How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Wilmington
Some factors to consider when looking for a moving company include cost, services offered, licensing, and customer reviews.
Determine Your Budget
The average hourly rate for local movers in Wilmington is $52. A two-bedroom move in the area costs around $4,126 in total. Factors that contribute to your actual cost include any additional tasks you need done, move distance, the season, and your home size.
We recommend obtaining quotes from at least three reputable movers in your area. Get written estimates, which should detail your total cost and the flat fee or hourly rate. Comparing the estimate provided by your to the final cost after the move helps ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Good customer feedback is essential for all moving companies. You can find moving companies with positive customer experiences by reading reviews on platforms like Yelp, the Better Business Bureau, social media, Google Reviews, and Trustpilot.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Wilmington must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're making a short-haul move that's purely within North Carolina, your mover must be licensed by the North Carolina Utilities Commission.
If you're moving interstate, the regulations are different. Choose a company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It should also carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers, which you can use on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool to look up a mover’s registration status and complaint history.
Services
Assess whether your chosen mover provides the specific services you need when requesting quotes. Conduct an inventory of your belongings when getting quotes and document any additional services that you may need to ensure accurate pricing. Notify the moving company if you have any special needs to determine if the company is a good fit.
Types of Moving Services
A full-service mover will include these services for basic moves:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
If you need special services from your moving company, mention these when requesting a quote. Services that contribute to higher pricing include the following:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Wilmington, NC
Here are some additional tips to consider when moving in Wilmington.
Schedule an Early Move
Wilmington usually gets hectic during rush hour. Maneuvering through it can be more challenging in a moving truck compared to a standard personal-use car. Movers caught in traffic may result in delays and a higher cost since local movers charge hourly. You can avoid this by scheduling your move several hours before or after morning rush hour.
Avoid Busy Season
The busiest time for movers—between May and September—coincides with Wilmington's hottest time of year. This can negatively impact your moving process if you start your search too late and can't find an available moving company. By planning your move at least eight weeks in advance, you should be able to secure your desired moving company. However, keep in mind the possibility that the hot weather could pose difficulties for your movers.
Pack in Advance
Most moving companies won't transport items that haven't been packed by the time your move begins. We recommend you begin packing about six weeks in advance to prevent rushing to pack when moving day comes. Spending time packing some items each day can get it done without overwhelming you.
How Much do Movers Cost in Wilmington, NC
Movers in Wilmington cost $2,601 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $6,712 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 | $2,601 | $2,899 | $6,712 |
250-999 miles | $3,212 | $3,502 | $10,231 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,244 | $4,042 | $10,403 |
2,500+ miles | $3,125 | $5,098 | $12,520 |
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