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Best Moving Companies in North Carolina

Author Image Written by Shane Sentelle + 1 other Reviewer Icon Reviewed by Kent Sisneros Updated 06/28/2024

While it’s usually cheaper to move yourself by handling the packing, loading, and transportation of your belongings, hiring a moving company can save hours of work. Whether you are moving to or from Raleigh, Asheville or anywhere in between, we have found some of the best movers in North Carolina to help make your move stress-free. International Van Lines (IVL) is our top choice due to their competitive rates and variety of services.

If you want or need some extra hands for your move, keep reading for the top-rated movers in North Carolina, including information on getting free moving quotes.


Top Moving Companies in North Carolina

Through in-depth research, we determined that the following are the best moving companies in North Carolina:

Best Service Offerings: International Van Lines
Best Overall Moving Labor: American Van Lines
Best Customer Service: Moving APT
Best Specialized Packing: JK Moving Services
Best for Vehicle Relocation: Allied Van Lines
Best for Claims: North American Van Lines

Compare the Top Moving Companies in North Carolina

Overall Rating

4.5 / 5
4.3 / 5
4.2 / 5
4.7 / 5
4.9 / 5
4.8 / 5

BBB Rating

A+
A+
B+
A+
A+
A+

FMCSA Licensing

Carrier
Carrier
Broker
Carrier
Carrier/Broker
Carrier/Broker

Average Price*

$5,250
$5,625
$4,683
$7,171
$5,370
$5,969

Deposit Required

Up to 25%
Up to 50%
Varies
$250
None
None

Pros

  • Flexible insurance plans
  • Free month of storage
  • Upfront pricing
  • Hires movers who average 10 years of experience
  • Provides fixed-rate quotes
  • Trains its employees regularly to efficiently handle special packing and crating
  • Offers an online cost estimator
  • Offers price-matching
  • Provides quick service
  • Background-checked movers
  • Financing available
  • Intuitive AI-assisted online quote tool
  • Climate-controlled storage facilities
  • Expedited relocation services
  • In-house vehicle shipping
  • Budget-planning service
  • No deposit
  • Only provides binding estimates

Cons

  • Below-average customer reviews
  • Outsources some moves
  • Requires up to a 25% deposit
  • Charges higher average prices
  • Has limited customer service on weekends
  • Requires a deposit of up to 50% of the total cost
  • Not responsible for any damage due to broker status
  • Service varies by location according to reviews
  • Unwanted contact from partner companies may occur
  • Higher-than-average pricing
  • Long quote process
  • No refund on your deposit
  • Misleading quote tool
  • No weekend support
  • Slow claims process
  • Items may take 10–14 days to arrive
  • Limited storage services according to zip code
  • Three-day requirement for cancellations

Summary

We recommend International Van Lines (IVL) if you want the most moving service options possible. The company boasts one of the most extensive moving service catalogs at highly competitive rates.

We recommend American Van Lines if you’re moving high-end items or antiques because it focuses on training its staff to move difficult and valuable items.

We recommend Moving APT because of its highly rated customer service and its ability to quickly provide you with multiple quotes for its partner companies.

We recommend JK Moving Services for its ability to offer financing options through its partnership with Enhancify and its high-end, white-glove packing services.

We recommend Allied if you want to ship a vehicle due to the company’s in-house vehicle relocation services.

We recommend North American Van Lines (NAVL) as the best long-distance mover overall because of its customizable insurance packages, highly rated customer service, and extensive service options.

Rating Categories

Customer Service

5 / 5
4.4 / 5
4.3 / 5
4.4 / 5
4.4 / 5
4.4 / 5

Reputation

4.3 / 5
3.9 / 5
3.9 / 5
5 / 5
3.9 / 5
3.6 / 5

Value

2.8 / 5
3.3 / 5
4.2 / 5
3.1 / 5
4.7 / 5
4.7 / 5

Service Offerings

4.7 / 5
4.7 / 5
4.5 / 5
4.7 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5

Item Protection

5 / 5
5 / 5
4.3 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5

Scheduling

4.1 / 5
2.3 / 5
2.3 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5
Company Star Rating BBB Rating Deposit Required Visit Site
4.5
A+ 25% GET ESTIMATE
4.3
A+ Up to 50% up-front GET ESTIMATE
4.3
B- Up to 40% GET ESTIMATE
3.9
B Up to 33% GET ESTIMATE
4.2
B Varies between partners GET ESTIMATE
4.7
A+ $250 up-front GET ESTIMATE
4.9
A+ None GET ESTIMATE
4.8
A+ None GET ESTIMATE
4.8
A+ None GET ESTIMATE
4.0
A+ None GET ESTIMATE

Why Trust Us? We conducted 4,800+ hours of research on moving companies and crafted a ranking system based on the following research
31
Companies Considered
1000
Homeowners Surveyed
21000
Reviews Analyzed
22
Providers Compared

Our Top Picks For Moving Companies In North Carolina

International Van Lines

Best Service Offerings
4.5

International Van Lines (IVL) is our top choice for a full-service North Carolina mover. IVL can handle every step of your move, including packing and unpacking your belongings, loading and unloading your items, and transporting your items. IVL’s trained moving team can also handle your more delicate or difficult-to-move items, such as pianos, antiques, and fine art.

