($369+) Wilmington, DE to Durham, NC Movers
Moving from Wilmington, DE, to Durham, NC, runs anywhere from $392 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,076 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 371 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,082, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,076 or more.
- Moving containers run $989 - $3,044, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $392 - $1,007.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Wilmington, DE, to Durham, NC. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,828 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Wilmington, DE to Durham, NC
Moving options from Wilmington to Durham fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $1,828 - $4,923 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 371 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 4 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 371-mile route from Wilmington to Durham, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,082 - $3,770 | $989 - $1,720 | $392 - $731 | $891 - $1,579 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,828 - $4,923 | $1,343 - $2,563 | $406 - $792 | $971 - $1,874 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,786 - $7,076 | $1,607 - $3,044 | $487 - $1,007 | $1,353 - $2,435 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated August 31, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Wilmington, DE to Durham, NC
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 371-mile move from Wilmington, Delaware, to Durham, North Carolina, with prices running from $1,082 - $7,076. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $306 - $2,040 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Wilmington and Durham are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Wilmington movers tend to run around $334 as a base rate plus $150/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Wilmington to Durham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,082 - $3,770
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,828 - $4,923
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,786 - $7,076
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Wilmington to Durham.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Delaware to North Carolina. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
Add-ons and specialty services from Wilmington, DE to Durham, NC
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost (Wilmington to Durham) |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | You want the crew to box everything | $510 - $5,100 |
| Storage in transit | Your new place is not ready on arrival | $204 - $1,224/mo |
| Shuttle fee | A full-size truck cannot reach the door | $306 - $2,448 |
| Full-value protection | Coverage beyond the default $0.60/lb | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Shipments under about 2,000 lbs | $1,020 - $3,060 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,550 - $10,200 |
| Car shipping | Moving a second vehicle | $764 - $1,451 |
| Antiques & fine art | Climate control and white-glove handling | $1,020 - $2,550 |
| Piano | Upright, baby grand, or grand | $816 - $3,570 |
| Pool table | Disassembly and professional re-leveling | $306 - $1,530 |
| Hot tub | 500 - 900 lb units with electrical disconnect | $663 - $2,040 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled, vibration-safe transport | $306 - $15,300+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or VIP concierge | $306 - $3,570+ |
| Basic utilities | Ongoing monthly cost in Durham | $148/mo |
| Internet | Ongoing monthly cost in Durham | $73/mo |
| Cell phone plan | Ongoing monthly cost in Durham | $52/mo |
What are the best full-service movers from Wilmington to Durham?
Look for North Carolina Movers Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in North Carolina beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Wilmington, DE?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Wilmington to Durham with a local mover averages $1,810 - $4,874. A local mover in Wilmington, DE is worth considering for moves under 500 miles. Short-distance moves don't always need the scale of a national carrier, and local companies can offer streamlined service, more flexible pickup windows, and a more personal approach to coordination.
Be sure to confirm interstate licensing, insurance coverage, and delivery expectations before booking.
Zip to Zip Moving Inc (4.5/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Wilmington, based on our analysis of feedback from 278 customers, 97.8% of which is positive.
Address: 558 W Uwchlan Ave, Exton, PA, 19341 | Founded: 2020
Moving container costs from Wilmington, DE to Durham, NC
Moving containers from Wilmington, Delaware, to Durham, North Carolina, cost between $989 and $3,044. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Durham. If you go over that window, storage in Wilmington adds around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Wilmington to Durham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $989 - $1,720
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,343 - $2,563
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,607 - $3,044
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Wilmington, DE, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $714, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $77 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $153 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Wilmington, DE, and Durham, NC, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Delaware to North Carolina move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $989. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,343 - $2,563, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Wilmington to Durham?
- PODS (4.8/5 stars): PODS is best for nationwide coverage. It runs the widest service network of any container company, with secure month-to-month storage and steel-frame containers you load on your own schedule.
- Units Moving & Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars): Units is best for locally owned service. Their steel containers come in multiple sizes that fit tight driveways, and locally owned branches mean you reach a live support team that knows your area.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat: 1-800-Pack-Rat is best for weatherproof storage. Their all-steel containers hold up well in transit and long storage windows, with flexible month-to-month terms when your move-in date slips.
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Wilmington to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Wilmington:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 12 years in business
- Bayshore Transportation System, Inc. (4.5/5), 53 years in business
- Move Crew LLC (4.8/5), 0 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Wilmington, DE to Durham, NC
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 371 miles from Wilmington, Delaware, to Durham, North Carolina, running $392 - $1,007. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $120 - $138
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Wilmington daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Wilmington to Durham based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $392 - $731
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $406 - $792
- 4+ bedrooms: $487 - $1,007
Pro tip: A rental truck from Wilmington to Durham looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $392 - $1,007. But once you factor in fuel ($120 - $138) , overnight lodging ($153/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $120 - $138 for the 371-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Wilmington, Delaware, for about 5 hours typically costs around $714.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 371-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $153 per night, adding $306 - $459 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $51 and $306.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Wilmington to Durham?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars): Budget Truck Rental is the best value rental on this list. Budget undercuts most competitors on base rates and layers in discounts for online bookings, AAA membership, and military service.
- Penske Truck Rental (4/5 stars): Penske Truck Rental is the most reliable option here. Their newer fleet, unlimited mileage on one-way moves, and 24/7 roadside assistance make Penske the choice when breakdown risk is the bigger concern than cost.
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars): U-Haul Truck Rental offers the best availability. U-Haul operates more than 23,000 locations and offers 7 truck sizes, giving it the largest pickup network and the broadest accommodation for last-minute or one-way moves.
Freight trailer costs from Wilmington, DE to Durham, NC
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Wilmington, Delaware, to Durham, North Carolina, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $971 and $1,874.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Wilmington to Durham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $891 - $1,579
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $971 - $1,874
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,353 - $2,435
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Wilmington, Delaware, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $714.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $77 - $153 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Wilmington to Durham?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- Pipco Transportation, Inc. (4.7/5 stars): Pipco Transportation, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Durham fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Wilmington, DE vs Durham, NC
Day-to-day costs in Durham are close to what you're used to in Wilmington: cost of living index of 99 versus 104, with average rent of $1,699/mo compared to $1,812/mo. Housing, income, and taxes are all in a similar range, so budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores are close too, at 74/100 and 32.68/100 in Wilmington versus 30/100 and 45.28/100 in Durham.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Durham, NC to Wilmington, DE guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed over 649 quotes from Wilmington, DE to Durham, NC, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 9 movers in Delaware, so you have real options to compare for this 371-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Wilmington, DE, to Durham, NC, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,082 for a studio to $7,076 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 371-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $989 - $3,044. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $392 - $1,007, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $1,828 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Durham tend to point to low cost of living and quality education, though terrible traffic and high crime rate come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Duke University & Duke Univ. Health System and IBM.
FAQs: Moving from Wilmington, DE, to Durham, NC
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
How much does it cost to move from Wilmington, DE to Durham, NC?
Costs on this route range from around $1,082 to $7,076, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,082 and $7,076, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What is the cheapest way to move from Wilmington, DE to Durham, NC?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $406 - $792. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($120 - $138), daily insurance ($31/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $153/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Wilmington, DE to Durham, NC take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
