($217+) Chesapeake, VA to Washington DC, MD Movers
Moving from Chesapeake, VA, to Washington DC, MD, runs anywhere from $217 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $4,747 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 206 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 $774, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $4,747 or more.
- Moving containers run $762 - $2,406, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $217 - $547.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chesapeake, VA, to Washington DC, MD. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,319 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Chesapeake, VA to Washington DC, MD
There are 3 main ways to move from Chesapeake to Washington DC: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $1,319 - $3,915. Containers cost roughly 25% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 81% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 206 miles, expect 1 to 2 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 206-mile route from Chesapeake to Washington DC, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $774 - $3,125 | $762 - $1,338 | $217 - $413 | $665 - $1,155 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,319 - $3,915 | $991 - $1,943 | $245 - $470 | $786 - $1,481 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,740 - $4,747 | $1,351 - $2,406 | $290 - $547 | $1,018 - $1,943 |
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 Chesapeake, VA to Washington DC, MD
Hiring full-service movers from Chesapeake, Virginia, to Washington DC, Maryland, costs between $774 and $4,747. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 206-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $368 - $2,456, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Chesapeake and Washington DC. For a rough baseline, movers based in Chesapeake tend to start around $290 plus $125/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chesapeake to Washington DC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $774 - $3,125
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,319 - $3,915
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,740 - $4,747
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 Chesapeake to Washington DC.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Chesapeake, VA to Washington DC, MD
Specialty needs vary by market: 63% of Chesapeake movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Washington DC, 70% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing68% of local movers | $614 - $6,140 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready63% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $246 - $1,474/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $368 - $2,947 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage15% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs45% of local movers | $1,228 - $3,684 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,070 - $12,280 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $920 - $1,747 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items24% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Apple Moving | $1,228 - $3,070 |
| Piano | Any piano type45% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $982 - $4,298 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling15% of local movers | $368 - $1,842 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect11% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Atlantic Beach Movers | $798 - $2,456 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $368 - $18,420+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $368 - $4,298+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chesapeake to Washington DC?
Maryland Motor Truck Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Maryland, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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, with 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 Chesapeake, VA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Chesapeake to Washington DC with a local mover averages $1,267 - $3,759. Working with a local mover based in Chesapeake, VA often costs less than hiring a national carrier on routes under 500 miles. Shorter routes come with lower fuel overhead and simpler logistics, and local movers can offer more direct communication and quicker booking windows.
The tradeoff is that smaller companies may lack the infrastructure for longer hauls. Verify proper interstate licensing and relevant experience before signing anything.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.58/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Chesapeake, ranked #5 in Virginia, based on our analysis of feedback from 410 customers, 83.4% of which is positive.
Address: 500 Woodlake Dr, #105, Chesapeake, VA, 23320 | Founded: 2017
Moving container costs from Chesapeake, VA to Washington DC, MD
Moving containers from Chesapeake, Virginia, to Washington DC, Maryland, cost between $762 and $2,406. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Chesapeake typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chesapeake to Washington DC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $762 - $1,338
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $991 - $1,943
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,351 - $2,406
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 $860 in Chesapeake, VA. 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 $92 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $184 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 Washington DC, MD, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Virginia to Maryland 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 $762. 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 $991 - $1,943.
What are the best moving containers Chesapeake to Washington DC?
- 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 Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.4/5), 9 years in business
- Atlantic Beach Movers (4.7/5), 20 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 0 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chesapeake, VA to Washington DC, MD
Plan on $217 - $547 for a rental moving truck on the 206-mile route from Chesapeake, Virginia, to Washington DC, Maryland. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $80 - $92
- Daily insurance: $37/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $25
- Chesapeake daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $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 Chesapeake to Washington DC based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $217 - $413
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $245 - $470
- 4+ bedrooms: $290 - $547
Pro tip: A rental truck from Chesapeake to Washington DC looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $217 - $547. But once you factor in fuel ($80 - $92), overnight lodging ($184/night), meals, and equipment rentals, the total adds up to 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?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $92 and $430.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $184.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $80 and $92 for the 206-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 $860 for 2 movers in Chesapeake, Virginia, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chesapeake to Washington DC?
- 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 Chesapeake, VA to Washington DC, MD
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Chesapeake, Virginia, to Washington DC, Maryland, 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. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $786 and $1,481.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chesapeake to Washington DC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $665 - $1,155
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $786 - $1,481
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,018 - $1,943
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Chesapeake, Virginia, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $860.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $92 - $184 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 Chesapeake to Washington DC?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Chesapeake to Washington DC, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Chesapeake, VA vs Washington DC, MD
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Washington DC, side by side with Chesapeake on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Chesapeake, VA | Washington DC, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 104 | 151 |
| Average rent | $1,800/mo | $2,400/mo |
| Median home value | $359,218 | $594,337 |
| Average income | $94,189/yr | $101,027/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.75% | Up to 5.75% |
| Walkability score | 21/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 70.88/100 | 39.63/100 |
| 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 Washington DC, MD to Chesapeake, VA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Virginia to Maryland 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 304 movers based in Virginia, handy for sizing up options on this 206-mile route.
Our take
A move from Chesapeake, VA, to Washington DC, MD, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $774 - $4,747 on the 206-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $762 - $2,406, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $217 - $547. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,319 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Department of Homeland Security and US Navy.
FAQs: Moving from Chesapeake, VA, to Washington DC, MD
Is Washington DC a safe place to live?
Washington DC has a safety index of 39.63 out of 100 and a crime index of 60.37, compared to 70.88 and 25.0 in Chesapeake. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Chesapeake, VA to Washington DC, MD?
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 is the best time of year to move from Chesapeake, VA to Washington DC, MD?
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. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How long does a move from Chesapeake, VA to Washington DC, MD take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 2 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($80 - $92), daily insurance ($37/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $25) on top. Overnight stops can add another $184/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of Chesapeake movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 45% of movers in Chesapeake handle piano moves, and 24% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.