($216+) Durham, NC to Norfolk, VA Movers
Moving from Durham, NC, to Norfolk, VA, runs anywhere from $203 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,086 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 184 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 2 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 $802, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $5,086 or more.
- Moving containers run $810 - $2,239, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $203 - $490.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Durham, NC, to Norfolk, VA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,362 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 Durham, NC to Norfolk, VA
There are 3 main ways to move from Durham to Norfolk: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $1,362 - $3,675. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 2 days for this 184-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 184-mile route from Durham to Norfolk, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $802 - $3,154 | $810 - $1,318 | $203 - $366 | $750 - $1,249 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,362 - $3,675 | $990 - $1,972 | $232 - $441 | $841 - $1,502 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,751 - $5,086 | $1,335 - $2,239 | $293 - $490 | $1,090 - $1,905 |
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 Durham, NC to Norfolk, VA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 184-mile move from Durham, North Carolina, to Norfolk, Virginia, with costs ranging from $802 - $5,086. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $287 - $1,916. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Durham and Norfolk. Local movers in Durham typically start around $240 as a base rate plus $122/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Durham to Norfolk:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $802 - $3,154
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,362 - $3,675
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,751 - $5,086
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 Durham to Norfolk.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from North Carolina 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 Durham, NC to Norfolk, VA
Specialty needs vary by market — 86% of Durham movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Norfolk, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $479 - $4,790 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready86% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $192 - $1,150/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $287 - $2,299 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage18% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs57% of local movers | $958 - $2,874 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,395 - $9,580 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $718 - $1,363 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items25% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Truckin' Movers Corporation | $958 - $2,395 |
| Piano | Any piano type64% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $766 - $3,353 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling29% of local movers | $287 - $1,437 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect21% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Athens Moving Experts | $623 - $1,916 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $287 - $14,370+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $287 - $3,353+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Durham to Norfolk?
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.
How much do local movers cost in Durham, NC?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Durham to Norfolk with a local mover averages $1,430 - $3,858. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Durham, NC can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to national carriers. Many price shorter moves using hourly or regional rates that may come in lower overall, with leaner operations and tighter service areas often translating to more flexible scheduling and a more personalized experience.
Keep in mind that not every local mover is authorized for moves that cross city or state lines. Always confirm interstate licensing and proper insurance before booking.
Flex Moving & Storage (4.38/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Durham, based on our analysis of feedback from 397 customers, 93.2% of which is positive.
Address: 4417 Hillsborough Rd, Durham, NC, 27705 | Founded: 2023
Moving container costs from Durham, NC to Norfolk, VA
Moving containers from Durham, North Carolina, to Norfolk, Virginia, cost between $810 and $2,239. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Durham typically runs around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Durham to Norfolk:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $810 - $1,318
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $990 - $1,972
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,335 - $2,239
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $72 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $144 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Norfolk, VA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $671 in Durham, NC. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a North Carolina 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 $810. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $990 - $1,972, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Durham to Norfolk?
- 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 Durham 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 Durham:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 28 years in business
- Truckin' Movers Corporation (4.9/5), 49 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.1/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Durham, NC to Norfolk, VA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 184 miles from Durham, North Carolina, to Norfolk, Virginia, running $203 - $490. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $56 - $64
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Durham daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.89
| 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 Durham to Norfolk based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $203 - $366
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $232 - $441
- 4+ bedrooms: $293 - $490
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $203 - $490 when pricing out a rental truck from Durham to Norfolk. Fuel alone runs ($56 - $64) , and overnight lodging ($144/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Durham, North Carolina, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $671.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $56 - $64 for the 184-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $57 and $311, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $144 per night for hotel stops on the 184-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $287 - $431.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Durham to Norfolk?
- 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 Durham, NC to Norfolk, VA
For larger DIY moves from Durham, North Carolina, 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 Norfolk, 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 $841 and $1,502.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Durham to Norfolk:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $750 - $1,249
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $841 - $1,502
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,090 - $1,905
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?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $72 - $144 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Durham, North Carolina, for about five hours typically runs $671.
What are the best freight companies from Durham to Norfolk?
- 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.
- Darrell Andrews Trucking, Inc. (4.5/5 stars): Darrell Andrews Trucking, Inc. 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 are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Norfolk quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Durham, NC vs Norfolk, VA
Day-to-day costs in Norfolk are close to what you're used to in Durham: cost of living index of 91 versus 99, with average rent of $1,500/mo compared to $1,699/mo. Housing, income, and taxes are all in a similar range, so budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores are close too, at 30/100 and 45.28/100 in Durham versus 46/100 and 41.9/100 in Norfolk.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Norfolk, VA to Durham, NC guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from North Carolina to Virginia in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 117 movers based in North Carolina, handy for sizing up options on this 184-mile route.
Our take
The 184-mile move from Durham, NC, to Norfolk, VA, costs between $802 and $5,086 with full-service movers, $810 - $2,239 with a moving container, and $203 - $490 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $1,362 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include CMA CGM and Norfolk Southern Railway.
FAQs: Moving from Durham, NC, to Norfolk, VA
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 do local movers charge in Durham?
Local movers based in Durham typically start around $240 as a base rate, plus $122/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 Norfolk run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
How much does it cost to move from Durham, NC to Norfolk, VA?
Costs on this route range from around $802 to $5,086, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $802 and $5,086, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What is the cheapest way to move from Durham, NC to Norfolk, 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 $232 - $441. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Durham movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 64% of movers in Durham handle piano moves, and 25% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
