Moving From Chicago, IL to Virginia Beach, VA ($744 - $8,970)
Moving from Chicago, IL, to Virginia Beach, VA, (roughly 899 miles) costs between $744 and $8,970, with an average of $771 – $6,638. Pricing depends primarily on move type (full-service vs. DIY), home size, distance, and add-on services like packing. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,222, while larger 4-5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,970 or more.
- Renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest option, typically running $744 for a 1-bedroom up to $1,890 for 4+ bedrooms.
- Moving containers range from $1,334 – $4,443, giving you flexibility without full-service pricing. Truck rentals cost between $744 and $1,890.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to Virginia Beach, VA. They're known for transparent pricing, with an average 2-bedroom quote of $4,300 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Cost of full-service movers from Chicago, IL to Virginia Beach, VA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 899-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Virginia Beach, Virginia, with prices running from $2,222 - $8,970. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $318 - $2,120 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Chicago and Virginia Beach are the two biggest drivers of your final price.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs in Chicago by home size:
- Studio apartment/1 bedroom: $2,222 - $5,244
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,888 - $6,638
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,425 - $8,970
Other full-service moving costs to keep in mind
- Optional added coverage: The default liability coverage included with most moves pays only $0.60 per pound per item, which isn't much if something valuable gets damaged. Full-value protection is the stronger option, requiring the mover to repair, replace, or reimburse at current market value. Most companies price it at 1%–2% of your declared shipment value, or roughly $300–$600 on a $30,000 shipment.
- Full packing: Expect professional packing services to run $530–$5,300.
- Storage: Movers can warehouse your belongings for $212 to $1,272 per month. Traditional mover storage is not designed for drop-in access, so your items will stay sealed until delivery in Virginia Beach, VA. For longer or more flexible storage needs, moving containers are worth considering.
- Shuttle fees: If the moving truck can't pull up close to your home, a smaller vehicle may be needed to ferry your items. You'll be charged a shuttle fee of $318–$2,544.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Illinois 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.
Best full-service movers from Chicago, IL to Virginia Beach, VA move
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Best overall value
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): Most experienced mover
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Best for contents coverage
rating
4.9 / 5
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Chicago, IL, 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.
Cost of moving containers from Chicago, IL to Virginia Beach, VA
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Virginia Beach, Virginia, cost between $1,334 and $4,443. 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 Virginia Beach.
Take a look at moving container pricing in Chicago by home size:
- Studio apartment/1 bedroom: $1,334 - $2,371
- 2-3 bedrooms: $1,802 - $3,461
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,377 - $4,443
Other moving container costs to keep in mind
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Chicago, IL, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $742, 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 $80 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $159 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Chicago, IL and Virginia Beach, 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 runs 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 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 $1,393. Underestimating and needing 1 – 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,802 – $3,461, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
Best moving containers Chicago, IL to Virginia Beach, VA move
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars): Best for locally owned service
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): Best value container
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): Best for large moves
rating
4.8 / 5
Moving truck rental costs from Chicago, IL to Virginia Beach, VA
Moving truck rentals for a move from Chicago, Illinois, to Virginia Beach, Virginia, run about $744 - $1,890. You get the vehicle and the labor and logistics are on you. Final pricing is based on distance, truck size, fuel, and any optional add-ons like insurance or equipment.
These are typical moving truck rental costs in Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment/1 bedroom: $744 - $1,404
- 2-3 bedrooms: $771 - $1,701
- 4+ bedrooms: $967 - $1,890
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $744 – $1,890 when pricing out a rental truck from Chicago to Virginia Beach. Fuel alone runs , and overnight lodging ($159/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 – $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
Other rental truck costs to keep in mind
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Chicago, Illinois, for about five hours typically runs around $742.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 899-mile drive typically calls for 2-3 overnight stops at around $159 per night, adding $318–$477 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $53 and $318.
Best moving truck rentals from Chicago, IL to Virginia Beach, VA move
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars): Best value rental
- Penske Truck Rental (4/5 stars): Most reliable
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars): Best availability
rating
4.3 / 5
Freight trailer costs from Chicago, IL to Virginia Beach, 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 Chicago, Illinois, to Virginia Beach, 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. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $1,304 and $2,633.
Take a look at freight trailer costs in Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment/1 bedroom: $1,190 - $2,089
- 2-3 bedrooms: $1,304 - $2,633
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,902 - $3,591
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.
Other costs to consider with freight trailers
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $80 and $159.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Chicago, Illinois, for roughly five hours typically average $742.
Best freight companies for your Chicago, IL to Virginia Beach, VA move
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): Best for large moves
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): Best value freight trailer
- HUB Group (4.54/5 stars)
rating
4.5 / 5
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Virginia Beach quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Specialty moving services from Chicago, IL to Virginia Beach, VA
Standard moving companies handle most relocations from Chicago, Illinois, to Virginia Beach, Virginia, well, but some situations call for a more specialized approach. Compact moves, business transitions, and high-value items like fine art or wine collections often require movers equipped to handle unique logistics, specialized packing, and custom handling requirements.
