Local moving companies in Raleigh
- Bellhop Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Athens Moving Experts: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Little Guys Movers : 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Excel Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Next Stop Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
Bellhop Moving

DOT #: 2878240
Years in Business: 14
8024 Glenwood Ave, Suite 305, Raleigh, NC 27612 USBellhop 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.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2878240
- State license #: 2934
Alternative Business Names
- Bellhops, Inc.
Athens Moving Experts

DOT #: 3205320
Years in Business: 8
6601 Hillsborough St, Suite 111, Raleigh, NC 27606 USAthens 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. Athensโs 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.
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
Little Guys Movers

DOT #: 1931566
Years in Business: 31
1301 Capital Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27603 USRave 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 feedbackโabout 5.4%โfocuses 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.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1931566
- State license #: 2548
Excel Moving & Storage

DOT #: 076235
Years in Business: 26
2612 Discovery Dr, Raleigh, NC 27616 USExcel 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.
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
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 076235
- State license #: 2311
Next Stop Movers

DOT #: 3619230
Years in Business: 3
5609 Departure Dr, Ste 201, Raleigh, NC 27616 USMoving made easyโcustomers 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.
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
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3619230
- State license #: 1267633
Factors influencing moving costs from Raleigh to Des Moines
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 youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll 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.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Des Moines, since the cityโs 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 regulationsโsome 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 theyโve 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\โs license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
- Moving permits: You wonโt need a moving permit in Iowa, though it\โs 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 youโve 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, itโs the perfect time to explore Des Moines. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll 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 cityโs 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.