Regardless of whether you’re considering moving from Delaware to New Jersey or crossing the country, we recommend American Van Lines as one of the best moving companies in Delaware. With 30 years of experience, American Van Lines offers flat-rate pricing and a price match guarantee for budget-conscious movers.
We also researched the logistical details that come with moving, like reserving parking for a moving truck, filing damage complaints with the Delaware Department of Justice, and regulations for moving animals across state lines. Read on to learn more about our top-rated providers in Delaware and see which one fits your moving needs and budget best.
Key Takeaways
- American Van Lines is the best moving company in Delaware, notably if you’re looking for transparent pricing and plan on moving out of state.
- The average cost of a move in Delaware is $3,578, which includes quotes we received for local and long-distance moves for different home sizes.
- Our 2025 survey of 1,000 movers nationwide showed that custom crating for fragile or antique items was the most popular add-on service in Delaware specifically.
Top Moving Companies in Delaware
Although Delaware is small in size, plenty of moving companies operate within the state for you to choose from. Here’s our list of top picks for the best moving companies in Delaware:
- American Van Lines: Best for Transparent Pricing
- Allied Van Lines: Best for Industry Experience
- International Van Lines: Best for International Moves
- JK Moving Services: Best Comprehensive Moving Services
- North American Van Lines: Best for Large Moves
Compare the Top Moving Companies in Delaware
Choosing which moving company to hire can feel like one of the most stressful parts of the process, but comparing your options can help. Use the chart below to get a quick overview of what each of our top picks can offer and find the ones that suit your budget best.
| Provider | Star Ratings | BBB Rating | Average Price | Deposit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
A- | $3,218 | 10%–50% | ||
A+ | $3,520 | None | ||
A+ | $3,112 | Up to 25% | ||
A+ | $2,273 | $250 | ||
A+ | $3,601 | None |
Our Top Picks For Moving Companies In Delaware
American Van Lines
American Van Lines is one of our highest-rated moving companies in Delaware, mainly because of its convenient price-matching policy and flat-rate pricing structure. While some moving companies will negotiate on price to give you a better rate, not many advertise a straightforward price-matching policy like American Van Lines. This policy lets Delaware movers set on using the American Van Lines get the lowest rate possible without having to settle for a different company.
American Van Lines also uses a flat-rate pricing structure, which protects customers from hidden fees and includes a bundle of moving services for free. On top of standard loading and unloading services, American Van Lines offers piano moving, antique services, furniture assembly and disassembly, and fine art moving with its flat rate. However, services like packing and unpacking will still cost extra. One downside is American Van Lines only handles long-distance moves in Delaware, so if you’re moving locally within state lines, you’ll have to choose another company. This is typical of most national interstate movers, but it’s still an inconvenience for Delaware customers. However, American Van Lines’ long list of services, cross-country reach, and budget-friendly pricing still make it our top-rated company in the state.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers a price-matching policy that can benefit customers on a budget
- Includes piano, antique, and fine art moving services with its flat-rate pricing
- Handles long-distance moves in the lower 48 U.S. states
Cons
- Doesn’t handle local moves in Delaware
- Charges a higher deposit than most national competitors
Cost and Services
Based on our moving quotes, American Van Lines costs $3,218 on average nationwide. The company offers the following services for Delaware moving customers:
- Fragile-only packing
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Loading and unloading
- Office moves
- Packing and unpacking
- Piano moving
American Van Lines also offers military moving services, a unique feature for a national moving company. American Van Lines works with all branches of the U.S. military and can help members of the armed forces with their paperwork, including compiling a list of goods for the Defense Personal Property System (DPS). Delaware has three active military bases, and if you’re moving to one, American Van Lines can help you with all the logistics of your Personally Procured Move (PPM).
