Top-rated movers to make your Charleston to Norfolk move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Charleston that offers long-distance services to Norfolk can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 10 top local movers in Charleston who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Charleston to Norfolk.
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Smooth Move Charleston: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Low Country Moving, LLC: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- Cougar Moving: 4.12 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.16 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 9792-B
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 9823
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2357653
Alternate Names: Go Smooth Move, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2362770
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
Company Info
Pricing: $124/hr
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2868021
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Charleston to Norfolk?
In South Carolina, moving services typically cost around $137 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,006 – $2,911 | $628 – $1,538 | $373 – $693 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,794 – $4,440 | $1,124 – $2,293 | $414 – $790 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,969 – $7,029 | $1,538 – $2,705 | $505 – $1,027 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Norfolk
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Norfolk from Charleston, you can expect prices to land between $1,006 and $2,911. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $1,794 to $4,440 for the trip from Charleston to Norfolk. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $2,969 and $7,029.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Norfolk
Moving containers from Charleston to Norfolk will cost you $628 to $1,538 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,124 to $2,293. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,538 to $2,705. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of South Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to Norfolk
Renting a moving truck from Charleston to Norfolk typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $373 and $693 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $414 to $790. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $505 to $1,027.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Charleston to Norfolk move
The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,421 for a one-bedroom, or up to $5,557 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Charleston.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $373 to $855, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Norfolk
Many movers find Norfolk easier on the wallet than Charleston – roughly 48% less for singles and 30% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,769 for one person in Norfolk versus $5,300 in Charleston. For a family of four, it’s $5,552 compared with $7,890.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Charleston | Norfolk | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,529 | $1,875 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,487 | $2,492 |
| Average home value | $559,231 | $283,890 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,294 | $63,484 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,300 | $2,769 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,890 | $5,552 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 7.3% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 5.75% |
- When relocating from Charleston to Norfolk, expect to find rent about 40% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 49% more affordable in Norfolk compared to Charleston.
- In terms of average income, Norfolk and Charleston are closely matched, within a 5% range, keeping your financial situation largely unchanged.
- You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Norfolk, as the cost of living for a single person is 48% lower compared to Charleston.
- A move to Norfolk can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 30% less than what it costs in Charleston.
- Norfolk shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Charleston by around 83%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes are 33% less in Norfolk relative to Charleston. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Income taxes in Virginia are 18% below those in South Carolina. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Charleston and Norfolk:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Norfolk |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $156.99 | $190.88 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.78 | $49.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.55 | $4.71 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.82 | $4.12 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $18.25 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $29.17 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in Norfolk, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Charleston than in Norfolk.
- Eggs are less expensive in Charleston than in Norfolk.
- Bread costs less in Charleston than in Norfolk.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Charleston than in Norfolk.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Charleston than in Norfolk.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Norfolk.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Norfolk
| Charleston | Norfolk | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 150,277 | 238,005 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 40 | 46 |
| Bike friendliness score | 50 | 47 |
| Crime index | 44.97 | 58.1 |
| Safety index | 55.03 | 41.9 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Norfolk’s population is about 58% greater than Charleston.
- Norfolk’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 3.
- Norfolk is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 46 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 40 out of 100.
- Norfolk has a bike-friendliness score of 47 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Charleston, which has a score of 50.
- Norfolk’s crime rate is higher than Charleston with a score of 58.1 compared to Charleston’s 44.97. This means that Norfolk neighborhoods are safer than 58.1% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97%.
- Norfolk is considered to be less safe than Charleston with a score of 41.9 vs Charleston’s 55.03.
- Air quality in Norfolk is Good, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Norfolk move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV). Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Virginia’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Virginia does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Norfolk. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. In Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It’s essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Norfolk
Planning your move to Norfolk? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Norfolk.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- East Ghent
- North Ghent
- Ghent
- Downtown
- West Ghent
- Newtown
- Edgewater-Larchmont
- West 21st Street
- Colonial Place
Best neighborhoods for families
- North Ghent
- Ghent
- Virginia Beach
- Edgewater-Larchmont
- West Ghent
- East Ghent
Things to do in Norfolk
After settling into your new Virginia home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Norfolk has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Norfolk features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, Chrysler Museum of Art, Nauticus, and MacArthur Memorial.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Norfolk Botanical Garden, Pagoda & Oriental Garden, Town Point Park, and Lake Drummond — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Norfolk Tides (Baseball-International League (AAA))Norfolk Admirals (Ice hockey)Old Dominion University (Football)Old Dominion University (Basketball)Norfolk State University (Football)Norfolk State University (Basketball) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Norfolk?
Planning your move from Charleston to Norfolk? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Charleston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Norfolk?
Because most people are moving from Charleston to Norfolk in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Charleston to Norfolk take?
The 437-mile journey from Charleston, SC to Norfolk, , typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Charleston offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Norfolk.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Charleston?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Charleston, 6 movers can manage piano relocations. 4 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, South Carolina has 33 piano movers and 18 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
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