The BEST Moving Companies in Raleigh, NC
Quick answer: Our top pick for local moves in Raleigh, NC, is Athens Moving Experts, thanks to their reputation for quality customer service and specialized handling of pianos and antiques. If you’re moving out of North Carolina to another state, we recommend Safeway Moving in terms of overall value.
- Best Raleigh-based mover: Athens Moving Experts
- Best interstate mover: Safeway Moving
- Best moving container: PODS
- Best labor-only mover: HireAHelper
- Best rental truck: U-Haul Truck Rental
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Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ moving companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Best movers for those moving locally in Raleigh, NC
- Athens Moving Experts: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Excel Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Little Guys Movers : 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Crabtree Family Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Professional and polite staff (36%)
- Efficient service (32%)
- Careful handling (29%)
- Damage to items (28%)
- Delayed arrival or delivery (25%)
- Lack of communication (20%)
Company Info
State license #: 2657
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3205320
Athens Moving Experts has been a reliable staple in the Raleigh, NC moving industry since 2018, offering top-tier local residential moving services. This company stands out with its impressive consumer reviews, boasting a 4.5 average rating on Yelp and a near-perfect 4.9 on Google, complemented by an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Beyond typical moving services, Athens Moving Experts excels in packing, unpacking, and the specialized handling of items like pianos, antiques, and safes, setting them apart from other local movers. For those in need of trustworthy, comprehensive local moving services, Athens Moving Experts consistently delivers satisfaction and peace of mind.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Professional and polite staff (36%)
- Efficient service (30%)
- Good communication (26%)
- Damage to items (32%)
- Delayed arrival or delivery (28%)
- Lack of communication (24%)
Company Info
State license #: 2934
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhops, Inc.
Bellhop Moving has been providing reliable local residential moving services in and around Raleigh, NC, since 2012. Known for their impressive customer satisfaction, they boast an outstanding 4.7 average rating on Google from 626 reviews, although their Yelp profile holds a more modest 3.7 average from 85 reviews. They offer a comprehensive range of services, including packing, unpacking, and labor-only options, making them a versatile choice compared to many nearby movers. While they do require a deposit, they accept credit cards for added convenience. With a B+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, Bellhop Moving is a reputable choice for those looking to relocate locally.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- Professional and polite staff (42%)
- Efficient service (38%)
- Careful handling (35%)
- Damage to items (25%)
- Lack of communication (22%)
- Unexpected charges (20%)
Company Info
State license #: 2311
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 076235
Excel Moving & Storage, based in Raleigh, NC, has been providing local residential moving services since 1999. While their 2.7 average rating from 58 Yelp reviews suggests some mixed feedback, their more robust presence on Google with an average rating of 4.4 from 188 reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau indicates strong overall satisfaction and reliability. Unlike some nearby moving companies, Excel also offers comprehensive packing and unpacking services, and they are capable of moving delicate items such as pianos, pool tables, and art. Additionally, they accept credit cards and require no deposit, making them a convenient choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Professional and polite staff (38%)
- Efficient service (34%)
- Careful handling (31%)
- Damage to items (22%)
- Higher-than-expected costs (19%)
- Delayed arrival or delivery (16%)
Company Info
State license #: 2548
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 1931566
Little Guys Movers, serving Raleigh, NC, has been a cornerstone in the local moving industry since 1994, specializing in residential relocations. Known for their comprehensive services, they also excel in packing, unpacking, and moving delicate items like pianos and hot tubs. In comparison to other local movers, they stand out with an impressive customer satisfaction record, boasting a 4.6 rating on Yelp and a 4.9 rating on Google. Their A+ Better Business Bureau rating further underscores their reputation for reliability and excellence. Whether you’re moving across town or require specialized moving services, Little Guys Movers is a proven, trustworthy choice.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Professional and polite staff (40%)
- Efficient service (35%)
- Careful handling (32%)
- Damage to items (28%)
- Delayed arrival or delivery (22%)
- Lack of communication (20%)
Company Info
State license #: 2533
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2507399
