($237+) Washington DC, MD to Norfolk, VA Movers
Moving from Washington DC, MD, to Norfolk, VA, runs anywhere from $215 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,065 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 194 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 $862, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $5,065 or more.
- Moving containers run $837 - $2,404, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $215 - $537.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Washington DC, MD, to Norfolk, VA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,313 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 Washington DC, MD to Norfolk, VA
There are 3 main ways to move from Washington DC to Norfolk: 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 $1,313 - $4,073. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 194 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 194-mile route from Washington DC to Norfolk, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $862 - $3,451, container $837 - $1,339, rental truck $215 - $403, freight trailer $769 - $1,256.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $1,313 - $4,073, container $1,088 - $1,930, rental truck $255 - $463, freight trailer $854 - $1,513.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $1,976 - $5,065, container $1,343 - $2,404, rental truck $300 - $537, freight trailer $1,117 - $2,020.
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 Washington DC, MD to Norfolk, VA
Hiring full-service movers from Washington DC, Maryland, to Norfolk, Virginia, costs between $862 and $5,065. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 194-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $381 - $2,540, 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 Washington DC and Norfolk. For a rough baseline, movers based in Washington DC tend to start around $180 plus $85/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 Washington DC to Norfolk:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $862 - $3,451
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,313 - $4,073
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,976 - $5,065
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 Norfolk.
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: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Washington DC, MD to Norfolk, VA
Specialty needs vary by market — 93% of Washington DC 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 | $635 - $6,350 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready93% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $254 - $1,524/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $381 - $3,048 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage30% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs58% of local movers | $1,270 - $3,810 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,175 - $12,700 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $951 - $1,807 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items53% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,270 - $3,175 |
| Piano | Any piano type70% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,016 - $4,445 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling39% of local movers | $381 - $1,905 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect27% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $826 - $2,540 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $381 - $19,050+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $381 - $4,445+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Washington DC to Norfolk?
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 Washington DC, MD?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Washington DC to Norfolk with a local mover averages $1,287 - $3,992. Working with a local mover based in Washington DC, MD 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.
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 Norfolk, VA
Moving containers from Washington DC, Maryland, to Norfolk, Virginia, cost between $837 and $2,404. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Washington DC costs roughly $100/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Washington DC to Norfolk:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $837 - $1,339
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,088 - $1,930
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,343 - $2,404
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Washington DC, MD and Norfolk, VA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $889 in Washington DC, MD, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $95 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $191 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
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 $837. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,088 - $1,930, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Washington DC 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 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 Norfolk, VA
Plan on $215 - $537 for a rental moving truck on the 194-mile route from Washington DC, Maryland, to Norfolk, Virginia. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $78 - $90
- Daily insurance: $38/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $25
- Washington DC daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $1.19
| 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 Washington DC to Norfolk based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $215 - $403
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $255 - $463
- 4+ bedrooms: $300 - $537
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $215 - $537 does not include fuel ($78 - $90) , lodging ($191/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Washington DC to Norfolk typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $191 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 $83 and $413 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $78 - $90 in fuel for the 194-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $889 in Washington DC, Maryland, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Washington DC 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 Washington DC, MD to Norfolk, VA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Washington DC, Maryland, to Norfolk, 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. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $854 and $1,513.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Washington DC to Norfolk:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $769 - $1,256
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $854 - $1,513
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,117 - $2,020
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Washington DC, Maryland, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $889.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $95 - $191 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 Washington DC to Norfolk?
- 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.
- 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.
- Terminal Transportation Services (4.7/5 stars): Terminal Transportation Services is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Norfolk 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 Norfolk, VA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Norfolk, side by side with Washington DC on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Washington DC, MD | Norfolk, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 151 | 91 |
| Average rent | $2,400/mo | $1,500/mo |
| Median home value | $594,337 | $270,567 |
| Average income | $101,027/yr | $64,017/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 7.3% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.75% | Up to 5.75% |
| Walkability score | 77/100 | 46/100 |
| Safety index | 39.63/100 | 41.9/100 |
| 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 Norfolk, VA to Washington DC, MD guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Maryland 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 52 movers in our Maryland network to compare for this 194-mile move.
Our take
A move from Washington DC, MD, to Norfolk, VA, 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 $862 - $5,065 on the 194-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $837 - $2,404, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $215 - $537. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,313 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 CMA CGM and Norfolk Southern Railway.
FAQs: Moving from Washington DC, MD, to Norfolk, VA
How much does it cost to move from Washington DC, MD to Norfolk, VA?
Costs on this route range from around $862 to $5,065, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $862 and $5,065, 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 Washington DC, MD 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 $255 - $463. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($78 - $90), daily insurance ($38/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $25) on top. Overnight stops can add another $191/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Washington DC, MD to Norfolk, VA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 is the best time of year to move from Washington DC, MD to Norfolk, 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 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.
