Local moving companies in California
When relocating from California to Norfolk, VA, let our favorite local movers take the stress out of your journey.
Out of 317 California movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Norfolk, VA.
- Grace Moving Company: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- All Star Movers & Storage: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Meathead Movers: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Sterling Van Lines: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Rigo’s Moving Company Inc: 4.66 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0189642
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 2806730
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191302
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2971368
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meathead Packers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0189566
Years in Business: 33
DOT #: 568254
Alternate Names: Sterling Van Lines, Inc.
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 #: 0191663
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 3075110
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Cost to move from California to Norfolk, VA
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from California to Norfolk, VA with different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,339 – $5,263 | $1,389 – $3,532 | $1,555 – $2,957 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,881 – $7,557 | $2,489 – $4,897 | $1,652 – $3,487 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,301 – $11,831 | $3,468 – $6,892 | $2,027 – $4,195 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 2,834-mile move from California to Norfolk, VA using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Dec 11, 2025. Each month, moveBuddha updates thousands of vetted price points from nationwide moving companies to reflect seasonality and market trends. Your final total may vary with move size, add-on services, access or parking constraints, fuel costs, and scheduling. Comparing estimates from multiple movers is the best way to nail down accurate pricing.
Cost to hire professional movers from California to Norfolk, VA
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from California to Norfolk, VA, you can expect to spend between $1,339 and $5,263. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,881 to $7,557 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home will typically run between $7,301 and $11,831.
Cost of moving containers from California to Norfolk, VA
When moving from California to Norfolk, VA, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,389 and $3,532. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,489 to $4,897. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,468 up to $6,892. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from California to Norfolk, VA
Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom from California to Norfolk, VA, and are renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,555 and $2,957. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,652 and $3,487. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $2,027 and $4,195.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Compare local moving companies from California to Norfolk, VA
Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular services and discounts available for the top movers for your move:
| Company | Full Service | Antiques | Military Discount | Senior Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grace Moving Company | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| All Star Movers & Storage | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Meathead Movers | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Sterling Van Lines | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rigo’s Moving Company Inc | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
Out of the 3,180 movers we’ve reviewed, here’s how California movers stack up compared to the percentage of movers in the country that offer these services and discounts:
| California | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | 98% | 96% |
| Antiques | 61% | 46% |
| Military Discount | 1% | 4% |
| Senior Discount | 1% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from California to Norfolk, VA
Before you start packing, take a moment to get a feel for what life in Norfolk, VA is really like compared to California. From the cost of living and local culture to daily routines, we’ll guide you through the biggest lifestyle changes and must-see attractions to be aware of.
Cost of living: California vs. Norfolk, VA
| California | Norfolk | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,856 | $1,500 |
| Average home cost | $771,057 | $283,890 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $63,484 |
| Cost of Living Index | 134 | 91 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 7.3% |
| State Income Tax | 13.3% | 5.75% |
Norfolk sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Norfolk is roughly 19% less expensive than in California, leaving room for savings or upgrades.
- On average, homes in Norfolk cost 63% less than in California, making your move budget-friendly.
- The average income is about 31% lower in Norfolk than in California. It’s important to review your budget and plan accordingly.
- With unemployment 35% higher in Norfolk than California, expect more competition for jobs. A focused job search will help you get ahead.
- You’ll pay roughly 57% less in state income taxes in Virginia compared to California, so you keep more of what you earn.
How life is different in Norfolk from California
| Norfolk | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 238,005 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 72-26 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 88ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 33ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 47″ | 22″ |
| Annual snow | 5″ | 7″ |
| Crime index | 58.1 | 28.43 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- During the last presidential election, both California and Norfolk supported the Democratic candidate.
- Summer in Norfolk usually hits around 88ºF, pretty similar to the 87ºF you’re used to in California. While you won’t face a dramatic change in temperature, you should still keep factors like local humidity, weather trends, and changes to energy costs in mind as you prepare for summer at your new home.
- During the coldest part of the year, Norfolk gets down to 33ºF while California only dips to 59ºF. Relocating to Norfolk means adjusting to colder winters, which could raise your heating bill and bring some changes to your routine. Still, you’ll get to enjoy the area’s one-of-a-kind winter scenery and seasonal activities.
- Expect about 47 inches of rain each year in Norfolk—compared to just 22 inches in California. With more rain comes greener scenery and wetter days, so get ready to adjust your routine and invest in some quality waterproof gear.
- In Norfolk, you’ll get about 5 inches of snow each year. Meanwhile, California averages around 7 inches annually. With similar snowfall in both places, your move should be pretty straightforward.
- Norfolk has a higher crime rate than California with a crime index of 58.1 vs 28.43. A higher crime rate isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, but it’s your cue to research local safety measures and think about how it might affect your day-to-day life.
Things to do in Norfolk
From parks and museums to sports and top universities, Norfolk has a little bit of everything waiting for you.
Museums in Norfolk
- Hampton Roads Naval Museum
- Chrysler Museum of Art
- Nauticus
- MacArthur Memorial
- Hermitage Museum and Gardens
Parks in Norfolk
- Norfolk Botanical Garden
- Pagoda & Oriental Garden
- Town Point Park
- Lake Drummond
- Ocean View Beach Park
Sports teams in Norfolk
- Norfolk Tides (Baseball-International League (AAA))
- Norfolk Admirals (Ice hockey)
- Old Dominion University (Football)
- Old Dominion University (Basketball)
- Norfolk State University (Football)
Universities in Norfolk
- Old Dominion University
- Norfolk State University
- Tidewater Community College
- ECPI University
- Thomas Nelson Community College
Other considerations when moving to Norfolk, VA
- HOA rules: Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community rules before moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to book your building’s elevator ahead of time and check on any moving rules they might have.
- Parking permits: Some cities make you get a parking permit for your moving truck, so remember to look up your new neighborhood’s rules before moving day.
- 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). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Virginia moving license directly on the state regulator’s official website, here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit to relocate to Virginia, but it’s wise to check local parking regulations ahead of time.
- Change of address: Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your moving date so your mail will be forwarded to Virginia without any delays. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: 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: Staying organized keeps your move stress-free. Our moving checklist makes it easy to stay on top of every detail.
FAQ
How long does a move from California to Norfolk take?
The time frame for a move from California to Norfolk, VA, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.
The farther north you are in California, the longer it’ll take to reach Norfolk. If you’re renting a truck, expect the trip to take one or two days on average, depending on your route and how many stops you make.
Delivery from California to Norfolk can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you’re hiring movers or using a moving container. Always ask for a delivery estimate before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from California to Norfolk?
If you’re gearing up for a 2,834-mile move from California to Norfolk, lock in your moving date as soon as your plans are set. Booking your movers two to three months in advance helps you snag the best rates and ensures you get the date you want.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Norfolk, VA?
Summer in Norfolk can reach highs of 88°F, while winter temperatures can dip to 33°F. That’s why most people moving from California to Norfolk opt for the milder spring or fall weather. But if you’re looking to avoid the crowds—and possibly score a better price—think about moving in the off-season, even if you have to endure crazier temperatures. Need more help planning? Check out our tips on peak moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
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