Quick answer: A typical 196-mile move from Chapel Hill to Norfolk runs $270–$4,054 and takes one to two days. Price and timing vary based on how much stuff you are moving, move date, and choice of DIY or full-service.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Norfolk to Chapel Hill guide.

Our track recordtoggle

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Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

Best movers by type

Choosing an interstate mover from Chapel Hill, NC, to Norfolk, VA, isn’t as simple as picking the first name you find. In Chapel Hill, there are 27 companies that can handle that route, each with their own approach, pricing, and service style.

Our team took a close look at every interstate mover in Chapel Hill, examining service options, costs, and what customers are actually saying in reviews. The result is a carefully curated list of the best long-distance movers in Chapel Hill you can trust with your Chapel Hill to Norfolk relocation.

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Professional
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Best professional movers from Chapel Hill to Norfolk

When you’d rather skip the packing tape, heavy lifting, and scheduling hassles for your interstate move from Chapel Hill to Norfolk, full-service movers are the answer. They manage every step so you can keep your attention on the big decisions and the excitement of the move.

Here are our picks for the most reliable full-service movers ready to take you from Chapel Hill to Norfolk without the headaches.

Safeway Moving
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
American Van Lines
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans

What moving services are available in Chapel Hill?toggle

Markets differ, and so do mover offerings. Scan this table to compare Chapel Hill with the broader NC landscape and national totals, helping you spot services that are common versus those that might be tougher to find.

Service Chapel Hill (Count) Chapel Hill (%) North Carolina (Count) North Carolina (%) National (Count) National (%)
Packing & Materials
Packing 28 100% 111 97% 2836 98%
Unpacking 28 100% 110 96% 2801 97%
Fragile-only packing 7 25% 29 25% 718 25%
Packing materials 21 75% 80 70% 1684 58%
Storage
Storage 24 86% 88 77% 2502 87%
Climate-controlled storage 10 36% 34 30% 976 34%
Specialty Handling
Custom crating 13 46% 62 54% 1887 65%
Art 8 29% 41 36% 1401 48%
Antiques 8 29% 38 33% 1401 48%
Piano 20 71% 78 68% 2176 75%
Hot tub 7 25% 20 17% 670 23%
Pool table 10 36% 36 31% 944 33%

How we chose the best moving companies for your NC to VA movetoggle

moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 85 North Carolina movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

Local movers servicing Chapel Hill to Norfolk moves

Searching for a dependable local mover in Chapel Hill that also provides long-distance services to Norfolk can feel overwhelming. Many companies make similar promises, but not all live up to them.

That's where we come in — we've analyzed local movers in Chapel Hill who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.

Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Chapel Hill to Norfolk.

  1. Miracle Movers: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  2. Athens Moving Experts: 4.86 out of 5 stars
  3. Bellhop Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  4. All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  5. The Armstrong Company: 4.62 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/MiracleMoversRaleigh/, https://twitter.com/MMRaleigh
82% of all reviews were positive
17% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Smooth moves and satisfied customers paint Miracle Movers as a standout among moving companies—of 255 reviews, 82.4% shine with positive feedback. Customers consistently praise the efficient service, careful handling, professional crews, speedy moves, and clear communication. Many note the company excels at protecting belongings and making stressful transitions feel easy.
On the other hand, the most consistent complaints are about damage to household items, slow or lacking responses to claims, and occasional unexpected or higher charges at billing. Despite these issues, negative comments account for less than one-fifth of feedback, considerably lower than industry averages. For most clients, Miracle Movers reliably delivers a prompt, safe move with friendly staff, putting it well ahead of many competitors who struggle with service consistency and trust.
Show more
Get a Quote (919) 656-4043

Company Info

State license #: 2894

Years in Business: 19

DOT #: 2461529

Alternate Names: Miracle Movers of Raleigh, LLC


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
https://www.facebook.com/athensmovingexperts, https://twitter.com/athensmovingexp
94% of all reviews were positive
5% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Athens Moving Experts gets top marks from customers who appreciate reliable, courteous, and hardworking crews. Nearly 94% of feedback is positive across 334 reviews. People routinely mention how efficiently the teams work, how carefully they handle belongings, and how friendly and communicative they are throughout the process.
Fair pricing stands out as another frequent highlight compared to competitors. A few clients, however, report issues such as damaged or poorly packed items, especially during busy or larger moves. Some negative input also cites crews lacking experience or rushing, which led to mistakes. In the rare neutral reviews, most concerns relate to minor service lapses or pandemic-related policy misunderstandings rather than major moving problems. Athens’s consistent reputation for speed, respectful service, and professionalism places them ahead of most local movers, but a small number of clients wish for even greater attention to packing quality and oversight during complex jobs.
Show more
Get a Quote (919) 760-7774

