($318+) Philadelphia, PA to Norfolk, VA Movers
Moving from Philadelphia, PA, to Norfolk, VA, runs anywhere from $318 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,741 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ 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 $943, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $5,741 or more.
- Moving containers run $835 - $2,585, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $318 - $790.
- 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 $1,534 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. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $1,534 - $4,162 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 27% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 78% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 276 miles and typically takes 1 to 4 days.
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:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $943 - $3,350 with full-service movers, $835 - $1,471 with a container, $318 - $576 with a rental truck, or $736 - $1,418 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $1,534 - $4,162 full-service, $1,120 - $2,125 by container, $332 - $643 by rental truck, or $896 - $1,634 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $2,035 - $5,741 full-service, $1,493 - $2,585 by container, $411 - $790 by rental truck, or $1,114 - $2,047 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Philadelphia, PA to Norfolk, VA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 276-mile move from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Norfolk, Virginia, with costs ranging from $943 - $5,741. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $296 - $1,976. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Philadelphia and Norfolk. Local movers in Philadelphia typically start around $282 as a base rate plus $130/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Philadelphia to Norfolk:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $943 - $3,350
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,534 - $4,162
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,035 - $5,741
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.
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.
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Specialty moving services from Philadelphia, PA to Norfolk, VA
Specialty needs vary by market: 55% of Philadelphia 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 packing72% of local movers | $494 - $4,940 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready55% of local movers60% 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 coverage10% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs48% 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 items27% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $988 - $2,470 |
| Piano | Any piano type34% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $790 - $3,458 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling8% of local movers | $296 - $1,482 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Ramsey's Moving System | $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?
Look for Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Virginia beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
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 $1,488 - $4,038. For moves under 500 miles, local movers in Philadelphia, PA can be a smart choice. Many use hourly pricing models that may reduce your total compared to what a national carrier would charge, and tighter coverage areas often mean faster turnaround and more hands-on communication.
That said, licensing requirements still apply. Make sure any company you're considering is properly licensed for interstate moves for the route you need.
Zip to Zip Moving Inc (4.56/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Philadelphia, based on our analysis of feedback from 1,563 customers, 99.3% 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 $835 and $2,585. 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 Norfolk. If you go over that window, storage in Philadelphia adds around $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Philadelphia to Norfolk:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $835 - $1,471
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,120 - $2,125
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,493 - $2,585
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Philadelphia, PA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $692, 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 $74 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $148 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Philadelphia, PA, and Norfolk, 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 costs 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 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 $835. 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 $1,120 - $2,125.
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:
- Superior Moving & Storage (4.3/5), 45 years in business
- Flex Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 4 years in business
- Payless Moving Inc. (4.5/5), 17 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Philadelphia, PA to Norfolk, VA
Renting a moving truck for the 276-mile move from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Norfolk, Virginia, costs between $318 and $790, before these typical add-ons:
- 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: $318 - $576
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $332 - $643
- 4+ bedrooms: $411 - $790
Pro tip: A rental truck from Philadelphia to Norfolk looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $318 - $790. But once you factor in fuel ($87 - $99), overnight lodging ($148/night), meals, and equipment rentals, the total adds up to more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $74 and $346.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $148.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $87 and $99 for the 276-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $692 for 2 movers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
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. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $896 and $1,634.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Philadelphia to Norfolk:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $736 - $1,418
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $896 - $1,634
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,114 - $2,047
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
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.
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: 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. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 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 moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Pennsylvania to Virginia, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Pennsylvania alone has 235 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 276-mile move like this one.
Our take
The 276-mile move from Philadelphia, PA, to Norfolk, VA, costs between $943 and $5,741 with full-service movers, $835 - $2,585 with a moving container, and $318 - $790 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 $1,534 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 Philadelphia, PA, to Norfolk, VA
What are the best neighborhoods in Norfolk?
For families, North Ghent, Ghent, and Virginia Beach are worth a look in Norfolk. If you're moving solo or without kids, East Ghent, North Ghent, and Ghent tend to be popular picks instead.
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 4 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 $318 to $5,741, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $943 and $5,741, 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 percentage of Philadelphia movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 34% of movers in Philadelphia handle piano moves, and 27% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.