The best local movers for Raleigh to Wilmington moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Raleigh that also handles long-distance moves to Wilmington. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 28 local movers in Raleigh who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Raleigh to Wilmington.
- Bellhop Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Little Guys Movers : 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Athens Moving Experts: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Excel Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Next Stop Movers: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2934
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhops, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 2548
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 1931566
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2657
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 3205320
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2311
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 076235
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 1267633
Years in Business: 4
DOT #: 3619230
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Raleigh to Wilmington?
The average hourly rate for movers in North Carolina is $145. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $926 – $2,788 | $606 – $1,556 | $330 – $670 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,580 – $4,606 | $1,153 – $2,055 | $367 – $765 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,556 – $6,058 | $1,468 – $2,621 | $452 – $943 |
Cost to hire movers from Raleigh to Wilmington
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Raleigh to Wilmington will cost between $926 and $2,788. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Raleigh to Raleigh will range from $1,580 to $4,606, and a large move from Raleigh to Wilmington will cost from $2,556 to $6,058.
Cost of moving containers from Raleigh to Wilmington
If you’re moving from Raleigh to Wilmington, expect to pay between $606 and $1,556 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,153 up to $2,055. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,468 and $2,621. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from North Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Raleigh to Wilmington
Renting a moving truck from Raleigh to Wilmington is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $330 and $670. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $367 and $765. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $452 up to $943 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Raleigh to Wilmington
The cost of Raleigh movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,245, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $5,198.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Raleigh, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($330–$835) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Raleigh to Wilmington
Many movers find Wilmington easier on the wallet than Raleigh – roughly 42% less for singles and 28% less for families.
Monthly basics average $3,533 for one person in Wilmington versus $6,077 in Raleigh. For a family of four, it’s $4,350 compared with $6,077.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Raleigh | Wilmington | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,820 | $1,933 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,000 | $3,200 |
| Average home value | $431,795 | $307,799 |
| Average income (per capita) | $2,572 | $49,354 |
| Cost of living (single) | $6,077 | $3,533 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,077 | $4,350 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 10.3% |
| Sales tax | 7.25% | 0.0% |
| State income tax | 4.5% | 6.6% |
- Rent is estimated to be 9% higher in Wilmington compared to Raleigh; it’s essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 29% less in Wilmington than in Raleigh.
- Here’s some promising news: the average income is around 1819% higher in Wilmington than in Raleigh, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Wilmington. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 42% lower than in Raleigh.
- Choosing to move to Wilmington can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 28% less than in Raleigh.
- In Wilmington, the unemployment rate is approximately 140% higher than in Raleigh, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Wilmington has no sales tax, so you’ll save money on every taxable purchase compared to Raleigh. This can be especially helpful if you make frequent or larger purchases.
- Income taxes are 47% higher in Delaware than in North Carolina, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Raleigh and Wilmington:
| Living Expense | Raleigh | Wilmington |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $190.88 | $126.92 |
| Cell phone plan | $64.40 | $44.10 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.71 | $3.05 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.12 | $3.56 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $19.50 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $72.50 |
| Gym membership | $40.18 | $33.50 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Raleigh than in Wilmington.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Raleigh than in Wilmington.
- Eggs cost more in Raleigh than in Wilmington.
- Bread is more expensive in Raleigh than in Wilmington.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Raleigh than in Wilmington.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Raleigh than in Wilmington.
- Gym memberships cost more in Raleigh than in Wilmington.
How life is different in Raleigh vs. Wilmington
| Raleigh | Wilmington | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 467,665 | 70,898 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 31 | 74 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 52 |
| Crime index | 38.87 | 67.32 |
| Safety index | 60.13 | 32.68 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Wilmington’s population is about 85% less than Raleigh.
- Wilmington’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Raleigh’s score of 4.
- Wilmington is more walkable than Raleigh with a score of 74 out of 100 vs Raleigh’s 31 out of 100.
- With a score of 52 out of 100, Wilmington is more bike-friendly than Raleigh, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Wilmington’s crime rate is higher than Raleigh with a score of 67.32 compared to Raleigh’s 38.87. This means that Wilmington neighborhoods are safer than 67.32% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Raleigh neighborhoods are safer than 38.87%.
- Wilmington is considered to be less safe than Raleigh with a score of 32.68 vs Raleigh’s 60.13.
- Air quality in Wilmington is Good, and in Raleigh it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Raleigh to Wilmington move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: Movers headquartered in Delaware that offer local and intrastate moving services don’t need to be licensed. Still, they must comply with Delaware Department of Transportation (DDOT) regulations on insurance and commercial vehicle safety. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Delaware moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Delaware doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Wilmington. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Selecting Released Value Protection is a cost-effective choice, provided at no extra charge by movers, even though it offers limited coverage. Within this option, the mover’s responsibility is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. If you’re concerned about the value of your possessions and require more extensive coverage, consider discussing alternative options with the moving company you’ve chosen or explore third-party insurance providers. Ensure comprehensive protection for your belongings during the move by exploring these additional coverage choices.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Wilmington
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to Chemical Capital of the World, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Wilmington.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Trolley Square
- Happy Valley
- Midtown Brandywine
- Delaware Avenue
- Trinity Vicinity
Best neighborhoods for families
- Forty Acres
- Happy Valley
- Trolley Square
- Lower Highlands
- Wawaset Park/Wawaset Heghts
Things to do in Wilmington
Once you’re settled into your new home in Delaware, it’s time to get out and discover what Wilmington has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Wilmington, such as the Nemours Estate, Hagley Museum And Library, Delaware Children’s Museum, and Delaware Art Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Bellevue State Park, Brandywine Park, Rockford Park & Tower, and Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Delaware Blue Coats (NBA G League)Wilmington Blue Rocks (MiLB)Delaware Black Foxes (USARL)Bearfight FC of Wilmington (USASA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Raleigh to Wilmington?
The best time to move from Raleigh to Wilmington is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Raleigh.
When is the cheapest time to move from Raleigh to Wilmington?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Raleigh to Wilmington, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Raleigh to Wilmington take?
Moving from Raleigh, NC to Wilmington, covers 387 miles and usually takes one to four days. Need to move faster? Some Raleigh movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Wilmington.
Which movers in Raleigh give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers give special rates to military members. 1 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Raleigh?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 20 movers in Raleigh advertise piano moving expertise. 8 movers in Raleigh provide antique moving services. State totals show 78 piano movers and 38 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Raleigh moving services
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