Inventory
List furniture and boxes by room, mark items staying behind, and flag fragile, unusually heavy or oversized pieces. Photos support a walkthrough but do not replace a complete inventory.
Moving costs, explained
Estimate preparation
What determines your moving cost in North Carolina?
The route, inventory, access and services determine the estimate. Use this guide to understand the pricing method and prepare the details needed for a written quote.
Royalty Moving SystemsPublished USDOT 3289527Published MC 1108791Confirm your services and move datesAsk about your routeGoogle snapshot: 4.8 stars / 142 reviews · June 3, 2026
Start with the pricing basis, then compare the scope
For household-goods moves wholly within North Carolina, the current NC Utilities Commission tariff generally uses hourly rates at 50 ratemaking miles or less, and weight-and-distance rates above that boundary. Interstate moves follow different rules and the carrier's applicable tariff and estimate terms. Ask which method applies before comparing totals.
A published average or a bedroom count cannot account for your stairs, shipment or packing. Request an itemized estimate with the rate basis, minimums, travel or access charges, materials and valuation option. Confirm how inventory or service changes will be approved and documented.
Methodology: this guide explains estimate inputs using the official references below. It does not calculate a Royalty price or present regulatory maximums as company rates.
Prepare these four details
Access at both ends
Record stairs, elevator reservations, loading hours, parking, driveway limits and the distance from the truck to the door. Ask each building about insurance paperwork.
Services and materials
Separate packing, unpacking, boxes, disassembly and reassembly. Ask what is included and what is an additional service rather than assuming a package covers everything.
Dates and delivery
Identify fixed deadlines, building windows and any storage gap. For an interstate move, compare the proposed delivery window and the terms for waiting or redelivery.
Compare like-for-like estimates
- Use the same inventory and both addresses when requesting each estimate.
- Ask about minimum hours, travel, waiting, long carries, stairs and packing charges.
- Review the valuation choice and claims process; valuation is not interchangeable with every type of insurance.
- For interstate moves, identify the carrier or broker, check current authority and review binding or non-binding terms.
- Keep the written estimate and any agreed revisions. A phone conversation alone leaves important details unresolved.
How your free estimate works
A walkthrough first, then a real written estimate
Share your inventory, route, dates and access details. Review the proposed services and charges in writing before deciding.
1
Tell us about your move
Start with the quote form: date, origin, destination, home size, access details, and the main items you are moving.
2
Choose video or in-home walkthrough
Ask about a video or in-home walkthrough so the inventory, access and service requirements can be reviewed before the written estimate.
3
Get a real written estimate
Review the pricing basis, included services, valuation option and terms for any changes. Keep the estimate and agreed revisions in writing.
NC household movesCheck the mileage and rate basis
For household-goods moves wholly within North Carolina, the NCUC tariff effective January 1, 2026 generally uses hourly rates at 50 ratemaking miles or less and weight-and-distance rates above 50. Ask which basis, minimums, travel and access charges apply to your move.
Interstate movesCompare the written estimate terms
An interstate estimate depends on the shipment, route, services and applicable carrier tariff. Ask whether it is binding or non-binding, how charges are calculated, who transports the shipment and what changes need written approval. Confirm pickup and delivery terms before booking.
Know what the estimate covers. Read the inventory, included services, valuation and change terms. Consumer references: NCUC tariff and FMCSA moving rights.
Moving estimate questions
The amount depends on your inventory, route, crew time, access and agreed services. Bedroom count alone cannot establish a price. Send both locations, dates and a room-by-room inventory, and ask for a written estimate specifying the rate basis and included charges.
No. The NC Utilities Commission's household-goods tariff effective January 1, 2026 generally uses hourly rates for moves of 50 ratemaking miles or less and weight-and-distance rates for longer intrastate moves. Ratemaking mileage follows the tariff's rules; ask the estimator which basis applies to your route.
No. A maximum-rate tariff is a regulatory reference, not Royalty's quote. Ask for the applicable rates, minimums, travel charges, packing, materials and access services in your written estimate.
Compare the same inventory, services, valuation option and pickup and delivery terms. Ask whether the estimate is binding or non-binding, what could change the charges, which company is the carrier and how changes will be documented. Check current FMCSA records before booking.
Ask for a written alternative for your actual dates and route. Availability or a return trip does not guarantee a discount. Reducing the inventory or doing agreed packing yourself may change the scope; have the estimate revised before relying on a lower total.
Sources and next step
- NCUC Maximum Rate Tariff No. 2, effective January 1, 2026: Rules 16–17 and Sections II–III explain mileage and the intrastate rate basis.
- FMCSA: Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move: interstate estimate, paperwork and consumer protections.
- FMCSA Protect Your Move: check a mover and learn how carriers and brokers differ.
Have your inventory and access notes ready? Send the basics to Royalty and ask for the proposed services and charges in writing.