Allied Van Lines
Allied Van Lines is one of the oldest moving companies in the industry with more than 97 years of experience, making it a reputable choice for Delaware customers. It’s also one of the largest moving companies in the country, offering more than 3,500 vehicles, 4,200 drivers, and 300 agents in North America. Allied Van Lines handles both local and long-distance moves in Delaware, unlike many other interstate movers on our list. Plus, the company offers convenient features like GPS shipment tracking with every move, deposit-free booking, and its own mobile app for shipment tracking and claims.
Despite Allied Van Lines’ size and status, the company lacks 24-hour customer service, which many of its competitors offer. Allied Van Lines also doesn’t have as many online reviews as other big names in the moving industry, which is surprising given that it’s been in business for almost a century. Still, we don’t consider these cons as dealbreakers, and Allied’s wide range of services and customer-friendly perks make up for it.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers deposit-free booking
- Handles local and long-distance moves in Delaware
- Provides GPS shipment tracking on every move
Cons
- Has limited customer service hours outside business hours
- May include a bulky article charge for oversized items
Cost and Services
Based on our quotes for local and long-distance moves, Allied Van Lines costs $3,520 on average nationwide. The company offers the following services for Delaware movers:
- Appliance and electronics disconnection
- Fragile-only packing
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Junk removal
- Loading and unloading
- Office moves
- Packing and unpacking
- Piano moving
- Vehicle shipping
If you have a smaller move in Delaware, Allied Van Lines also offers portable moving container services through Allied Express. Allied Van Lines will drop off a container at your home and provide a small crew of 2–4 professional movers to help you load your items, unlike other do-it-yourself (DIY) container rental services. Then, Allied Van Lines can either take the container to your new home or drop it off at a storage facility until it’s time to move. This offers a more affordable alternative to the company’s traditional moving truck load and unload service.
International Van Lines
International Van Lines (IVL) is best known for its international moving services, but the company’s domestic offerings landed it a top spot on our list. IVL operates in all 50 U.S. states and more than 140 countries, giving Delaware residents the option to move virtually anywhere in the world. However, IVL doesn’t handle local moves outside of Florida and Texas, so if you’re moving in-state, you’ll have to hire Allied Van Lines, North American Van Lines, or a local moving company.
However, International Van Lines has lots of perks to offer people moving to and from Delaware, like a free month of storage with every move, 24/7 customer service, and an online chat. It’s also one of the few companies that offers vehicle shipping both domestically and internationally, helping move all your items no matter the distance. Plus, IVL offers discount codes on its website, and though these aren’t huge deals, the savings can make it easier for Delaware customers to get a lower rate on their move.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Has a convenient online chat on its website
- Handles moves to over 140 countries, including international vehicle shipping
- Gives customers a free month of storage with their move
Cons
- Doesn’t handle local moves in Delaware
- No mobile app available for tracking shipments
Cost and Services
International Van Lines costs $3,112 on average for domestic moves, based on quotes for local and long-distance moves for various home sizes. We didn’t receive any quotes for international moves, but you can generally expect higher prices to compensate for longer travel and overseas shipping expenses. The company offers the following services for Delaware customers:
- Fragile-only packing
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Junk removal
- Loading and unloading
- Packing and unpacking
- Piano moving
- Office moves
- Vehicle shipping
International Van Lines has a junk removal service that most national movers don’t offer. For an added fee, which may vary depending on your situation, your moving crew will clean up any boxes, tape, used packing materials, and other trash from your move before they leave. This service only applies to trash left behind from moving supplies, not yard clutter or other types of debris. This service probably isn’t necessary for smaller movers, but it can really help with bigger moves. Having your movers clean up dozens of boxes so you can settle into your new home without piles of cardboard scattered everywhere takes a weight off your shoulders and can make your moving process more hassle-free.
JK Moving Services
JK Moving Services stands out from other Delaware movers because of its white glove services and accessible financing options. JK Moving has a reputation for employing high-quality movers and transporting valuable and fragile items with care. With this in mind, it’s no surprise the company has moved plenty of high-profile clients, including several U.S. presidents. JK Moving trains its movers in-house using a model home on its company property, giving new hires real experience before taking on their first moves. JK Moving also does drug tests and background checks before hiring.