Small moves from Chicago, IL to Virginia Beach, VA
Studio and small 1-bedroom moves often fall below the 2,000–3,000 pound minimums that most full-service movers require. Small move specialists like MiniMoves are built for exactly this situation, with no minimum weight requirement.
Pro tip: Most small-move companies offer packing and standard disassembly and reassembly as part of their flat-rate service, much like a full-service mover. That said, if you're moving antiques, custom-built furniture, or anything with complicated assembly requirements, ask about it before you book. Extra fees or scheduling adjustments may apply.
rating
4.8 / 5
Commercial movers from Chicago, IL to Virginia Beach, VA
Moving a business from Chicago, Illinois, to Virginia Beach, Virginia, means managing workstations, electronics, inventory, and tight timelines all at once. A well-run office move comes down to planning. Commercial moving specialists use phased scheduling, IT equipment crating, and inventory management systems to minimize disruption, and most moves for a 15-person office are done in 1–2 business days. Overall pricing generally falls between $1,060 and $31,800. Smaller workplaces (1–15 employees) typically run between $2,650 and $10,600, while larger businesses (50–100 employees) can range between $5,300 and $26,500.
Pro tip: Don't leave the organizing for moving week. Taking stock of your inventory and building a solid relocation plan ahead of time is the single best way to keep the disruption short and get your team back up and running quickly.
Top commercial movers from Chicago, IL to Virginia Beach, VA
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Best overall value
- Mighty Moving & Storage
- STI Moving & Storage Inc.
rating
4.9 / 5
Car shipping from Chicago, IL to Virginia Beach, VA
Car shipping from Chicago, Illinois, to Virginia Beach, Virginia, costs between $794 and $1,508, with most vehicles arriving within 2-7 days, depending on availability. Approximately 90% of car shipping customers use open transport because loading multiple cars onto a single carrier truck keeps per-vehicle costs lower. The reason open transport costs less comes down to capacity. Open carriers move 7–10 vehicles per truck, which brings per-vehicle costs in 30%–40% below enclosed transport.
Enclosed transport costs $318–$636 more than open on the 899-mile route and shields your vehicle from weather and road debris. Most owners of vehicles valued above $50,000 consider it the baseline.
Our guide to open vs. enclosed auto transport can help you decide which option makes the most sense for your vehicle.
Pro tip: Always get at least two standalone auto shipping quotes before booking to make sure you're not overpaying.
Top car shippers from Chicago, IL to Virginia Beach, VA
- Nexus Auto Transport (4.7/5 stars): Best overall value
- Sherpa Auto Transport (4.5/5 stars): Most accurate pricing
- Navi Auto Transport (4.4/5 stars): Best for budget-conscious shippers
Discover more car shipping options available in Chicago, Illinois
rating
4.7 / 5
Antiques & fine art movers from Chicago, IL to Virginia Beach, VA
Valuable collections need careful planning and the right mover. Professional antique movers can incorporate fine art and specialty items into larger moves, but expect added costs of between $1,060 and $2,650. Per-piece art handling typically falls between $53 and $530, and custom crating runs around between $159 and $212 per item. Ask about climate control options, crating materials, and the mover's experience with comparable collections.
Pro tip: Paying for upgraded protection and professional crating is almost always worth it to safeguard items that can't be replaced.
Top antiques & fine art movers from Chicago, IL to Virginia Beach, VA
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): Most experienced mover
- Mighty Moving & Storage
- STI Moving & Storage Inc.
rating
4.9 / 5
Piano movers from Chicago, IL to Virginia Beach, VA
Moving a piano on its own from Chicago, Illinois, to Virginia Beach, Virginia, typically costs between $848 and $3,710. Pricing depends on instrument size, stairs, distance, and what protective equipment is required.
Modern Piano Moving is our top pick for careful, properly equipped piano transport.
Explore additional top-rated piano movers
Pro tip: If your piano is part of a larger move, bundling it with professional movers typically reduces your overall transportation cost.
Average cost by piano type:
- Upright piano: $848 and $1,590
- Baby grand piano: $1,272 and $2,650
- Grand piano: $1,908 and $3,710
Pool table movers from Illinois to Virginia
Pool table moving costs from Chicago, IL, to Virginia Beach, VA, generally range from $270-$1,350 for long-distance transport. Three-piece slate models are easier and often cheaper to relocate than one-piece versions. Expect added labor charges if stairs or tight spaces are involved. If you want experienced help moving a pool table from Chicago, IL, to Virginia Beach, VA, our recommendation is SOLO®.
Pro tip: Because pool tables must be precisely leveled after transport, professional setup ensures proper performance and longevity.
