($289+) Wilmington, DE to Chesapeake, VA Movers
Moving from Wilmington, DE, to Chesapeake, VA, runs anywhere from $283 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,512 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 249 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 $953, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $5,512 or more.
- Moving containers run $878 - $2,773, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $283 - $707.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Wilmington, DE, to Chesapeake, VA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,418 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Wilmington, DE to Chesapeake, VA
Moving options from Wilmington to Chesapeake fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $1,418 - $4,154 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 249 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 2 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 249-mile route from Wilmington to Chesapeake, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $953 for a studio up to $5,512 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $878 - $2,773 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $283 - $707, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $759 - $2,219, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Wilmington, DE to Chesapeake, VA
Hiring full-service movers from Wilmington, Delaware, to Chesapeake, Virginia, costs between $953 and $5,512. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 249-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $312 - $2,080, 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 Wilmington and Chesapeake. For a rough baseline, movers based in Wilmington tend to start around $334 plus $150/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 Wilmington to Chesapeake:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $953 - $3,464
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,418 - $4,154
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,035 - $5,512
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 Wilmington to Chesapeake.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Delaware to Virginia. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Wilmington, DE to Chesapeake, VA
Specialty needs vary by market — 89% of Wilmington 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 packing | Full crew packing97% of local movers | $520 - $5,200 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready89% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $208 - $1,248/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $312 - $2,496 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage39% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs39% of local movers | $1,040 - $3,120 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,600 - $10,400 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $779 - $1,480 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items63% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Move Crew LLC | $1,040 - $2,600 |
| Piano | Any piano type77% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Move Crew LLC | $832 - $3,640 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling39% of local movers | $312 - $1,560 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect23% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Move Crew LLC | $676 - $2,080 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $312 - $15,600+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $312 - $3,640+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Wilmington to Chesapeake?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
How much do local movers cost in Wilmington, DE?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Wilmington to Chesapeake with a local mover averages $1,460 - $4,278. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Wilmington, DE 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.
Zip to Zip Moving Inc (4.44/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Wilmington, based on our analysis of feedback from 278 customers, 97.8% of which is positive.
Address: 558 W Uwchlan Ave, Exton, PA, 19341 | Founded: 2020
Moving container costs from Wilmington, DE to Chesapeake, VA
Moving containers from Wilmington, Delaware, to Chesapeake, Virginia, cost between $878 and $2,773. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Wilmington typically runs around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Wilmington to Chesapeake:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $878 - $1,512
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,144 - $2,011
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,418 - $2,773
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $78 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $156 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 $728 in Wilmington, DE, 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 Chesapeake, VA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Delaware 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 $878. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,144 - $2,011, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Wilmington to Chesapeake?
- 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 Wilmington 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 Wilmington:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 12 years in business
- Move Crew LLC (4.8/5), 0 years in business
- Bayshore Transportation System, Inc. (4.5/5), 53 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Wilmington, DE to Chesapeake, VA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 249 miles from Wilmington, Delaware, to Chesapeake, Virginia, running $283 - $707. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $82 - $94
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Wilmington daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| 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 Wilmington to Chesapeake based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $283 - $503
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $329 - $638
- 4+ bedrooms: $394 - $707
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $283 - $707 does not include fuel ($82 - $94) , lodging ($156/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Wilmington to Chesapeake typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $82 - $94 for the 249-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 Wilmington, Delaware, for about 5 hours typically costs around $728.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 249-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $156 per night, adding $312 - $468 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $52 and $312.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Wilmington to Chesapeake?
- 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 Wilmington, DE to Chesapeake, VA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Wilmington, Delaware, to Chesapeake, Virginia. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $936 and $1,743.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Wilmington to Chesapeake:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $759 - $1,429
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $906 - $1,743
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,205 - $2,219
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
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 Wilmington, Delaware, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $728.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $78 and $156 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Wilmington to Chesapeake?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- Pipco Transportation, Inc. (4.66/5 stars): Pipco Transportation, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Wilmington, DE vs Chesapeake, VA
Day-to-day costs in Chesapeake are close to what you're used to in Wilmington: cost of living index of 104 versus 104, with average rent of $1,800/mo compared to $1,812/mo. Housing, income, and taxes are all in a similar range, so budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores are close too, at 74/100 and 32.68/100 in Wilmington versus 21/100 and 70.88/100 in Chesapeake.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chesapeake, VA to Wilmington, DE guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Delaware 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 9 movers in our Delaware network to compare for this 249-mile move.
Our take
The 249-mile move from Wilmington, DE, to Chesapeake, VA, costs between $953 and $5,512 with full-service movers, $878 - $2,773 with a moving container, and $283 - $707 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $1,418 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Dollar Tree and Chesapeake City Schools.
FAQs: Moving from Wilmington, DE, to Chesapeake, VA
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Wilmington, DE 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.
What do local movers charge in Wilmington?
Local movers based in Wilmington typically start around $334 as a base rate, plus $150/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 Chesapeake run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Wilmington, DE to Chesapeake, 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 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 is the cheapest way to move from Wilmington, DE 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 $329 - $638. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Wilmington movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 77% of movers in Wilmington handle piano moves, and 63% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
