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North Carolina is bigger than many people think. Whether you’re moving to or from the mountains or the coastal plain, you can expect to cover significant mileage. Professional movers can facilitate a more seamless move, but you have to use good judgment when choosing a company to handle and transport your household goods.
To assist with the due diligence process, we’ve researched and ranked the nation’s best moving companies. The providers in this guide offer moving services to and from North Carolina. We’ve summarized each one’s key facts and features below.
The Best Movers in North Carolina
These are some of the best North Carolina movers available:
- International Van Lines: Best Overall Mover
- American Van Lines: Best for High-Value Goods
- Interstate Moving & Relocation Group: Best for Major Cities
- Moving APT: Best for Coordinated Moves
- Safeway Moving Inc.: Best for Condos and HOAs
- JK Moving Services: Best Mobile App
- Allied Van Lines: Best Customer Experience
International Van Lines: Best Overall Mover
Fast Facts:
- Service model: Full service
- Specialty services: Yes
- State availability: 50 states
- Get a quick quote: Visit International Van Lines’ site
What We Like
International Van Lines (IVL) is notable for its global coverage, serving the entire United States and more than 180 countries. In addition to long-distance moving services, IVL can coordinate local moves nationwide, including in Raleigh, Charlotte, Asheville, and other North Carolina cities. As a full-service moving company, IVL can assume the physical moving responsibilities so you can focus on other aspects of your relocation.
An area where IVL outshines the competition is its international moving services. IVL holds a license through the Federal Maritime Commission to forward freight overseas, whereas many competitors outsource freight forwarding to third-party companies. IVL also has several insurance options for international and interstate moves.
Cost
To get your free quote from IVL, you can submit information about your move via an online form or call to speak to a representative. After providing additional details about your inventory by self-reporting or scheduling a survey of your home, IVL will provide a binding estimate.
IVL requires a 33% deposit when booking your move date. On the pickup date, expect to pay 50% of the remaining balance by cash, money order, or cashier’s check. The rest of your moving costs will be due when IVL delivers your shipment, which you must pay with cash or money order. IVL accepts Venmo, Paypal, and other alternative payment options on a case-by-case basis. You cannot use a credit card for any portion of your moving costs.
Services
IVL allows customers to choose between self-packing and professional packing. If you opt for professional packing services, IVL’s trained moving crews will pack and load your items, then unload and unpack them after delivering your shipment. Additional services include auto transport, custom crating, and short- and long-term storage. IVL also offers commercial moving services.
IVL offers a wider selection of contents protection plans than many competitors. All-risk and total-loss insurance options are available for purchase in addition to standard limited liability and full-value protection. An all-risk policy protects you against any loss or damage, and total-loss insurance protects your shipment against a catastrophic loss caused by certain named perils.
Read More: International Van Lines Review
American Van Lines: Best for High-Value Goods
Fast Facts:
- Service model: Full service
- Specialty services: Yes
- State availability: 48 states (all but Alaska and Hawaii)
- Get a quick quote: Visit American Van Lines’ site
What We Like
American Van Lines (AVL) is exclusively a carrier, meaning it does not broker out any services to third-party companies. AVL’s full-service movers average 10 years of experience in the moving industry. Per a company-wide emphasis on professionalism, AVL screens its employees before hiring, conducts full background checks, and provides rigorous in-house training.
Part of this training process includes educating movers on the proper methods for transporting fragile and high-value items. This allows AVL to specialize in protecting and safely moving antiques, pianos, and fine artwork. AVL also provides training for its support teams and has customer service lines open every day except Sunday.
Cost
AVL will provide a moving quote over the phone, or you can use the form on its website to request that a company representative contact you. For a rough idea of what to expect, AVL has a dedicated page with sample cost estimates for moves between major cities.
AVL prefers to visually inspect your inventory to provide an accurate quote. Rather than having a representative come to your home, you can complete a virtual survey. To do this, you must record videos of your entire home’s inventory, upload them to YouTube or any other video-sharing network, and send the link to your AVL representative.
AVL uses a flat-rate pricing system, providing binding estimates without hidden fees. You will need to pay a deposit of 10% to 50% of your moving cost by credit card when booking your move. The remaining balance is due upon delivery of your household items and can be paid via cash, money order, cashier’s check, or credit card.
Services
You can request full-service relocation assistance from AVL, which includes full packing and unpacking services. AVL also offers partial packing, allowing you to pack most of your inventory, except for fragile items you’d rather have professionals pack.
Specialty services include military moving, commercial moving, and corporate relocation services. Further, AVL trains its moving specialists to dismantle, protect, move, and reassemble pianos of any size, including grand pianos. Storage is available in climate-controlled units with 24-hour surveillance.
Read More: American Van Lines Review
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group: Best for Major Cities
Fast Facts:
- Service model: Full service
- Specialty services: Yes
- State availability: 50 states
- Get a quick quote: Visit Interstate Moving & Relocation Group’s site
What We Like
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (IMRG) is a broker that works with a wide network of local and long-distance moving companies. Contracting a move through a broker has disadvantages due to the company outsourcing services, but it does allow for fast scheduling and flexibility.
