($265+) Wilmington, DE to Chesapeake, VA Movers
Moving from Wilmington, DE, to Chesapeake, VA, runs anywhere from $265 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,304 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ 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 $822, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $5,304 or more.
- Moving containers run $795 - $2,441, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $265 - $709.
- 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 $1,420 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 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. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $1,420 - $4,038 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 24% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 79% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 249 miles and typically takes 1 to 2 days.
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:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $822 - $3,201 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($795 - $1,498), rental truck ($265 - $509), or freight trailer ($730 - $1,257). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $1,420 - $4,038 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $5,304.
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 Wilmington, DE to Chesapeake, VA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 249-mile move from Wilmington, Delaware, to Chesapeake, Virginia, with costs ranging from $822 - $5,304. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $312 - $2,080. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Wilmington and Chesapeake. Local movers in Wilmington typically start around $334 as a base rate plus $150/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Wilmington to Chesapeake:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $822 - $3,201
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,420 - $4,038
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,770 - $5,304
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.
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 Wilmington, DE to Chesapeake, VA
Specialty needs vary by market: 53% of Wilmington movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Chesapeake, 63% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing72% of local movers | $520 - $5,200 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready53% of local movers60% 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 coverage11% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs46% 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 items28% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Ramsey's Moving System | $1,040 - $2,600 |
| Piano | Any piano type33% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $832 - $3,640 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling8% of local movers | $312 - $1,560 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $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?
Look for Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Virginia beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
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 $1,364 - $3,877. For moves under 500 miles, local movers in Wilmington, DE 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.
Zip to Zip Moving Inc (4.56/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Wilmington, based on our analysis of feedback from 1,563 customers, 99.3% 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 $795 and $2,441. 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: $795 - $1,498
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,079 - $1,956
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,365 - $2,441
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $728 in Wilmington, DE. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $78 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $156 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Chesapeake, VA, destination before booking.
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 $795. 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 $1,079 - $1,956.
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), 9 years in business
- All Around Moverz (4.6/5), 16 years in business
- Forward Moving LLC (4.9/5), 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Wilmington, DE to Chesapeake, VA
Renting a moving truck for the 249-mile move from Wilmington, Delaware, to Chesapeake, Virginia, costs between $265 and $709, before these typical add-ons:
- 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: $265 - $509
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $298 - $614
- 4+ bedrooms: $346 - $709
Pro tip: A rental truck from Wilmington to Chesapeake looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $265 - $709. But once you factor in fuel ($82 - $94), overnight lodging ($156/night), meals, and equipment rentals, the total adds up to more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $78 and $364.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $156.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $82 and $94 for the 249-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $728 for 2 movers in Wilmington, Delaware, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
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
If you're moving a larger household from Wilmington, Delaware, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Chesapeake, Virginia.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $871 and $1,580.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Wilmington to Chesapeake:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $730 - $1,257
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $871 - $1,580
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,125 - $2,053
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 trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $78 - $156 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Wilmington, Delaware, typically costs $728.
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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Wilmington to Chesapeake. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Wilmington, DE vs Chesapeake, VA
Wilmington and Chesapeake land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 104 in Wilmington and 104 in Chesapeake, and average rent is $1,812/mo vs. $1,800/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 74 vs 21 and safety scores are 32.68 vs 70.88.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chesapeake, VA to Wilmington, DE guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Delaware to Virginia, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Delaware alone has 17 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 249-mile move like this one.
Our take
For a move from Wilmington, DE, to Chesapeake, VA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $822 for a studio to $5,304 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 249-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $795 - $2,441. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $265 - $709, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $1,420 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live 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 is the best time of year to move from Wilmington, DE to Chesapeake, 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 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.
Is Chesapeake a safe place to live?
Chesapeake has a safety index of 70.88 out of 100 and a crime index of 25.0, compared to 32.68 and 67.32 in Wilmington. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
How walkable is Chesapeake?
Chesapeake has a walkability score of 21 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 35, compared to 74 and 52 in Wilmington. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
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 percentage of Wilmington movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 33% of movers in Wilmington handle piano moves, and 28% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.