($556+) St. Louis, MO to Richmond, VA Movers
Moving from St. Louis, MO, to Richmond, VA, runs anywhere from $556 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,897 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 821 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,730, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,897 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,033 - $3,658, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $556 - $1,495.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from St. Louis, MO, to Richmond, VA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,350 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from St. Louis, MO to Richmond, VA
Moving options from St. Louis to Richmond fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,350 - $5,789 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 41% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 74% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 821 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 7 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 821-mile route from St. Louis to Richmond, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,730 - $4,076, container $1,033 - $1,865, rental truck $556 - $1,101, freight trailer $910 - $1,713.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,350 - $5,789, container $1,382 - $2,749, rental truck $606 - $1,308, freight trailer $1,084 - $2,069.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $3,808 - $7,897, container $1,837 - $3,658, rental truck $767 - $1,495, freight trailer $1,426 - $2,814.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from St. Louis, MO to Richmond, VA
For the 821-mile move from St. Louis, Missouri, to Richmond, Virginia, full-service movers cost between $1,730 and $7,897. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $265 - $1,768 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in St. Louis generally start around $247 plus $145 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from St. Louis to Richmond:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,730 - $4,076
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,350 - $5,789
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,808 - $7,897
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from St. Louis to Richmond.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Missouri to Virginia. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from St. Louis, MO to Richmond, VA
Specialty needs vary by market: 68% of St. Louis movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Richmond, 65% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing71% of local movers | $442 - $4,420 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready68% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $177 - $1,061/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $265 - $2,122 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs67% of local movers | $884 - $2,652 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,210 - $8,840 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $662 - $1,258 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: McGuire Moving and Storage | $884 - $2,210 |
| Piano | Any piano type52% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $707 - $3,094 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling16% of local movers | $265 - $1,326 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: ABC Quality Moving & Storage | $575 - $1,768 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $265 - $13,260+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $265 - $3,094+ |
What are the best full-service movers from St. Louis to Richmond?
Look for Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Virginia beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in St. Louis, MO. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from St. Louis, MO to Richmond, VA
Moving containers from St. Louis, Missouri, to Richmond, Virginia, cost between $1,033 and $3,658. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Richmond. If you go over that window, storage in St. Louis adds around $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from St. Louis to Richmond:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,033 - $1,865
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,382 - $2,749
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,837 - $3,658
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $619 in St. Louis, MO. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $66 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $133 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Richmond, VA, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Missouri to Virginia move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,033. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,382 - $2,749.
What are the best moving containers St. Louis to Richmond?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in St. Louis to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in St. Louis:
- Simple Moves (4.7/5), 25 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 32 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 14 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from St. Louis, MO to Richmond, VA
A rental truck for this 821-mile move from St. Louis, Missouri, to Richmond, Virginia, costs between $556 and $1,495. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $231 - $264
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- St. Louis daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from St. Louis to Richmond based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $556 - $1,101
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $606 - $1,308
- 4+ bedrooms: $767 - $1,495
Pro tip: The base rate of $556 - $1,495 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from St. Louis to Richmond. Fuel ($231 - $264), lodging at around $133/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $66 and $309.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $133.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $231 and $264 for the 821-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $619 for 2 movers in St. Louis, Missouri, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from St. Louis to Richmond?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from St. Louis, MO to Richmond, VA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from St. Louis, Missouri, to Richmond, Virginia. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $796 and $2,069.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from St. Louis to Richmond:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $910 - $1,713
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,084 - $2,069
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,426 - $2,814
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $66 and $133.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in St. Louis, Missouri, for roughly five hours typically average $619.
What are the best freight companies from St. Louis to Richmond?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: St. Louis, MO vs Richmond, VA
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between St. Louis and Richmond to plan around. Cost of living index: 84 vs. 95. Average rent: $1,250/mo vs. $1,595/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 66 vs. 51. Safety index: 30.35 vs. 51.55.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Richmond, VA to St. Louis, MO guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Missouri to Virginia, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Missouri alone has 138 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 821-mile move like this one.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 821-mile route from St. Louis, MO, to Richmond, VA, run $1,730 - $7,897 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,033 - $3,658, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $556 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,350, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Brink's and CarMax.
FAQs: Moving from St. Louis, MO, to Richmond, VA
What is the cheapest way to move from St. Louis, MO to Richmond, VA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $606 - $1,308. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($231 - $264), daily insurance ($27/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $18) on top. Overnight stops can add another $133/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from St. Louis, MO to Richmond, VA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What is the best time of year to move from St. Louis, MO to Richmond, VA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. Virginia also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from St. Louis, MO to Richmond, VA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What percentage of St. Louis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 52% of movers in St. Louis handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.