Company Info

State license #: 2657

Years in Business: 8

DOT #: 3205320


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
53% of all reviews were positive
47% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Bellhop Moving stands out for movers who work quickly, handle items with care, and maintain a friendly, professional attitude. Over half the feedback highlights a smooth, efficient moving process. Customers appreciate reliable scheduling, approachable staff, and fast service—traits that compare well to industry standards.
Some clients, though, face problems like damaged belongings, unexpected charges, or late arrivals. Main complaints point to carelessness with items, delays, and surprise fees. A number of customers also had trouble with customer service responsiveness during issues. While many would recommend Bellhop for efficient, courteous movers, those with damaged goods or billing issues experienced significant frustration. Out of 32 customer inputs, 53% were positive, suggesting the company often delivers strong results but still has areas needing improvement.
Show more
Get a Quote (919) 246-4318

Company Info

State license #: 2934

Years in Business: 14

DOT #: 2878240

Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving Services


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/AllMySons/, https://twitter.com/allmysonsmoving
43% of all reviews were positive
55% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving day stories with All My Sons Moving & Storage sway more negative than positive, based on 539 pieces of customer feedback—only 43% were favorable. Customers praised efficient service, professional interactions, and movers who worked quickly, handled belongings with care, and remained courteous under pressure. Many also valued the upbeat attitude of staff, and the careful attention to fragile items.
Yet, complaints stand out: over half the input points to repeated issues like damaged items, surprise costs, and poor company communication. People described feeling frustrated with broken furniture, unplanned extra fees, and lack of reliable updates or follow-up when things went wrong. Compared to other well-reviewed movers in the region, All My Sons struggles with service consistency. Positive experiences can be top-notch, but negative incidents with accountability and transparency are far too common for a professional moving company. Those considering this company should be vigilant about extra charges and check all belongings for damage before signing off at the end of a move.
Show more
Get a Quote (919) 626-8854

Company Info

State license #: 2261

Years in Business: 26

DOT #: 902281


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/GoArmstrongRaleigh, https://twitter.com/Arm_Raleigh
83% of all reviews were positive
15% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving made easy sums up most feedback on Armstrong Relocation. After reviewing 195 customer reviews, 83% described their experience positively. Customers praise the professionalism and courtesy of the staff, efficient and careful service, and constant communication throughout the process.
Armstrong’s teams are repeatedly recognized for protecting property, arriving promptly, and making stressful moves much simpler—attributes that help them stand out from many competitors. Several customers strongly recommend them for both local and cross-country moves. Some negative accounts, however, highlight significant issues like damaged belongings, shipment delays, and a breakdown in communication after booking. Reports of mishandled items, late deliveries, and unhelpful claim service surfaced in over 15% of feedback, which affected trust for those users. Compared to other companies, Armstrong receives more consistent positive praise for staff courtesy and care, but major problems are disruptive for some clients. Most users experienced stress-free moves, but there are still a number who cautioned against trusting valuable items to the company, especially for complex or high-value moves.
Show more
Get a Quote (919) 425-9853

Company Info

State license #: 641

Years in Business: 29

DOT #: 1170867


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card

How much does it cost to move from Chapel Hill to Norfolk?

Chapel Hill movers charge $95 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $809 - $2,904 $632 - $1,512 $232 - $418
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,361 - $4,054 $1,163 - $2,021 $270 - $499
4+ bedrooms $2,029 - $5,141 $1,479 - $2,725 $327 - $562
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 196 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

Cost to hire movers from North Carolina to Virginia

Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from North Carolina to Virginia typically costs between $809 and $2,904. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $1,361 and $4,054 when moving from NC to VA. If you're tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from North Carolina to Virginia, you're looking at costs ranging from $2,029 up to $5,141.

Cost of moving containers from North Carolina to Virginia

Moving from North Carolina to Virginia? For a small load, you'll likely pay between $632 and $1,512. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,163 to $2,021. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,479 up to $2,725. 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 North Carolina.

Cost of moving truck rentals from North Carolina to Virginia

Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you'll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.

If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $232 and $418. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $270 and $499. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You're likely looking at anywhere from $327 up to $562 for your rental truck.

These quotes include estimated fuel costs.

Factors influencing moving costs from Chapel Hill to Norfolktoggle

The cost of Chapel Hill movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Chapel Hill to Norfolk can be as low as $809 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $4,857.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chapel Hill so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $232 to $572. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Chapel Hill to Norfolk

Norfolk typically comes with higher living costs — around 23% more for singles and 16% more for families than Chapel Hill.

Singles pay roughly $2,769 vs. $2,248; families average $5,552 vs. $4,790.

