($1,531+) Norfolk, VA to Irvine, CA Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Norfolk, VA to Irvine, CA

Moving from Norfolk, VA, to Irvine, CA, runs anywhere from $1,531 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,028 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,712 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 $2,314, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $11,028 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,893 - $6,633, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,531 - $3,998.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Norfolk, VA, to Irvine, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,742 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Norfolk, VA to Irvine, CA

Moving options from Norfolk to Irvine fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,742 - $6,900 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 34% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 55% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 2,712 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 2,712-mile route from Norfolk to Irvine, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $2,314 - $5,450 $1,893 - $3,751 $1,531 - $2,909 $1,636 - $3,245
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,742 - $6,900 $2,479 - $4,918 $1,690 - $3,395 $1,924 - $4,097
4+ bedrooms $6,770 - $11,028 $3,518 - $6,633 $1,933 - $3,998 $2,546 - $5,362

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.

Professional moving
Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Moving container
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental truck
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 trailer
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 Norfolk, VA to Irvine, CA

For the 2,712-mile move from Norfolk, Virginia, to Irvine, California, full-service movers cost between $2,314 and $11,028. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $362 - $2,412 (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 Norfolk generally start around $220 plus $89 per hour, per mover.

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

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,314 - $5,450
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,742 - $6,900
  • 4+ bedrooms: $6,770 - $11,028

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 Norfolk to Irvine.

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 Norfolk, VA to Irvine, CA

Specialty needs vary by market: 63% of Norfolk movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Irvine, 56% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing68% of local movers$603 - $6,030
Storage in transitNew place not ready63% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$241 - $1,447/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$362 - $2,894
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage14% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs44% of local movers$1,206 - $3,618
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$3,015 - $12,060
Car shippingSecond vehicle$903 - $1,716
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items24% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Atlantic Beach Movers$1,206 - $3,015
PianoAny piano type44% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage$965 - $4,221
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers$362 - $1,809
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect11% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Atlantic Beach Movers$784 - $2,412
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$362 - $18,090+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$362 - $4,221+

What are the best full-service movers from Norfolk to Irvine?

If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in California Moving & Storage Association is a good first thing to confirm.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Norfolk, VA. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.

Moving container costs from Norfolk, VA to Irvine, CA

Moving containers from Norfolk, Virginia, to Irvine, California, cost between $1,893 and $6,633. 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 Norfolk runs about $100/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Norfolk to Irvine:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,893 - $3,751
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,479 - $4,918
  • 4+ bedrooms: $3,518 - $6,633

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 Norfolk, VA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $844, 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 $90 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $181 per month.
  • Access: Most major container companies serve both Norfolk, VA, and Irvine, CA, 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 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 $1,893. 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 $2,479 - $4,918.

What are the best moving containers Norfolk to Irvine?

  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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk:

  • TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.4/5), 9 years in business
  • Atlantic Beach Movers (4.7/5), 20 years in business
  • College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 0 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Norfolk, VA to Irvine, CA

A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 2,712 miles from Norfolk, Virginia, to Irvine, California, running $1,531 - $3,998. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:

  • Fuel for the drive: $1,041 - $1,189
  • Daily insurance: $36/day
  • Equipment rentals: $8 - $24
  • Norfolk 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 Norfolk to Irvine based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,531 - $2,909
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,690 - $3,395
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,933 - $3,998

Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,531 - $3,998 does not include fuel ($1,041 - $1,189), lodging ($181/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Norfolk to Irvine typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Gas: Fuel adds $1,041 - $1,189 for the 2,712-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 Norfolk, Virginia, for about 5 hours typically costs around $844.
  • Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
  • Lodging: The 2,712-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $181 per night, adding $362 - $543 in hotel costs total.
  • Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $60 and $362.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Norfolk to Irvine?

  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 Norfolk, VA to Irvine, 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 Norfolk, Virginia, to Irvine, 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. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,924 and $4,097.

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

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,636 - $3,245
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,924 - $4,097
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,546 - $5,362

Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.

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 Norfolk, Virginia, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $844.
  • More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $90 and $181 per foot.

What are the best freight companies from Norfolk to Irvine?

  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.

Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Irvine 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: Norfolk, VA vs Irvine, CA

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Irvine, side by side with Norfolk on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Norfolk, VA Irvine, CA
Cost of living index91165
Average rent$1,500/mo$4,000/mo
Median home value$270,567$1,113,305
Average income$64,017/yr$129,647/yr
Unemployment rate7.3%5.4%
State income taxUp to 5.75%Up to 13.3%
Walkability score46/10043/100
Safety index41.9/10068.99/100
Air qualityGoodGood

Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.

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

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Our take

The 2,712-mile move from Norfolk, VA, to Irvine, CA, costs between $2,314 and $11,028 with full-service movers, $1,893 - $6,633 with a moving container, and $1,531 - $3,998 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 $3,742 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 Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America and Taco Bell.

FAQs: Moving from Norfolk, VA, to Irvine, CA

How long does a move from Norfolk, VA to Irvine, CA take?

Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 7 to 21 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.

What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?

The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($1,041 - $1,189), daily insurance ($36/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $24) on top. Overnight stops can add another $181/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

What is the cheapest way to move from Norfolk, VA to Irvine, CA?

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 $1,690 - $3,395. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

How much does it cost to move from Norfolk, VA to Irvine, CA?

Costs on this route range from around $1,531 to $11,028, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,314 and $11,028, 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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.

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

About 44% of movers in Norfolk handle piano moves, and 24% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.