Crabtree Family Moving has been a reliable choice for local residential moves in and around Raleigh, NC since 2012. Known for their comprehensive services, including packing, unpacking, and office moves, they stand out in the local market. While their Yelp reviews average a 3.6 rating, they excel with a 4.9 rating from 200 reviews on Google, indicating highly satisfied customers. Unlike some competitors, Crabtree Family Moving accepts credit cards and requires no deposit, adding convenience for their clients.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Best movers for those moving out of North Carolina
As you may guess, interstate — or out-of-state — moves are those that cross state lines. Movers must meet certain federal licensing requirements and standards to handle interstate moves. Consider one of these highly rated, fully licensed interstate moving companies if you’re leaving North Carolina for a new state:
- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- BLVD Moving: 4.25 out of 5 stars
- PODS: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
- Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
- Hands-on customer service
- 24/7 support
- Price-matching policy
- Family owned & operated
- Affordable pricing
- Binding estimates
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
Best moving containers in Raleigh, NC
Moving containers offer a hybrid DIY solution that falls somewhere between a full-service moving company and a rental truck. With moving containers, you won’t have the help of a moving crew (you’ll have to do the loading and unloading) but you will get the benefit of a professional driver — a perk that doesn’t come with renting a truck.
Container costs in Raleigh vary depending on how many containers you need and how far you’re moving. Be sure to get moving quotes from multiple companies so you can best compare prices and services.
We recommend starting with these two top-tier moving container companies:
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
Best rental trucks for your Raleigh, NC move
If you’re looking for the cheapest way to move out of state or locally in Raleigh, a moving truck rental is your best option. On average, a truck rental in North Carolina costs a base rate of $19–$39 a day and a fee of $0.59–$0.79 per mile.
While you’ll certainly save money by renting a truck rather than hiring full-service movers or using a moving container, you will ultimately be responsible for every aspect of your move — including the driving.
We recommend these top truck rental companies for a full DIY move:
- More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
- Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
- Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
- U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
- Limits environmental impact as part of the EPA's SmartWay Program
- Non-slip flooring makes loading and unloading easier
- Easily choose truck size with their Truck Wizard Tool
Labor-only movers in Raleigh, NC
Labor-only companies can be helpful if you are using a moving container or rental truck but still want some assistance with the heavy lifting. A labor-only mover will provide you with a moving crew to load and unload your items, and you can also pay for additional packing support, as well as disassembly and reassembly of furniture, fitness equipment, and electronics.
Check out our picks for labor-only companies in Raleigh:
- First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
- Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
- $1,000 money-back service guarantee
- Fast and accurate delivery times
- Free damage coverage with additional coverage options
- Quick and easy booking process
- National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
- Dedicated move concierge specialist
- Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
- The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them
Top-rated movers in nearby cities
How we chose the best movers in Raleigh
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 86 North Carolina movers and listed the top five best movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How do I find a reputable Raleigh mover?
If you’re looking for the best movers in Raleigh, here’s what you should look for:
- A good reputation: Whether they’re a new family-owned business in Raleigh or a large van lines company with years of experience operating all over North Carolina, a good reputation is absolutely essential. Watch out for red flags and common moving scams.
- Look into dispute resolution: All businesses may have some hiccups, but it's how they handle these incidents that shows the company’s true colors. If a mover in Raleigh has a history of unresolved customer complaints, it might be best to look elsewhere.
- Ensure experience aligns with your move: A mover with excellent reviews for local moves in Raleigh may not be the best interstate moving company. Verify that the company has adequate experience with the type of move you're planning.
- Get multiple estimates: Reputable Raleigh movers should provide a free estimate for your move. Getting moving quotes from multiple companies will give you a good idea of a fair price for the services you need.
Fortunately, the Raleigh movers on this list all pass this checklist with flying colors and have been hand selected by our experts at moveBuddha.
