10 best movers in Chapel Hill, North Carolina

The best interstate mover for relocating out of North Carolina is International Van Lines. Use the filters below to find other movers for a local move in the Chapel Hill area.

Long-distance movers in Chapel Hill

A long-distance move means moving over 50 miles away or from one state to another. When moving across state boundaries, ensure your moving company has the right federal licensing. Interstate movers must have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. To check a carrier's licensing status, you can input these numbers or the mover's name into the FMCSA's database.

We’ve verified that the long-distance moving firms below have an active license. These reliable and experienced movers can help get you and your belongings safely and efficiently to your new home.

Featured

4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Includes one month of storage with long-distance moves
• Lists add-on service costs online
• Services all 50 states

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4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Operates exclusively as a carrier
• Runs shuttles for moves between major cities
• Offers storage for high-value items and antiques

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3.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Offers flat rates for all long-distance moves
• Has secure storage facilities with 24/7 surveillance
• Includes packing and storage in all quotes

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Why is moving so expensive?

Moving within or out of Chapel Hill is fairly costly, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. This makes sense considering the cost of living in Chapel Hill is above 86.5% of the country.

Many factors are involved in moving, causing expenses adding up fast. Common moving expenses include the following:

• Storage
• Fuel
• Supplies
• Professional labor
• Packing
• Junk removal

These extra factors can add even more to your total cost:

Transporting specialty items

Professional movers may charge more to move certain belongings, especially those that are breakable, valuable or oversized. These items can cost more to move:

• Pianos
• Artwork and sculptures
• Family heirlooms or antiques
• Heavy pieces of furniture or technology
• Safes

Find out from potential movers whether they move these items and if so, whether they charge extra.

Tipping your movers

While tipping movers isn’t required, it's customary to tip if they provide quality service. Consider tipping each mover $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves and $5–$10 per hour for local moves.

Unexpected delays

Delays are common due to issues such as inclement weather, traffic, a lack of supplies and transportation emergencies. These can inflate your moving costs and prolong your timeline. Be prepared for delays by budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you and having a flexible schedule.

How to save money on moving costs

Keeping the following tips in mind can lower your moving expenses in Chapel Hill.

Be communicative

Keep your movers informed about any modifications to your schedule or inventory, especially when adding items after getting an estimate from the movers.

Small items may not pose a problem, but make sure they know about large additions such as new appliances or furniture. The movers may need to adjust their estimate for these additions and get your consent to these fees before beginning the move.

Have a flexible schedule

Dependable, affordable movers are in high demand. Consider moving in the off-season or on a weekday to save some money and still reserve your preferred relocation service.

Most people schedule moves from May through September. Consider moving during other months if you have a flexible schedule, as there may be lower moving rates or less competition.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

If you have difficulty finding an affordable relocation service that works for you, there are alternative routes you can take.

You can move on your own, but consider the labor required and the following costs:

• Fuel
• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies

Enlisting help from family, friends or neighbors for loading and unloading large items such as furniture can make your move faster and easier. Professional movers are a worthwhile investment if you lack the time or support to commit to self-moving.

Another option is to find movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr. While hiring hourly help can be less expensive, these gig workers may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Chapel Hill

What’s full-service moving?

When you opt for full-service moving, your hired movers will handle the entire moving process. This includes providing packing supplies, providing packing services for your belongings, transporting them to the new location and unpacking them.

Full-service moving is pricier than standard moving services, which typically only cover loading and transporting your belongings. The price can be worth it, considering the time and labor packers spare you, as well as the packing supplies costs it covers. Full-service moving may also provide better insurance coverage. Self-packed items are typically only covered for up to 60 cents per dollar, and damage claims for these goods can be challenging to get approved.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

Legitimate moving companies will show proof of registration on all trucks, documents and facilities. Interstate moves require USDOT and MC numbers, so be sure to inspect their registration completely before hiring movers by visiting the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in North Carolina are also required to have a license from the North Carolina Utilities Commission.

How does moving insurance work?

Estimate the total worth of your belongings to accurately choose the ideal insurance policy. Released-value coverage applies to all moves, which insures 60 cents per pound per item. Adding this supplementary coverage will cost more, but may be worth it if you're moving costly or irreplaceable items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The warmer months (ranging from May through September) are the peak time to move, which makes for elevated demand and higher rates across the country for moves of all scopes. This may direct you away from a summer move due to the higher cost. You may also want to avoid moving in the summer because of the sweltering heat that Chapel Hill can encounter, which could make moving in those months extremely challenging.

We recommend moving during the spring or early fall to experience the best possible weather and lower rates for service.

What things should I leave to the movers, and what should I transport myself?

For peace of mind, move items like identification documents, financial records and valuable keepsakes in your own car. Similarly, load up your vehicle with any high-end electronics that you wouldn't want lost or damaged.

Most moving businesses limit insurance coverage for high-value possessions, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're worried about irreplaceable and valuable items being lost or damaged, bring those belongings with you.

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including these:

• Flammable chemicals of any kind
• Toxic chemicals or cleaners
• Compressed tanks or gas
• Fertilizers
• Batteries
• Plants
• Perishable foods and produce
• Aerosols
• Fuel sources

Our methodology for selecting moving companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.

We review national moving providers against our full moving methodology. We score movers based on reputation and customer experience, service availability, cost and pricing practices, insurance options, customer service and communication.