($208+) Durham, NC to Chesapeake, VA Movers
Moving from Durham, NC, to Chesapeake, VA, runs anywhere from $208 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $4,705 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ 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 $764, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $4,705 or more.
- Moving containers run $764 - $2,201, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $208 - $462.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Durham, NC, to Chesapeake, VA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,261 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 Chesapeake, VA
There are 3 main ways to move from Durham to Chesapeake: 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 $1,261 - $3,466. Moving containers run about 20% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 83% 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 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 $764 - $2,857 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($764 - $1,282), rental truck ($208 - $363), or freight trailer ($708 - $1,142). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $1,261 - $3,466 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $4,705.
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 Durham, NC to Chesapeake, VA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 184-mile move from Durham, North Carolina, to Chesapeake, Virginia, with costs ranging from $764 - $4,705. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $303 - $2,020. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Durham and Chesapeake. 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 Chesapeake:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $764 - $2,857
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,261 - $3,466
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,652 - $4,705
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 Chesapeake.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Durham, NC to Chesapeake, VA
Specialty needs vary by market: 59% of Durham movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Chesapeake, 63% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing74% of local movers | $505 - $5,050 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready59% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Truckin' Movers Corporation | $202 - $1,212/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $303 - $2,424 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage21% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs61% of local movers | $1,010 - $3,030 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,525 - $10,100 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $756 - $1,437 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items32% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Truckin' Movers Corporation | $1,010 - $2,525 |
| Piano | Any piano type51% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Truckin' Movers Corporation | $808 - $3,535 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $303 - $1,515 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Athens Moving Experts | $657 - $2,020 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $303 - $15,150+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $303 - $3,535+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Durham to Chesapeake?
Look for Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Virginia beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against 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 Chesapeake with a local mover averages $1,261 - $3,466. Shorter moves don't always call for a national van line, and local moving companies in Durham, NC often offer competitive pricing on nearby routes. Smaller crews and regional focus translate to lower overhead and more scheduling flexibility.
Just make sure they're properly licensed for interstate moves and equipped to handle the full distance.
Flex Moving & Storage (4.36/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Durham, based on our analysis of feedback from 398 customers, 93.0% of which is positive.
Address: 4417 Hillsborough Rd, Durham, NC, 27705 | Founded: 2023
Moving container costs from Durham, NC to Chesapeake, VA
Moving containers from Durham, North Carolina, to Chesapeake, Virginia, cost between $764 and $2,201. 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 Chesapeake:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $764 - $1,282
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,011 - $1,842
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,247 - $2,201
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Durham, NC, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $707, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $76 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $152 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Durham, NC, and Chesapeake, VA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
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 $764. 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 $1,011 - $1,842.
What are the best moving containers Durham 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 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:
- Athens Moving Experts (4.9/5), 9 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 28 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.1/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Durham, NC to Chesapeake, VA
Truck rentals from Durham, North Carolina, to Chesapeake, Virginia, range from $208 - $462 for the 184-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $59 - $68
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- 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 Chesapeake based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $208 - $363
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $211 - $428
- 4+ bedrooms: $276 - $462
Pro tip: A rental truck from Durham to Chesapeake looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $208 - $462. But once you factor in fuel ($59 - $68), overnight lodging ($152/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?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $152 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 $66 and $328 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $59 - $68 in fuel for the 184-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $707 in Durham, North Carolina, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Durham 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 Durham, NC to Chesapeake, 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 Chesapeake, 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 a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $763 and $1,445.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Durham to Chesapeake:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $708 - $1,142
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $763 - $1,445
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,028 - $1,868
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?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Durham, North Carolina, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $707.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $76 and $152 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Durham to Chesapeake?
- 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 Durham to Chesapeake, 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: Durham, NC vs Chesapeake, VA
Good news for your budget: Chesapeake isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Durham. Cost of living index runs 104 there against 99 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 30/100 and 45.28/100 here versus 21/100 and 70.88/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chesapeake, VA to Durham, NC guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from North Carolina to Virginia over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 313 movers in our North Carolina network to compare for this 184-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Durham, NC, 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 $764 - $4,705 on the 184-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $764 - $2,201 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $208 - $462 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $1,261 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 Durham, NC, to Chesapeake, VA
How walkable is Chesapeake?
Chesapeake has a walkability score of 21 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 35, compared to 30 and 38 in Durham. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
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 45.28 and 54.72 in Durham. 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 Durham, NC 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.
What is the best time of year to move from Durham, NC to Chesapeake, VA?
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. Virginia also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How long does a move from Durham, NC to Chesapeake, VA 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 percentage of Durham movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 51% of movers in Durham handle piano moves, and 32% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.