Cost of Movers in Raleigh in 2025

Written, Edited and Fact Checked by Taras Kim

Fact Checked by Wellknown Moving Raleigh

Updated: April 12, 2025

Looking to move in or near Raleigh? You probably want to figure out how much it's going to cost. That's normal - moving prices can be confusing. Hourly rates, flat fees, surcharges for miles, packing, or for lifting things, for example, all make moving a daunting endeavor. But you've come to the right place.

Here we tell you what the price depends on - from the number of rooms and distance to the choice of service. Want to know how much it costs for movers, a container or a rental car? We'll explain everything and tell you how to save money.

💡 Quick Answer: How much does it cost to move in Raleigh? In 2025, a local move in Raleigh costs on average between $350 and $2,900, while a long-distance move can cost between $3,000 and $9,500. The price depends on how many rooms are in the house, how far you need to move your belongings, what time of year you plan to move, and which method you choose - professional help, using a container, or the do-it-yourself option.

Details about moving costs in Raleigh (2025)

When thinking about your moving budget, it's important to consider a few basic things. When moving across town, the price depends largely on the number of rooms in your home. When it comes to the long-distance option, a lot is determined by distance. And the final amount also depends on what service you choose: the help of movers, container rental or self-organization of the move.

All of the amounts listed are based on offers given by licensed movers and large companies in Raleigh. We recommend that you pay attention to the FMCSA license. However, the total amount may vary depending on the date of the move, the number of items, ease of access to your home, and availability of additional services like packing or temporary storage.

🏠 Average Cost of Local Moves in Raleigh (by Home Size)

These costs include labor, truck, and basic equipment. Extra fees may apply for stairs, long carry, or packing services.

🚚 Long-Distance Move Cost from Raleigh (Sample Destinations)

Note: Long-distance moves are typically quoted as flat rates, based on mileage, volume, and weight.

📦 Cost Comparison: Full-Service vs. Container vs. DIY

What affects the price of moving to Raleigh

Moving to Raleigh has its own peculiarities. If you know in advance what local aspects can affect the cost, you can avoid unnecessary spending and save time. Here are the main things to consider when planning a move in the area.

Rules in apartment complexes and homes with a management company

If you are moving in or out of a home that is managed by a homeowners association (HOA), be sure to find out what the rules are. Sometimes you'll need to give a moving date in advance, agree on a time, reserve an elevator, or show insurance from the mover. This is important because if the movers arrive and they aren't given access, you could be charged extra downtime or have to reschedule the move. It's best to call the management company ahead of time, at least a couple weeks in advance, to find out and prepare.

Where to park and unload your belongings

Parking can be difficult in downtown Raleigh and in dense development. Often a temporary permit is required to stop a truck, and some homes dedicate a special spot or only allow unloading during certain hours. If the truck can't stop nearby and you have to carry your belongings far away, the price of the move will increase. To avoid this, it is worth asking the manager in advance how unloading is organized, or look for information on the city's website.

Licenses for movers

In North Carolina, moving companies are required to have a license from the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC). Conscientious firms list a license number with a “C” on it. This can be checked online. Companies without such a license operate illegally and most often do not have insurance. They may offer low prices, but the risks are much higher, from property damage to denial of compensation. In addition, some houses do not allow carriers without a license. That's why it's always worth asking for a license number.

When prices are higher than usual

There are periods when the demand for moving is particularly high. These are May through September, when many people move during the summer, as well as the last days of the month and weekends. At these times, there are fewer available cars and workers, so the price is higher and the wait can be longer. You should also consider student moves in August and May, especially in neighborhoods near universities. To save money, it is better to move on weekdays, in the middle of the month and out of season - from October to April.

Knowing all of this will help you better calculate costs and choose a convenient format. There are four popular moving options in Raleigh, and each has its own pros and cons. If you're on a tight budget, short on time, or somewhere in between, it's worth comparing the different approaches and choosing the one that's right for you

Helpful tips from local Raleigh professionals:

If time is short and funds allow, it's better to opt for full service - especially if you have a large house or are moving to another city. A container will suit those looking for something in between: it's cheaper than full service, and not as tedious as doing everything yourself. Self-moving seems to be the most cost-effective, but don't forget about the costs of gasoline, insurance, renting the right equipment and how much effort and time it will take. Another option is to hire movers without a car. Then you rent your own transportation, and things are moved for you.