Check the breakdown below to see where the increases show up:

Chapel Hill Norfolk
Average 1 BR rent $1,325 $1,875
Average 3 BR rent $3,433 $2,492
Average home value $592,460 $283,890
Average income (per capita) $65,621 $63,484
Unemployment rate 3.2% 7.3%
Sales tax 7.5% 6.0%
State income tax 4.5% 5.75%
  • Rent prices in Norfolk are 23% lower than in Chapel Hill, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Norfolk.
    Home prices in Norfolk are 52.1% lower than in Chapel Hill.
  • Income in Norfolk is 3.3% lower than in Chapel Hill, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Norfolk — including CMA CGM, Norfolk Southern Railway, and PRA Group — may pay more.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Norfolk, since the cost of living for a single person in Norfolk is 23.2% higher than in Chapel Hill. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If you're moving your family to Norfolk, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Norfolk is 15.9% higher than in Chapel Hill.
  • The unemployment rate in Norfolk is 128.13% higher than in Chapel Hill.
  • You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Norfolk, since the city's sales taxes in Norfolk are 20.00% lower than in Chapel Hill.
  • State income taxes in Norfolk are 27.78% higher than in Chapel Hill.

Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Chapel Hill and Norfolk:

Chapel Hill Norfolk
Basic utilities $156.99 $190.88
Cell phone plan $55.25 $49.33
Dozen eggs $4.53 $4.71
Loaf of bread $4.04 $4.12
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) $15 $18.25
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) $80 $75
Gym membership $42 $40
  • Basic utilities cost less in Chapel Hill than in Norfolk, helping trim your monthly bills.
  • Cell phone plans typically cost more in Chapel Hill than in Norfolk.
  • Eggs are less expensive in Chapel Hill than in Norfolk.
  • Bread costs less in Chapel Hill than in Norfolk.
  • A quick meal is cheaper in Chapel Hill than in Norfolk.
  • A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Chapel Hill than in Norfolk.
  • Gym memberships cost more in Chapel Hill than in Norfolk.

How life is different in Chapel Hill vs. Norfolk

Norfolk Chapel Hill
Population 238,005 63,764
Transportation Score 6 6
Walkability score 46 34
Bike friendliness score 47 50
Crime Index 58.1 26.42
Safety Index 41.9 73.58
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • The population of Norfolk is about 273% greater than Chapel Hill, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
  • Your access to buses, shuttles, trams, or trains in Norfolk will be about the same as it currently is in Chapel Hill. The cities share a similar public transportation score, which means their transit systems are comparable in terms of how connected they are, how often they provide service, and how close they are to jobs, housing, retail and food stores, and other important locations.
  • Living in Norfolk means you'll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Chapel Hill. Norfolk is considered more walkable than Chapel Hill, with a score of 46 out of 100 versus 34 out of 100 in Chapel Hill. A city's walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • Norfolk and Chapel Hill are similarly bike-friendly based on their comparable ratings of 47 and 50 respectively. Bike-friendliness scores between 50 and 100 indicate varying levels of infrastructure to support cyclists, including bike lanes and roadway connectivity. Cities with scores under 50 are considered more car-dependent.
  • The crime rate in Norfolk is higher than in Chapel Hill, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 58.1 in Norfolk, it is 26.42 in Chapel Hill. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city's crime levels.
  • You may want to exercise more caution as you're getting used to your new surroundings in Norfolk. With a crime index of 41.9, Norfolk ranks lower in overall safety than Chapel Hill, whose index is 73.58. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
  • You can breathe easy knowing that Norfolk has better air quality than in Chapel Hill. Norfolk has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Chapel Hill. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.

Other things to consider for your Chapel Hill vs. Norfolk move

  • Weather: If you are considering a move to Norfolk, plan your move on the months of May, October and September as these are the most pleasant months in Norfolk, while July and January are the least comfortable months.
  • HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
  • 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). Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Virginia, visit the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving Permits: While Virginia doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Norfolk without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Norfolk

Ready to relocate to Norfolk? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Norfolk.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • North Ghent
  • Ghent
  • Downtown
  • West Ghent
  • Newtown

Best neighborhoods for families

  • North Ghent
  • Ghent
  • Edgewater-Larchmont
  • West Ghent
  • East Ghent

Things to do in Norfolk

After settling into your new Virginia home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Norfolk has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Norfolk features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, Chrysler Museum of Art, Nauticus, MacArthur Memorial, and Hermitage Museum and Gardens.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city's Norfolk Botanical Garden, Pagoda & Oriental Garden, Town Point Park, and Lake Drummond — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Norfolk Tides (Baseball-International League (AAA)), Norfolk Admirals (Ice hockey), Old Dominion University (Football), or Old Dominion University (Basketball) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Chapel Hill to Norfolk?

If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Chapel Hill to Norfolk. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Chapel Hill.

When is the cheapest time to move from Chapel Hill to Norfolk?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Chapel Hill to Norfolk moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.

How long does a move from Chapel Hill to Norfolk take?

Covering 196 miles, the move from Chapel Hill, NC to Norfolk, VA typically takes one to two days. Some Chapel Hill movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Norfolk can help bridge the gap.

Need help moving a piano or antiques in Chapel Hill?

These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 20 movers in Chapel Hill provide piano moving services. 8 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 78 piano movers and 38 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2176 and 1401.

Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.

Helpful moving resources