($357+) Wilmington, DE to Durham, NC Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Wilmington, DE to Durham, NC

Moving from Wilmington, DE, to Durham, NC, runs anywhere from $344 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,257 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 $1,016, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $6,257 or more.
  • Moving containers run $857 - $2,857, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $344 - $847.
  • 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 $1,617 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

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. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $1,617 - $4,619 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 371 miles and typically takes 1 to 4 days.

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 $1,016 - $3,437 $857 - $1,489 $344 - $640 $827 - $1,368
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,617 - $4,619 $1,131 - $2,266 $363 - $774 $949 - $1,813
4+ bedrooms $2,413 - $6,257 $1,526 - $2,857 $463 - $847 $1,256 - $2,175

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 6, 2026.

Professional moving
Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Moving container
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental truck
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight trailer
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

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 $1,016 - $6,257. 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: $1,016 - $3,437
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,617 - $4,619
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,413 - $6,257

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: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.

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Specialty moving services from Wilmington, DE to Durham, NC

Specialty needs vary by market — 89% of Wilmington movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Durham, 86% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing97% of local movers$510 - $5,100
Storage in transitNew place not ready89% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving$204 - $1,224/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$306 - $2,448
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage39% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs39% of local movers$1,020 - $3,060
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,550 - $10,200
Car shippingSecond vehicle$764 - $1,451
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items63% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Ramsey's Moving System$1,020 - $2,550
PianoAny piano type77% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Ramsey's Moving System$816 - $3,570
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling39% of local movers$306 - $1,530
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect23% of local movers21% nationallyTop pick: Ramsey's Moving System$663 - $2,040
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$306 - $15,300+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$306 - $3,570+

What are the best full-service movers from Wilmington to Durham?

Movers licensed to operate in North Carolina are typically members of the North Carolina Movers Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers 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 $1,601 - $4,573. Working with a local mover based in Wilmington, DE often costs less than hiring a national carrier on routes under 500 miles. Shorter routes come with lower fuel overhead and simpler logistics, and local movers can offer more direct communication and quicker booking windows.

The tradeoff is that smaller companies may lack the infrastructure for longer hauls. Verify proper interstate licensing and relevant experience before signing anything.

Zip to Zip Moving Inc (4.56/5 stars) is our preferred moving company 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 $857 and $2,857. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Wilmington typically runs around $100/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Wilmington to Durham:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $857 - $1,489
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,131 - $2,266
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,526 - $2,857

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 $857. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,131 - $2,266, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Wilmington to Durham?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)

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
  • Move Crew LLC (4.8/5), 0 years in business
  • Bayshore Transportation System, Inc. (4.5/5), 53 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 $344 - $847. 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 sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Wilmington to Durham based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $344 - $640
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $363 - $774
  • 4+ bedrooms: $463 - $847

Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Wilmington to Durham starts at $344 - $847, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($120 - $138) , overnight lodging ($153/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.

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?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)

The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.

Freight trailer costs from Wilmington, DE to Durham, NC

If you're moving a larger household from Wilmington, Delaware, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Durham, North Carolina.

Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $949 and $1,813.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Wilmington to Durham:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $827 - $1,368
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $949 - $1,813
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,256 - $2,175

Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
  • More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $77 - $153 more per foot.
  • Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Wilmington, Delaware, for about five hours typically runs $714.

What are the best freight companies from Wilmington to Durham?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
  3. Pipco Transportation, Inc. (4.7/5 stars): Pipco Transportation, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.

Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Durham quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.

Cost of living: Wilmington, DE vs Durham, NC

There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Wilmington and Durham to plan around. Cost of living index: 104 vs. 99. Average rent: $1,812/mo vs. $1,699/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 74 vs. 30. Safety index: 32.68 vs. 45.28.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Durham, NC to Wilmington, DE guide.

Why book your mover through moveBuddha:

moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Delaware to North Carolina in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 9 movers based in Delaware, handy for sizing up options on this 371-mile route.

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Our take

For a move from Wilmington, DE, to Durham, NC, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,016 for a studio to $6,257 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 $857 - $2,857. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $344 - $847, 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 $1,617 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 are the best neighborhoods in Durham?

For families, Treyburn, American Village/Arrowhead, and Willowhaven are worth a look in Durham. If you're moving solo or without kids, Golden Belt, Warehouse District, and City Center tend to be popular picks instead.

How do I know a mover is licensed in North Carolina?

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).

What do local movers charge in Wilmington?

Local movers based in Wilmington typically start around $334 as a base rate, plus $150/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Durham run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.

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 $1,016 to $6,257, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,016 and $6,257, 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 percentage of Wilmington movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 77% of movers in Wilmington handle piano moves, and 63% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.