($589+) Norfolk, VA to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Norfolk, VA, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $571 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,084 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 890 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 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 $1,828, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,084 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,132 - $3,843, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $571 - $1,654.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Norfolk, VA, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,353 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 Chicago, IL
There are 3 main ways to move from Norfolk to Chicago: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,353 - $5,353. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 890 miles, expect 2 to 7 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 890-mile route from Norfolk to Chicago, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,828 - $4,359 | $1,132 - $1,931 | $571 - $1,111 | $1,040 - $1,829 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,353 - $5,353 | $1,384 - $2,710 | $654 - $1,415 | $1,107 - $2,280 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,909 - $7,084 | $1,881 - $3,843 | $788 - $1,654 | $1,597 - $2,809 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 6, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Norfolk, VA to Chicago, IL
For the 890-mile move from Norfolk, Virginia, to Chicago, Illinois, full-service movers cost between $1,828 and $7,084. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $291 - $1,940 (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 Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,828 - $4,359
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,353 - $5,353
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,909 - $7,084
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 Chicago.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Virginia to Illinois. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Norfolk, VA to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Norfolk movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Chicago, 93% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $485 - $4,850 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $194 - $1,164/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $291 - $2,328 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage41% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs64% of local movers | $970 - $2,910 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,425 - $9,700 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $727 - $1,380 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items45% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $970 - $2,425 |
| Piano | Any piano type82% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $776 - $3,395 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling27% of local movers | $291 - $1,455 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect23% of local movers21% nationallyTop pick: Apple Moving | $631 - $1,940 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $291 - $14,550+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $291 - $3,395+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Norfolk to Chicago?
Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Illinois, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Norfolk, VA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Norfolk, VA to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Norfolk, Virginia, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,132 and $3,843. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Norfolk typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Norfolk to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,132 - $1,931
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,384 - $2,710
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,881 - $3,843
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $73 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $146 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Chicago, IL, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $679 in Norfolk, VA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Virginia to Illinois 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 $1,132. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,384 - $2,710, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Norfolk to Chicago?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- 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
- Tidal Town Moving (4.9/5), 6 years in business
- Atlantic Beach Movers (4.7/5), 20 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Norfolk, VA to Chicago, IL
Renting a moving truck for the 890-mile move from Norfolk, Virginia, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $571 and $1,654, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $275 - $314
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Norfolk daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Norfolk to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $571 - $1,111
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $654 - $1,415
- 4+ bedrooms: $788 - $1,654
Pro tip: The base rate of $571 - $1,654 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Norfolk to Chicago. Fuel ($275 - $314) , lodging at around $146/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $73 and $340.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $146.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $275 and $314 for the 890-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $679 for 2 movers in Norfolk, Virginia, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Norfolk to Chicago?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- 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 Chicago, IL
If you're moving a larger household from Norfolk, Virginia, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Chicago, Illinois.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,107 and $2,280.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Norfolk to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,040 - $1,829
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,107 - $2,280
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,597 - $2,809
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Norfolk, Virginia, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $679.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $73 - $146 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Norfolk to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- Sysco Hampton Roads, Inc. (4.58/5 stars): Sysco Hampton Roads, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
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: Norfolk, VA vs Chicago, IL
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Chicago, side by side with Norfolk on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Norfolk, VA | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 91 | 106 |
| Average rent | $1,500/mo | $2,045/mo |
| Median home value | $270,567 | $317,509 |
| Average income | $64,017/yr | $75,134/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.3% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.75% | Up to 4.95% |
| Walkability score | 46/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 41.9/100 | 33.87/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
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 Chicago, IL to Norfolk, VA guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Virginia to Illinois, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 104 movers licensed in Virginia, useful context for sizing up this 890-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 890-mile route from Norfolk, VA, to Chicago, IL, run $1,828 - $7,084 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,132 - $3,843, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $571 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,353, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Chicago tend to point to bountiful arts and recreational activities and delicious food, though high crime rate and temperamental weather come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include U.S. Government and Chicago Public Schools.
FAQs: Moving from Norfolk, VA, to Chicago, IL
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Norfolk, VA to Chicago, IL?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
How much does it cost to move from Norfolk, VA to Chicago, IL?
Costs on this route range from around $1,828 to $7,084, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,828 and $7,084, 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.
How walkable is Chicago?
Chicago has a walkability score of 77 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 72, compared to 46 and 47 in Norfolk. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($275 - $314), daily insurance ($29/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $146/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Illinois?
In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current.
What percentage of Norfolk movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 82% of movers in Norfolk handle piano moves, and 45% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.