Best Moving Companies in North Carolina (March 2026)

Mike Marshall, Shipping Expert

After digging into 115 movers serving North Carolina, we narrowed it down to the companies that stand out for fair pricing, honest estimates, and consistent performance. Check out the choices below to line up quotes, review services, and decide what fits your move best.

Colonial Van Lines

5.0 / 5
  • Specialty services
  • Highly trained crews
  • In-app booking

Safeway Moving

4.5 / 5
  • Veteran-owned
  • Price matching
  • Verified accurate quotes

American Van Lines

5.0 / 5
  • Specialty moves
  • Trained & certified crews
  • Flat-rate quotes

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Why Trust FreightWaves Checkpoint?

At FreightWaves Checkpoint, we routinely evaluate more than 4,000 moving companies across the country using a data-driven scoring system built around performance, accountability, and overall customer experience. Our editorial team assigns weighted scores to the factors that matter most to consumers planning a move.

Here’s how we rank movers:

Customer feedback (40%): Verified consumer reviews carry the most weight in our methodology. We evaluate overall ratings, review volume, consistency across platforms, and patterns in customer experiences to measure satisfaction and service reliability.

Complaint track record (20%): While issues can arise in any move, resolution matters. We review complaint history through public consumer databases, focusing on frequency, severity, and how proactively a company works to address and resolve disputes.

Pricing transparency (15%): Clear estimates, well-defined deposits, and straightforward contracts score higher in our system. We prioritize movers that make it easy to understand what you’ll pay — without hidden fees or vague pricing language.

Service offerings (12%): Companies that provide a wide range of services — including full packing, specialty item handling, storage solutions, and interstate moving — earn stronger marks for flexibility and convenience.

Online experience (8%): We look at how easy a company makes it to get information, request a quote, and understand its services online. Up-to-date websites, clear contact details, and responsive review engagement all factor into the score.

Company track record (5%): Longevity, proper licensing, and overall business stability also play a role. Movers with a consistent operating history and verified credentials receive higher marks.

Our rankings are updated regularly to reflect new data, evolving consumer feedback, and shifts in company performance — helping you compare movers with confidence.

Top Local Movers in North Carolina

Not all movers handle your goods with the same care and coordination. Our review of 115 companies in North Carolina found You Move Me to be the top performer for transporting household goods.

Here’s our full list of top local movers in NC:

You Move Me

4300 Barringer Drive, Charlotte, NC, 28217
4.9 / 5.0

You Move Me (DOT: 2518689) offers comprehensive moving services, specializing in full-service moves that include both packing and unpacking options. They cater to interstate and intrastate relocations, providing added convenience for clients, and offer specialized crating services for more challenging items.

While the company provides piano moving services, they do not currently offer options for international moves, which could be a limitation for some customers seeking to move abroad. They accept credit card payments and are particularly considerate of senior clientele, although they do not provide a senior discount.

"From the beginning of booking to moving day, everyone was professional, helpful, and treated my belongings with great care. The move was seamless and the quote was spot on. Highly recommend!"

Get a Quote (800) 926-3900

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Efficient service
  • Good communication
  • Quick moving process

Cons

  • Damage to items
  • Unexpected charges
  • Misplaced or lost items

Services

  • Full-service
  • Out-of-state
  • Senior moving
  • Full unpacking
  • Piano
  • In-state
  • Accepts credit cards
  • Full packing

Athens Moving Experts

6601 Hillsborough St, Suite 111, Raleigh, NC, 27606
4.86 / 5.0

Athens Moving Experts (DOT: 3205320) offers a comprehensive range of moving services that cater to various customer needs. They provide full-service moves, both interstate and intrastate, and specialize in handling delicate items such as pianos, safes, and pool tables. Customers can enjoy additional conveniences with services like unpacking and access to climate-controlled storage. However, for those seeking international moving services, this company might not meet their requirements as it is not offered. Additionally, they accept multiple forms of payment, including cash, credit card, and money order, making transactions flexible and convenient.

"Athens Moving Experts made our move a breeze. The team was professional, efficient, and took great care with our belongings. Everything arrived undamaged and the price was fair. I highly recommend them to anyone moving!"

