($1,560+) Irvine, CA to Chesapeake, VA Movers
The cost to move from Irvine, CA to Chesapeake, VA ranges from $1,354 to $12,297, with an average cost of $4,650. Moves can be as low as $1,560 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 2,717 miles and usually takes 7 to 21 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from Irvine, CA to Chesapeake, VA
Moving options from Irvine to Chesapeake fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,354 - $12,297 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,650, and movers handle 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 particular route covers 2,717 miles and typically takes 7 to 21 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,717-mile route from Irvine to Chesapeake, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $1,354 - $5,891 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,908 - $3,747), rental truck ($1,513 - $3,054), or freight trailer ($1,770 - $3,578). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $4,094 - $8,428 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $12,297.
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 Irvine, CA to Chesapeake, VA
For the 2,717-mile move from Irvine, California, to Chesapeake, Virginia, full-service movers cost between $1,354 and $12,297. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $422 - $2,812 (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 Irvine generally start around $197 plus $75 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Irvine to Chesapeake:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,354 - $5,891
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,094 - $8,428
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,855 - $12,297
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 Irvine to Chesapeake.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California 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 Irvine, CA to Chesapeake, VA
Specialty needs vary by market — 85% of Irvine movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Chesapeake, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $703 - $7,030 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready85% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Meathead Movers | $281 - $1,687/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $422 - $3,374 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage39% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs44% of local movers | $1,406 - $4,218 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,515 - $14,060 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,053 - $2,001 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items64% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,406 - $3,515 |
| Piano | Any piano type76% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,125 - $4,921 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling35% of local movers | $422 - $2,109 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect28% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company | $914 - $2,812 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $422 - $21,090+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $422 - $4,921+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Irvine to Chesapeake?
All three below meet the standards set by the Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association, the group most Virginia movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Irvine, CA. 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 Irvine, CA to Chesapeake, VA
Moving containers from Irvine, California, to Chesapeake, Virginia, cost between $1,908 and $7,546. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Irvine costs roughly $110/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Irvine to Chesapeake:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,908 - $3,747
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,577 - $5,107
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,410 - $7,546
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 $984 in Irvine, CA. 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 $105 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $211 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 Chesapeake, VA, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California 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 $1,908. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,577 - $5,107, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Irvine to Chesapeake?
- 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 Irvine 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 Irvine:
- California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company (5.0/5), 11 years in business
- Sterling Van Lines (4.6/5), 35 years in business
- Merit Moving Systems (4.9/5), 39 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Irvine, CA to Chesapeake, VA
Plan on $1,513 - $4,462 for a rental moving truck on the 2,717-mile route from Irvine, California, to Chesapeake, Virginia. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,215 - $1,389
- Daily insurance: $42/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $28
- Irvine daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
| 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 Irvine to Chesapeake based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,513 - $3,054
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,740 - $3,491
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,265 - $4,462
Pro tip: A rental truck from Irvine to Chesapeake looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,513 - $4,462. But once you factor in fuel ($1,215 - $1,389) , overnight lodging ($211/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $211 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $91 and $457 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $1,215 - $1,389 in fuel for the 2,717-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $984 in Irvine, California, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Irvine to Chesapeake?
- 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 Irvine, CA to Chesapeake, VA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Irvine, California, to Chesapeake, Virginia, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $2,020 and $4,172.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Irvine to Chesapeake:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,770 - $3,578
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,020 - $4,172
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,785 - $5,978
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Irvine, California, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $984.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $105 - $211 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Irvine to Chesapeake?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- ALL Service Handling (4.76/5 stars): ALL Service Handling is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Irvine to Chesapeake. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Irvine, CA vs Chesapeake, VA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Chesapeake, side by side with Irvine on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Irvine, CA | Chesapeake, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 165 | 104 |
| Average rent | $4,000/mo | $1,800/mo |
| Median home value | $1,113,305 | $359,218 |
| Average income | $129,647/yr | $94,189/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 5.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 5.75% |
| Walkability score | 43/100 | 21/100 |
| Safety index | 68.99/100 | 70.88/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chesapeake, VA to Irvine, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California 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. California alone has 374 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 2,717-mile move like this one.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Irvine, CA, to Chesapeake, 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 $1,354 - $12,297 on the 2,717-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,908 - $7,546 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,513 - $4,462 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $4,094 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 Dollar Tree and Chesapeake City Schools.
FAQs: Moving from Irvine, CA, to Chesapeake, VA
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Irvine, CA to Chesapeake, 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.
Is Chesapeake a safe place to live?
Chesapeake has a safety index of 70.88 out of 100 and a crime index of 25.0, compared to 68.99 and 31.01 in Irvine. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
How walkable is Chesapeake?
Chesapeake has a walkability score of 21 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 35, compared to 43 and 69 in Irvine. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What are the best neighborhoods in Chesapeake?
For families, Greenbrier, Great Bridge, and Hickory are worth a look in Chesapeake. If you're moving solo or without kids, Capital District, Central Office, and East Ghent tend to be popular picks instead.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Virginia?
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).
What percentage of Irvine movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 76% of movers in Irvine handle piano moves, and 64% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