When booking with IMRG, your moving coordinator may connect you to a full- or self-service moving company, depending on the specifications of your move. The IMRG website overviews many companies in its partner network to give you an idea of what to expect. You will also find several additional resources to help plan your move, including guides to moving to select cities throughout the country.
Cost
To get a quote from IMRG, you can call or complete the request form on its home page. IMRG also provides a moving cost calculator on its website to help you estimate a price range for your move. You can email an inventory sheet or provide details about your inventory over the phone with an IMRG representative to start the quote process.
Upon booking, IMRG expects you to pay a 15% deposit plus a binding estimate fee that will vary depending on your move details. You can make this payment by credit card, cashier’s check, or personal check. Fifty percent of the remaining balance is due on your pickup date. Keep in mind your total may increase depending on the carrier’s terms.
Services
IMRG’s services vary among the carriers in its network, but it partners with many local and long-distance movers with full-service packages. With these movers, you can expect comprehensive packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking assistance. Some full-service partners provide specialty services, such as military moving and vehicle shipping. IMRG also partners with self-service moving companies that use container storage to transport smaller shipments.
Read More: Interstate Moving & Relocation Group Review
Moving APT: Best for Coordinated Moves
Fast Facts:
- Service model: Full service
- Specialty services: Yes
- State availability: 50 states
- Get a quick quote: Visit Moving APT’s site
What We Like
Moving APT is a moving broker that partners with more than 2,500 long-distance and local movers. Similar to other brokers, Moving APT has mixed reviews, but the company stands out for providing greater visibility than many direct competitors.
When you request a quote, a moving coordinator will transfer your information to partners capable of handling your move. These companies will respond to your request without using Moving APT as an intermediary, ensuring that you know the name of the providers available to coordinate your moving services. This allows you to research the companies in question to choose the best one for your needs.
Cost
You can call a Moving APT agent for an estimate or request your quote online. After gathering basic details about your move, the agent will refer you to several providers with moving trucks in your area on your requested move date. Depending on the carrier y4ou choose, you may receive either a non-binding or binding estimate. For binding estimates, expect the carrier to request a survey of your inventory.
Moving APT charges a booking deposit that will vary in price. This deposit is refundable up to one week before your move date. Accepted payment methods will depend on the carrier you choose. Moving APT works with numerous providers that offer senior and military discounts.
Services
Moving APT works with full- and self-service movers. As a broker with an extensive network, the company can coordinate last-minute pickups as necessary. For customers unable to move their full shipment into their new home, Moving APT offers 30 days of free short-term storage.
You can also request specialty services such as heavy machinery transport, cleaning services, auto transport, and furniture repair.
Read More: Moving APT Review
Safeway Moving Inc.: Best for Condos and HOAs
Fast Facts:
- Service model: Full service
- Specialty services: Yes
- State availability: 50 states
- Get a quick quote: Visit Safeway Moving’s site
What We Like
Safeway Moving Inc. is a veteran-owned moving company that aims to bring a more disciplined approach to the moving process. Safeway incorporates weekly training for its staff to help promote more efficient and on-time moves. The company gives extra attention to senior relocation to make moving more stress-free for retired individuals.
Moving in or out of a condo can be a hassle due to homeowners association (HOA) and condominium owners association (COA) regulations, but Safeway has the experience to help you complete your move without violating established rules for your location. Safeway also has extensive experience moving families from larger-than-average homes.
Cost
You can request a Safeway moving quote online or by calling a relocation specialist directly. After filling out your inventory sheet or providing a video survey of your home, Safeway will give you a binding estimate using flat-rate pricing.
Safeway includes one free month of storage and will price-match the cost of a competitor’s storage facility. You will have to pay up to a 40% deposit plus an administrative fee when you book your move. Safeway accepts cash, certified checks, or money orders to cover moving costs. It may also take credit cards if authorized before your move date.
Services
Safeway is a full-service mover offering services throughout the United States, including in The Tar Heel State. The company’s moving teams will assist with labeling, packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking household goods. Storage is available in Safeway’s secure, climate-controlled facilities. Safeway also has international availability through a partner network.
Read More: Safeway Moving Inc. Review
JK Moving Services: Best Mobile App
Fast Facts:
- Service model: Full service
- Specialty services: Yes
- State availability: 50 states
- Get a quick quote: Visit JK Moving’s site
What We Like
JK Moving Services conducts long-distance moves nationwide and offers customizable full-service options that allow customers to personalize their moving experiences. In addition to its residential offerings, JK Moving specializes in office, corporate, and government relocations. The company has also launched a small moves program, transporting smaller shipments cross-country in nine days or less.
When you start the quote process with JK Moving, you can download the company’s convenient mobile app to track your estimate and other move details. You can also use the mobile app to contact your move coordinator with questions.
