The best local movers for Philadelphia to Norfolk moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Philadelphia that also handles long-distance moves to Norfolk. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 68 local movers in Philadelphia who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Philadelphia to Norfolk.
- Bellhop Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Anchor Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Suburban Solutions Moving & Transport: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Transtar Moving Systems: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2878240
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 125550
Years in Business: 51
DOT #: 125550
Alternate Names: Anchor Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
Years in Business: 10
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 373544
Years in Business: 44
DOT #: 373544
Alternate Names: Gentle Giant Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 39PC00058806
Years in Business: 63
DOT #: 939629
Alternate Names: A Action Family Moving Company, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Philadelphia to Norfolk?
The average hourly rate for movers in Pennsylvania is $143. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $833 – $2,887 | $587 – $1,399 | $291 – $553 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,531 – $4,327 | $1,021 – $1,957 | $328 – $635 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,180 – $5,960 | $1,489 – $2,709 | $414 – $742 |
Cost to hire movers from Philadelphia to Norfolk
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Philadelphia to Norfolk will cost between $833 and $2,887. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Philadelphia to Philadelphia will range from $1,531 to $4,327, and a large move from Philadelphia to Norfolk will cost from $2,180 to $5,960.
Cost of moving containers from Philadelphia to Norfolk
If you’re moving from Philadelphia to Norfolk, expect to pay between $587 and $1,399 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,021 up to $1,957. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,489 and $2,709. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Pennsylvania.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Philadelphia to Norfolk
Renting a moving truck from Philadelphia to Norfolk is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $291 and $553. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $328 and $635. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $414 up to $742 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Philadelphia to Norfolk
The cost of Philadelphia movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,188, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $4,936.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Philadelphia, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($291–$692) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Philadelphia to Norfolk
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Norfolk runs about 9% higher for singles and -10% higher for families than Philadelphia.
Singles spend around $2,769 in Philadelphia versus $2,541 in Philadelphia; families pay $5,552 compared with $6,190.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Philadelphia | Norfolk | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,791 | $1,875 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,116 | $2,492 |
| Average home value | $216,914 | $283,890 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,746 | $63,484 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,541 | $2,769 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,190 | $5,552 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 7.3% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 3.07% | 5.75% |
- If you’re heading to Norfolk from Philadelphia, you’ll find that rent is roughly 12% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 31% greater in Norfolk than in Philadelphia.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 10% lower in Norfolk compared to Philadelphia.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Norfolk, since the cost of living for a single person in Norfolk is 9% higher than in Philadelphia. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- Choosing to move to Norfolk can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 10% less than in Philadelphia.
- Norfolk enjoys an unemployment rate that’s roughly 31% lower compared to Philadelphia, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes drop 25% in Norfolk compared to Philadelphia, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Income taxes are 87% higher in Virginia than in Pennsylvania, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Philadelphia and Norfolk:
| Living Expense | Philadelphia | Norfolk |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $269.29 | $190.88 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.40 | $49.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.30 | $4.71 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $4.12 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $18.25 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $90.00 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $48.67 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Philadelphia than in Norfolk.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Philadelphia than in Norfolk.
- Eggs are less expensive in Philadelphia than in Norfolk.
- Bread is more expensive in Philadelphia than in Norfolk.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Philadelphia than in Norfolk.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Philadelphia than in Norfolk.
- Gym memberships cost more in Philadelphia than in Norfolk.
How life is different in Philadelphia vs. Norfolk
| Philadelphia | Norfolk | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,603,797 | 238,005 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 75 | 46 |
| Bike friendliness score | 67 | 47 |
| Crime index | 66.09 | 58.1 |
| Safety index | 33.91 | 41.9 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Norfolk’s population is about 85% less than Philadelphia.
- Norfolk’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Philadelphia’s score of 9.
- Norfolk is less walkable than Philadelphia with a score of 46 out of 100 vs Philadelphia’s 75 out of 100.
- Norfolk has a bike-friendliness score of 47 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Philadelphia, which has a score of 67.
- Norfolk’s crime rate is lower than Philadelphia with a score of 58.1 compared to Philadelphia’s 66.09. This means that Norfolk neighborhoods are safer than 58.1% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 66.09%.
- Norfolk is considered to be safer than Philadelphia with a safety index of 41.9 vs Philadelphia’s 33.91.
- Air quality in Norfolk is Good, and in Philadelphia it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Philadelphia to Norfolk move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: 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). Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Virginia moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Virginia doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Norfolk. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. In Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It’s essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Norfolk
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to Norfolk, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Norfolk.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- East Ghent
- North Ghent
- Ghent
- Downtown
- West Ghent
- Newtown
- Edgewater-Larchmont
- West 21st Street
- Colonial Place
Best neighborhoods for families
- North Ghent
- Ghent
- Virginia Beach
- Edgewater-Larchmont
- West Ghent
- East Ghent
Things to do in Norfolk
Once you’re settled into your new home in Virginia, it’s time to get out and discover what Norfolk has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Norfolk, such as the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, Chrysler Museum of Art, Nauticus, and MacArthur Memorial.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Norfolk Botanical Garden, Pagoda & Oriental Garden, Town Point Park, and Lake Drummond — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Norfolk Tides (Baseball-International League (AAA))Norfolk Admirals (Ice hockey)Old Dominion University (Football)Old Dominion University (Basketball)Norfolk State University (Football)Norfolk State University (Basketball) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Philadelphia to Norfolk?
The best time to move from Philadelphia to Norfolk is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Philadelphia.
When is the cheapest time to move from Philadelphia to Norfolk?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Philadelphia to Norfolk, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Philadelphia to Norfolk take?
Moving from Philadelphia, PA to Norfolk, covers 276 miles and usually takes one to four days. Need to move faster? Some Philadelphia movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Norfolk.
Which movers in Philadelphia give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers here honor AAA discounts. 1 movers give special rates to military members. 1 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Philadelphia?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 53 movers in Philadelphia advertise piano moving expertise. 41 movers in Philadelphia provide antique moving services. State totals show 77 piano movers and 55 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Philadelphia moving services
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