($254+) Richmond, VA to Winston-Salem, NC Movers
Moving from Richmond, VA, to Winston-Salem, NC, runs anywhere from $257 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,274 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 228 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 2 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 $913, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $5,274 or more.
- Moving containers run $872 - $2,547, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $257 - $648.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Richmond, VA, to Winston-Salem, NC. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,432 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 Richmond, VA to Winston-Salem, NC
There are 3 main ways to move from Richmond to Winston-Salem: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $1,432 - $4,242. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 228 miles, expect 1 to 2 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 228-mile route from Richmond to Winston-Salem, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $913 - $3,442, container $872 - $1,479, rental truck $257 - $449, freight trailer $762 - $1,371.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $1,432 - $4,242, container $1,124 - $1,988, rental truck $271 - $564, freight trailer $881 - $1,672.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $1,883 - $5,274, container $1,348 - $2,547, rental truck $357 - $648, freight trailer $1,125 - $2,037.
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 Richmond, VA to Winston-Salem, NC
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 228-mile move from Richmond, Virginia, to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, with costs ranging from $913 - $5,274. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $272 - $1,812. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Richmond and Winston-Salem. Local movers in Richmond typically start around $360 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Richmond to Winston-Salem:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $913 - $3,442
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,432 - $4,242
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,883 - $5,274
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 Richmond to Winston-Salem.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Virginia to North Carolina. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Richmond, VA to Winston-Salem, NC
Specialty needs vary by market — 89% of Richmond movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Winston-Salem, 90% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing95% of local movers | $453 - $4,530 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready89% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $181 - $1,087/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $272 - $2,174 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage32% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs89% of local movers | $906 - $2,718 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,265 - $9,060 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $679 - $1,289 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items63% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $906 - $2,265 |
| Piano | Any piano type68% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $725 - $3,171 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling37% of local movers | $272 - $1,359 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect32% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: WayForth LLC | $589 - $1,812 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $272 - $13,590+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $272 - $3,171+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Richmond to Winston-Salem?
Look for North Carolina Movers Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in North Carolina beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Richmond, VA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Richmond to Winston-Salem with a local mover averages $1,446 - $4,284. For moves under 500 miles, local movers in Richmond, VA can be a smart choice. Many use hourly pricing models that may reduce your total compared to what a national carrier would charge, and tighter coverage areas often mean faster turnaround and more hands-on communication.
That said, licensing requirements still apply. Make sure any company you're considering is properly licensed for interstate moves for the route you need.
Moving container costs from Richmond, VA to Winston-Salem, NC
Moving containers from Richmond, Virginia, to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, cost between $872 and $2,547. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Richmond typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Richmond to Winston-Salem:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $872 - $1,479
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,124 - $1,988
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,348 - $2,547
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $68 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $136 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $634 in Richmond, VA, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Winston-Salem, NC, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Virginia to North Carolina 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 $872. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,124 - $1,988, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Richmond to Winston-Salem?
- 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 Richmond 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 Richmond:
- Mr. Moving, LLC (4.6/5), 6 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 0 years in business
- Heroes Moving and Storage (4.9/5), 5 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Richmond, VA to Winston-Salem, NC
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 228 miles from Richmond, Virginia, to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, running $257 - $648. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $66 - $75
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Richmond daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| 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 Richmond to Winston-Salem based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $257 - $449
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $271 - $564
- 4+ bedrooms: $357 - $648
Pro tip: The base rate of $257 - $648 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Richmond to Winston-Salem. Fuel ($66 - $75) , lodging at around $136/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $136 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $59 and $294 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $66 - $75 in fuel for the 228-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $634 in Richmond, Virginia, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Richmond to Winston-Salem?
- 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 Richmond, VA to Winston-Salem, NC
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Richmond, Virginia, to Winston-Salem, North Carolina. 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 $815 and $1,672.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Richmond to Winston-Salem:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $762 - $1,371
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $881 - $1,672
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,125 - $2,037
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $68 - $136 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Richmond, Virginia, typically costs $634.
What are the best freight companies from Richmond to Winston-Salem?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- Abilene Motor Express (4.5/5 stars): Abilene Motor Express is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Richmond to Winston-Salem, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Richmond, VA vs Winston-Salem, NC
Good news for your budget: Winston-Salem isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Richmond. Cost of living index runs 84 there against 95 here, and rent, income, and tax rates all fall in a comparable band. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores land in a similar range too - 51/100 and 51.55/100 here versus 22/100 and 67.33/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Winston-Salem, NC to Richmond, VA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Virginia to North Carolina, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Virginia alone has 104 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 228-mile move like this one.
Our take
The 228-mile move from Richmond, VA, to Winston-Salem, NC, costs between $913 and $5,274 with full-service movers, $872 - $2,547 with a moving container, and $257 - $648 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $1,432 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Winston-Salem tend to point to no traffic and friendly people, though summertime humidity and allergy-inducing pollen come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and Novant Health.
FAQs: Moving from Richmond, VA, to Winston-Salem, NC
How much does it cost to move from Richmond, VA to Winston-Salem, NC?
Costs on this route range from around $913 to $5,274, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $913 and $5,274, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
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.
What do local movers charge in Richmond?
Local movers based in Richmond typically start around $360 as a base rate, plus $100/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Winston-Salem run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in North Carolina?
For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a “C Number” issued by the commission, signifying that they’ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the state’s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT).
What are the best neighborhoods in Winston-Salem?
For families, Sherwood Forest, Ardmore, and Buena Vista are worth a look in Winston-Salem. If you're moving solo or without kids, West End, Ardmore, and Buena Vista tend to be popular picks instead.
What percentage of Richmond movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 68% of movers in Richmond handle piano moves, and 63% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