However, JK Moving only does local moves in Washington, D.C. Still, the company offers long-distance moving services in all 50 U.S. states and uses artificial intelligence (AI)-powered virtual surveys to make the estimate process quicker and easier. Plus, JK Moving’s online portal, JK MoveHub, lets customers make payments and view shipment details, giving Delaware customers a more convenient way to communicate with their movers.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers financing options that can help offset upfront costs, unlike most competitors
- Has a thorough training process for new hires
- Offers AI-powered virtual surveys for faster moving estimates
Cons
- Doesn’t handle local moves in Delaware
- No online quote process
Cost and Services
JK Moving Services costs $2,273 on average, which makes it the cheapest moving company on our list, based on our moving quote process. JK Moving offers the following services for Delaware movers:
- Fragile-only packing
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Loading and unloading
- Office moves
- Packing and unpacking
- Piano moving
- Vehicle shipping
Many national moving companies offer commercial moving services, but JK Moving goes beyond standard loading and unloading to include services for handling the technical details and logistics of moving a small business. JK Moving offers the following services for Delaware businesses:
- Archive services
- Concierge services
- Furniture, fixtures, and equipment services
- Laboratories and medical services
- Technology services
- Warehousing and storage services
North American Van Lines
North American Van Lines (NAVL) is a bit different from the other movers on our list because it acts as both a carrier and a moving broker. A carrier is a moving company that handles jobs directly with its own trucks and employees, while brokers only facilitate the moves, leaving the actual heavy lifting to third-party contractors. We normally advise against using moving brokers because it can make communication and the claims process difficult. But, since NAVL is also a carrier, the company offers many potential benefits to Delaware movers.
For example, NAVL is one of the few long-distance movers we’ve reviewed that handles local moves in Delaware, making it a good choice for people moving within the state. It also offers more pricing structures than competitors, like bottom-line pricing, guaranteed-not-to-exceed pricing, and customizable pricing, giving you more options when it comes to billing. While online reviews suggest some customers have experienced issues with their assigned third-party movers, we recommend talking with a representative before booking and asking to keep your move in-house. Plus, the company’s 24/7 customer support and online shipment tracking make it a practical choice for Delaware residents.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers local and long-distance moving services in Delaware
- Has bottom-line pricing, guaranteed-not-to-exceed pricing, and customizable pricing options
- Can provide 24/7 customer service
Cons
- May broker your move out to a third-party company, which can affect customer service
- Has higher average prices than other long-distance movers on our list
Cost and Services
North American Van Lines costs $3,601 on average, which makes it the most expensive moving company on our list. NAVL offers the following services for Delaware customers:
- Appliance and electronics disconnection
- Fragile-only packing
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Junk removal
- Loading and unloading
- Office moves
- Packing and unpacking
- Piano moving
- Vehicle shipping
Another feature that makes NAVL stand out from the crowd is its storage options. While many long-distance movers offer storage solutions, most only have a few locations scattered around the country. On the other hand, NAVL has locations all around the U.S., giving customers more options for where they store their belongings. Plus, NAVL has climate-controlled storage facilities with 24-hour surveillance, offering protection for your items.
How Much Does a Delaware Move Cost?
The average cost of moving in Delaware is $3,578, which we determined by requesting quotes for local and long-distance moves for various home sizes. However, the cost of your individual move will vary based on two main factors: the size of your home and the distance of your move. The bigger your home, the more items you likely own, which takes more time and manpower to move. Likewise, the longer the distance is from the pick-up to the drop-off location, the more a moving company will charge you to compensate for fuel costs and hourly wages.
Generally, movers charge by the hour when you move locally and based on the weight of your items when you move long-distance. But regardless of whether you move to another city in Delaware or across the country, your home size makes a big difference in how much your move will cost.