Get a Quote (919) 760-7774

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication

Cons

  • Damage to items
  • Inexperienced movers
  • Rushed job

Services

  • Full-service
  • Out-of-state
  • Senior moving
  • Full unpacking
  • Piano
  • Offsite storage
  • Heavy safes
  • In-state
  • Accepts credit cards
  • Full packing

American Moving & Hauling, Inc.

535 Clemmonsville Rd D, Winston-Salem, NC, 27107
4.8 / 5.0

American Moving & Hauling, Inc. (DOT: 2007351) offers a comprehensive array of services to accommodate a variety of moving needs. The company provides full-service moving, including specialized services such as piano and hot tub relocation, as well as fragile-only packing for those with delicate items. They also offer packing materials, unpacking services, and storage options for convenience.

While American Moving & Hauling excels in many areas, it does not offer international moving services, which may be a drawback for some customers. Additionally, while they accept credit card payments, they do not accept cryptocurrency or cash. The company's commitment to full valuation coverage adds peace of mind for clients looking to protect their belongings during the move.

"The crew arrived early, worked quickly and efficiently, and took great care in wrapping and loading our items. I highly recommend them!"

Get a Quote (336) 765-3499

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Efficient service
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication

Cons

  • Damage to items
  • Inaccurate estimates
  • Poor complaint handling

Services

  • Full-service
  • Out-of-state
  • Junk hauling
  • Full unpacking
  • Labor-only
  • Piano
  • Offsite storage
  • Heavy safes
  • In-state
  • Accepts credit cards
  • Full packing

Bellhop Moving

1 Whitford Dr,, Durham, NC, 27705
4.74 / 5.0

Bellhop Moving (DOT: 2878240) offers a comprehensive range of services including full-service moves, interstate moves, and unpacking services, making it a versatile choice for various moving needs.

Customers can benefit from small move services and labor-only options, alongside specialized offerings like junk removal. Additionally, Bellhop Moving provides a 5% discount with the discount code BELLHOP5 for services from Remoov in select areas.

However, potential clients should note that Bellhop Moving does not offer international moving services, which might be a limitation for those considering long-distance overseas relocations.

"If you are moving, Bellhop are your people. Their app keeps you updated, communication is great, the team is professional and quick, and prices are competitive. Highly recommend this company."

Get a Quote (919) 246-4318

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Quick moving process
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Efficient service
  • Friendly and approachable staff

Cons

  • Damage to items
  • Delayed arrival or delivery
  • Unexpected charges

Services

  • Full-service
  • Out-of-state
  • Junk hauling
  • Full unpacking
  • Labor-only
  • Offsite storage
  • In-state
  • Accepts credit cards
  • Full packing

Gentle Giant Moving Company

3827 Barringer Drive, Charlotte, NC, 28217
4.74 / 5.0
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Gentle Giant Moving Company (DOT: 373544) offers a comprehensive range of moving services, including full-service moves and both interstate and international transportation, showcasing their expertise and reach in the industry.

They provide convenient unpacking services and have the capacity to handle pianos and crane vans, making them a versatile choice for customers with unique moving needs.

However, they do not offer services like junk removal or fragile-only packing, which may be a consideration for some clients with specific requirements.

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"Our move was stress free! The crew packed and wrapped everything carefully, everyone was polite and easy to work with. Highly recommend Gentle Giant for your next move."

Get a Quote (704) 376-2338

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication

Cons

  • Lack of communication
  • Unfriendly or rude staff
  • Overly complex pricing

Services

  • Full-service
  • Out-of-state
  • Full unpacking
  • Piano
  • Offsite storage
  • In-state
  • Accepts credit cards
  • Full packing

Local Movers In North Carolina

Looking for a local moving company to work with? Check out these resources:

How Much Does It Cost To Hire Local Movers in NC?

Local movers typically charge by the hour, and your final price depends on how many people are on the crew and how long the move takes. Local moves cost an average of $105 per hour in North Carolina. The more items you have — and the more help you need — the more you’ll pay. Want a full breakdown of costs? Read our complete guide on how much North Carolina movers cost. Here’s a quick look at average crew sizes and hours based on the size of your home to help you plan your local move in NC:

Home Size Crew Size Move Time Estimated Cost
Studio/1 BR 2 movers 3–4 hours $632 – $842
2 BR 3 movers 4–5 hours $1,263 – $1,579
3 BR 4 movers 6–7 hours $2,527 – $2,948
4+ Bedroom 4–5 movers 8+ hours $3,369 – $4,738
 

How Much Will My Move Cost?