Pros and Cons

Pros Offers full-service moving Offers international moves and vehicle transportation Can handle fragile items, including pianos Cons Isn’t our top choice for local moves Rates can be on the expensive side

Services

International Van Lines offers full-service moving, meaning it can take care of every step of the moving process for you. Learn more about IVL Services.

Cost

Our estimate for an in-state move in North Carolina was $4,200–$6,150, although this price can vary based on your move. For the most accurate price estimate, we recommend getting a free online quote from IVL by filling out this online form.

American Van Lines

Best Overall Moving Labor
4.3

American Van Lines is our recommendation for anyone seeking an experienced moving company that will provide expert care for your belongings, including any fragile and high-value items. American Van Lines only hires its moving crew members as full-time employees. Once hired, they must complete ongoing training and certification in specific areas related to moving. The company even has specialized moving crews for antiques and pianos, providing added peace of mind that these items will be in good hands.

Pros and Cons

Pros Honors lower quotes from competitors Directly handles all local moves (50 miles or less) within North Carolina Delivers moving shipments Monday through Sunday Cons Doesn’t offer instant online quotes Charges a deposit as high as 50% of your total moving package price

Services

American Van Lines offers full-service moving plans and fragile-only packages in North Carolina and across the contiguous United States. Services are not available in Alaska or Hawaii. American takes an a la carte approach to moving plans, allowing customers to select from an impressive menu of add-on options. The company’s optional services include vehicle transport, custom crating of electronics, and long- and short-term storage.

Cost

American Van Lines gives binding estimates—moving quotes that aren’t subject to any additional or hidden fees—only after completing a virtual walk-through of your home and review of your belongings. This means you won’t be able to get a quick quote on the company’s website or over the phone. However, American did give us a general starting price for a 700-mile relocation, which is about the distance from Charlotte, North Carolina, to New Orleans. Moving a three-bedroom home that distance would cost at least $3,000.

To find out how much your move with American Van Lines would be, take this quick questionnaire.

Moving APT

Best Customer Service
4.2

Moving APT is unique in that it is the only moving broker in this guide, meaning it pairs customers with movers rather than directly handling their requests. The company also stands out for providing quality customer service. Using a network of more than 2,500 independent moving companies, Moving APT can take some of the guesswork out of the moving process by matching you with a reliable mover in your area that can provide the services you need. The added benefit of using a brokerage such as Moving APT is that it will guide you through each step of the moving process and will be available to handle any complaints or questions you may have.

Pros and Cons

Pros Provides multiple discounts, including ones for senior citizens and customers who book in advance Can leverage its access to a large network of movers to find you the lowest price possible Uses DashCam technology to monitor your moving shipment while in transit Cons Doesn’t cover damages caused by its third-party movers Is aggressive in its online marketing, with pop-up chat windows on every page of its website

Services

Moving APT provides local and long-distance moves nationwide through its network of third-party agents. The company can accommodate partial-packing requests supported by a variety of add-on options, such as furniture disassembly and reassembly, storage, vehicle shipping, and contents coverage plans.

Cost

According to Moving APT’s online quote tool, it would cost anywhere from $4,307 to $8,807 to relocate the contents of a three-bedroom home from New Orleans to Charlotte, North Carolina. For a more specific price, you will need to contact Moving APT and share more details about your moving needs.

Get your free instant online quote using Moving APT’s website.

JK Moving Services

Best Specialized Packing
4.7

JK Moving is a customizable full-service mover, meaning it can handle every step of your moving process, but you can also choose to perform certain tasks, such as packing, on your own. JK Moving will take care of your belongings and home by protecting floors, banisters, and door jambs with professionally trained movers.

Pros and Cons

Pros Each move is assigned a personal move coordinator All moving professionals are drug-tested and background-checked All JK storage facilities have 24/7 surveillance Cons Price information is not offered online Local moves aren’t available everywhere

Services

JK Moving will tailor its service plan to fit your needs. It can offer full-service options, including packing and unpacking, or it allows you to handle the packing on your own. Learn more about JK Moving services.

Cost

JK Moving does not provide cost information without an extensive inventory list and in-home tour. However, it does emphasize that financing is available on its website. Instead of paying for your move upfront, you can get pre-approved and enjoy affordable monthly payments with as low as zero percent financing.

