($209+) Washington DC, MD to Norfolk, VA Movers
Moving from Washington DC, MD, to Norfolk, VA, runs anywhere from $209 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $4,728 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ 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 $743, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $4,728 or more.
- Moving containers run $766 - $2,245, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $209 - $543.
- 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 $1,369 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
Moving options from Washington DC to Norfolk fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $1,369 - $3,956 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 26% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 84% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 194-mile route typically takes 1 to 2 days door to door.
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:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $743 - $3,224 with full-service movers, $766 - $1,290 with a container, $209 - $354 with a rental truck, or $725 - $1,209 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $1,369 - $3,956 full-service, $1,016 - $1,766 by container, $218 - $445 by rental truck, or $743 - $1,470 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $1,864 - $4,728 full-service, $1,292 - $2,245 by container, $271 - $543 by rental truck, or $1,053 - $1,887 by freight.
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 Washington DC, MD to Norfolk, VA
Full-service movers for the 194-mile relocation from Washington DC, Maryland, to Norfolk, Virginia, cost between $743 and $4,728. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $381 - $2,540, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Washington DC typically charge a base rate around $180 plus $85 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Washington DC to Norfolk:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $743 - $3,224
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,369 - $3,956
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,864 - $4,728
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.
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 Norfolk, VA
Specialty needs vary by market: 70% of Washington DC movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Norfolk, 63% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing80% of local movers | $635 - $6,350 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready70% of local movers60% 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 coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs55% 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 items34% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,270 - $3,175 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,016 - $4,445 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $381 - $1,905 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Olympia Moving & Storage | $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?
Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Virginia, 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 Washington DC, MD?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Washington DC to Norfolk with a local mover averages $1,410 - $4,074. For moves under 500 miles, local movers in Washington DC, MD can be a smart choice. Many use hourly pricing models that may reduce your total compared to what a national carrier would charge, and tighter coverage areas often mean faster turnaround and more hands-on communication.
That said, licensing requirements still apply. Make sure any company you're considering is properly licensed for interstate moves for the route you need.
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 Norfolk, VA
Moving containers from Washington DC, Maryland, to Norfolk, Virginia, cost between $766 and $2,245. 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 Washington DC typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Washington DC to Norfolk:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $766 - $1,290
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,016 - $1,766
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,292 - $2,245
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $95 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $191 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $889 in Washington DC, MD, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Norfolk, VA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
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 $766. 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 $1,016 - $1,766.
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:
- 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 Norfolk, VA
Plan on $209 - $543 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: $209 - $354
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $218 - $445
- 4+ bedrooms: $271 - $543
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $209 - $543 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 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $78 - $90 for the 194-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Washington DC, Maryland, for about 5 hours typically costs around $889.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 194-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $191 per night, adding $381 - $572 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $64 and $381.
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. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $743 and $1,470.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Washington DC to Norfolk:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $725 - $1,209
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $743 - $1,470
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,053 - $1,887
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?
- 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 $95 and $191.
- 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 $889.
What are the best freight companies from Washington DC to Norfolk?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Norfolk quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
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 book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Maryland to Virginia 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 220 movers based in Maryland, handy for sizing up options on this 194-mile route.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 194-mile route from Washington DC, MD, to Norfolk, VA, run $743 - $4,728 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $766 - $2,245, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $209 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,369, 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 CMA CGM and Norfolk Southern Railway.
FAQs: Moving from Washington DC, MD, to Norfolk, VA
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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What do local movers charge in Washington DC?
Local movers based in Washington DC typically start around $180 as a base rate, plus $85/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Norfolk run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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 are the best neighborhoods in Norfolk?
For families, North Ghent, Ghent, and Virginia Beach are worth a look in Norfolk. If you're moving solo or without kids, East Ghent, North Ghent, and Ghent tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Norfolk?
Norfolk has a walkability score of 46 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 47, 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 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.