($202+) Durham, NC to Norfolk, VA Movers
Moving from Durham, NC, to Norfolk, VA, runs anywhere from $202 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $4,843 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 184 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 $764, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $4,843 or more.
- Moving containers run $771 - $2,245, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $202 - $462.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Durham, NC, to Norfolk, VA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,224 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 Durham, NC to Norfolk, VA
There are 3 main ways to move from Durham 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 $1,224 - $3,752. Containers cost roughly 23% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 82% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 184 miles, expect 1 to 2 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 184-mile route from Durham to Norfolk, 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 $764 - $3,092 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($771 - $1,321), rental truck ($202 - $338), or freight trailer ($653 - $1,178). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $1,224 - $3,752 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $4,843.
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 Durham, NC to Norfolk, VA
For the 184-mile move from Durham, North Carolina, to Norfolk, Virginia, full-service movers cost between $764 and $4,843. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $287 - $1,916 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Durham generally start around $240 plus $122 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Durham to Norfolk:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $764 - $3,092
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,224 - $3,752
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,668 - $4,843
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 Durham to Norfolk.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from North Carolina to Virginia. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Durham, NC to Norfolk, VA
Specialty needs vary by market: 59% of Durham 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 packing74% of local movers | $479 - $4,790 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready59% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Truckin' Movers Corporation | $192 - $1,150/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $287 - $2,299 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage21% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs61% of local movers | $958 - $2,874 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,395 - $9,580 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $718 - $1,363 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items32% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Truckin' Movers Corporation | $958 - $2,395 |
| Piano | Any piano type51% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Truckin' Movers Corporation | $766 - $3,353 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $287 - $1,437 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Athens Moving Experts | $623 - $1,916 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $287 - $14,370+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $287 - $3,353+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Durham 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.
How much do local movers cost in Durham, NC?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Durham to Norfolk with a local mover averages $1,200 - $3,677. Shorter moves don't always call for a national van line, and local moving companies in Durham, NC often offer competitive pricing on nearby routes. Smaller crews and regional focus translate to lower overhead and more scheduling flexibility.
Just make sure they're properly licensed for interstate moves and equipped to handle the full distance.
Flex Moving & Storage (4.36/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Durham, based on our analysis of feedback from 398 customers, 93.0% of which is positive.
Address: 4417 Hillsborough Rd, Durham, NC, 27705 | Founded: 2023
Moving container costs from Durham, NC to Norfolk, VA
Moving containers from Durham, North Carolina, to Norfolk, Virginia, cost between $771 and $2,245. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Durham costs roughly $100/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Durham to Norfolk:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $771 - $1,321
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $944 - $1,807
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,322 - $2,245
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Durham, NC and Norfolk, VA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $671 in Durham, NC, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $72 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $144 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a North Carolina 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 $771. 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 $944 - $1,807.
What are the best moving containers Durham 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 Durham 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 Durham:
- Athens Moving Experts (4.9/5), 9 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 28 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.1/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Durham, NC to Norfolk, VA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 184 miles from Durham, North Carolina, to Norfolk, Virginia, running $202 - $462. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $56 - $64
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Durham daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.89
| 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 Durham to Norfolk based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $202 - $338
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $224 - $395
- 4+ bedrooms: $274 - $462
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Durham to Norfolk starts at $202 - $462, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($56 - $64), overnight lodging ($144/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $144 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 $62 and $311 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $56 - $64 in fuel for the 184-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $671 in Durham, North Carolina, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Durham 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 Durham, NC to Norfolk, VA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Durham, North Carolina, to Norfolk, Virginia. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $862 and $1,431.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Durham to Norfolk:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $653 - $1,178
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $739 - $1,431
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,018 - $1,690
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Durham, North Carolina, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $671.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $72 - $144 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Durham to Norfolk?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
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: Durham, NC vs Norfolk, VA
Durham and Norfolk land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 99 in Durham and 91 in Norfolk, and average rent is $1,699/mo vs. $1,500/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 30 vs 46 and safety scores are 45.28 vs 41.9.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Norfolk, VA to Durham, NC guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from North Carolina 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 313 movers in North Carolina, so you have real options to compare for this 184-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Durham, NC, to Norfolk, VA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $764 - $4,843 on the 184-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $771 - $2,245 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $202 - $462 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $1,224 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include CMA CGM and Norfolk Southern Railway.
FAQs: Moving from Durham, NC, to Norfolk, VA
How long does a move from Durham, NC to Norfolk, VA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 2 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($56 - $64), daily insurance ($29/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $144/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Durham, NC to Norfolk, VA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $224 - $395. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Durham, NC to Norfolk, VA?
Costs on this route range from around $202 to $4,843, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $764 and $4,843, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
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.
What percentage of Durham movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 51% of movers in Durham handle piano moves, and 32% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.