 | $4,790 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 3.2% |
| Sales tax | 7.75% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.5% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 51% lower in Chapel Hill than in Irvine, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 62% lower in Chapel Hill than in Irvine.
- It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 42% less in Chapel Hill than in Irvine.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Chapel Hill, where the cost of living for a single person is 75% less than in Irvine.
- Moving to Chapel Hill could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 73% less than in Irvine.
- Chapel Hill experiences an unemployment rate that is about 41% lower than that of Irvine. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are similar in Chapel Hill and Irvine (within about 5%), meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
- Income taxes are 66% lower in North Carolina compared to California. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Irvine with Chapel Hill:
| Living Expense | Irvine | Chapel Hill |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.96 | $156.99 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.33 | $55.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.50 | $4.53 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.59 | $4.04 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $54.17 | $42.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Irvine than in Chapel Hill.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Irvine than in Chapel Hill.
- Eggs are less expensive in Irvine than in Chapel Hill.
- Bread is more expensive in Irvine than in Chapel Hill.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Irvine than in Chapel Hill.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Irvine than in Chapel Hill.
- Gym memberships cost more in Irvine than in Chapel Hill.
How life is different in Irvine vs. Chapel Hill
| Irvine | Chapel Hill | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,670 | 63,764 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 43 | 34 |
| Bike friendliness score | 69 | 50 |
| Crime index | 31.01 | 26.42 |
| Safety index | 68.99 | 73.58 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Chapel Hill’s population is about 79% less than Irvine.
- Chapel Hill’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Irvine’s score of 4.
- Chapel Hill is less walkable than Irvine with a score of 34 out of 100 vs Irvine’s 43 out of 100.
- Chapel Hill has a bike-friendliness score of 50 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Irvine, which has a score of 69.
- Chapel Hill’s crime rate is lower than Irvine with a score of 26.42 compared to Irvine’s 31.01. This means that Chapel Hill neighborhoods are safer than 26.42% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Irvine neighborhoods are safer than 31.01%.
- Chapel Hill is considered to be safer than Irvine with a safety index of 73.58 vs Irvine’s 68.99.
- Air quality in Chapel Hill is Moderate, and in Irvine it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Irvine to Chapel Hill move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: 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). Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a North Carolina moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While North Carolina doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Chapel Hill smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Chapel Hill
Now that you’ve chosen Southern Part of Heaven as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Chapel Hill to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown Chapel Hill
- Franklin Street Area
- Carrboro
- Midtown Chapel Hill
- East 54
Best neighborhoods for families
- Meadowmont
- The Oaks
- Winmore
- The Preserve at Jordan Lake
- Southern Village
- Briar Chapel
- Dunhill
- Governor’s Club
- Westfall
- Claremont/Claremont South
Things to do in Chapel Hill
After getting comfortable in your new North Carolina home, it’s time to see what Chapel Hill is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Chapel Hill offers cultural landmarks like the The Carolina Basketball Museum, Ackland Art Museum, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, and Kidzu Children’s Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s North Carolina Botanical Garden, Coker Arboretum, Brumley Forest Nature Preserve, and Battle Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an UNC Tar Heels (Various sports) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Irvine to Chapel Hill?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Irvine to Chapel Hill are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Irvine are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Irvine to Chapel Hill?
Because spring and fall moves from Irvine to Chapel Hill are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Irvine to Chapel Hill take?
A move of 2,528 miles from Irvine, CA to Chapel Hill, generally takes seven to 21 days. Movers in Irvine sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Chapel Hill is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Irvine?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 1 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 2 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Irvine offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 66 movers in Irvine have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 55 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across CA, there are 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
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