Best overall value
Local moving companies in Virginia
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Apple Moving : 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Around Town Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Coleman Worldwide Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
rating
4.8 / 5
DOT #: 2527384
Years in Business: 11
543 Central Dr Ste 220, Virginia Beach, VA 23454Two Men and a Truck has been serving the Virginia Beach, VA area with local residential moving services since 2015. Renowned for their comprehensive offerings, they provide packing, unpacking, and labor-only services, and can even handle specialty items like pianos and safes. Compared to other local movers, they stand out with an A+ Better Business Bureau rating and a stellar 4.6-star average on Google from 338 reviews, despite a less favorable 2.7-star average on Yelp. No deposit is required, making the process smooth and straightforward for clients.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2527384
- State license #: 3320644
Alternative Business Names
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Virginia Beach
All My Sons Moving & Storage
rating
4.76 / 5
DOT #: 902281
Years in Business: 24
8176 Mechanicsville Turnpike Building B, Mechanicsville, VA 23111All My Sons Moving & Storage has been a reliable option for local residential moving services in and around Mechanicsville, VA since 2000. With a strong reputation bolstered by an A rating from the Better Business Bureau and over 1,600 positive reviews on Google, it stands out among nearby moving companies. Their comprehensive offerings include packing, unpacking, and crating services, as well as the expertise to move pianos, antiques, and safes. Although a deposit is required, their professional service and range of capabilities make them a trusted choice for many. However, potential customers should note the mixed feedback on Yelp.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 902281
- State license #: 822633
Alternative Business Names
- All My Sons Moving and Storage of Richmond
Apple Moving
rating
4.72 / 5
DOT #: 1934458
Years in Business: 69
1010 Cavalier Blvd, Chesapeake, VA 23323Apple Moving, serving Chesapeake, VA since 1957, specializes in local residential moving services with a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction. Unlike many local competitors, Apple Moving also offers packing and unpacking services, adding convenience to your move. Their long history and stellar A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau highlight their reliability. Consumer reviews present a mixed picture: while their Google My Business profile boasts a strong 4.1 average from 344 reviews, Yelp reviews are less favorable with an average rating of 1.8. Overall, Apple Moving stands out for its comprehensive services and long-standing reputation, ideal for those seeking a trusted local mover.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- DOT #: 1934458
- State license #: 163678
Alternative Business Names
- Harrison's Moving & Storage Co., Inc.
- Harrison's Moving & Storage
Around Town Movers
rating
4.72 / 5
DOT #: 2294507
Years in Business: 18
101 International Dr Suite 120, Sterling, VA 20166Around Town Movers, a trusted name in Sterling, VA since 2007, specializes in local residential moving services. Unlike many nearby competitors, they boast an impressive Google My Business profile with 815 reviews averaging 4.9 stars and a stellar A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. They not only offer packing and unpacking services but also have the expertise to move delicate items like pianos and antiques. With a solid reputation and comprehensive service offerings, Around Town Movers stands out as a dependable choice for local moving needs.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2294507
- State license #: 2294507
Alternative Business Names
- Hometown Services, LLC
Coleman Worldwide Moving
rating
4.72 / 5
DOT #: 2897746
Years in Business: 110
3325 Croft St, Norfolk, VA 23513Coleman Worldwide Moving, a staple in Norfolk, VA since 1915, offers reliable local residential moving services with a century of experience backing their operations. While their Yelp profile shows mixed reviews with an average rating of 3.2, Google My Business paints a more favorable picture with a 3.9 average rating, and they boast a commendable A rating from the Better Business Bureau. In addition to local moves, Coleman Worldwide Moving handles office relocations and provides comprehensive packing and unpacking services, ensuring a smooth transition for their clients. Compared to other nearby movers, their extensive longevity and broad range of services make them a reputable choice for those looking to move within the area.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2897746
- State license #: 076235
Alternative Business Names
- Covan World Wide Moving, Inc.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from VA to CA
There are many factors that influence Virginia moving costs. The cost to move from Virginia to California will depend on these factors:
- Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
- Time of year: The peak moving season in Virginia is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.
