($1,489+) Bakersfield, CA to Norfolk, VA Movers
The cost to move from Bakersfield, CA to Norfolk, VA ranges from $1,358 to $12,464, with an average cost of $4,300. Moves can be as low as $1,489 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 2,724 miles and usually takes 7 to 21 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from Bakersfield, CA to Norfolk, VA
Moving options from Bakersfield to Norfolk fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,358 - $12,464 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,300, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 33% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 53% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 2,724 miles and typically takes 7 to 21 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,724-mile route from Bakersfield to Norfolk, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,358 for a studio up to $12,464 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,859 - $7,133 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,565 - $4,089, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,690 - $5,427, 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 October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Bakersfield, CA to Norfolk, VA
Hiring full-service movers from Bakersfield, California, to Norfolk, Virginia, costs between $1,358 and $12,464. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 2,724-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $289 - $1,928, 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 Bakersfield and Norfolk. For a rough baseline, movers based in Bakersfield tend to start around $420 plus $116/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 Bakersfield to Norfolk:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,358 - $5,742
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,676 - $8,045
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,643 - $12,464
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 Bakersfield to Norfolk.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Bakersfield, CA to Norfolk, VA
Specialty needs vary by market: 71% of Bakersfield 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 packing100% of local movers | $482 - $4,820 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready71% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Meathead Movers | $193 - $1,157/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $289 - $2,314 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs43% of local movers | $964 - $2,892 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,410 - $9,640 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $722 - $1,372 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items14% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Express Moving & Storage | $964 - $2,410 |
| Piano | Any piano type14% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Express Moving & Storage | $771 - $3,374 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $289 - $1,446 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationally | $627 - $1,928 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $289 - $14,460+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $289 - $3,374+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Bakersfield 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.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Bakersfield, CA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Bakersfield, CA to Norfolk, VA
Moving containers from Bakersfield, California, to Norfolk, Virginia, cost between $1,859 and $7,133. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Norfolk. If you go over that window, storage in Bakersfield adds around $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Bakersfield to Norfolk:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,859 - $3,650
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,460 - $5,080
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,289 - $7,133
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Bakersfield, CA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $675, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $72 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $145 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Bakersfield, CA, and Norfolk, VA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California 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 $1,859. 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 $2,460 - $5,080.
What are the best moving containers Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield:
- Meathead Movers (4.8/5), 23 years in business
- Affordable Quality Moving and Storage (4.9/5), 29 years in business
- PODS Moving & Storage
Moving truck rental costs from Bakersfield, CA to Norfolk, VA
Plan on $1,565 - $4,089 for a rental moving truck on the 2,724-mile route from Bakersfield, California, to Norfolk, Virginia. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $836 - $955
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield to Norfolk based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,565 - $2,827
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,710 - $3,471
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,162 - $4,089
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,565 - $4,089 does not include fuel ($836 - $955), lodging ($145/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Bakersfield to Norfolk typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $145 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Bakersfield, California, usually costs about $675 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 2,724-mile drive falls between $836 and $955, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $48 and $289 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield, CA to Norfolk, VA
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Bakersfield, California, to Norfolk, Virginia. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,928 and $4,269.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Bakersfield to Norfolk:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,690 - $3,284
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,928 - $4,269
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,794 - $5,427
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Bakersfield, California, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $675.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $72 - $145 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 Bakersfield 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 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: Bakersfield, CA vs Norfolk, VA
Good news for your budget: Norfolk isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Bakersfield. Cost of living index runs 91 there against 100 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 37/100 and 41.51/100 here versus 46/100 and 41.9/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Norfolk, VA to Bakersfield, CA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California 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 1,126 movers based in California, handy for sizing up options on this 2,724-mile route.
Our take
A move from Bakersfield, CA, 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 $1,358 - $12,464 on the 2,724-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,859 - $7,133, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,565 - $4,089. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,676 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 Bakersfield, CA, to Norfolk, VA
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.
What is the cheapest way to move from Bakersfield, CA 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 $1,710 - $3,471. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Norfolk a safe place to live?
Norfolk has a safety index of 41.9 out of 100 and a crime index of 58.1, compared to 41.51 and 58.49 in Bakersfield. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
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 is the best time of year to move from Bakersfield, CA 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 Bakersfield movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 14% of movers in Bakersfield handle piano moves, and 14% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.