Local moving companies in Raleigh

  1. Bellhop Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
  2. Athens Moving Experts: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  3. Little Guys Movers : 4.66 out of 5 stars
  4. Excel Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  5. Next Stop Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars

Bellhop Moving

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.62 / 5

DOT #: 2878240

Years in Business: 14

8024 Glenwood Ave, Suite 305, Raleigh, NC 27612 US

Bellhop Moving earns high marks for efficiency and professionalism, with 62% of input reflecting strong satisfaction out of the 92 reviews analyzed. Customers highlight prompt, careful service from polite movers, quick moving processes, and competitive pricing. Many praise the care taken with belongings, friendly attitudes, and seamless booking. On the downside, over one-third of customer feedback cites frustration with damages to furniture or property, poor communication, and instances where movers lacked experience or preparation. A few reviewers also faced unresolved claims, delays, or insufficient compensation for damaged items. While Bellhop offers more budget-friendly rates and efficient service compared to many moving companies, the risk of damages and inconsistent quality underscores the importance of clear communication and setting expectations. Most who use Bellhop for standard, smaller moves appreciate the value, but concerns remain for complex or larger moves requiring extra care or experience.

Get a Quote (866) 774-5063

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Bellhops, Inc.
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Athens Moving Experts

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.9 / 5

DOT #: 3205320

Years in Business: 8

6601 Hillsborough St, Suite 111, Raleigh, NC 27606 US

Athens Moving Experts gets top marks from customers who appreciate reliable, courteous, and hardworking crews. Nearly 94% of feedback is positive across 334 reviews. People routinely mention how efficiently the teams work, how carefully they handle belongings, and how friendly and communicative they are throughout the process. Fair pricing stands out as another frequent highlight compared to competitors. A few clients, however, report issues such as damaged or poorly packed items, especially during busy or larger moves. Some negative input also cites crews lacking experience or rushing, which led to mistakes. In the rare neutral reviews, most concerns relate to minor service lapses or pandemic-related policy misunderstandings rather than major moving problems. Athensโ€™s consistent reputation for speed, respectful service, and professionalism places them ahead of most local movers, but a small number of clients wish for even greater attention to packing quality and oversight during complex jobs.

Get a Quote (919) 760-7774

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • DOT #: 3205320
  • State license #: 2657
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Little Guys Movers

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.66 / 5

DOT #: 1931566

Years in Business: 31

1301 Capital Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27603 US

Rave input says Little Guys Movers stands out for reliable, professional teams who handle belongings with care and keep things moving efficiently. Out of 315 reviews, an overwhelming 93.7% rate the company highly, often calling out polite staff, excellent communication, careful handling, and fast, organized service as reasons to recommend them. Quotes usually match the final cost, and customers note that movers arrive on time, stay upbeat, and make stressful moves feel easy. On the other hand, negative feedbackโ€”about 5.4%โ€”focuses on damaged items, with a few cases of slow or careless service, and occasional complaints about unexpectedly high or confusing charges and poor communication during claims or repairs. With positive ratings far above industry averages, Little Guys Movers garners trust through skilled teams and transparent pricing practices, though a handful of customers encounter problems with damage resolution or billing discrepancies.

Get a Quote (919) 439-2454

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Crating
  • Storage

Additional Information

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Excel Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.66 / 5

DOT #: 076235

Years in Business: 26

2612 Discovery Dr, Raleigh, NC 27616 US

Excel Moving & Storage stands out with a stellar reputation for professionalism, efficient moves, and careful handling of belongings. Of 283 customer experiences reviewed, 78% highlight attentive staff, timely communication, and a smooth moving process. Customers value the team's politeness, quick work, and the sense that their possessions are respected. When compared to typical industry input, Excel's high marks for effective communication and detail-oriented care put them ahead of many competitors. Despite the strong positive feedback, 18% report concerns, mainly regarding damaged or missing items and communication lapses after incidents. While most feedback applauds reliability, negative reviews reveal challenges with problem resolution, lost goods, and slow or absent responses when something goes wrong. Neutral feedback, just over 3%, notes good customer service but occasional delivery delays or minor damages. Excel earns frequent recommendations for large or complex moves, but customers should confirm policies on claims and coverage for valuable items. The company reliably delivers efficient, careful moves, though improvements in post-move communication could further strengthen their standing.