Prices vary, but here are some average costs for pool table moving:
- 6-7 ft. table: $135-$360
- 8-9 ft. table: $360-$630
- 10-12 ft. table: $360-$900
Hot tub movers from Chicago, IL to Virginia Beach, VA
Hot tubs require specialized handling because of their size, weight (500-900 pounds), and integrated electrical systems. Most interstate hot tub moves from Chicago, Illinois, to Virginia Beach, Virginia, run between $689 and $2,120. For experienced spa relocation on this route, our choice is Platinum Hot Tub Movers.
Pro tip: Professional reinstallation and leveling by an experienced crew helps prevent leaks, electrical faults, and costly repairs after delivery.
Wine collection movers from Chicago, IL to Virginia Beach, VA
Specialty wine transport from Chicago, Illinois, to Virginia Beach, Virginia, protects against heat exposure, vibration, and breakage. Most long-distance wine shipments cost between $318 and $15,900+. For reliable wine collection transport, we recommend The Wine Mover.
Pro tip: For valuable collections, confirm the insurance limits upfront and make sure your declared value fully reflects your total inventory.
Sample pricing by quantity:
- 10 cases: $318 and $636
- 100 cases: $1,590 and $3,180
- 1,000+ cases: $8,480 and $15,900+
Pet transport companies from Chicago, IL to Virginia Beach, VA
When relocating a pet independently isn't practical, specialty transport services offer well-structured ground, air, and concierge options. Most long-distance pet moves from Chicago, Illinois, to Virginia Beach, Virginia, cost between $318 and $3,710+, depending on service level, crate size, and any medical considerations.
For professional pet relocation on this route, Airpets International stands out for reliable, specialized service. Check out our full list of recommended pet shipping companies
Pro tip: Schedule a vet check before booking travel. A current health certificate helps prevent delays at boarding and keeps the process moving smoothly.
How much pet moving services typically cost:
- Standard long-distance: $318 and $742
- Private/VIP long-distance: $2,120 and $4,240
- Domestic air: $530 and $2,120
- Flight nanny: $530 and $1,590
Our take
For a move from Chicago, IL, to Virginia Beach, VA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,222 for a studio to $8,970 for a 4–5 bedroom home on the 899-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,334–$4,443. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $744–$1,890, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Of the full-service options on this route, Safeway Moving is our top overall pick, with an average quote of $4,300 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
FAQ
What is the best time of year to move from Chicago, IL to Virginia Beach, VA?
Fall and winter, roughly October through March, are consistently the most affordable times to move from Chicago, Illinois, to Virginia Beach, Virginia. Fewer people are relocating during those months, which means lower prices, better availability, and more leverage when negotiating with movers.
Summer is the most expensive time to move, with peak demand running from mid-May through mid-September. If your schedule allows any flexibility, even shifting your move a few weeks earlier or later than the summer rush can save you a noticeable amount.
How much does moving from Chicago, IL to Virginia Beach, VA cost?
Rental trucks start at $744 for a move from Chicago to Virginia Beach, making them roughly 50% cheaper than full-service movers for a 1-bedroom apartment.
The price range for this route is $2,222 on the low end to $8,970 on the high end. A studio or small apartment using a rental truck is going to land near the bottom, while a large home with a full-service crew will land near the top.
What is the cheapest way to move from Chicago, IL to Virginia Beach, VA?
For budget-conscious movers on the 899-mile route from Chicago to Virginia Beach, rental trucks are the lowest-cost option at $744, about 50% less than full-service movers for a comparable 1-bedroom move.
Before you commit, factor in everything that gets added on top including gas, mileage charges, equipment, and hotel stays if the drive from Chicago, Illinois, to Virginia Beach, Virginia, requires an overnight stop. Those costs add up, and the final total is often closer to other options than it first appears.
What tips should I follow when moving from Chicago, IL to Virginia Beach, VA?
Reducing your shipment by 500 pounds, roughly the equivalent of decluttering one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200–$400 on a full-service move on this route.
Staying organized throughout the process matters just as much. A detailed moving checklist keeps you on schedule, helps you avoid last-minute mistakes, and makes the whole experience considerably less overwhelming.
How long does a move from Chicago, IL to Virginia Beach, VA take?
Full-service and container moves on this route typically take 5-7 days from pickup to delivery. Carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction, which is what keeps transit times and costs in a reasonable range.
Freight trailers are the fastest delivery option on this route outside of driving a rental truck yourself, and they tend to have more consistent delivery windows than full-service movers. Just keep in mind that freight works best when you're ready to receive your shipment on the other end.
If you need storage or your move-in isn't locked in yet, a container or full-service mover gives you more flexibility. Driving a rental truck from Chicago, Illinois, to Virginia Beach, Virginia, puts the timeline entirely in your hands.
