Top-rated local movers that handle Durham to Lancaster moves
When planning a move from Durham to Lancaster, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 27 local movers in Durham 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 Durham to Lancaster.
- TROSA Moving: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Truckin’ Movers Corporation: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Miracle Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.44 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: C-726
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 675014
Alternate Names: TROSA Inc., TROSA Moving & Storage, TROSA Lawn Care, TROSA Thrift , TROSA Moving , Triangle Residential Options for Substance Abusers , Trosa Furniture & Frameshop , TROSA Lawncare
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2443
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Oliver & Finley, LLC , Two Men And A Truck
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2262
Years in Business: 48
DOT #: 0233952
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 2894
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 2461529
Alternate Names: Miracle Movers of Raleigh, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
Company Info
State license #: 2934
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Durham to Lancaster?
Movers in North Carolina charge $145 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 | $1,251 – $4,922 | $1,358 – $3,376 | $1,416 – $2,607 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,287 – $7,212 | $2,388 – $4,724 | $1,459 – $3,040 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,374 – $11,051 | $3,032 – $6,225 | $1,823 – $3,886 |
Cost to hire movers from Durham to Lancaster
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Durham to Lancaster, you can expect to spend between $1,251 and $4,922. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,287 to $7,212 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Durham to Lancaster typically runs between $6,374 and $11,051.
Cost of moving containers from Durham to Lancaster
When moving from Durham to Lancaster, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,358 and $3,376. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,388 to $4,724. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,032 up to $6,225. 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 North Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Durham to Lancaster
Renting a moving truck in Durham is usually your cheapest option to get to Lancaster. 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 $1,416 and $2,607. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,459 and $3,040. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,823 and $3,886.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Durham to Lancaster
The cost of Durham movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,428, but larger homes can run up to $10,373.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Durham.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,416–$3,403) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Durham to Lancaster
Many movers find Lancaster easier on the wallet than Durham – roughly 9% less for singles and 6% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,540 for one person in Lancaster versus $2,803 in Durham. For a family of four, it’s $5,562 compared with $5,945.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Durham | Lancaster | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,875 | $2,305 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,573 | $2,500 |
| Average home value | $391,719 | $473,053 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,117 | $74,723 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,803 | $2,540 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,945 | $5,562 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 15.6% |
| Sales tax | 7.5% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 4.5% | 13.3% |
- As you consider relocating to Lancaster, note that rent can be roughly 53% more expensive than it is in Durham; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 21% higher in Lancaster than in Durham.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 8% higher in Lancaster compared to Durham, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Lancaster, where the cost of living for a single person is 9% less than in Durham.
- Moving to Lancaster 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 6% less than in Durham.
- The unemployment rate in Lancaster is 280% higher compared to Durham, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 37% higher in Lancaster than in Durham. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Income taxes are 196% higher in California compared to North Carolina. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Durham with Lancaster:
| Living Expense | Durham | Lancaster |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $148.21 | $225.00 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.67 | $43.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.53 | $2.67 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.66 | $5.51 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $70.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Durham than in Lancaster, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Durham than in Lancaster.
- Eggs cost more in Durham than in Lancaster.
- Bread costs less in Durham than in Lancaster.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Durham than in Lancaster.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Durham than in Lancaster.
- Gym memberships are similarly priced in both cities.
How life is different in Durham vs. Lancaster
| Durham | Lancaster | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 283,506 | 173,516 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 0 |
| Walkability score | 30 | 29 |
| Bike friendliness score | 38 | 40 |
| Crime index | 54.72 | 45.5 |
| Safety index | 45.28 | 54.5 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Lancaster’s population is about 39% less than Durham.
- Lancaster has no measurable public transportation (score of 0), while Durham scores 4 out of 10, showing a clear advantage for Durham.
- Lancaster and Durham are similarly walkable.
- Both Lancaster and Durham have similar bike-friendliness scores (38 vs 40), meaning Lancaster is about as safe for cyclists as Durham. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Lancaster’s crime rate is lower than Durham with a score of 45.5 compared to Durham’s 54.72. This means that Lancaster neighborhoods are safer than 45.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Durham neighborhoods are safer than 54.72%.
- Lancaster is considered to be safer than Durham with a safety index of 54.5 vs Durham’s 45.28.
- Air quality in Lancaster is Good, and in Durham it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Durham to Lancaster 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: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While California 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 Lancaster smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Lancaster
Now that you’ve chosen as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Lancaster to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown Lancaster
- Central Lancaster
- East Lancaster
- College Terrace
- Skytower Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Quartz Hill
- West Lancaster
- Rancho Vista
- Brentwood
- El Dorado
Things to do in Lancaster
After getting comfortable in your new California home, it’s time to see what Lancaster 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, Lancaster offers cultural landmarks like the Lancaster Museum of Art & History, Western Hotel Museum, and Boyle Heights History Studios & Tours.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, Apollo Community Regional Park, Saddleback Butte State Park, and Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State 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 game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Durham to Lancaster?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Durham to Lancaster are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Durham are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Durham to Lancaster?
Because spring and fall moves from Durham to Lancaster 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 Durham to Lancaster take?
A move of 2,511 miles from Durham, NC to Lancaster, generally takes seven to 21 days. Movers in Durham sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Lancaster is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Durham offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 19 movers in Durham have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 8 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across NC, there are 78 piano movers and 38 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.
Helpful moving resources
Durham moving services
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