Get a Quote (919) 213-6694

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Crating
  • Storage

Additional Information

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Next Stop Movers

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.62 / 5

DOT #: 3619230

Years in Business: 3

5609 Departure Dr, Ste 201, Raleigh, NC 27616 US

Moving made easyโ€”customers praise Next Stop Movers for quick and careful service, friendly and professional staff, and a consistently hassle-free experience. Seven customer feedback entries analyzed, with 100% rated positively. Movers handle furniture attentively, offer efficient solutions, and communicate clearly. People appreciate affordable rates and flexibility, standing out compared to less responsive companies. No negative feedback was reported, and no recurring issues surfaced among the reviews.

Get a Quote (919) 249-8351

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes

Additional Information

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Factors influencing moving costs from Raleigh to Des Moinestoggle

The cost of Raleigh movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Raleigh to Des Moines can be as low as $1,425 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 8,317.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Raleigh, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $873 to $2,221. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Raleigh to Des Moines

Moving from Raleigh to Des Moines means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Raleigh than in Des Moines, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Raleigh compares to Des Moines so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Raleigh Des Moines
Average rent cost $1,670 $1,150
Average home value $431,795 $192,347
Average income (per capita) $2,572 $58,492
Cost of living (single person) $6,077 $1,891
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,077 $4,380
Unemployment rate 4.3% 5.9%
Sales tax 7.25% 7.0%
State income tax 4.5% 4.4%
  • Rent prices in Des Moines are 31% lower than in Raleigh, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Des Moines.
    Home prices in Des Moines are 55.5% lower than in Raleigh.
  • Income in Des Moines is 2,174.2% higher than in Raleigh, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Des Moines include MercyOne, Principal Financial Group, and Ppw Holdings.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Des Moines is 68.9% lower than in Raleigh. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Des Moines is 27.9% lower than in Raleigh.
  • The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 37.21% higher than in Raleigh.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Des Moines, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Des Moines are 3.45% lower than in Raleigh.
  • One perk of moving to Des Moines is paying less in state income taxes, which are 2.22% lower than in Raleigh.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $933.52 in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Raleigh.

How life is different in Raleigh vs. Des Moines

Des Moines Raleigh
Population 699,292 467,665
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 4
Walkability score 45 31
Bike friendliness score 39 39
Crime Index 5.0 38.87
Safety Index 57.8 60.13
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Des Moines's population is about 50% greater than Raleigh.
  • Des Moines's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Raleigh's lower score of 4.
  • Des Moines is more walkable than Raleigh with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Raleigh's 31 out of 100.
  • Both Des Moines and Raleigh have the same bike-friendliness score of 39 out of 100, meaning Des Moines is about as safe for cyclists as Raleigh. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
  • Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Raleigh with a score of 5.0 compared to Raleigh's 38.87. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Raleigh neighborhoods are safer than 38.87%.
  • Des Moines and Raleigh are considered to be equally safe.
  • Air quality in Des Moines is good, and in Raleigh it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Raleigh vs. Des Moines move

  • Weather: September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Des Moines, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
  • HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโ€”some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • State licensing: When moving within Iowa, make sure to hire a company that is licensed by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Each household goods mover in the state should have an Iowa Motor Carrier (IOWAMC) Number, which means theyโ€™ve met minimum insurance and highway safety requirements. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Iowa moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in Iowa, though it\โ€™s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • 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 toDes Moines Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
  • Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Des Moines

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "Hartford of the West" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Des Moines to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Sherman Hill
  • East Village
  • Arbor Peaks
  • Chautauqua Park
  • Westwood

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Linden Heights
  • Waterbury
  • Waveland Park
  • Westwood
  • Salisbury Oaks

Things to do in Des Moines

Now that you've made the move to Iowa, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Des Moines. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Des Moines, such as the Des Moines Art Center, State Historical Museum, Science Center of Iowa, Salisbury House, and World Food Prize Hall of Laureates.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Gray's Lake Park, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens โ€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Raleigh to Des Moines?

The best time to move from Raleigh to Des Moines 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 Des Moines?

Because most people are moving from Raleigh to Des Moines in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Raleigh to Des Moines take?

The 1,102-mile move from Raleigh, NC, to Des Moines, IA, takes two to eight days. Some Raleigh movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Des Moines.

Helpful moving resources