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Best Long-Distance Movers in North Carolina

After comparing hundreds of moving companies across North Carolina, Colonial Van Lines emerged as the top choice. They strike the right balance between affordability, quality of service, and proven customer experience, making them a smart pick for interstate moves.

Here are the best long-distance movers serving NC residents:

Colonial Van Lines

5.0 / 5
  • Specialty services
  • Highly trained crews
  • In-app booking

Safeway Moving

4.5 / 5
  • Veteran-owned
  • Price matching
  • Verified accurate quotes

American Van Lines

5.0 / 5
  • Specialty moves
  • Trained & certified crews
  • Flat-rate quotes

Colonial Van Lines

Our Score:
5.0 / 5.0

Colonial Van Lines (USDOT: 1434373) is a full-service moving company based in Pompano Beach, Florida, that handles long-distance moves across 48 states. With more than 50 years in the business and over 12,000 moves completed each year, they know their way around an interstate move. Colonial offers packing, storage, and long-distance transport throughout the continental US, all handled by highly trained crews. Their easy-to-use mobile app makes getting a quote quick, and customers often highlight the company’s friendly, professional, and reliable customer service.

Get A Quote (866) 377-8209

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Expert in-house crews
  • Home electronics setup
  • Trash & debris removal

Cons

  • No local or international moves
  • Not available in AK or HI

Services

  • Long-distance moving (nationwide service across contiguous 48 states; excludes Alaska & Hawaii)
  • Cross-country & interstate moving (full-service coordination from packing to delivery)
  • Professional packing & unpacking (trained packers, specialty blankets, shrink-wrap, custom crating)
  • Moving storage services (in-transit, short- & long-term climate-controlled storage options)
  • Corporate & commercial relocation (efficient packing, storage, furniture assembly/disassembly)
  • Full-service moving (end-to-end handling by CVLU-trained professionals)
  • Customizable quotes via moving app or specialist (accurate, transparent estimates with virtual inventory)
  • Colonial Moving App (virtual estimates, inventory updates, checklists, and box ordering)
  • Colonial Van Lines University training (movers with 2–4 week curriculum and ~10-year average experience)
  • Family-owned national service (50+ years, 250k+ moves, 4.6 Trustpilot rating)

Safeway Moving

Our Score:
4.5 / 5.0

Safeway Moving (USDOT: 3756000) is a veteran-owned moving company built around the idea of military-level precision. Thanks to its nationwide network of truck capacity, Safeway is able to offer very competitive pricing without cutting corners. The company also uses a multi-stage quality assurance process to keep moves on track from pickup through delivery. That combination of accurate pricing and consistent quality is a big reason Safeway earned a spot on our list.

Get A Quote (866) 989-1425

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 30 days of free storage on all interstate moves
  • Long distance and cross country moves only
  • A portion of every move is donated to charity
  • Verification process to guarantee pricing and quality of service
  • High level of customer service and support
  • Veteran owned company

Cons

  • Require a deposit at booking
  • No local moving services offered

Services

  • Long-distance moving (all 50 states, GPS tracking, barcode-scanned inventory)
  • Flat-rate pricing (virtual walk-throughs, no hidden fees)
  • Price matching (meets or beats quotes from qualified competitors)
  • Comprehensive insurance ($6/lb full-value protection option)
  • Packing and unpacking services (includes last-minute packing for an extra charge)
  • Custom crating (for fragile, heavy, or high-value items like art and electronics)
  • Storage options (30 days free, climate-controlled, long-term available, prorated billing)
  • International moving (limited info online, contact customer service)
  • 24/7 customer service (available by phone at all times)

American Van Lines

Our Score:
5.0 / 5.0

American Van Lines (USDOT: 614506) is a long-distance moving company known for its hands-on approach and experienced crews. Based in Florida, the company handles interstate moves nationwide and stands out for using full-time, background-checked movers rather than temporary labor. American Van Lines offers packing, storage, and specialty services for items like antiques and pianos, with a strong focus on careful handling. Customers often point to the company’s professionalism and attention to detail as key reasons it earns high marks.