To get a firsthand look at how your home size could affect the price of your move, compare national average moving costs in the chart below.
| House Size | Average National Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $2,356 |
| 2 bedrooms | $2,437 |
| 3 bedrooms | $3,450 |
| 4 bedrooms | $6,382 |
How We Collected Moving Cost Data
Instead of relying on ballpark estimates, we went to the source and requested roughly 4,000 moving quotes from 15 different companies nationwide, including seven quotes in Delaware. Quotes represented sample moves to and from Wilmington, Ocean View, Dover, Lewes, Newark, Millsboro, and Georgetown. Our process looked at local and long-distance moves for different home sizes, including one, two, three, and four-bedroom homes. Then, we averaged prices by provider, home size, distance, and state to see how each factor affects moving costs in Delaware and nationwide.
Additional Factors Affecting Move Costs
Home size and distance are the two biggest factors that affect move costs, but some smaller details can also make a difference on your final bill. Here’s a list of factors to keep in mind as you plan for your Delaware move:
Summer is the busiest season for moving companies across the country, driving up prices because of the high demand. To save money, try booking your move in the fall or winter, specifically during a weekday, so you can try to negotiate a lower rate.
While some companies include furniture assembly, piano moving, and antique services with their flat-rate billing, you usually have to pay extra for service options like packing, unpacking, and vehicle shipping. To cut down on costs, you can do all the packing and unpacking yourself instead of hiring professional movers to do it for you.
If you live in a large apartment building and movers have to go up and down flights of stairs or an elevator to get to your front door, the company may charge you an extra fee.
Tipping is an expectation in the moving industry, but if you’ve never hired a professional mover, you may not know to factor it into your budget. We recommend tipping $5–$10 per mover per hour, so a five-hour move with a three-man crew would cost between $75 and $150 total in tips.
Moving Factors To Consider in Delaware
If it’s your first time moving to Delaware, here are a few moving tips to know before booking:
- Flood risks: Delaware borders the ocean and the Delaware Bay, and during storms, water levels may rise and cause flooding near the coast. If you’re moving to a beach house in Rehoboth Beach or any other beach town, watch out for flooding that can make it difficult for your moving truck to safely reach your home.
- Moving regulations: If you’re moving across state lines, you’ll need to hire interstate movers, not a local moving company. All of the companies on our list are long-distance movers that can legally cross state lines.
- Truck parking: To reserve parking for a moving truck, you’ll need to contact your specific municipality. For example, to reserve a parking permit in Dover, you can contact the Dover police department.
- License and vehicles: New Delaware residents must update their driver’s license within 60 days of moving to the state. New residents must also update their vehicle registration within 60 days of moving to the state. You can make an appointment at your local DMV office for both tasks.
- Pets: According to state regulations for the admission of animals, dogs over four months old need a rabies vaccination and an official health certificate when moved into the state. Likewise, cats over six months old need a rabies vaccination and an official health certificate from a veterinarian.
How Does Delaware Regulate Moving Companies?
The federal government regulates interstate moving companies through the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), but each state regulates local moving companies differently. Unlike most states, Delaware doesn’t require local movers to obtain a license from a state government agency to operate. However, local moving companies are still subject to Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) regulations regarding weight and size limits for vehicles.
When choosing a Delaware moving company, keep the following in mind:
- To file a complaint about a local Delaware moving company, you can fill out a consumer complaint form with the Delaware Department of Justice, call 800-220-5424, or e-mail [email protected].
- To file a complaint about an interstate moving company, you can file a complaint with the FMCSA or call 888-368-7238 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. from Monday to Friday.
- Since the Delaware state government doesn’t regulate moving companies directly, you’ll have to reach out to your movers first in the event of item loss or damage. If you can’t reach an agreement with your movers, contact the Delaware Department of Justice to file a complaint and determine any next steps.
Insights from Movers in Delaware
Delaware had the second-most inbound moves in the country in 2024, with nearly 64% of movers coming into the state rather than leaving it, according to the United Van Lines 2024 National Movers Study. Roughly 36% of those inbound moves were for family-related reasons, and 31% were for retirement.
