10 best movers in Charlotte, North Carolina

The best mover for moving out of North Carolina is International Van Lines. For a local move in the Charlotte area, use the filters below to find other movers that meet your needs.

Long-distance movers in Charlotte

A long-distance move is when you move over 50 miles away or relocate to a different state. Check that the moving company you hire has the proper federal licensing when moving across state boundaries. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Input the USDOT number, MC number or mover's name into the FMCSA's database to look up a carrier's licensing status.

The long-distance moving companies below are experienced and have an active license. They can help get your belongings safely and efficiently to your new home.

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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?

Relocating within or out of Charlotte is fairly costly, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. This makes sense considering the cost of living in Charlotte is above 85.0% of the country.

Moving costs add up quickly depending on what services you need. Here are some typical moving costs:

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

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

Transporting specialty items

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

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

Ask movers if they move these items and charge additional fees for them.

Tipping your movers

Tipping your movers is optional but common if they get your belongings to your new home safely and efficiently. Consider tipping each mover $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves and $5–$10 per hour for local moves.

Unexpected delays

Delays can happen for various reasons, including traffic, transportation emergencies, bad weather and limited supplies. These issues may add to the time and money required. There’s no way to combat unexpected delays, but you can prepare for them by keeping a flexible schedule and adding 25% more than your movers quote you to your budget.

How to save money on moving costs

Keeping the following tips in mind can reduce your moving expenses in Charlotte.

Be communicative

Be communicative about any changes to your schedule or inventory, especially when adding items they have to move.

Small items may not be an issue, but make sure they know about large additions such as new appliances or furniture. The movers may charge more for those items and won’t begin your move until you’ve agreed to the additional charges.

Have a flexible schedule

Schedule your move in the off-season or on a weekday to save money and reserve your movers of choice.

The busiest moving period is between May and September. If your timeline is flexible, consider moving outside of those months, as there won’t be as much competition or as high of moving rates.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

Consider taking an alternative route if you have difficulty finding an economical moving provider that works for you.

One alternative is moving yourself. Consider the amount of labor required and the following costs when deciding between professional moving team and moving yourself:

• Fuel
• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies

Enlisting help from family, friends or neighbors for moving bulky items such as furniture can make your move quicker and easier. Hiring movers is beneficial if you don't have the time or anyone who can help you move.

Hiring movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack is another option. Hiring hourly help can be more affordable, but independent contractors may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Charlotte

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving is when your hired movers manage every part of the moving process for you. They provide packing supplies, provide packing services for your belongings, transport them and unpack them.

Standard moving services are cheaper than full-service moving, as they typically only include loading and moving your belongings. However, full-service moving can be a justifiable expense when you factor in the time, labor and packing supplies you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving tends to provide more comprehensive insurance coverage compared to self-packed items, which are generally only covered up to 60 cents per dollar. Getting a damage claim approved for self-packed goods can also be challenging.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

Any legitimate moving company will display their proof of registration on physical trucks and official files. If you're making an interstate move, you should screen companies for legitimate USDOT and MC numbers beforehand 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?

You’ll also need to check out your mover’s insurance policies. All movers will offer released-value coverage, which protects your goods at a rate of 60 cents per pound per item. Purchasing this additional coverage will cost more, but may be worth it if you're moving expensive or sentimental items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The prime moving time is between May to September, leading to much higher demand and pricing for moves both large and small. The high summer rates could understandably deter you from moving at that time of year.

We recommend moving in the spring or early fall seasons when you can expect more favorable weather and lower costs.

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

On moving day, keep personal documents like financial records and identification documents in your own car. Additionally, we recommend keeping any valuable electronics, such as laptops, with you instead of on the moving truck.

Many moving companies restrict insurance coverage for costly items, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're worried about potential loss or damage, keep those invaluable or irreplaceable belongings in your own car.

There are certain goods and items prohibited for transportation by movers. These include the following:

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

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.