What to know before moving from VA to CA
If you’re moving to California from Virginia, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: Virginia vs. California
| Virginia | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,440 | $1,856 |
| Average home cost | $392,682 | $771,057 |
| Average income (per capita) | $87,249 | $91,905 |
| Cost of Living Index | 0 | 134 |
| Unemployment rate | 2.9% | 5.4% |
| Average Sales Tax | 5.73% | 8.68% |
| State Income Tax | 5.75% | 13.3% |
- Rent is about 29% more expensive in California than in Virginia.
- Home prices are about 96% higher in California than in Virginia.
- The average income is about 5% higher in California than in Virginia.
- Cost of living is inf% lower in California than in Virginia.
- California has a higher unemployment rate than Virginia by about 86%.
- Sales taxes are 51% higher in California than in Virginia.
- Income taxes are 131% higher in California than in Virginia.
How life is different in California vs. Virginia
| California | Virginia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 39,029,342 | 8,715,698 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 59-41 | Democratic 52-48 |
| Summer high | 87ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 59ºF | 25ºF |
| Annual rain | 22" | 44" |
| Annual snow | 7" | 14" |
| Crime index | 28.43 | 19.3 |
- The population of California is approximately 348% greater than the population of Virginia.
- In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic and Virginia voted Democratic.
- The average high in the summertime in California is 87ºF and in Virginia, it’s 87ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, California reaches the temperature of 59ºF and Virginia gets down to 25ºF.
- You can expect about 22 inches of annual rainfall in California versus 44 inches of rainfall in Virginia.
- In California, it snows about 7 inches annually versus 14 inches of snow in Virginia.
- California has a higher crime rate than Virginia with a crime index of 28.43 vs. 19.3.
Comparing the pros of Virginia vs. California
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in California compared to Virginia.
| Pros of living in Virginia | Pros of living in California |
|---|---|
| Strong economy | Ample economic opportunity |
| Beautiful scenery | Pleasant weather |
| Abundance of outdoor activities | Abundant recreational options |
| Enjoyable four season weather | High quality of life |
| Strong military presence | Fresh and healthy foods |
Comparing the cons of living in Virginia vs. California
Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Virginia for California.
| Cons of living in Virginia | Cons of living in California |
|---|---|
| High cost of living | High cost of living |
| Unpredictable weather | Heavy tax burdens |
| Bad traffic congestion | Natural disasters |
| Lack of public transportation | Terrible traffic |
| Air noise pollution | Strange laws |
Other things to consider for your Virginia to California move
- Weather: California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- Moving permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to California. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in California
While you’re in California, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:
- Yosemite National Park
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Disneyland Park
- Big Sur Coastline
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- Death Valley National Park
- San Diego Zoo
- Lake Tahoe
- Santa Catalina Island
- Redwood National and State Parks
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Hearst Castle
- Channel Islands National Park
- Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
- The Hollywood Sign
- Lombard Street
- Venice Beach
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Griffith Observatory
- Santa Monica Pier
- Alcatraz Island
- Winchester Mystery House
- Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Solvang
- Fisherman’s Wharf
- Burney Falls
- Anza Borrego Desert State Park
- Bodie State Historic Park
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Virginia to California?
Hiring a full-service Virginia moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.
Do movers transport your car from Virginia to California?
Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from Virginia to California separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from Virginia to California?
The main reasons people are moving from Virginia to California are the amazing upsides of living in California such as ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather.
Is it cheaper to live in Virginia or California?
It is generally cheaper to live in Virginia than in California. Housing is much more affordable in Virginia, with average rent about 22% less and home prices 49% lower than in California. Taxes are also lower in Virginia, most notably income taxes, which are more than 50% less than those paid by California residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in California?
You should make approximately $74,410 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in California. The cost of living in California is approximately $3,208 per month for an individual and $8,077 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in California you live For example, larger cities like Los Angeles and Bakersfield will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.
