($474+) Columbus, OH to Norfolk, VA Movers
Moving from Columbus, OH, to Norfolk, VA, runs anywhere from $456 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,932 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 569 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 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 $1,349, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,932 or more.
- Moving containers run $985 - $3,289, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $456 - $1,237.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Columbus, OH, to Norfolk, VA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,213 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 Columbus, OH to Norfolk, VA
There are 3 main ways to move from Columbus 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 $2,213 - $5,723. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 569 miles, expect 1 to 6 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 569-mile route from Columbus to Norfolk, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,349 - $4,090 | $985 - $1,755 | $456 - $881 | $896 - $1,628 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,213 - $5,723 | $1,237 - $2,627 | $481 - $995 | $991 - $2,041 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,262 - $8,932 | $1,736 - $3,289 | $631 - $1,237 | $1,320 - $2,631 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Columbus, OH to Norfolk, VA
For the 569-mile move from Columbus, Ohio, to Norfolk, Virginia, full-service movers cost between $1,349 and $8,932. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $273 - $1,820 (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 Columbus generally start around $325 plus $145 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Columbus to Norfolk:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,349 - $4,090
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,213 - $5,723
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,262 - $8,932
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 Columbus to Norfolk.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Ohio to Virginia. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 Columbus, OH to Norfolk, VA
Specialty needs vary by market — 87% of Columbus movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Norfolk, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $455 - $4,550 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready87% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: All American Moving and Storage | $182 - $1,092/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $273 - $2,184 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage17% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs40% of local movers | $910 - $2,730 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,275 - $9,100 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $682 - $1,295 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items37% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: MVM Moving & Storage | $910 - $2,275 |
| Piano | Any piano type53% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: All American Moving and Storage | $728 - $3,185 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling23% of local movers | $273 - $1,365 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect23% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: E.E. Ward Moving & Storage | $592 - $1,820 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $273 - $13,650+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $273 - $3,185+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Columbus to Norfolk?
Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Virginia, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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, with 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 full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Columbus, OH. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Columbus, OH to Norfolk, VA
Moving containers from Columbus, Ohio, to Norfolk, Virginia, cost between $985 and $3,289. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Columbus typically costs about $65/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Columbus to Norfolk:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $985 - $1,755
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,237 - $2,627
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,736 - $3,289
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Columbus, OH 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 $637 in Columbus, OH, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $68 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $137 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.
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 $985. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,237 - $2,627, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 32 years in business
- EkoMovers (4.3/5), 16 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.7/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Columbus, OH to Norfolk, VA
Plan on $456 - $1,237 for a rental moving truck on the 569-mile route from Columbus, Ohio, to Norfolk, Virginia. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $165 - $188
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Columbus 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 Columbus to Norfolk based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $456 - $881
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $481 - $995
- 4+ bedrooms: $631 - $1,237
Pro tip: The base rate of $456 - $1,237 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Columbus to Norfolk. Fuel ($165 - $188) , lodging at around $137/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Columbus, Ohio, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $637.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $165 - $188 for the 569-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $55 and $296, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $137 per night for hotel stops on the 569-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $273 - $410.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Columbus 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 Columbus, OH to Norfolk, VA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Columbus, Ohio, 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 $819 and $2,041.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Columbus to Norfolk:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $896 - $1,628
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $991 - $2,041
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,320 - $2,631
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?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Columbus, Ohio, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $637.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $68 and $137 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Columbus to Norfolk?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- THE Sygma Network (4.5/5 stars): THE Sygma Network is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
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: Columbus, OH vs Norfolk, VA
Columbus and Norfolk land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 91 in Columbus and 91 in Norfolk, and rent tracks closely too ($1,441/mo vs. $1,500/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (41 vs 46) and safety scores (50.35 vs 41.9) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Norfolk, VA to Columbus, OH guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Ohio to Virginia over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 103 movers in our Ohio network to compare for this 569-mile move.
Our take
The 569-mile move from Columbus, OH, to Norfolk, VA, costs between $1,349 and $8,932 with full-service movers, $985 - $3,289 with a moving container, and $456 - $1,237 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 $2,213 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 Columbus, OH, 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 ($165 - $188), daily insurance ($27/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $18) on top. Overnight stops can add another $137/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Norfolk?
Norfolk has a walkability score of 46 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 47, compared to 41 and 48 in Columbus. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Columbus, OH to Norfolk, VA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,349 to $8,932, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,349 and $8,932, 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Columbus, OH to Norfolk, 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.
What do local movers charge in Columbus?
Local movers based in Columbus typically start around $325 as a base rate, plus $145/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Norfolk run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Columbus movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 53% of movers in Columbus handle piano moves, and 37% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