To better understand how people in Delaware and across the country felt about their moving experiences, we conducted a nationwide survey of 1,000 moving customers in 2025. While we didn’t have enough respondents from Delaware to draw accurate conclusions, our nationwide data still offers insights into the moving industry as a whole. We learned that 72% of all customers moved locally, and with that, 67% of those moving companies charged an hourly rate instead of basing pricing on the weight of the shipment. Hourly rates ranged from $50–$150.
Regarding moving insurance, 67% of national customers declined to purchase full-value protection and opted for free released value protection instead. Packing services were the most popular add-on choice nationwide (34%), with most customers paying between $50–$500 for this service. However, 40% of customers declined to purchase any add-on services at all.
Roughly 89% of respondents said their final bill aligned with their initial quote. Additionally, 88% of customers said they would hire professional movers again, and 85% said they were either “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with their move, indicating generally positive experiences with movers nationwide.
FAQs About Moving Companies in Delaware
How much do movers cost in Delaware?
Hiring a professional moving company in Delaware costs $3,578 on average, based on quotes we gathered for local and long-distance moves. However, your individual rate will vary based on how large your house is, the distance from your old home to your new home, what company you choose, and the services you purchase.
Is it cheaper to use PODS or a moving company?
What do most movers charge per hour?
Most local movers have a standard rate and charge by the hour, with prices ranging from $50–$200 per hour on average. These rates can vary based on where you live and the size of the company.
How do I know my Delaware moving company is reputable?
Delaware doesn’t require local movers to obtain a license from the state government, unlike most states. So, to decide if a local company is reputable, you can check online reviews on Google, Trustpilot, Yelp, and the BBB. Note any reviews from movers in your area, as well as any patterns of negative reviews. If you’re using an interstate moving company, check to see if the provider has a valid USDOT number and is registered with the FMCSA.
How We Ranked the Best Moving Companies in Delaware
When choosing the best moving companies in Delaware, we focused on reputable long-distance movers that operate nationwide. We also included national moving companies that offer local moving services in Delaware. Our review prioritized full-service movers with a wide range of service options rather than DIY rental companies or partial-service movers. Additionally, we chose companies based on other important factors like price, reputation, and customer service features.
To fairly and thoroughly evaluate moving companies, we developed a 100-point moving rating system grounded in real customer feedback, regulatory data, and hands-on testing. We gathered quotes, verified licensing and safety records, analyzed thousands of customer reviews, and even conducted secret shopping to get a full picture of the customer experience. Each company was scored across six essential categories and then given a final rating out of 5 stars.
Here’s how we broke down our review:
- Customer service (18%): We looked at reviews on the BBB and Trustpilot, surveyed over 3,000 recent customers, and tested each company’s website and support team ourselves. Companies earned higher marks for having clear communication, responsiveness, and a helpful, user-friendly online experience.
- Reputation (14%): We verified that each mover has proper licensing through the USDOT and checked FMCSA safety records, specifically truck maintenance data. We also gave extra credit to companies that publicly commit to background-checking their crews, showing they prioritize customer safety.
- Value (18%): Using real quotes for 3-bedroom moves ranging from 500–800 miles, we compared average prices across providers. We also considered whether companies offer flat-rate or binding estimates and if they have a clear and simple billing process.
- Service offerings (19%): We evaluated the range of services available, from packing and unpacking to piano moving and junk removal. Movers that offer more options, including DIY solutions like portable storage, scored higher for flexibility and convenience.
- Item protection (20%): We reviewed each company’s insurance offerings and how well they prevent damage during the move. Higher scores went to movers that offer full-value protection and use best practices like shrink wrap, padding, and floor guards.
- Scheduling (11%): We assessed how easy it is to request a quote, speak to a representative, and manage a move from start to finish. Companies with multiple contact options, digital tools like apps or customer portals, and streamlined booking processes stood out from the rest.