Examples of calculations of moving costs (2025)

For example, if you move within the city from an apartment with two bedrooms, without packing, to a distance of about 13 km, and do it on a weekday in mid-April, then with three movers with full loading and unloading service and a rate of $180 per hour, the entire move will take about 5 hours and cost about $900.

If we're talking about a long-distance move, say from Raleigh to Atlanta, and you have a three-bedroom home, in late May (which is considered peak season) a full service without packing will cost between $4,500 and $5,800. That amount already includes the truck, fuel, movers, and unloading upon arrival.

And if you decide to use a container to move from Raleigh to Charlotte, you'll need to pay about $720 for a 12-foot container and 30 days of storage. That's not including the work of the movers. If you need them, their services are charged separately - about $90 per hour for two.

Breaking down the cost by home size when moving within Raleigh

If you're planning to move within the city, the clearest way to estimate the price is to look at the size of your accommodation. Most companies in Raleigh work on an hourly rate, and the final amount depends on how many people are on the team and how long the move will take. Sample prices are based on the average cost of services in 2025 from licensed movers. These amounts include movers, truck rental, and standard equipment.

For example, a studio move typically takes about two and a half to three hours with two people. The rate might be around $130 per hour, and the entire move will come out to $325 to $390. If you have a one-bedroom dwelling, the job will take about three and a half to four and a half hours with the same two movers - the cost will be between $455 and $585. Moving from a two-bedroom apartment will require three people and about four and a half to five and a half hours of work, while the rate rises to $180 per hour and the total will be between $810 and $990. Moving from a three-bedroom home will take about six and a half to eight hours and cost between $1,625 and $2,000 with a four-person crew. For four bedrooms, it's about eight to nine and a half hours with the same rate and crew, and the amount is $2,000 to $2,375. For homes with five or more bedrooms, it will already require five movers, at least nine hours and a rate of about $355 per hour. Such a move can cost from $3,195 to $3,900 or more.

All calculations are based on a standard move from a fully furnished home and under normal access conditions. If the home has narrow passageways, stairs, long distances from the car to the entrance, an elevator, or large items like a safe or piano, the total may increase. To make things go faster and cheaper, it's better to pack everything in advance and sign boxes by room.

Breaking down the cost of a long distance move from Raleigh

If you are moving from Raleigh to another city, most often the price will be fixed. It depends on exactly where you're going, how many rooms you have, and whether you need extras like packing or storage. Average prices for 2025 include transportation, crew, gasoline, toll roads and basic insurance.

For example, when moving to New York City, a one- or two-bedroom home will cost between $1,600 and $2,900, and if there are more rooms, between $3,200 and $5,800. In this case, it is best to opt for a full service or container. For a move to Chicago, the cost for a small home will cost between $1,800 and $3,400, and for a large home between $3,500 and $6,200, and here full service is the most common choice. Heading to Houston with a package will cost $2,200 to $4,200 for smaller apartments and $4,200 to $7,500 for larger homes. To Los Angeles - $2,700 to $5,300 for one or two bedrooms and $5,500 to $9,500 for larger. In Atlanta, $1,300 to $2,300 and $2,700 to $4,800 depending on the home. Full service or renting a car with movers is also common here.

The price is affected by the number of rooms, as the more stuff, the greater the volume and weight. It's also important to consider access conditions - if there are stairs, elevators, or heavy things, labor costs go up. During the warm season, from May to September, demand is higher, so prices go up. Additional services like packing, furniture assembly or storage also add to the bottom line. The above figures are calculations for a full package of services, but if you are willing to take on some of the work yourself, you can save up to 10-20% if you choose a container or a combined option.

Hidden and additional fees that are important to know about

Even if you already have a quote from a company, there may be additional costs that they won't tell you about in advance. This applies, for example, to climbing stairs if the building doesn't have an elevator and there are more than one floor - such a job can cost $50 to $100 on top. If the building has a slow elevator or the path from the car to the entrance is more than 23 meters, they may ask from 75 to 150 dollars for this.

Some companies charge for packing materials, such as film or blankets for furniture. This additional fee can range from 25 to 100 dollars. It's best to clarify right away whether it's included in the total price or paid separately. Sometimes carriers offer an “all-inclusive” tariff, where such trifles are already taken into account.

