Quick answer: A typical 438-mile move from Charleston to Chesapeake runs $455–$5,510 and takes one to four 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 Chesapeake to Charleston guide.
Our track record
Best movers by type
There are 3 interstate moving companies in Charleston, so figuring out which one is best for your move from Charleston, SC, to Chesapeake, VA, can feel overwhelming. You’ll also need to decide whether to hire professional full-service movers or take a more DIY approach.
Not to worry — we’ve made the process easier for you. We compared each mover by key factors like service options and cost, and analyzed customer feedback in online reviews. Using our research, we have narrowed the list of Charleston companies to only the best long-distance movers in Charleston, no matter what type of move you’re planning.
Professional
|
Container
|
Rental truck
|
Labor only
|
Best professional movers from Charleston to Chesapeake
A full-service mover can make your interstate relocation from Charleston to Chesapeake far less complicated. From wrapping and packing your belongings to transporting them safely, these companies cover the entire process so you can spend your time on what matters most.
Safeway Moving
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
American Van Lines
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Allied Van Lines
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Mayzlin Relocation
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
North American Van Lines
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
What moving services are available in Charleston?
How we chose the best moving companies for your SC to VA move
Local moving companies servicing Charleston to Chesapeake moves
When planning a move from Charleston to Chesapeake, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. There are plenty of companies, but which ones are actually worth it?
We've taken care of the research for you — reviewing local movers in Charleston who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Charleston to Chesapeake.
- Smooth Move Charleston: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Low Country Moving, LLC: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Reads Moving Systems of Carolina, Inc.: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Flex Moving & Storage: 4.42 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 9823
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2357653
Alternate Names: Go Smooth Move, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2362770
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
Company Info
State license #: 149-D
Years in Business: 47
DOT #: 2021301
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 2934
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhops, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 2
DOT #: 3610638
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Charleston to Chesapeake?
Charleston movers charge $134 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 | $1,083 - $3,266 | $704 - $1,743 | $405 - $825 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,952 - $5,510 | $1,313 - $2,624 | $455 - $913 |
4+ bedrooms | $3,501 - $8,045 | $1,760 - $3,194 | $595 - $1,109 |
Cost to hire movers from South Carolina to Virginia
Planning a move from South Carolina to Virginia? For a studio or one-bedroom, you'll likely pay between $1,083 and $3,266. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,952 and $5,510 for the same journey (SC to VA). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,501 to $8,045.
Cost of moving containers from South Carolina to Virginia
Moving from South Carolina to Virginia? For a small load, you'll likely pay between $704 and $1,743. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,313 to $2,624. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,760 up to $3,194. 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 South Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from South 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 $405 and $825. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $455 and $913. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You're likely looking at anywhere from $595 up to $1,109 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors influencing moving costs from Charleston to Chesapeake
What to know before moving from Charleston to Chesapeake
Looking to trim monthly costs? Chesapeake usually runs cheaper than Charleston — about 64% for singles and 54% for families.
Singles average $1,882 in Chesapeake vs. $5,300 in Charleston; families see $3,656 vs. $7,890.
The breakdown below shows where those savings appear:
- Rent prices in Chesapeake are 28% lower than in Charleston, 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 Chesapeake.
Home prices in Chesapeake are 32.9% lower than in Charleston. - You're likely to make a higher income living in Chesapeake, where incomes are, on average, 1.9% higher than in Charleston. Major employers in Chesapeake include Dollar Tree, Chesapeake City Schools, and Coast Guard Exchange System.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Chesapeake. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 64.5% lower than in Charleston.
- A move to Chesapeake can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 53.7% less than what it costs in Charleston.
- The unemployment rate in Chesapeake is 25.00% higher than in Charleston.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Chesapeake, since the city's sales taxes in Chesapeake are 33.33% lower than in Charleston.
- One perk of moving to Chesapeake is paying less in state income taxes, which are 17.86% lower than in Charleston.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Charleston and Chesapeake:
Charleston | Chesapeake | |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $156.99 | $302.5 |
Cell phone plan | $54.78 | $53.67 |
Dozen eggs | $4.55 | $3.36 |
Loaf of bread | $3.82 | $4.17 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18 | $13 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80 | $70 |
Gym membership | $29.17 | $43 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in Chesapeake, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Charleston than in Chesapeake.
- Eggs cost more in Charleston than in Chesapeake.
- Bread costs less in Charleston than in Chesapeake.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Charleston than in Chesapeake.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Charleston than in Chesapeake.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Chesapeake.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Chesapeake
Chesapeake | Charleston | |
---|---|---|
Population | 249,422 | 150,277 |
Transportation Score | 2 | 3 |
Walkability score | 21 | 40 |
Bike friendliness score | 35 | 50 |
Crime Index | 25.0 | 44.97 |
Safety Index | 70.88 | 55.03 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Chesapeake's population is about 66% greater than Charleston.
- Chesapeake's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Charleston's higher score of 3.
- Chesapeake is less walkable than Charleston with a score of 21 out of 100 vs Charleston's 40 out of 100.
- Chesapeake has a bike-friendliness score 35 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Charleston, which has a score of 50 out of 100.
- Chesapeake's crime rate is lower than Charleston with a score of 25.0 compared to Charleston's 44.97. This means that Chesapeake neighborhoods are safer than 25.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97%.
- Chesapeake is considered to be safer than Charleston with a safety index of 70.88 vs Charleston's 55.03.
- Air quality in Chesapeake is good, and in Charleston it's good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston vs. Chesapeake move
- Weather: It is advisable tp plan your relocation to Chesapeake on May, October and September are the most pleasant months in Chesapeake, while July and January are the least comfortable months.
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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). Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a Virginia moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Virginia, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Chesapeake Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Chesapeake
With your sights set on Chesapeake, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Chesapeake.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Capital District
- Central Office
- Radnor/Fort Myer Heights
- North Highland
- Ghent
Best neighborhoods for families
- Greenbrier
- Great Bridge
- Hickory
Things to do in Chesapeake
After settling into your new Virginia home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Chesapeake has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Chesapeake is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum, AR Workshop Chesapeake, and Portlock Galleries at SoNo.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Oak Grove Lake Park, Dismal Swamp Canal Trail, Northwest River Park, and Chesapeake Arboretum — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Southern Chesapeake Athletic Association (youth baseball and softball) and Oscar Smith Tigers (high school sports) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Chesapeake?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Charleston to Chesapeake. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Charleston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Chesapeake?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Charleston to Chesapeake 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 Charleston to Chesapeake take?
Covering 438 miles, the move from Charleston, SC to Chesapeake, VA typically takes one to four days. Some Charleston movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Chesapeake can help bridge the gap.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Charleston?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 4 movers in Charleston provide piano moving services. 2 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 27 piano movers and 12 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 1901 and 1176.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.