Top-rated local movers that handle Raleigh to Chesapeake moves
When planning a move from Raleigh to Chesapeake, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 28 local movers in Raleigh who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Raleigh to Chesapeake.
- Bellhop Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Little Guys Movers : 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Athens Moving Experts: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Excel Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Next Stop Movers: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2934
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhops, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 2548
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 1931566
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2657
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 3205320
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2311
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 076235
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 1267633
Years in Business: 4
DOT #: 3619230
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Raleigh to Chesapeake?
Movers in North Carolina charge $145 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $666 – $2,369 | $513 – $1,274 | $198 – $366 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,224 – $3,574 | $924 – $1,735 | $224 – $408 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,618 – $4,474 | $1,196 – $2,201 | $263 – $505 |
Cost to hire movers from Raleigh to Chesapeake
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Raleigh to Chesapeake, you can expect to spend between $666 and $2,369. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,224 to $3,574 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Raleigh to Chesapeake typically runs between $1,618 and $4,474.
Cost of moving containers from Raleigh to Chesapeake
When moving from Raleigh to Chesapeake, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $513 and $1,274. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $924 to $1,735. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,196 up to $2,201. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from North Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Raleigh to Chesapeake
Renting a moving truck in Raleigh is usually your cheapest option to get to Chesapeake. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $198 and $366. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $224 and $408. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $263 and $505.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Raleigh to Chesapeake
The cost of Raleigh movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $931, but larger homes can run up to $3,829.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Raleigh.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($198–$430) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Raleigh to Chesapeake
Many movers find Chesapeake easier on the wallet than Raleigh – roughly 69% less for singles and 40% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,882 for one person in Chesapeake versus $6,077 in Raleigh. For a family of four, it’s $3,656 compared with $6,077.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Raleigh | Chesapeake | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,820 | $1,775 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,000 | $2,250 |
| Average home value | $431,795 | $375,209 |
| Average income (per capita) | $2,572 | $63,484 |
| Cost of living (single) | $6,077 | $1,882 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,077 | $3,656 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 5.0% |
| Sales tax | 7.25% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 4.5% | 5.75% |
- As you consider relocating to Chesapeake, note that rent can be roughly 8% more expensive than it is in Raleigh; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 13% lower in Chesapeake than in Raleigh.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 2368% higher in Chesapeake compared to Raleigh, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Chesapeake, where the cost of living for a single person is 69% less than in Raleigh.
- Moving to Chesapeake could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 40% less than in Raleigh.
- The unemployment rate in Chesapeake is 16% higher compared to Raleigh, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 17% lower in Chesapeake than in Raleigh. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Chesapeake can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 28% higher in Virginia compared to North Carolina. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Raleigh with Chesapeake:
| Living Expense | Raleigh | Chesapeake |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $190.88 | $302.50 |
| Cell phone plan | $64.40 | $53.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.71 | $3.36 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.12 | $4.17 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $19.50 | $13.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $70.00 |
| Gym membership | $40.18 | $43.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Raleigh than in Chesapeake, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Raleigh than in Chesapeake.
- Eggs cost more in Raleigh than in Chesapeake.
- Bread costs less in Raleigh than in Chesapeake.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Raleigh than in Chesapeake.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Raleigh than in Chesapeake.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Raleigh than in Chesapeake.
How life is different in Raleigh vs. Chesapeake
| Raleigh | Chesapeake | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 467,665 | 249,422 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 31 | 21 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 35 |
| Crime index | 38.87 | 25.0 |
| Safety index | 60.13 | 70.88 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Chesapeake’s population is about 47% less than Raleigh.
- Chesapeake’s public transportation score of 2 out of 10 is lower than Raleigh’s score of 4.
- Chesapeake is less walkable than Raleigh with a score of 21 out of 100 vs Raleigh’s 31 out of 100.
- Chesapeake has a bike-friendliness score of 35 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Raleigh, which has a score of 39.
- Chesapeake’s crime rate is lower than Raleigh with a score of 25.0 compared to Raleigh’s 38.87. This means that Chesapeake neighborhoods are safer than 25.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Raleigh neighborhoods are safer than 38.87%.
- Chesapeake is considered to be safer than Raleigh with a safety index of 70.88 vs Raleigh’s 60.13.
- Air quality in Chesapeake is Good, and in Raleigh it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Raleigh to Chesapeake move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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). Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Virginia moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Virginia doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Chesapeake smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Chesapeake
Now that you’ve chosen Chesapeake as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Chesapeake to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Capital District
- Central Office
- East Ghent
- Radnor/Fort Myer Heights
- Colonial Village
- North Ghent
- North Highland
- Ghent
- North Rosslyn
- City Center
Best neighborhoods for families
- Greenbrier
- Great Bridge
- Hickory
Things to do in Chesapeake
After getting comfortable in your new Virginia home, it’s time to see what Chesapeake is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Chesapeake offers cultural landmarks like the Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum, AR Workshop Chesapeake, and Portlock Galleries at SoNo.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Oak Grove Lake Park, Dismal Swamp Canal Trail, Northwest River Park, and Chesapeake Arboretum — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Southern Chesapeake Athletic Association (youth baseball and softball)Oscar Smith Tigers (high school sports) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Raleigh to Chesapeake?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Raleigh to Chesapeake are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Raleigh are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Raleigh to Chesapeake?
Because spring and fall moves from Raleigh to Chesapeake are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Raleigh to Chesapeake take?
A move of 185 miles from Raleigh, NC to Chesapeake, generally takes one to two days. Movers in Raleigh sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Chesapeake is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Raleigh?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 1 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 1 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Raleigh offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 20 movers in Raleigh have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 8 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across NC, there are 78 piano movers and 38 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
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