10 best movers in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

International Van Lines is the best long-distance moving company for moving out of North Carolina. Use the filters below to find other moving companies for a local move in the Winston-Salem area.

Long-distance movers in Winston-Salem

A long-distance move is when you relocate to a different state or more than 50 miles away. When crossing state boundaries, check that your mover has the proper federal licensing. Interstate movers must have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use these numbers or the mover's name to look up a carrier’s licensing status in the FMCSA’s database.

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

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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 Winston-Salem is relatively expensive, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. The higher moving rates make sense as the cost of living in Winston-Salem is above 59.1% of the country.

Numerous factors are involved when moving, resulting in expenses adding up quickly. The following are typical moving expenses:

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

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

Transporting specialty items

Professional movers may charge more to move certain belongings, especially those that are valuable, fragile or particularly bulky. The following items can cost more to move:

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

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

Tipping your movers

While tipping movers is optional, it's common to tip if they provide good service. For local moves, a standard tip is $5–$10 per mover per hour. For long-distance moves, tip $20–$40 per mover per day.

Unexpected delays

Delays happen. Transportation emergencies, traffic, limited supplies and bad weather can all add time and money to your move. You can't avoid unexpected delays, but you can prepare for them by being flexible with your 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 costs in Winston-Salem.

Be communicative

Be communicative about any modifications 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 furniture or appliances. The movers may need to adjust their estimate for these additions and get your consent to these fees before starting the move.

Have a flexible schedule

Since dependable and affordable movers are highly sought after, consider moving during the week or in the off-season to keep costs down while still booking your preferred moving company.

Movers are the most booked between May and September. If your timeline is flexible, you may want to move outside of those months, as there won’t be as much competition or as high of moving rates.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

If you can’t find a budget - friendly moving service that meets your needs, there are alternative routes you can take.

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

• Fuel
• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies

Getting help from friends, family or neighbors for moving bulky or heavy items such as furniture can make your move quicker and easier. Professional movers are worth it if you don’t have the time or support to commit to self-moving.

Another alternative is to hire 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 Winston-Salem

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving is when your hired movers take care of every part of the moving process for you. They supply packing materials, 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 worth the extra cost when you consider the time, labor and packing materials you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving tends to offer better insurance coverage compared to self-packed goods, which are typically only protected up to 60 cents per dollar. Getting a damage claim approved for self-packed goods can also be tough.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

Legitimate moving companies will show proof of registration on all sites, trucks and documents. Interstate moves mandate USDOT and MC numbers, so be sure to vet 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?

Check what insurance policies your movers provide. Released-value coverage applies to all moves, which insures 60 cents per pound per item. Also consider full-value protection coverage if you're moving expensive goods — just be aware that these plans cost extra.

When is the best time of year to move?

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

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?

On moving day, carry 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 possible loss or damage, keep those invaluable or irreplaceable belongings in your own car.

There are certain goods and materials that movers aren’t allowed to move. These include the following:

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

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.