The best local movers for Norfolk to Gainesville moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Norfolk that also handles long-distance moves to Gainesville. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 20 local movers in Norfolk who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Norfolk to Gainesville.
- Coleman Worldwide Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Apple Moving : 4.48 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.36 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 076235
Years in Business: 110
DOT #: 2897746
Alternate Names: Covan World Wide Moving, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 3786641
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Alternate Names: All My Sons Of Newport News, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 163678
Years in Business: 69
DOT #: 1934458
Alternate Names: Harrison’s Moving & Storage Co., Inc. , Harrison’s Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 3064442
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Virginia Beach
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 5223
Years in Business: 0
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Norfolk to Gainesville?
The average hourly rate for movers in Virginia is $161. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,106 – $3,347 | $700 – $1,795 | $510 – $973 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,956 – $5,112 | $1,311 – $2,463 | $524 – $1,057 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,741 – $7,495 | $1,737 – $3,162 | $661 – $1,347 |
Cost to hire movers from Norfolk to Gainesville
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Norfolk to Gainesville will cost between $1,106 and $3,347. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Norfolk to Norfolk will range from $1,956 to $5,112, and a large move from Norfolk to Gainesville will cost from $3,741 to $7,495.
Cost of moving containers from Norfolk to Gainesville
If you’re moving from Norfolk to Gainesville, expect to pay between $700 and $1,795 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,311 up to $2,463. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,737 and $3,162. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Virginia.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Norfolk to Gainesville
Renting a moving truck from Norfolk to Gainesville 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 $510 and $973. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $524 and $1,057. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $661 up to $1,347 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Norfolk to Gainesville
The cost of Norfolk movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,773, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $5,920.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Norfolk, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($510–$1,187) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Norfolk to Gainesville
Many movers find Gainesville easier on the wallet than Norfolk – roughly 38% less for singles and 37% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,727 for one person in Gainesville versus $2,769 in Norfolk. For a family of four, it’s $3,491 compared with $5,552.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Norfolk | Gainesville | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,875 | $1,444 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,492 | $3,000 |
| Average home value | $283,890 | $288,002 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,484 | $59,013 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,769 | $1,727 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,552 | $3,491 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.3% | 4.4% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 0.0% |
- Rent is estimated to be 7% higher in Gainesville compared to Norfolk; it’s essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Given that home prices are within a 5% margin between Gainesville and Norfolk, sticking to your current mortgage strategy is sensible unless you’re planning for a bigger home.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 7% lower in Gainesville compared to Norfolk.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Gainesville. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 38% lower than in Norfolk.
- Choosing to move to Gainesville can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 37% less than in Norfolk.
- Gainesville enjoys an unemployment rate that’s roughly 40% lower compared to Norfolk, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes rise by 17% in Gainesville over Norfolk, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- Florida has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Norfolk and Gainesville:
| Living Expense | Norfolk | Gainesville |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $190.88 | $310.42 |
| Cell phone plan | $49.33 | $49.22 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.71 | $4.53 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.12 | $3.70 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.25 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $65.00 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $45.25 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Norfolk than in Gainesville, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Norfolk than in Gainesville.
- Eggs cost more in Norfolk than in Gainesville.
- Bread is more expensive in Norfolk than in Gainesville.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Norfolk than in Gainesville.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Norfolk than in Gainesville.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Norfolk than in Gainesville.
How life is different in Norfolk vs. Gainesville
| Norfolk | Gainesville | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 238,005 | 141,085 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 46 | 37 |
| Bike friendliness score | 47 | 69 |
| Crime index | 58.1 | 8.0 |
| Safety index | 41.9 | 52.61 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Gainesville’s population is about 41% less than Norfolk.
- Gainesville’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Norfolk, making them very similar.
- Gainesville is less walkable than Norfolk with a score of 37 out of 100 vs Norfolk’s 46 out of 100.
- With a score of 69 out of 100, Gainesville is more bike-friendly than Norfolk, which has a score of 47 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Gainesville’s crime rate is lower than Norfolk with a score of 8.0 compared to Norfolk’s 58.1. This means that Gainesville neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Norfolk neighborhoods are safer than 58.1%.
- Gainesville is considered to be safer than Norfolk with a safety index of 52.61 vs Norfolk’s 41.9.
- Air quality in Gainesville is Good, and in Norfolk it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Norfolk to Gainesville move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: Individuals and companies engaging in for-profit local and intrastate moving within the Sunshine State must register each year with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Division of Consumer Services. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Florida moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Florida doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- 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 Gainesville. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Released Value Protection stands out as a cost-effective choice, provided by movers at no extra expense, although it comes with limited coverage. In this option, the mover’s liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. To ensure comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, consult with your chosen moving company about alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers. Secure the best protection for your belongings during the move with these tailored coverage choices.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Gainesville
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to Gainesville, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Gainesville.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Duckpond
- Midtown
- Northwest Gainesville
- Sugarfoot
- Suburban Heights
Best neighborhoods for families
- Northwest Gainesville
- Duckpond
- Haile Plantation
- Eastside
Things to do in Gainesville
Once you’re settled into your new home in Florida, it’s time to get out and discover what Gainesville has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Gainesville, such as the Florida Museum of Natural History, Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art, Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention, and Matheson History Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park, Depot Park, and Kanapaha Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Florida Gators (SEC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Norfolk to Gainesville?
The best time to move from Norfolk to Gainesville is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Norfolk.
When is the cheapest time to move from Norfolk to Gainesville?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Norfolk to Gainesville, 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 Norfolk to Gainesville take?
Moving from Norfolk, VA to Gainesville, covers 676 miles and usually takes one to six days. Need to move faster? Some Norfolk movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Gainesville.
Which movers in Norfolk give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Norfolk?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 17 movers in Norfolk advertise piano moving expertise. 9 movers in Norfolk provide antique moving services. State totals show 77 piano movers and 47 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Norfolk moving services
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