If you want to broaden your search to the whole state, check out the best moving companies in North Carolina.
Average cost of movers in Raleigh, North Carolina
The pricing table below shows ballpark costs for local moves within the Raleigh area and its surrounding suburbs. Or check out our post on the cost to move in North Carolina for more pricing info.
Keep in mind the price ranges listed are only averages. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the specific requirements of your move.
You can also check out our moving cost calculator for more accurate moving cost estimate.
Local moving costs in Raleigh
If you’re moving within 50 miles of Raleigh, it’s considered a local move. The cost of a rental truck combines a base fee and the mileage fees. In Raleigh, the base fee ranges from $19 to $39 while the mileage ranges from $0.59 per mile to $0.79 per mile.
And if you’re looking for some labor help, the average cost for movers in Raleigh is $93 per hour.
| Home Size | Avg. Total Cost | Cost/hour | # of Movers | # Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $345 | $130 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
| 1 Bedroom | $475 | $130 | 2 movers | 4 hours |
| 2 Bedroom | $758 | $181 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,739 | $254 | 4 movers | 8 hours |
| 4 Bedroom | $1,993 | $254 | 4 movers | 9 hours |
| 5+ Bedroom | $3,055 | $355 | 5 movers | 10 hours |
Interstate moving costs out of Raleigh
The cost to move from Raleigh to a different state is determined by how much you’re moving and how far away the new state is from North Carolina. Here are a few examples:
- Raleigh to California Movers: $1,677 to $6,959
- Raleigh to New York Movers: $419 to $5,060
- Raleigh to Illinois Movers: $602 to $5,112
- Raleigh to New York Movers: $419 to $5,060
Don’t see your new home state? Check out these popular moving routes.
Factors that affect the cost of your move
- Distance: Your moving costs in Raleigh will be determined in large part by where you are relocating. A local move within 50 miles of Raleigh will be less expensive than moving 450 miles across North Carolina state lines.
- Move size: The more stuff you have, the more your move will cost, since moving companies determine price based on how large your truck and moving truck need to be. For long-distance and interstate relocations out of Raleigh, a moving company will base your price on the total estimated weight and volume of your belongings. Decluttering and downsizing to reduce those total measurements can help you keep costs down.
- Moving method: A full-service mover will likely be the most expensive option, and renting a truck will save you the most money. Just make sure you are factoring in services with pricing, so you don’t end up skimping on the help you need for your specific move just to cut costs.
- Additional services: No matter what kind of move you opt for, extra options like packing, labor, and comprehensive insurance will all come with added fees.
- The time of the year: Relocating during peak moving season (May–September) will cost you more because demand is higher and availability is lower. If possible, plan your move between October and April for a lower rate.
FAQs
Do I need to get a parking permit for local movers in Raleigh?
Raleigh's website doesn't specifically say that you need a parking permit but they do have rules on loading zones. Be sure to check directly with the City of Raleigh to ensure that you have what you need for your move. It's also a good idea to check directly with any neighborhood, HOA, or building regulations that may affect your move.
For more info on parking permits in Raleigh, visit the local DOT website.
How can I save money when hiring a Raleigh moving company?
You can save money when hiring a Raleigh mover by planning your moving date outside of peak season, which runs from May through September. Moving during the week and between October and April allows for the greatest savings.
There are other ways to negotiate your moving costs, including asking a company about any moving discounts or deals that may apply to you.
Do Raleigh movers offer storage?
Yes, many Raleigh movers offer short- and long-term storage options. Many moving companies operate their own storage facilities, but some may partner with a third-party warehouse. It's always worth asking about a mover’s storage options and getting estimates for the added cost.
If your Raleigh mover doesn’t offer storage — or you need services beyond what they can provide — reach out to at least three of the best self-storage companies to get an idea of the price of self-storage before choosing one.
How can I see all moving companies in North Carolina?
You can see all moving companies in North Carolina by taking a look at our full list of North Carolina movers.
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