Get A Quote (866) 264-7086

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Excellent customer service
  • Last-minute moves
  • Private storage options
  • Handles antiques, pianos & fine art
  • Flat-rate pricing

Cons

  • May require a deposit at booking
  • Automated calls may be overwhelming

Services

  • Local moving (affordable hourly rates, packing, custom crating)
  • Long-distance moving (nationwide service, excludes Alaska and Hawaii)
  • Packing services (upgrade to include professional wrapping, packing, inventorying)
  • Antique and piano moving (specialized handling of fragile/oversized items, custom crating available)
  • Military moves (in-home estimates, discounts, packing, storage, furniture assembly/disassembly)
  • Corporate relocation (commercial moving, furniture disassembly/reassembly, storage)
  • Storage options (secure, private units with surveillance, climate control, fire/storm protection)
  • Moving boxes and supplies (available for purchase from AVL)

Allied Van Lines

Our Score:
5.0 / 5.0

Allied Van Lines (USDOT: 076235) is one of the most recognizable names in the moving industry, with a nationwide and global network backed by more than 80 years of experience. Alongside full-service local, long-distance, and international moves, Allied offers Allied Express, a portable container option that includes professional loading and unloading. With packing, storage, and specialty services also available, Allied provides flexible solutions for a wide range of moving needs.

Get A Quote (866) 377-8153

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Specialty packing services
  • Short- and long-term storage
  • Appliance disconnection & reconnection
  • International shipping

Cons

  • Pricing is generally higher than other van lines
  • Pricing estimates can take 3-5 days

Services

  • Household moving (local, long-distance, cross-country — packing, loading, transport, unloading, unpacking)
  • Long-distance & interstate moving (contiguous U.S.; full-service options)
  • International moving (130+ countries; online tracking, customs clearance, destination services)
  • Military moves (PCS, deployment; temporary/in-transit storage; compliance with DoD regulations)
  • Corporate & office relocation (employee moves, office packing, furniture disassembly/reassembly)
  • Packing & unpacking services (professional crews, specialty materials, custom crating for fragile/odd items)
  • Moving supplies & kits (boxes, shrink-wrap, moving kits available)
  • Storage solutions (in-transit, short- & long-term climate-controlled units with security)
  • Portable storage containers (rentable containers for packing/storing during move)
  • Full-service moving coordinators & 24/7 support (dedicated move coordinator, transparent pricing, no hidden fees)

Mayzlin Relocation

Our Score:
4.9 / 5.0

Mayzlin Relocation (USDOT: 2513600) is a long-distance moving company that focuses on transparent pricing and a more hands-on customer experience. The company coordinates interstate moves nationwide and is known for assigning a dedicated move coordinator to guide customers from booking through delivery. With professional packing, storage options, and consistent communication throughout the process, Mayzlin Relocation is a solid choice for customers who want clarity, support, and fewer surprises on moving day.

Get A Quote (980) 436-3170

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund for cancellations within 7 days of your move
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Residential, corporate & military moves

Cons

  • Only service moves originating on the east coast
  • Deposit required at booking

Services

  • Local moves (residential service with professional teams and packing assistance)
  • Long-distance & out-of-state moves (nationwide across all contiguous states with online quotes, price-match guarantee, and real-time GPS tracking)
  • Corporate moves (commercial & office relocation, employee moves, furniture disassembly/reassembly)
  • Military moves (compliant with regulations, trained crews, full-service support)
  • Packing & unpacking services (trained packers, durable materials, wrapping for fragile items like antiques, pianos, fine arts)
  • Storage solutions (in-transit, short- & long-term climate-controlled units, 30 days free storage included)
  • Small moves (efficient handling of smaller load requirements)
  • Price match guarantee (ensures competitive pricing)
  • Deposit & cancellation policy (25% deposit, full refund if canceled within 7 days)
  • Online estimates & booking (virtual inventory, transparent pricing, no hidden fees)
  • Furniture disassembly & reassembly (handled by crew as part of full-service)
  • Dedicated move coordinator & customer support (personalized planning, 24/7 assistance throughout)

How North Carolina Movers Stack Up

  • Total movers: Of the 3,178 total professional moving companies in the U.S., 115 are located in NC.
  • Average rating: 4.33 stars — compared to the national average rating of 4.31 stars.
  • Mover associations: North Carolina has 8 in-state mover associations — a strong indicator of quality standards and coordination in the local moving industry.

