($235+) Washington DC, MD to Chesapeake, VA Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Washington DC, MD to Chesapeake, VA

Moving from Washington DC, MD, to Chesapeake, VA, runs anywhere from $239 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,296 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $863, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $5,296 or more.
  • Moving containers run $800 - $2,330, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $239 - $592.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Washington DC, MD, to Chesapeake, VA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,358 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Washington DC, MD to Chesapeake, VA

There are 3 main ways to move from Washington DC 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 $1,358 - $4,201. 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 206-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 206-mile route from Washington DC to Chesapeake, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $863 - $3,519 $800 - $1,418 $239 - $409 $734 - $1,315
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,358 - $4,201 $1,061 - $1,864 $267 - $483 $883 - $1,601
4+ bedrooms $1,826 - $5,296 $1,419 - $2,330 $324 - $592 $1,157 - $1,981

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Washington DC, MD to Chesapeake, VA

A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 206-mile move from Washington DC, Maryland, to Chesapeake, Virginia, with prices running from $863 - $5,296. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $397 - $2,644 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Washington DC and Chesapeake are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Washington DC movers tend to run around $180 as a base rate plus $85/hour per mover, for comparison.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Washington DC to Chesapeake:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $863 - $3,519
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,358 - $4,201
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,826 - $5,296

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 Washington DC to Chesapeake.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Maryland to Virginia. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

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 Washington DC, MD to Chesapeake, VA

Specialty needs vary by market — 93% of Washington DC 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 packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$661 - $6,610
Storage in transitNew place not ready93% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc$264 - $1,586/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$397 - $3,173
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage30% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs58% of local movers$1,322 - $3,966
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$3,305 - $13,220
Car shippingSecond vehicle$990 - $1,881
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items53% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc$1,322 - $3,305
PianoAny piano type70% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc$1,058 - $4,627
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling39% of local movers$397 - $1,983
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect27% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc$859 - $2,644
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$397 - $19,830+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$397 - $4,627+

What are the best full-service movers from Washington DC to Chesapeake?

All three below meet the standards set by the Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association, the group most Virginia movers are affiliated with.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

How much do local movers cost in Washington DC, MD?

Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Washington DC to Chesapeake with a local mover averages $1,385 - $4,285. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Washington DC, MD 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.

495 Movers, Inc (4.84/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Washington DC, ranked #1 in Maryland, based on our analysis of feedback from 410 customers, 83.7% of which is positive.

Address: 640 Lofstrand Ln, Rockville, MD, 20850 | Founded: 2009

Moving container costs from Washington DC, MD to Chesapeake, VA

Moving containers from Washington DC, Maryland, to Chesapeake, Virginia, cost between $800 and $2,330. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Chesapeake. If you go over that window, storage in Washington DC adds around $100/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Washington DC to Chesapeake:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $800 - $1,418
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,061 - $1,864
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,419 - $2,330

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $99 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $198 per month.
  • Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Chesapeake, 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 $925 in Washington DC, MD. 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 Maryland 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 $800. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,061 - $1,864, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Washington DC to Chesapeake?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Washington DC 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 Washington DC:

  • BoxStar Movers (5.0/5), 5 years in business
  • Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. (4.9/5), 10 years in business
  • Bookstore Movers, LLC (4.8/5), 20 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Washington DC, MD to Chesapeake, VA

A rental truck for this 206-mile move from Washington DC, Maryland, to Chesapeake, Virginia, costs between $239 and $592. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:

  • Fuel for the drive: $87 - $99
  • Daily insurance: $40/day
  • Equipment rentals: $9 - $26
  • Washington DC daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $1.19
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Washington DC to Chesapeake based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $239 - $409
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $267 - $483
  • 4+ bedrooms: $324 - $592

Pro tip: The base rate of $239 - $592 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Washington DC to Chesapeake. Fuel ($87 - $99) , lodging at around $198/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.

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 $99 and $463.
  • Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $198.
  • Gas: Expect fuel to run between $87 and $99 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 $925 for 2 movers in Washington DC, Maryland, for about 5 hours.
  • Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Washington DC to Chesapeake?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Washington DC, MD to Chesapeake, VA

For larger DIY moves from Washington DC, Maryland, 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 most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $883 and $1,601.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Washington DC to Chesapeake:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $734 - $1,315
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $883 - $1,601
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,157 - $1,981

Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $99 and $198.
  • Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
  • Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Washington DC, Maryland, for roughly five hours typically average $925.

What are the best freight companies from Washington DC to Chesapeake?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Terminal Transportation Services (4.7/5 stars): Terminal Transportation Services 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 Washington DC 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: Washington DC, MD 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 Washington DC on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Washington DC, MD Chesapeake, VA
Cost of living index151104
Average rent$2,400/mo$1,800/mo
Median home value$594,337$359,218
Average income$101,027/yr$94,189/yr
Unemployment rate7.0%5.0%
State income taxUp to 5.75%Up to 5.75%
Walkability score77/10021/100
Safety index39.63/10070.88/100
Air qualityGoodGood

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 Washington DC, MD guide.

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Our take

How you handle your interstate move from Washington DC, MD, 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 $863 - $5,296 on the 206-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $800 - $2,330 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $239 - $592 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $1,358 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 Washington DC, MD, to Chesapeake, 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 is the best time of year to move from Washington DC, MD 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.

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.

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 39.63 and 60.37 in Washington DC. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.

What is the cheapest way to move from Washington DC, MD to Chesapeake, 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 $267 - $483. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

What percentage of Washington DC movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 70% of movers in Washington DC handle piano moves, and 53% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.