($601+) St. Louis, MO to Richmond, VA Movers
Moving from St. Louis, MO, to Richmond, VA, runs anywhere from $613 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,129 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $1,835, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,129 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,084 - $3,729, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $613 - $1,522.
- 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 $2,491 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,491 - $6,020 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 821-mile route typically takes 2 to 7 days door to door.
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:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,835 - $4,412 | $1,084 - $2,039 | $613 - $1,167 | $1,026 - $1,909 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,491 - $6,020 | $1,393 - $2,714 | $624 - $1,321 | $1,161 - $2,240 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,956 - $8,129 | $2,006 - $3,729 | $757 - $1,522 | $1,590 - $3,073 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from St. Louis, MO to Richmond, VA
Full-service movers for the 821-mile relocation from St. Louis, Missouri, to Richmond, Virginia, cost between $1,835 and $8,129. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $265 - $1,768, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in St. Louis typically charge a base rate 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: $1,835 - $4,412
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,491 - $6,020
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,956 - $8,129
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: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from St. Louis, MO to Richmond, VA
Specialty needs vary by market — 86% of St. Louis movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Richmond, 89% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing93% of local movers | $442 - $4,420 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready86% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: ABC Quality Moving & Storage | $177 - $1,061/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $265 - $2,122 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage36% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs86% 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 items36% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: ABC Quality Moving & Storage | $884 - $2,210 |
| Piano | Any piano type64% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Arch Moving | $707 - $3,094 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling21% of local movers | $265 - $1,326 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect14% of local movers22% 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?
Movers licensed to operate in Virginia are typically members of the Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in St. Louis, MO. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from St. Louis, MO to Richmond, VA
Moving containers from St. Louis, Missouri, to Richmond, Virginia, cost between $1,084 and $3,729. 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: $1,084 - $2,039
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,393 - $2,714
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,006 - $3,729
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 $1,084. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,393 - $2,714, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
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:
- Arch Moving (4.7/5), 23 years in business
- ABC Quality Moving & Storage (4.6/5), 37 years in business
- Simple Moves (4.7/5), 25 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from St. Louis, MO to Richmond, VA
Plan on $613 - $1,522 for a rental moving truck on the 821-mile route from St. Louis, Missouri, to Richmond, Virginia. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- 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: $613 - $1,167
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $624 - $1,321
- 4+ bedrooms: $757 - $1,522
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $613 - $1,522 does not include fuel ($231 - $264) , lodging ($133/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from St. Louis to Richmond typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $231 - $264 for the 821-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in St. Louis, Missouri, for about 5 hours typically costs around $619.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 821-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $133 per night, adding $265 - $398 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $44 and $265.
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
For larger DIY moves from St. Louis, Missouri, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Richmond, Virginia.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,161 and $2,240.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from St. Louis to Richmond:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,026 - $1,909
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,161 - $2,240
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,590 - $3,073
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $66 - $133 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in St. Louis, Missouri, typically costs $619.
What are the best freight companies from St. Louis to Richmond?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- Flanagan-White Delivery, Inc. (4.42/5 stars): Flanagan-White Delivery, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
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 you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Missouri to Virginia, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 54 movers licensed in Missouri, useful context for sizing up this 821-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from St. Louis, MO, to Richmond, VA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,835 - $8,129 on the 821-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,084 - $3,729 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $613 - $1,522 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,491 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
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 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 do local movers charge in St. Louis?
Local movers based in St. Louis typically start around $247 as a base rate, plus $145/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Richmond run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from St. Louis, MO to Richmond, VA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 are the best neighborhoods in Richmond?
For families, Bellevue, Byrd Park, and Museum District are worth a look in Richmond. If you're moving solo or without kids, Monroe Ward, The Fan District, and The Museum District tend to be popular picks instead.
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 $624 - $1,321. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of St. Louis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 64% of movers in St. Louis handle piano moves, and 36% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.