($217+) 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 $217 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $4,793 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 $814, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $4,793 or more.
  • Moving containers run $747 - $2,290, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $217 - $531.
  • 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 $1,320 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 is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $1,320 - $3,690. Containers cost roughly 29% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 82% 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 Washington DC to Chesapeake, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $814 - $3,128 $747 - $1,284 $217 - $409 $679 - $1,216
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,320 - $3,690 $941 - $1,777 $235 - $460 $786 - $1,510
4+ bedrooms $1,903 - $4,793 $1,234 - $2,290 $311 - $531 $1,018 - $1,832

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.

Professional moving
Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Moving container
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental truck
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 trailer
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

For the 206-mile move from Washington DC, Maryland, to Chesapeake, Virginia, full-service movers cost between $814 and $4,793. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $397 - $2,644 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Washington DC generally start around $180 plus $85 per hour, per mover.

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

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $814 - $3,128
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,320 - $3,690
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,903 - $4,793

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.

Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.

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Specialty moving services from Washington DC, MD to Chesapeake, VA

Specialty needs vary by market: 70% of Washington DC 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 packingFull crew packing80% of local movers$661 - $6,610
Storage in transitNew place not ready70% of local movers60% 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 coverage13% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs55% 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 items34% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc$1,322 - $3,305
PianoAny piano type42% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc$1,058 - $4,627
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers$397 - $1,983
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Olympia Moving & Storage$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 $1,346 - $3,763. Shorter moves don't always call for a national van line, and local moving companies in Washington DC, MD 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.

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 1,128 customers, 89.5% 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 $747 and $2,290. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Washington DC runs about $100/month.

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

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $747 - $1,284
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $941 - $1,777
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,234 - $2,290

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 $925 in Washington DC, MD. 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 $99 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $198 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 Chesapeake, VA, destination before booking.

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 $747. 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 $941 - $1,777.

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:

  • Straightline Movers Inc. (4.9/5), 7 years in business
  • Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. (4.9/5), 11 years in business
  • College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 0 years in business

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

Plan on $217 - $531 for a rental moving truck on the 206-mile route from Washington DC, Maryland, to Chesapeake, Virginia. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:

  • 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: $217 - $409
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $235 - $460
  • 4+ bedrooms: $311 - $531

Pro tip: The base rate of $217 - $531 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.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Washington DC, Maryland, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $925.
  • Gas: Fuel costs total $87 - $99 for the 206-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 $79 and $430, depending on what you need.
  • Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
  • Lodging: Budget around $198 per night for hotel stops on the 206-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $397 - $595.

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

Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Washington DC, Maryland, to Chesapeake, Virginia, 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 $1,510.

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

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $679 - $1,216
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $786 - $1,510
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,018 - $1,832

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 Washington DC, Maryland, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $925.
  • More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $99 and $198 per foot.

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

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.

Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Chesapeake fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.

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.

Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:

In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Maryland to Virginia, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 220 movers licensed in Maryland, useful context for sizing up this 206-mile move.

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Our take

Full-service movers on the 206-mile route from Washington DC, MD, to Chesapeake, VA, run $814 - $4,793 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $747 - $2,290, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $217 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,320, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.

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

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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Washington DC, MD 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.

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.

How walkable is Chesapeake?

Chesapeake has a walkability score of 21 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 35, compared to 77 and 70 in Washington DC. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.

What are the best neighborhoods in Chesapeake?

For families, Greenbrier, Great Bridge, and Hickory are worth a look in Chesapeake. If you're moving solo or without kids, Capital District, Central Office, and East Ghent tend to be popular picks instead.

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

About 42% of movers in Washington DC handle piano moves, and 34% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.