Updated Jan 10, 2023
Updated Jan 10, 2023
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Whether you’ve planned a move before or not, you’re probably aware that it’s one of the most stressful life events you’ll have to endure. Being fully informed ahead of time can lessen the individual burden you carry into this and make for a far smoother transition to your new home overall. Here, we’ve done all of the necessary research to make your moving process more accessible and prepare you for life in the state of North Carolina.
Our top recommended moving companies for 2023:
We’ve put together a quick comparison of all of our top providers here. This breakdown includes basic pricing information, our rating, and BBB rating for the best moving companies. Each mover listed comes with years of experience and is primed to reduce the general stress and hassle a move typically entails. Read our provider summaries below to learn more about each.
Company | Website | Our Take | Our Rating | BBB Rating | Local Cost | Long-Distance Cost |
International Van Lines | Site | Best Full-Service Mover | 9.8 | B | $600 – $1,200 | $1,900 – $4,900 |
American Van Lines | Site | Most Transparent Pricing | 9.7 | N/A | $500 – $1,000 | $2,300 – $5,300 |
Moving APT | Site | Most Moving Partners | 9.6 | B | $2,500 – $4,800 | |
JK Moving Services | Site | Most Customizable Moving Experience | 9.5 | A+ | Call for a quote | $2,500 – $5,500 |
Allied Van Lines | Site | Most Vehicle Shipping Options | 9.4 | A+ | $750 – $1,350 | $1,800 – $4,500 |
U-Pack | Site | Most Widely-Available Container Service | 9.3 | A+ | N/A | $1,200 – $2,200 |
North American Van Lines | Site | Best Pricing Options | 9.2 | A+ | $750 – $1,350 | $1,800 – $4,500 |
International Van Lines has served domestic moving needs since 2004 and now handles more than 20,000 relocations of all sizes throughout the world. As a broker and carrier, its partner network is one of the most extensive in the moving industry. Regardless of your exact location, you’ll likely be in range of one of IVL’s partners for a move.
During any International Van Lines move, the communication and customer service you’ll receive is truly unmatched. Clients routinely rate this provider’s customer service and attention to detail highly in their reviews. If you book a move with IVL, you’ll get the same level of care.
Pros
Cons
International can provide the following basic and add-on services:
The price points you’ll be treated to with International routinely beat the market rates. Here are some sample ranges for moves by IVL for you to reference.
<250 mi | 500 mi | 1,000 mi | 2,000 mi | |
2 BR | $1,400 – $4,400 | $1,900 – $4,900 | $2,100 – $5,100 | $2,400 – $5,400 |
4 BR | $3,200 – $6,200 | $5,100 – $8,100 | $5,700 – $8,700 | $6,200 – $9,200 |
Get a quote from IVL here.
American Van Lines is one of the larger pure carriers in the U.S. today. With hubs in Florida, North Carolina, Texas, and numerous other smaller locations in other states, American is primed to service moving needs throughout the lower 48. It provides all customers with flat-rate pricing, properly trained moving crews, and a wide array of service options.
American’s flat rate pricing is a definite positive of its customer service profile. Many, if not all, moving nightmares directly result from pricing or billing misunderstandings. By providing consistent bottom line pricing to clients, American can eliminate some risk of that.
Pros
Cons
American’s services include the following, although exact offerings can vary by location.
Here are some sample flat rates from recent American Van Lines moves.
<250 mi | 500 mi | 1,000 mi | 2,000 mi | |
2 BR | $1,700 – $4,700 | $2,300 – $5,300 | $2,600 – $5,600 | $4,200 – $7,200 |
4 BR | $4,800 – $7,800 | $5,600 – $8,600 | $7,400 – $10,400 | $10,800 – $13,800 |
Get a quote from American Van Lines here.
Moving APT was founded in 1999 to make moving and moving services more accessible to customers everywhere. More than 20 years later, this broker has built a network of partner carriers across all 50 states. It’s status as a broker grants it nearly unprecedented versatility and diversity of service. Regardless of your exact moving needs, Moving APT likely has a partner who is up to the task.
Moving APT has a network of more than 500 local agents spread across all 50 states. In addition to this, it provides detailed pricing information on its website, which are pretty in line with industry rates, and shows what you can expect to pay. As a final positive, this broker offers price matching for all moves. If you can get a competing lower quote, Moving APT will match the offer.
Pros
Cons
Moving APT’s rates are around industry standards. Given its extensive reach, you’ll want to get your quote for service from one of its local agents before booking to get an optimized pricing figure. A 250-mile, two-bedroom move will cost between $1,400 and $3,950 with this mover.
