($1,693+) Chesapeake, VA to Modesto, CA Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Chesapeake, VA to Modesto, CA

Moving from Chesapeake, VA, to Modesto, CA, runs anywhere from $1,744 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $13,081 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,938 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 21 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 $2,732, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $13,081 or more.
  • Moving containers run $2,173 - $7,752, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,744 - $4,992.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chesapeake, VA, to Modesto, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $4,246 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Chesapeake, VA to Modesto, CA

Moving options from Chesapeake to Modesto fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $4,246 - $8,276 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 2,938 miles, this route usually takes 7 to 21 days from pickup to delivery.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,938-mile route from Chesapeake to Modesto, broken down by home size:

  • Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,732 - $6,402, container $2,173 - $4,072, rental truck $1,744 - $3,317, freight trailer $1,936 - $3,592.
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $4,246 - $8,276, container $2,601 - $5,731, rental truck $1,926 - $3,988, freight trailer $2,277 - $4,585.
  • 4+ bedrooms: full-service $7,679 - $13,081, container $3,855 - $7,752, rental truck $2,224 - $4,992, freight trailer $3,055 - $6,015.

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Chesapeake, VA to Modesto, CA

A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 2,938-mile move from Chesapeake, Virginia, to Modesto, California, with prices running from $2,732 - $13,081. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $326 - $2,176 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Chesapeake and Modesto are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Chesapeake movers tend to run around $290 as a base rate plus $125/hour per mover, for comparison.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chesapeake to Modesto:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,732 - $6,402
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,246 - $8,276
  • 4+ bedrooms: $7,679 - $13,081

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 Chesapeake to Modesto.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Virginia to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.

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Specialty moving services from Chesapeake, VA to Modesto, CA

Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Chesapeake movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Modesto, 79% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$544 - $5,440
Storage in transitNew place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$218 - $1,306/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$326 - $2,611
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage43% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs62% of local movers$1,088 - $3,264
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,720 - $10,880
Car shippingSecond vehicle$815 - $1,548
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items48% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Atlantic Beach Movers$1,088 - $2,720
PianoAny piano type81% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$870 - $3,808
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling29% of local movers$326 - $1,632
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect24% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Apple Moving $707 - $2,176
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$326 - $16,320+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$326 - $3,808+

What are the best full-service movers from Chesapeake to Modesto?

Look for California Moving & Storage Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in California beyond this list.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Chesapeake, VA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.

Moving container costs from Chesapeake, VA to Modesto, CA

Moving containers from Chesapeake, Virginia, to Modesto, California, cost between $2,173 and $7,752. 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 Modesto. If you go over that window, storage in Chesapeake adds around $100/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chesapeake to Modesto:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,173 - $4,072
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,601 - $5,731
  • 4+ bedrooms: $3,855 - $7,752

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Access: Most major container brands operate in both Chesapeake, VA and Modesto, CA. 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 $762 in Chesapeake, VA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $82 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $163 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 Virginia to California 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 $2,173. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,601 - $5,731, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Chesapeake to Modesto?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake:

  • TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.4/5), 9 years in business
  • Atlantic Beach Movers (4.7/5), 20 years in business
  • Tidal Town Moving (4.9/5), 6 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Chesapeake, VA to Modesto, CA

A rental truck for this 2,938-mile move from Chesapeake, Virginia, to Modesto, California, costs between $1,744 and $4,992. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:

  • Fuel for the drive: $1,017 - $1,162
  • Daily insurance: $33/day
  • Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
  • Chesapeake daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Chesapeake to Modesto based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,744 - $3,317
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,926 - $3,988
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,224 - $4,992

Pro tip: A rental truck from Chesapeake to Modesto looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,744 - $4,992. But once you factor in fuel ($1,017 - $1,162) , overnight lodging ($163/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 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?

  • Gas: Fuel adds $1,017 - $1,162 for the 2,938-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 Chesapeake, Virginia, for about 5 hours typically costs around $762.
  • Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
  • Lodging: The 2,938-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $163 per night, adding $326 - $490 in hotel costs total.
  • Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $54 and $326.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Chesapeake to Modesto?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Chesapeake, VA to Modesto, CA

Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Chesapeake, Virginia, to Modesto, California. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.

Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $2,277 and $4,585.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chesapeake to Modesto:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,936 - $3,592
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,277 - $4,585
  • 4+ bedrooms: $3,055 - $6,015

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 Chesapeake, Virginia, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $762.
  • More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $82 and $163 per foot.

What are the best freight companies from Chesapeake to Modesto?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Sysco Hampton Roads, Inc. (4.58/5 stars): Sysco Hampton Roads, 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: Chesapeake, VA vs Modesto, CA

Chesapeake and Modesto land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 104 in Chesapeake and 116 in Modesto, and rent tracks closely too ($1,800/mo vs. $1,800/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (21 vs 48) and safety scores (70.88 vs 34.24) come out about the same too.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Modesto, CA to Chesapeake, VA guide.

Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:

We've processed 10 real quotes from Virginia to California 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 104 movers in our Virginia network to compare for this 2,938-mile move.

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Our take

The 2,938-mile move from Chesapeake, VA, to Modesto, CA, costs between $2,732 and $13,081 with full-service movers, $2,173 - $7,752 with a moving container, and $1,744 - $4,992 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 $4,246 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 Save Mart Supermarkets and Sutter Central Valley Hospitals.

FAQs: Moving from Chesapeake, VA, to Modesto, CA

How much does it cost to move from Chesapeake, VA to Modesto, CA?

Costs on this route range from around $2,732 to $13,081, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,732 and $13,081, 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 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.

What do local movers charge in Chesapeake?

Local movers based in Chesapeake typically start around $290 as a base rate, plus $125/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 Modesto run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.

How do I know a mover is licensed in California?

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.

What are the best neighborhoods in Modesto?

For families, Del Rio, Dutch Hollow, and La Loma are worth a look in Modesto. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown Modesto, College Area, and McHenry Village tend to be popular picks instead.

What percentage of Chesapeake movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 81% of movers in Chesapeake handle piano moves, and 48% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.