10 best movers in Clayton, North Carolina

The best moving company for relocating out of North Carolina is International Van Lines. For a local move around Clayton, use the filters below to find other moving companies that meet your needs.

Long-distance movers in Clayton

A long-distance move means relocating over 50 miles away or from one state to another. If you're moving across state lines, you need to be especially careful that the moving company you hire has the right federal licensing. Interstate movers must have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. To verify a carrier's licensing status, you can input these numbers or the mover's name into the FMCSA's database.

The reliable and experienced long-distance moving firms below have an active license. They can help get your belongings safely and efficiently across state lines.

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?

Relocating within or out of Clayton is fairly costly, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. This makes sense considering the cost of living in Clayton is above 79.0% of the country.

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

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

Your total moving cost may also be impacted by these extra considerations:

Transporting specialty items

Professional movers may charge more to move oversized, fragile or valuable items. Some common items that can incur higher fees include the following:

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

If you have to move any of these items, ask potential movers whether they charge extra for them.

Tipping your movers

Tipping your movers is optional, but it’s a common practice if your movers handled your belongings with care or made your move stress - free. Consider tipping each mover $5–$10 per hour for local moves and $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves.

Unexpected delays

It's common for a move to be delayed due to issues such as a lack of supplies, transportation emergencies, inclement weather and traffic. These can add to your moving costs and extend your timeline. Although delays are unpredictable, you can prepare for them by keeping a flexible schedule and adding 25% more than your movers quote you to your moving budget.

How to save money on moving costs

The following tips can save you money on moving in Clayton.

Be communicative

To avoid surprise charges on your moving day, be communicative with your movers, particularly about items you add to your inventory after getting a quote from the movers.

Small items may not be an issue, but make sure they know about large additions such as new appliances or furniture. Additional fees may apply for these items, and your movers won’t begin the move until you’ve agreed to the cost.

Have a flexible schedule

Schedule your move in the off-season or during the week to save money and book your movers of choice.

Most people hire movers between May and 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 a budget - friendly mover that meets your needs, there are several alternatives to consider.

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

• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies
• Fuel

Enlisting help from family, friends or neighbors for loading and unloading bulky or heavy items such as furniture can make your move quicker and easier. Movers are worth the cost if you don't have the time or anyone to help you move.

You can also hire movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr. Hiring hourly help can be less expensive, but gig workers may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Clayton

What’s full-service moving?

Hiring full-service movers means they will manage the entire moving process. They supply packing materials, pack 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 worth the extra cost when you factor in the time, labor and packing materials you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving may offer better insurance coverage compared to self-packed items, which are generally only insured up to 60 cents per dollar. Getting a damage claim approved for self-packed items can also be tough.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

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

Estimate the total worth of your belongings to accurately choose the ideal insurance policy. All movers should offer released-value coverage, which pays 60 cents per pound per item. If you're moving high-value items, ask about your mover's full-value protection policies. A full-value protection policy may be necessary if your belongings are worth a lot, so ask to explore rates.

When is the best time of year to move?

The warmer months (ranging from May through September) are the most favorable moving time, which makes for heightened demand and higher rates across the country for moves of all sizes. This may steer you away from a summer move due to the higher cost. You may also want to avoid moving in the summer because of the blistering heat that Clayton can encounter, which could make moving in those months even more challenging.

We suggest scheduling your move in the spring or early fall months to take advantage of pleasant weather and lower costs for moving services.

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

To be safe, keep essential financial records, keepsakes and identification documents in your personal car. We also recommend keeping valuable technology with you while moving.

Moving companies frequently limit insurance coverage on expensive items, like jewelry and heirlooms. Bring irreplaceable and valuable possessions in your own car if you're concerned about loss or damage.

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

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

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.