Get a quote from Moving APT here.
JK Moving Services comes equipped with more than 40 years of experience in the industry. In that time, this excellent broker and carrier has assisted clients on more than half a million relocations of all kinds. With direct operational ability in Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland, and broker services offered to the rest of the lower 48 states, JK provides a broad reach and reliable partner network.
JK Moving Services provides basic and additional services on an a la carte basis. This means that you’ll effectively be able to customize your own moving experience. As North Carolina movers, they’re limited to long-distance relocations but are still among the leading options for any moving need.
Pros
Cons
JK’s moving network can provide the following services. If you’re relocating across state lines or
the country, your upcoming move will be well attended to by this nationwide mover.
Due to its vast service area and extensive partner network, exact pricing figures can be a bit difficult to come by for JK. Its website doesn’t list costs or provide a quick quote tool. With its AI-assisted virtual estimate tool, this mover can provide accurate free quotes to clients in any geographical area.
Get a quote from JK Moving Services here.
Allied Van Lines has been a moving powerhouse for 88 years. It has built up a solid reputation and nationwide (and worldwide) moving network that spans all 50 states and 130 other countries. It employs a network of more than 3,500 moving vans, with even more qualified drivers. Even with a work rate of 100,000 clients per year, it has maintained a sterling 96% customer satisfaction rate.
Allied’s network of moving vans includes many vehicles equipped to handle an array of vehicle shipping needs. Whether you’re planning to ship a standard family vehicle, boat, or other unique pieces, this mover can directly handle your needs. This eliminates the need to broker such services to a third party, which most movers do.
Pros
Cons
Allied can provide a diverse range of services, including those listed below. These offerings can vary between locations, highlighting the importance of getting a quote before booking.
Here, we’ve assembled some average rates for service from Allied. Use these to help establish budgetary expectations ahead of getting your quote.
<250 mi | 500 mi | 1,000 mi | 2,000 mi | |
2 BR | $1,800 – $4,500 | $2,400 – $5,400 | $2,700 – $5,700 | $4,400 – $7,400 |
4 BR | $3,300 – $6,000 | $5,700 – $8,700 | $7,500 – $10,500 | $10,900 – $13,900 |
Get a quote from Allied Van Lines here.
U-Pack is our pick for the best container mover in the U.S. With seven locations directly in North Carolina and several others within a reasonable distance in South Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee, this provider is well within reach, regardless of where you’re moving to or from within the Tarheel State. Though you’ll only be able to find long-distance moving help with U-Pack, this container service can provide cost-effective relocations for even the largest homes — something that isn’t a viable option with many such companies.
U-Pack’s pricing structure is one of its primary defining features. When you order a trailer from this provider, you’ll be able to exercise some degree of control over the total cost of your move. Rather than paying a flat rate upfront for the trailer, you’ll only be billed for the total space you use. This charge-by-volume structure isn’t typical and allows for even more cost-effective DIY moving.
Pros
Cons
U-Pack’s long-distance moving service profile comes with the following options:
As a cost-effective moving solution, you’ll be afforded far cheaper rates than normal when you book a move with U-Pack. Here are some recent average rates from this provider:
<250 mi | 500 mi | 1,000 mi | 2,000 mi | |
2 BR | $600 – $1,600 | $1,200 – $2,200 | $1,600 – $2,600 | $2,100 – $3,100 |
4 BR | $800 – $1,800 | $1,800 – $2,800 | $2,800 – $3,800 | $4,100 – $5,100 |
Get a quote from U-Pack here.
North American Van Lines is a nationwide mover with a network of 500 local agents spread across all 50 states. This partner network gives NAVL nearly unmatched reach. Whether you’re planning a move within North Carolina or are trying to relocate to the West Coast or beyond, the nine decades of experience this mover brings to each move will be of excellent assistance to you.
North American provides some of the most flexible pricing options in the industry. This makes them one of the best options for any client planning a full-service move while trying to stay within a set budget. Aside from standard pricing packages, North American can provide both bottom line and “not to exceed” pricing quotes.
Pros
Cons
North American can provide clients with the following service offerings:
NAVL’s costs range slightly higher than industry averages but are still very reasonable. Here are some price ranges derived from recent move data with this massive mover.
<250 mi | 500 mi | 1,000 mi | 2,000 mi | |
2 BR | $1,800 – $4,500 | $2,400 – $5,400 | $2,700 – $5,700 | $4,400 – $7,400 |
4 BR | $3,300 – $6,000 | $5,700 – $8,700 | $7,500 – $10,500 | $10,900 – $13,900 |
Get a quote from North American Van Lines here.
