How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Raleigh
Consider each moving company's cost, licensing, customer reviews, and services before picking.
Determine Your Budget
According to our research, Raleigh moving companies charge $73 per hour on average. The typical local move costs $4,184 total for two-bedroom homes. Factors that affect your actual cost include the season, your home size, move distance, and any additional tasks you need done.
Consider obtaining quotes from at least three movers in your area to make an informed choice. Written estimates are important in this process. They should include a total cost breakdown, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Hold onto your moving company's estimate until your move is complete.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer feedback plays a crucial role for moving companies. Check platforms such as the Better Business Bureau, Google Reviews, Yelp, Trustpilot, and social media to gain insights into the typical customer experience with that mover.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Raleigh must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're only moving intrastate, your mover must have a certificate issued by the North Carolina Utilities Commission.
The requirements change if you're moving to or from another state. In this case, choose a moving company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The team should also carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can find a company's registration status on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Asking whether the mover provides the services you need is crucial during the quote process. Conduct an inventory of your home before seeking quotes and document any basic or add-on services that might be necessary to ensure accurate pricing. Tell the moving company about any specific needs to evaluate if the company is a good fit.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers will provide these moving services in the base price for basic moves:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
When requesting a quote from your moving company, disclose any additional services you need. These services may lead to higher pricing for your move:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Raleigh, NC
Here are some additional tips to consider when moving in Raleigh.
Schedule an Early Move
Raleigh traffic during rush hour is notoriously hectic. Navigating gridlock with a moving truck is even more difficult than with a standard personal-use vehicle. Movers getting stuck in traffic during your local move will typically lead to higher costs if they charge by the hour. We advise scheduling before morning rush hour, which makes sure the movers avoid the traffic and finish the move before evening.
Avoid Busy Season
May to September marks the peak moving season and Raleigh's hottest time of the year. Moving at this time can slow or worsen your moving process, particularly if you begin your search for a moving company too late. The high demand could lead to limited availability with your desired mover. If you book far enough in advance, you should be able to schedule with your preferred mover regardless of the season. However, the movers may be hindered by the heat.
Pack in Advance
Most moving companies approach same-day packing requests similarly. In many cases, movers will not move loose items that haven’t been packed by the time your move is scheduled to start. Begin packing approximately six weeks before your move so you won't have to rush at the last minute. You can pack a couple boxes each day to make the process less stressful.
How Much do Movers Cost in Raleigh, NC
Movers in Raleigh cost $2,621 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $6,955 to move a larger 4 bedroom house the same distance. See the chart below for more moving estimates, and contact a moving company for a more accurate quote specific to your situation.
| Distance | Studio-1 Bedroom | 2-3 Bedroom | 4+ Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 250 miles | $2,621 | $3,008 | $6,955 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,233 | $3,623 | $10,451 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,268 | $4,169 | $10,726 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,167 | $5,230 | $12,856 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Raleigh
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