Delaware shot to the top of national inbound migration rankings in 2024-2025, reaching 2nd place in the United Van Lines 2024 National Movers Study (66% inbound) and 6th place in moveBuddha’s 2025 rankings. The Dover metro recorded 79% inbound moves in 2025. The U.S. Census Bureau’s 2024 vintage estimates show Delaware grew by approximately 0.79% from domestic migration alone – ranking 3rd highest nationally on that metric. The single largest source of inbound movers is New York State, accounting for roughly 12% of arrivals. More than 50% of people moving to Delaware are aged 65 or older, and 36% cite proximity to family as the primary reason for relocating – reflecting Delaware’s position as an affordable, lower-tax alternative for Northeasterners seeking proximity to Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington D.C.
Delaware’s compact size defines its move profile: the state measures about 96 miles north to south and 35 miles at its widest, meaning virtually all intrastate moves are under 100 miles. I-95 is the dominant corridor, running through Wilmington and connecting to Philadelphia (28 miles north) and Baltimore (65 miles south). U.S. 13 runs the length of the state through Dover and Wilmington. The most common long-distance incoming routes follow I-95 from New York and New Jersey, and US-40 connecting to I-95 from the Baltimore corridor. Seasonal beach moves – from inland Delaware counties to Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, and the Sussex County shore – create a secondary seasonal market, particularly in spring and fall.
Delaware does not require a state-specific moving license for intrastate movers, but all moving businesses must obtain a Delaware business license from the Division of Revenue (category: “Drayperson or Mover”) at $75 per year, and hold a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) from the DelDOT Office of Public Carrier Regulation (OPC). Liability insurance minimums are $350,000 for intrastate moves. A gross receipts tax on intrastate moving services applies (approximately 0.3983%). Vehicles must display the company name and CPCN number. Complaints are handled by the Delaware Department of Justice Fraud and Consumer Protection Division. Interstate movers must hold FMCSA authority, verifiable at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. Local move costs in Delaware average approximately $150 per hour, with overall costs ranging from roughly $1,957 to $5,592 depending on home size and distance.
Top-Rated Movers in Delaware
First-Rate Movers
Address: 30505 Dupont Blvd, Millsboro, DE 19966
Website: https://firstratede.com
Founded in 2016, First-Rate Movers serves all three Delaware counties – New Castle, Kent, and Sussex – including the beach resort communities along the Atlantic shore. Services include local intrastate moves, long-distance relocations, residential and commercial moves, full and partial packing, piano moving, senior relocation, and labor-only moving help. The company reports a 96% customer referral rate and a 4.9-out-of-5 Google rating from over 200 verified reviews. First-Rate is fully licensed and insured, uses dedicated tracked trucks with the same crew from origin to destination, and draws on over 30 years of combined industry experience across its management team.
Delaware Moving & Storage
Address: 214 Bear Christiana Rd, Bear, DE 19701
Website: https://delawaremovingandstorage.com
In business since 1984, Delaware Moving & Storage is a family-owned and operated company and an authorized Wheaton World Wide Moving agent since 1999 – providing access to a national van line network for interstate and international relocations. The company holds an A+ BBB rating and was recognized as the U.S. Small Business Administration Family Owned Business of the Year for Delaware. Services include local and long-distance moves, full packing, storage, and residential and commercial relocations. Coverage extends to Delaware, southeastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, and Maryland. The company offers in-home and virtual survey options for accurate, no-hidden-fee estimates.
Bayshore Moving & Storage
Address: 901 Dawson Dr, Suite A, Newark, DE 19713
Website: https://www.bayshoreallied.com
USDOT: #540129
Operating since 1920, Bayshore Moving & Storage is one of Delaware’s oldest movers, with over a century of operation and locations serving Newark, Wilmington, and the surrounding region. The company handles local, long-distance, interstate, and international moves for residential, commercial, and corporate clients, including senior downsizing and corporate relocation. Services include full packing and unpacking, climate-controlled storage, and specialty item handling including antiques, pianos, and fine art. Customer feedback across 211 reviews runs approximately 79% positive, with praise for professional and punctual crews. Primary service area covers all of Delaware and the I-95 corridor through Maryland and Pennsylvania.
Moving Companies in Delaware: Common Questions
Is my mover required to be licensed in Delaware?
Delaware does not require a state-specific moving license in the same manner as most states, but all moving businesses must hold a Delaware business license from the Division of Revenue (category: “Drayperson or Mover,” $75/year) and a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) from the Delaware Office of Public Carrier Regulation (OPC). Carriers must carry minimum liability insurance of $350,000 and must display their company name and CPCN number on all vehicles. You can verify a mover’s business license through Delaware’s Business License Search at revenue.delaware.gov, and confirm their CPCN through DelDOT’s OPC. Interstate movers must additionally hold FMCSA authority, searchable at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.
How much does a local move typically cost in Delaware?
Based on available 2025 market data, Delaware’s average hourly moving rate runs approximately $150, above the national norm partly due to the state’s proximity to high-cost Northeast metro markets. Overall move costs in Delaware range from roughly $1,957 to $5,592 depending on home size and services. A local move for a smaller home or apartment typically falls in the lower end of that range; larger homes or moves requiring full packing services will run higher. Contact movers directly for current quotes, as Delaware’s market fluctuates with seasonal beach-town demand, particularly in Sussex County from May through October.
How does Delaware’s geography and position between major metro areas affect moving costs?
Delaware’s I-95 corridor position – 28 miles from Philadelphia and 65 miles from Baltimore – means that many “Delaware” moves are effectively tri-state logistics operations. Movers who service Delaware frequently hold licenses in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey as well. Traffic on I-95 between Wilmington and the Delaware Memorial Bridge, particularly during morning and evening rush hours and summer weekends near the shore, can add meaningful time to moves in New Castle County. Sussex County beach towns (Rehoboth, Dewey, Bethany, Fenwick) see a distinct seasonal surge in move activity from April through June as seasonal residents arrive, and again in September through October as they depart – creating demand spikes that can affect availability and pricing.
What is a binding estimate and how does it protect me in Delaware?
A binding estimate locks your total moving price regardless of actual weight or time taken on moving day. A non-binding estimate is a good-faith approximation that can change. Delaware’s OPC requires movers to file a tariff listing their rates, and movers must charge according to their filed tariff. Any changes to the tariff require a $100 filing fee with the OPC. Before signing a contract, confirm whether your estimate is binding or non-binding, ask about any additional fees (fuel surcharges, long-carry fees, stair charges), and make sure all services are itemized in writing. Federal law requires interstate movers to provide the “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet before any out-of-state move.
How do I file a complaint against a moving company in Delaware?
Complaints against Delaware movers can be filed with the Delaware Department of Justice Fraud and Consumer Protection Division, which offers mediation services for unresolved disputes. Contact the Consumer Protection Unit online at ago.delaware.gov or by calling 302-577-8600. For complaints involving licensing or tariff violations, contact the Delaware Office of Public Carrier Regulation at DelDOT. For disputes with interstate movers (crossing state lines), file separately with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration at fmcsa.dot.gov or by calling 1-888-DOT-SAFT (368-7238). Keep all written estimates, contracts, bills of lading, and receipts as documentation.