($354+) Raleigh, NC to Wilmington, DE Movers
Moving from Raleigh, NC, to Wilmington, DE, runs anywhere from $380 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,964 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 385 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 $1,102, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $6,964 or more.
- Moving containers run $937 - $2,867, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $380 - $952.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Raleigh, NC, to Wilmington, DE. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,710 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 Raleigh, NC to Wilmington, DE
Moving options from Raleigh to Wilmington fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $1,710 - $4,931 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 385 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 385-mile route from Raleigh to Wilmington, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,102 for a studio up to $6,964 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $937 - $2,867 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $380 - $952, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $868 - $2,340, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Raleigh, NC to Wilmington, DE
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 385-mile move from Raleigh, North Carolina, to Wilmington, Delaware, with prices running from $1,102 - $6,964. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $316 - $2,104 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Raleigh and Wilmington are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Raleigh movers tend to run around $226 as a base rate plus $93/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Raleigh to Wilmington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,102 - $3,584
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,710 - $4,931
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,938 - $6,964
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 Raleigh to Wilmington.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from North Carolina to Delaware. 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 Raleigh, NC to Wilmington, DE
Specialty needs vary by market — 86% of Raleigh movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Wilmington, 89% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $526 - $5,260 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready86% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Little Guys Movers | $210 - $1,262/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $316 - $2,525 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage17% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $1,052 - $3,156 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,630 - $10,520 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $788 - $1,497 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items24% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Athens Moving Experts | $1,052 - $2,630 |
| Piano | Any piano type66% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Little Guys Movers | $842 - $3,682 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling31% of local movers | $316 - $1,578 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect21% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Little Guys Movers | $684 - $2,104 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $316 - $15,780+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $316 - $3,682+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Raleigh to Wilmington?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
How much do local movers cost in Raleigh, NC?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Raleigh to Wilmington with a local mover averages $1,795 - $5,177. A local mover in Raleigh, NC 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.
Flex Moving & Storage (4.38/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Raleigh, based on our analysis of feedback from 397 customers, 93.2% of which is positive.
Address: 4417 Hillsborough Rd, Durham, NC, 27705 | Founded: 2023
Moving container costs from Raleigh, NC to Wilmington, DE
Moving containers from Raleigh, North Carolina, to Wilmington, Delaware, cost between $937 and $2,867. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Raleigh runs about $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Raleigh to Wilmington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $937 - $1,698
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,247 - $2,408
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,557 - $2,867
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 Raleigh, NC, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $736, 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 $79 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $158 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Raleigh, NC, and Wilmington, DE, 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 North Carolina to Delaware 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 $937. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,247 - $2,408, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Raleigh to Wilmington?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- 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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh:
- Bellhop Moving (4.7/5), 15 years in business
- Next Stop Movers (4.9/5), 5 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 13 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Raleigh, NC to Wilmington, DE
Plan on $380 - $952 for a rental moving truck on the 385-mile route from Raleigh, North Carolina, to Wilmington, Delaware. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $129 - $147
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Raleigh daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| 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 Raleigh to Wilmington based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $380 - $670
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $401 - $835
- 4+ bedrooms: $508 - $952
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $380 - $952 when pricing out a rental truck from Raleigh to Wilmington. Fuel alone runs ($129 - $147) , and overnight lodging ($158/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $79 and $368.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $158.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $129 and $147 for the 385-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $736 for 2 movers in Raleigh, North Carolina, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Raleigh to Wilmington?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- 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 Raleigh, NC to Wilmington, DE
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Raleigh, North Carolina, to Wilmington, Delaware. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $947 and $1,872.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Raleigh to Wilmington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $868 - $1,439
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $921 - $1,872
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,334 - $2,340
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Raleigh, North Carolina, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $736.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $79 - $158 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 Raleigh to Wilmington?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- Southern Express, Inc. (4.3/5 stars): Southern Express, Inc. is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
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 Wilmington 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: Raleigh, NC vs Wilmington, DE
Raleigh and Wilmington land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 106 in Raleigh and 104 in Wilmington, and rent tracks closely too ($1,670/mo vs. $1,812/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (31 vs 74) and safety scores (60.13 vs 32.68) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Wilmington, DE to Raleigh, NC guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from North Carolina to Delaware, 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 117 movers in North Carolina, so you have real options to compare for this 385-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 385-mile route from Raleigh, NC, to Wilmington, DE, run $1,102 - $6,964 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $937 - $2,867, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $380 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,710, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Nestle and DuPont.
FAQs: Moving from Raleigh, NC, to Wilmington, DE
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.
Is Wilmington a safe place to live?
Wilmington has a safety index of 32.68 out of 100 and a crime index of 67.32, compared to 60.13 and 38.87 in Raleigh. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Raleigh, NC to Wilmington, DE?
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 $401 - $835. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Wilmington?
For families, Forty Acres, Happy Valley, and Trolley Square are worth a look in Wilmington. If you're moving solo or without kids, Trolley Square, Happy Valley, and Midtown Brandywine tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Raleigh, NC to Wilmington, DE 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.
What percentage of Raleigh movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 66% of movers in Raleigh handle piano moves, and 24% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