Specialty Services Offered

Service NC Movers NC % National Movers National %
Antiques 37 32.17% 1,465 46.1%
Art 41 35.65% 1,451 45.66%
Climate-Controlled Storage 35 30.43% 1,044 32.85%
Debris Removal 29 25.22% 819 25.77%
Fragile-Only Packing 30 26.09% 754 23.73%
Labor-Only 64 55.65% 1,734 54.53%
Office Moving 92 80.0% 2,710 85.27%
Small Moves 60 52.17% 1,561 49.12%
Total Movers 115 100% 3,178 100%

Discounts Offered

Discount Type NC Movers NC % National Movers National %
AAA Discount 1 0.87% 36 1.13%
Military Discount 5 4.35% 129 4.06%
Senior Discount 3 2.61% 152 4.78%
Student Discount n/a n/a 36 1.13%
Teacher Discount 1 0.87% 10 0.31%
Total Movers 115 100% 3,178 100%

What Impacts the Cost of North Carolina Long-Distance Moves?

  • Optional add-ons: Want help with packing? In North Carolina, 96.52% of movers offer it. Need storage? 88 providers can help. These extras will be reflected in your final quote.
  • Moving destination: The farther the shipment, the more you’ll pay for fuel, labor, and wear-and-tear on the truck.
  • Home size: A larger home means more goods to load and haul and higher pricing for both labor and transport.
  • The season: Moving during peak season — especially summer — can significantly increase your costs due to tight trucking availability.

How To Choose the Right North Carolina Mover

When you’re planning a move in North Carolina, it’s not just about loading boxes — it’s about choosing a reliable partner to manage your shipment. A little research can help you avoid major headaches.

Make sure your mover checks these boxes:

  • Licensing and credentials: Ensure they’re fully licensed for household goods shipments and insured through the FMCSA.
  • Pricing and estimates: Request walkthrough-based estimates, as they’re more accurate and often binding. Aim for three quotes to compare.
  • Discounts and price matching: Ask about special pricing — 5 movers in NC offer military discounts and 3 give breaks for seniors.
  • Service and reviews: Movers with a proven record of reliable service tend to have strong customer ratings.
  • Booking and flexibility: Check their policy for changes or cancellations in case your timeline shifts.

FAQs

How are long-distance moves scheduled?

Movers schedule long-distance routes based on geography, demand, and truck availability. Once your window is set, they'll coordinate pickup and delivery accordingly.

Can I ship a vehicle with my household items?

Some full-service movers offer auto transport alongside household goods, but it’s often a separate service with its own carrier and delivery timeline.

What kind of moving truck will transport my items?

Most long-distance moves use 26-foot box trucks or tractor-trailers. Smaller moves may be loaded onto shared trucks or containerized for efficiency.

Is there a weight limit on my move?

Technically, yes. Residential moves must comply with federal weight limits for trucks. Large or heavy moves may require multiple trips or special permits.

Thinking About Moving to North Carolina?

Whether you're relocating for work, family, or a change of scenery, North Carolina has a lot to offer. From cost of living considerations to entertainment, career options, and climate, here's a quick overview of how to prepare for your NC relocation and what to expect once you arrive.

Life in North Carolina: What To Expect

  • North Carolina is 4% cheaper than the national average, with average rent near $1,093 and home values around $328,715.
  • The job market in North Carolina is more competitive, with an unemployment rate of 3.7%. Top industries include Manufacturing ($100.7 billion), Professional and business services ($68.1 billion), and Real estate and rental and leasing ($64.4 billion).
  • Recreation options in North Carolina include attractions like Biltmore Estate and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, outdoor escapes such as Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest and Mingo Falls, and museums like Biltmore and North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.
  • Sports lovers can cheer on teams like Charlotte Hornets (NBA) and Carolina Panthers (NFL), which draw fans from across the state.
Mike Marshall
Mike Marshall is a senior contributor at FreightWaves with nearly a decade of focused experience in the trucking, car shipping, and moving industries. His work focuses on breaking down complex logistics topics into clear, practical guidance for consumers and industry professionals alike. Drawing on years of hands-on research and analysis at FreightWaves, Mike brings an insider’s perspective to every article, helping readers understand costs, processes, risks, and best practices across the transportation and relocation space.