($334+) Philadelphia, PA to Norfolk, VA Movers
Moving from Philadelphia, PA, to Norfolk, VA, runs anywhere from $324 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,136 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 276 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 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 $1,038, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $6,136 or more.
- Moving containers run $901 - $2,817, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $324 - $852.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Philadelphia, PA, to Norfolk, VA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,623 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 Philadelphia, PA to Norfolk, VA
Moving options from Philadelphia to Norfolk fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $1,623 - $4,451 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 276 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 4 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 276-mile route from Philadelphia to Norfolk, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,038 - $3,473 | $901 - $1,635 | $324 - $563 | $787 - $1,373 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,623 - $4,451 | $1,083 - $2,248 | $355 - $660 | $921 - $1,816 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,177 - $6,136 | $1,444 - $2,817 | $406 - $852 | $1,263 - $2,189 |
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 Philadelphia, PA to Norfolk, VA
For the 276-mile move from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Norfolk, Virginia, full-service movers cost between $1,038 and $6,136. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $296 - $1,976 (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 Philadelphia generally start around $282 plus $130 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Philadelphia to Norfolk:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,038 - $3,473
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,623 - $4,451
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,177 - $6,136
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 Philadelphia to Norfolk.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Pennsylvania 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 Philadelphia, PA to Norfolk, VA
Specialty needs vary by market — 90% of Philadelphia 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 packing97% of local movers | $494 - $4,940 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready90% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $198 - $1,186/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $296 - $2,371 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage36% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs39% of local movers | $988 - $2,964 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,470 - $9,880 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $740 - $1,406 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items59% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Nicky's Moving & Storage | $988 - $2,470 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $790 - $3,458 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling38% of local movers | $296 - $1,482 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Keep It Moving, LLC | $642 - $1,976 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $296 - $14,820+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $296 - $3,458+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Philadelphia to Norfolk?
All three below meet the standards set by the Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association, the group most Virginia movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
How much do local movers cost in Philadelphia, PA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Philadelphia to Norfolk with a local mover averages $1,575 - $4,318. Working with a local mover based in Philadelphia, PA often costs less than hiring a national carrier on routes under 500 miles. Shorter routes come with lower fuel overhead and simpler logistics, and local movers can offer more direct communication and quicker booking windows.
The tradeoff is that smaller companies may lack the infrastructure for longer hauls. Verify proper interstate licensing and relevant experience before signing anything.
Zip to Zip Moving Inc (4.44/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Philadelphia, based on our analysis of feedback from 278 customers, 97.8% of which is positive.
Address: 558 W Uwchlan Ave, Exton, PA, 19341 | Founded: 2020
Moving container costs from Philadelphia, PA to Norfolk, VA
Moving containers from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Norfolk, Virginia, cost between $901 and $2,817. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Philadelphia runs about $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Philadelphia to Norfolk:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $901 - $1,635
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,083 - $2,248
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,444 - $2,817
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Philadelphia, PA 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 $692 in Philadelphia, PA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $74 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $148 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 Pennsylvania 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 $901. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,083 - $2,248, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia:
- Transtar Moving Systems (4.9/5), 64 years in business
- Keep It Moving, LLC (4.2/5), 20 years in business
- Superior Moving & Storage (4.3/5), 45 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Philadelphia, PA to Norfolk, VA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 276 miles from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Norfolk, Virginia, running $324 - $852. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $87 - $99
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Philadelphia daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.89 - $0.99
| 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 Philadelphia to Norfolk based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $324 - $563
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $355 - $660
- 4+ bedrooms: $406 - $852
Pro tip: The base rate of $324 - $852 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Philadelphia to Norfolk. Fuel ($87 - $99) , lodging at around $148/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?
- Gas: Fuel adds $87 - $99 for the 276-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for about 5 hours typically costs around $692.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 276-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $148 per night, adding $296 - $445 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $49 and $296.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia, PA to Norfolk, VA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Norfolk, Virginia, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $921 and $1,816.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Philadelphia to Norfolk:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $787 - $1,373
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $921 - $1,816
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,263 - $2,189
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
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 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $692.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $74 and $148 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Philadelphia to Norfolk?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- Pipco Transportation, Inc. (4.66/5 stars): Pipco Transportation, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Philadelphia, PA vs Norfolk, VA
Good news for your budget: Norfolk isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Philadelphia. Cost of living index runs 91 there against 104 here, and rent, income, and tax rates all fall in a comparable band. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores land in a similar range too - 75/100 and 33.91/100 here versus 46/100 and 41.9/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Norfolk, VA to Philadelphia, PA guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Pennsylvania to Virginia, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 106 movers licensed in Pennsylvania, useful context for sizing up this 276-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Philadelphia, PA, to Norfolk, VA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,038 for a studio to $6,136 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 276-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $901 - $2,817. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $324 - $852, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $1,623 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include CMA CGM and Norfolk Southern Railway.
FAQs: Moving from Philadelphia, PA, to Norfolk, VA
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 do local movers charge in Philadelphia?
Local movers based in Philadelphia typically start around $282 as a base rate, plus $130/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 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 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
How much does it cost to move from Philadelphia, PA to Norfolk, VA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,038 to $6,136, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,038 and $6,136, 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 is the cheapest way to move from Philadelphia, PA 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 $355 - $660. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Philadelphia movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in Philadelphia handle piano moves, and 59% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