Another point is insurance. Standard coverage is usually about 60 cents per pound. If you need full damage insurance, it's paid separately and costs between $100 and $500. You may want to find out ahead of time if your current insurance policy doesn't cover moving - then you can save money.

Car downtime fees can also affect your income. This happens if the car can't pull up to the house, if there are delays due to building security, or if plans change at the last minute. Such a delay can cost anywhere from $130 to $355 per hour - it all depends on the number of people on the team.

Another possible cost is a penalty for canceling or rescheduling a date. If you change the date less than 48 hours before the move, the company can ask for $50 to $200. It's better to book a date when you're sure and clarify the cancellation terms in advance.

It's worth noting that not all companies charge such surcharges. Reliable carriers inform about it in advance and include everything in the estimate. It's always a good idea to request a detailed estimate in advance so you know exactly what you're paying for.

Tips on how to save money on moving to Raleigh

Moving in itself is not an easy thing to do, and it becomes even more stressful if it's also hard on the wallet. The good news is that there are simple ways to cut costs without losing quality. Whether you plan to do everything yourself or use professionals, these tips are based on real-life stories of moving in Raleigh and will help you save money.

The first thing that can affect the price is the date. Weekends and the beginning and end of the month are considered the most expensive, especially during tenant changes. If you choose a weekday in the middle of the month, for example, from the 8th to the 25th of the month, you can pay less, because at this time the companies have fewer orders, and therefore the rates are lower.

The next consideration is packaging. Packaging materials like boxes, duct tape, and burlap can quickly add to the total. But these things are easy to find for free in Raleigh. You can check out groups like Buy Nothing or Freecycle, look at Facebook Marketplace ads, and ask at local grocery, liquor, or bookstores - they're often willing to give boxes away for nothing, especially if you call ahead.

If you're willing to pack yourself, it can be good for the budget. Packing services can cost a few hundred dollars, but if you wrap fragile items in clothes or plaids and clearly sign the boxes, you'll do just fine. It's important not to put too much in one box so the movers can move everything faster. If time is short, you can order packing only for the kitchen or other “inconvenient” areas.

It's also worth finding out if the company has discounts. Many movers in Raleigh, including us, offer special deals for military, retirees, teachers, emergency personnel, or regular customers. Often discounts are given for early booking or out of season loads. These aren't always written about on the website, so just ask - it can cut costs by 5-10 percent.

Finally, the less stuff you have, the easier and cheaper the move. By selling or giving away unwanted items before the move, you save not only money but also time. In Raleigh, you can donate items to places like Habitat for Humanity ReStore, The Green Chair Project, Durham Rescue Mission or other local charities. It's best to call ahead of time to find out exactly what's being accepted. Plus, donating can get you a tax deduction, and you'll be starting your new home with a clean slate, no extra stuff.

Final Moving Day Checklist

1. Keep Essentials With You. Pack a small bag with important documents, chargers, medications, toiletries, a change of clothes, and anything else you’ll need before your boxes are unpacked.
2. Stay Fueled and Hydrated. Moving is exhausting — even if you're not the one carrying boxes. Have water bottles, snacks, and maybe even a coffee run ready for yourself (and your movers — optional but appreciated).
3. Confirm Contact Info with Your Movers. Double-check that your movers have the right address, phone number, gate codes, or building instructions. Answer your phone during the arrival window in case they need help with parking.
4. Reserve Parking Space for the Truck. In Raleigh neighborhoods and apartment complexes, parking can be tricky. Use cones, your car, or signs to hold a spot close to your home for easier access.
5. Clear Hallways and Doorways. Make sure walkways, stairs, and doorways are free from clutter, rugs, or anything that might cause a trip hazard or slow down the crew.
6. Secure Pets and Young Children. Moving day isn’t fun for pets or kids — it’s loud, chaotic, and full of open doors. Keep them safe in a separate room, with a friend, or at daycare for the day if possible.
7. Label Final Boxes and Fragile Items Clearly. Mark boxes with room names and “FRAGILE” if needed. If you have last-minute items, set them aside and let movers know what still needs to go.
8. Do a Final Walkthrough Before Leaving. Check every closet, cabinet, and drawer before locking up. You’d be surprised how often chargers, shoes, or cleaning supplies get left behind.