Cost
JK Moving has a quote form on its website, but there are no fields for providing basic details about your move, such as the origin and destination cities or the number of bedrooms in your home. You will need to speak with a move coordinator directly to conduct an in-home or virtual survey of your inventory.
You will need to pay a $250 deposit at the time of booking, a much lower amount than many other North Carolina moving companies. JK Moving accepts a credit card or eCheck for its deposit requirements. You can pay the remainder of your moving cost with a certified check, money order, or credit card.
Services
JK Moving offers customizable full-service packing assistance, allowing you to choose comprehensive professional packing, fragile-only packing, or DIY packing. In addition to its long-distance moving services, JK Moving has a global network to accommodate international relocation efforts. Local moves are unavailable in North Carolina.
For commercial moving services, JK Moving offers assistance with IT breakdown and relocation, digital archiving, document shredding, and floor planning. Live customer support is available 24/7.
Read More: JK Moving Services Review
Allied Van Lines: Best Customer Experience
Fast Facts:
- Service model: Full service
- Specialty services: Yes
- State availability: 50 states
- Get a quick quote: Visit Allied Van Lines’ site
What We Like
Allied Van Lines provides full-service moving options for local, interstate, and cross-country moves. With agents stationed across North Carolina, Allied has the resources in place to help you create and execute an efficient move plan that meets your needs. Allied also offers some international moving services and assists with corporate relocation.
An abundance of informational resources are available on the Allied website to help you prepare, including guides for moving to cities such as Asheville, Wilmington, Durham, and Greensboro. You may also benefit from Allied’s packing materials calculator and its collection of moving checklists.
Cost
Allied has an InstaQuote form on its homepage, but you will still need to speak with a company representative after providing basic information about your move. You can schedule a virtual or in-home survey to evaluate your home’s inventory, enabling Allied to provide a binding estimate. For the virtual survey, you will use a convenient mobile app.
In a departure from most major moving companies, Allied does not require a booking deposit. You can pay your moving cost via cash, credit card, certified check, or money order.
Services
As a full-service mover, Allied streamlines the moving process by sending its moving crews to pack and load your belongings. Allied will also unload, unpack, and reassemble furniture as necessary after delivering your shipment. The company offers to coordinate several specialty services, including pet relocation, cleaning, and handyperson services.
Allied offers standard storage options, but it stands out for its unique Allied Express program. Allied Express is a container storage service with the addition of full packing, loading, and unpacking assistance. This is a great option for small moves, allowing you to ship your portable storage container to your destination without having to do the heavy lifting upon departure or arrival.
Read More: Allied Van Lines Review
Compare the Top Moving Companies in North Carolina
Here are how our top North Carolina moving companies compare:
Our Recommendation
No matter where you plan to move in The Tar Heel State, it helps to have a reliable moving company on your side to streamline the process. International Van Lines is an all-around dependable option, providing industry-standard full-service moving packages for local, interstate, and international relocations. IVL also has an attractive selection of insurance options to keep your shipment protected.
American Van Lines is the only exclusive carrier on our list, conducting all moving services with its own experienced crews that undergo comprehensive in-house training. That training is what gives AVL customers peace of mind, with the company taking extra steps to protect shipments containing artwork, antiques, and other high-end items.
Before you decide on a mover, it’s best to request at least three quotes from different providers for a better understanding of each company.
North Carolina Moving Companies FAQ
What factors affect the cost of a North Carolina move?
The primary factors affecting the cost of a North Carolina are the distance from your current home’s location, the size of your household inventory, and the types of services you select. For instance, full packing assistance will cost significantly more than a DIY move.
How are moving companies regulated in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) regulates intrastate moving companies, requiring movers to meet several criteria to qualify for a certificate to operate. This includes proof of insurance and adherence to consumer protection requirements, among other factors.
What is the cheapest way to move your belongings?
The cheapest way to move your belongings to North Carolina is to rent a moving truck or use a self-service moving company. Self-service moving companies typically use portable storage containers that you will load yourself. The moving company will then transport the containers to your destination without providing unpacking assistance.
What is the difference between a full-service and partial-service move?
For a full-service move, professional moving crews will manage the packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking of your items. A partial-service move may include some packing assistance for heavy or fragile items, but you will be responsible for most of the packing.
How We Chose the Top Moving Companies in North Carolina
We researched and analyzed dozens of full- and self-service moving companies and formulated a moving review methodology based on a number of factors, including package options, pricing, and reputation. We also identified customer pain points based on customer-review analysis, proprietary consumer surveys, and interviews with former and current moving professionals.
Speaking directly to a representative at each company, we determined the number of package options available, the coverage provided, the types of moves available (long-distance, local, and international), and any extra perks offered, such as mobile apps, moving checklists, and 24/7 customer service.
We also gathered pricing data from each of the companies and determined whether they provide ballpark estimates or binding quotes. To determine reputation, we evaluated companies based on their rating with the Better Business Bureau as well as their overall score on Yelp.