Why Trust House Method
House Method’s Experts collected and analyzed 25 critical data points across multiple companies to identify what makes a great moving company in the eye of the consumer. Our reviews team used this data to assess over 40 moving providers for services provided, relocation costs, and national availability to provide unbiased reviews so homeowners can confidently navigate key decisions about their next move.
Going into the moving quote process can be unnerving if you haven’t done so before. Whether you’re trying to book local or long-distance movers, knowing what to look for can be challenging. Here, we’ve broken down a few critical criteria to evaluate for any North Carolina move.
No matter where a mover is based, it will have specific local — and possibly federal — regulations to adhere to. You should request proof of all required registrations.
All moving companies must comply with specific insurance standards. Aside from vehicle coverage, this includes the following:
When you get a quote from any moving company, you’ll have to ensure that their service offerings line up with your exact needs. This is best done by compiling a list of all additional services you may need while taking inventory of your home. Most movers will offer a similar line of services, but if your needs include any special requests, this is an all-important step.
Customer reviews are an integral part of any mover’s marketing strategy. They’re a solid indicator of efficacy and customer treatment, which you should consult, even after you’ve gotten your own quote from a mover. Some valid sources for this include Google, Yelp, social media, and Better Business Bureau.
A full-service move will come with the highest associated price points but afford consumers the greatest convenience. Such moves will encompass packing, crating, vehicle shipping, and any other such service you can name. Hiring full-service moving companies will require
Self-service movers are generally the cheapest option but will require the most legwork on the part of the consumer. If autonomy is your primary goal, this moving option is the best choice for you. This will involve renting a moving truck or mobile storage unit and providing all necessary labor on your own. This could entail doing all of the heavy lifting on your own, hiring moving labor independently, or a mixture of both.
North Carolina has become one of the most popular moving destinations. Florida, Georgia, and even New York are among the top contributors to the state’s growing population. Among the reasons for moving here are relatively mild seasons — aside from summer — burgeoning job opportunities, top universities, and a wealth of outdoor activities. Read on to learn more about moving to and settling down in North Carolina.
The table below outlines costs for full-service relocations. You should note that these are simple averages. Though they’ve been derived from real move data from many of our top carriers and brokers, you should know that your exact inventory and service needs could greatly alter your pricing. Use these figures to establish your budgetary parameters, but bear this in mind while getting quotes.
1 BR | 2 BR | 3 BR | 4 BR | |
Local | $1,200 | $1,500 | $2,000 | $2,750 |
250 mi | $2,750 | $3,800 | $5,100 | $6,000 |
500 mi | $3,100 | $4,100 | $6,000 | $6,700 |
1000 mi | $3,500 | $4,500 | $6,400 | $8,400 |
2000 mi | $4,300 | $4,900 | $6,800 | $9,000 |
2500 mi | $4,800 | $5,100 | $7,100 | $10,000 |
3000 mi | $5,100 | $6,000 | $8,750 | $11,250 |
The following are among the best places in North Carolina to settle down and make your new home:
Here, we’ve put together a few basic facts about life in North Carolina. Your experience will be largely dictated by the exact area you decide to settle down, but these statistics should give you a basic feel for life in this Southern state.
Any successful move begins and ends with advance planning. The further ahead of time you begin this process, the better. Planning should start around eight weeks ahead of your ideal move date. Research movers near you and in the surrounding area while compiling a thorough inventory of your home.
Aim to have several quotes lined up around six weeks ahead of your move. Once you have several unique offers, you can evaluate your options. Under ideal circumstances, you should book your move by the one-month marker. Once you’ve done so, obtain copies of your move contract, estimate, and receipt for any deposit you’ve paid.
Given the hot and humid weather North Carolina generally experiences during the height of the summer months, your movers could very well be hampered or slowed down by having to work in such conditions. If you have to plan a summer move, keeping water and refreshments handy for your moving crew is a great way to ensure a successful move.
Unless you’ve purchased valuation coverage, you’ll be reimbursed at a rate of $0.60 per pound per item damaged or lost. Most successful claims for these occurrences will have to be filed shortly after the completion of your move, as many movers have set claims windows written into their contracts.
If your interstate moving company is only handling your shipment, then you can expect it to be able to cover a maximum of 400 miles per day with your goods. If your move is packed onto a truck with other shipments, it will likely take longer.
At House Method, our primary goals are to be a reliable source of information and to be totally transparent to our readers. With that in mind, we’ve developed the following formula to render objective ratings – on a scale of 10 points – for the moving companies we review.
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