($599+) Chicago, IL to Norfolk, VA Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to Norfolk, VA, runs anywhere from $599 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,597 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 885 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 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 $1,844, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,597 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,075 - $3,651, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $599 - $1,585.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to Norfolk, VA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,328 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 Chicago, IL to Norfolk, VA
There are 3 main ways to move from Chicago to Norfolk: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,328 - $5,622. Containers cost roughly 37% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 73% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 885 miles, expect 2 to 7 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 885-mile route from Chicago to Norfolk, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,844 - $4,484 | $1,075 - $2,029 | $599 - $1,154 | $1,037 - $1,717 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,328 - $5,622 | $1,467 - $2,677 | $627 - $1,358 | $1,072 - $2,320 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,751 - $7,597 | $1,916 - $3,651 | $787 - $1,585 | $1,502 - $2,776 |
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 Chicago, IL to Norfolk, VA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 885-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Norfolk, Virginia, with costs ranging from $1,844 - $7,597. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $300 - $2,000. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Chicago and Norfolk. Local movers in Chicago typically start around $220 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chicago to Norfolk:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,844 - $4,484
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,328 - $5,622
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,751 - $7,597
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 Chicago 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 Chicago, IL to Norfolk, VA
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Chicago 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 packing78% of local movers | $500 - $5,000 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $200 - $1,200/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $300 - $2,400 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage10% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $1,000 - $3,000 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,500 - $10,000 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $749 - $1,423 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items28% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $1,000 - $2,500 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $800 - $3,500 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $300 - $1,500 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $650 - $2,000 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $300 - $15,000+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $300 - $3,500+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chicago to Norfolk?
Movers licensed to operate in Virginia are typically members of the Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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, combining 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Chicago, IL. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Chicago, IL to Norfolk, VA
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Norfolk, Virginia, cost between $1,075 and $3,651. 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 Chicago typically runs around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chicago to Norfolk:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,075 - $2,029
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,467 - $2,677
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,916 - $3,651
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $75 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $150 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Norfolk, VA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $700 in Chicago, IL. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Illinois 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 $1,075. 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 $1,467 - $2,677.
What are the best moving containers Chicago 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 Chicago 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 Chicago:
- Move-tastic (5.0/5), 17 years in business
- Windy City Movers Inc. (4.6/5), 44 years in business
- STI Moving & Storage Inc. (4.7/5), 21 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chicago, IL to Norfolk, VA
Renting a moving truck for the 885-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Norfolk, Virginia, costs between $599 and $1,585, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $282 - $322
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Chicago daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.79
| 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 Chicago to Norfolk based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $599 - $1,154
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $627 - $1,358
- 4+ bedrooms: $787 - $1,585
Pro tip: A rental truck from Chicago to Norfolk looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $599 - $1,585. But once you factor in fuel ($282 - $322), overnight lodging ($150/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $150 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $65 and $325 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $282 - $322 in fuel for the 885-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $700 in Chicago, Illinois, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chicago 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 Chicago, IL to Norfolk, VA
If you're moving a larger household from Chicago, Illinois, 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 Norfolk, 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 $1,072 and $2,320.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to Norfolk:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,037 - $1,717
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,072 - $2,320
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,502 - $2,776
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 $75 - $150 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 Chicago, Illinois, typically costs $700.
What are the best freight companies from Chicago to Norfolk?
- 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 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: Chicago, IL vs Norfolk, VA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Norfolk, side by side with Chicago on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Chicago, IL | Norfolk, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 106 | 91 |
| Average rent | $2,045/mo | $1,500/mo |
| Median home value | $317,509 | $270,567 |
| Average income | $75,134/yr | $64,017/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 7.3% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.95% | Up to 5.75% |
| Walkability score | 77/100 | 46/100 |
| Safety index | 33.87/100 | 41.9/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Norfolk, VA to Chicago, IL guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Illinois to Virginia, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 314 movers in Illinois, so you have real options to compare for this 885-mile move.
Our take
The 885-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Norfolk, VA, costs between $1,844 and $7,597 with full-service movers, $1,075 - $3,651 with a moving container, and $599 - $1,585 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 $2,328 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 CMA CGM and Norfolk Southern Railway.
FAQs: Moving from Chicago, IL, to Norfolk, VA
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($282 - $322), daily insurance ($30/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $150/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Virginia?
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).
What is the best time of year to move from Chicago, IL 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 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.
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 33.87 and 35.19 in Chicago. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Chicago movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Chicago handle piano moves, and 28% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.