Allied Van Lines

Best for Vehicle Relocation
4.8

As the longest-running moving company in the U.S., Allied Van Lines has an extensive network of agents available in all 50 states and 130 countries to provide full-service moving locally, long distance, and internationally. Allied also offers partial assistance for do-it-yourselfers and optional add-ons like short- and long-term storage and transportation shipping.

Allied ships most vehicles—including cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, motorcycles, and boats—using either open or enclosed car carriers. Since enclosed carriers provide maximum protection, they’re an optimal solution if you need to ship a classic car or other highly valued vehicle.

Pros and Cons

Pros Offers customized moving plans Provides guaranteed quotes with an in-home visit Helps with disconnecting and reconnecting major appliances Cons There are reports of potential discrepancies in policies and procedures among agents within the network Add-ons can increase your moving costs to beyond competitor pricing

Services

Allied’s list of services includes:

  • Packing and unpacking
  • Loading and unloading
  • Debris removal
  • Moving kits and supplies
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage

Cost

The cost to move with Allied Van Lines depends on how far you’re moving, when your move is scheduled, and the amount and weight of items being moved, among other factors. Add-on services such as crating, vehicle relocation, and storage will increase your total. For example, moving a two-bedroom home from Raleigh, North Carolina, to Phoenix, Arizona, at the start of the winter season would cost between $7,617 and $8,710.

Get a free quote from Allied Van Lines by filling out this online form.

North American Van Lines

Best for Claims
4.9

North American Van Lines provides services throughout the entire U.S., as well as 130 countries worldwide. In addition to basic services—loading, transport, and unloading—customers can choose from add-on options like full-service packing, cleaning, and storage.

North American offers special rates for American Legion and union members and their families, and it has an easy online or over-the-phone claims process for both domestic and international claims.

Pros and Cons

Pros Offers customizable moving packages through a variety of optional add-on services Uses crane vans to handle large equipment without a loading dock Has an online library of moving resources, including how-to videos and checklists Cons Storage options are based on local availability and can be limited Moving experience varies depending on your location and local moving contractor

Services

North American’s list of moving services includes:

  • Packing and unpacking
  • Loading and unloading
  • Mobile storage containers
  • House cleaning
  • Fragile-only Packing
  • Short- and long-term storage

Cost

North American’s cost estimates are based on distance, as well as the total size and weight of what you will be moving. Special handling of any items is also factored into the quote. No upfront deposit is required.

Prices range from $3,556 to $4,049 to move a two-bedroom home with a medium or average quantity of items from Charleston, South Carolina, to Chicago, Illinois, early in the summer season.

For a free quote from North American Van Lines, complete this quick online form.


Other Considerations When Moving in North Carolina

If you’re moving to a new town in North Carolina, there are several additional home services that could be useful to you. To protect your new home, we recommend doing research on the best home warranty companies, homeowners insurance companies, and pest control companies in your area. This way, you’ll be better prepared for any challenges in your new home.

Below are some helpful resources for North Carolina residents:


Which is the Best Moving Company in North Carolina for You?

Each provider in this article is best suited to handle different types of moves. If you’re willing and able to pack and unpack your own belongings, a container transport service may be an ideal option. If you’re willing to spend a few extra dollars, or if you’re short on time, we recommend a full-service mover, such as International Van Lines or Allied Van Lines.

For the most accurate pricing and to find the best deal, we recommend getting free quotes using your own information from several of the providers listed in this review.


Other Moving Resources

We’ve done extensive research on the best moving companies across the country and have compiled easy to digest comparisons.


Frequently Asked Questions

How much are movers in NC?

According to quotes we gathered from the top moving companies in North Carolina, for a three-bedroom move from High Point, North Carolina, to Raleigh, North Carolina the average cost is around $3,850. If you are trying to save on your move, check out our top picks for the most affordable moving companies.

What is included in a full-service NC move?

A full-service moving company can handle every step of the moving process, including packing and unpacking. These companies will make an itemized list of your items and transport them safely to your new home. Many of these companies offer a full range of services but allow customers to do some of the steps, such as packing on their own, for a reduced rate.

Do North Carolina moving companies offer storage solutions?

Many full-service moving companies offer storage solutions with in-network storage facilities around the country. If you’re moving to an area in the state of North Carolina without a storage facility, most companies can store your items through a third-party facility.

When are moving companies the busiest?

Most moves in the United States take place during the summer months. If you’re planning to move during the summer, it’s wise to book your professional moving company well in advance.


Our Rating Methodology

We back up our moving company ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each company. We conduct research by reading through the company websites, analyzing customer reviews, conducting consumer surveys, requesting quotes, and speaking with customer representatives. We then score each moving company against our review standards for services, contents coverage, scheduling, trailer and container options, additional benefits, and reputation to arrive at a final score out of 100.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.