($774+) Chesapeake, VA to Lafayette, LA Movers
Moving from Chesapeake, VA, to Lafayette, LA, runs anywhere from $728 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,453 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,147 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 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 $2,002, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,453 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,276 - $4,171, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $728 - $2,154.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chesapeake, VA, to Lafayette, LA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,569 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Chesapeake, VA to Lafayette, LA
Moving options from Chesapeake to Lafayette fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,569 - $5,830 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,147-mile route typically takes 2 to 8 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,147-mile route from Chesapeake to Lafayette, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,002 - $4,641, container $1,276 - $2,385, rental truck $728 - $1,401, freight trailer $1,194 - $2,083.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,569 - $5,830, container $1,709 - $3,255, rental truck $795 - $1,648, freight trailer $1,367 - $2,499.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,310 - $8,453, container $2,133 - $4,171, rental truck $988 - $2,154, freight trailer $1,866 - $3,580.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Chesapeake, VA to Lafayette, LA
For the 1,147-mile move from Chesapeake, Virginia, to Lafayette, Louisiana, full-service movers cost between $2,002 and $8,453. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $295 - $1,968 (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 Chesapeake generally start around $290 plus $125 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chesapeake to Lafayette:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,002 - $4,641
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,569 - $5,830
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,310 - $8,453
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 Lafayette.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Virginia to Louisiana. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 Chesapeake, VA to Lafayette, LA
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Chesapeake movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Lafayette, 75% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $492 - $4,920 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $197 - $1,181/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $295 - $2,362 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage43% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs62% of local movers | $984 - $2,952 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,460 - $9,840 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $737 - $1,400 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items48% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Atlantic Beach Movers | $984 - $2,460 |
| Piano | Any piano type81% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $787 - $3,444 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling29% of local movers | $295 - $1,476 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect24% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Apple Moving | $640 - $1,968 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $295 - $14,760+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $295 - $3,444+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chesapeake to Lafayette?
Louisiana Motor Transport Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Louisiana, 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 Chesapeake, 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 Chesapeake, VA to Lafayette, LA
Moving containers from Chesapeake, Virginia, to Lafayette, Louisiana, cost between $1,276 and $4,171. 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 Chesapeake runs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chesapeake to Lafayette:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,276 - $2,385
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,709 - $3,255
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,133 - $4,171
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $74 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $148 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Lafayette, LA, 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 $689 in Chesapeake, 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 Louisiana 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 $1,276. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,709 - $3,255, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Chesapeake to Lafayette?
- 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 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 Lafayette, LA
Renting a moving truck for the 1,147-mile move from Chesapeake, Virginia, to Lafayette, Louisiana, costs between $728 and $2,154, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $359 - $410
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake to Lafayette based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $728 - $1,401
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $795 - $1,648
- 4+ bedrooms: $988 - $2,154
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $728 - $2,154 does not include fuel ($359 - $410) , lodging ($148/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Chesapeake to Lafayette typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $148 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $64 and $320 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $359 - $410 in fuel for the 1,147-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $689 in Chesapeake, Virginia, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chesapeake to Lafayette?
- 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 Chesapeake, VA to Lafayette, LA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Chesapeake, Virginia, to Lafayette, Louisiana. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $886 and $2,499.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chesapeake to Lafayette:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,194 - $2,083
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,367 - $2,499
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,866 - $3,580
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?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $74 and $148.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Chesapeake, Virginia, for roughly five hours typically average $689.
What are the best freight companies from Chesapeake to Lafayette?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- Sysco Hampton Roads, Inc. (4.58/5 stars): Sysco Hampton Roads, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Lafayette quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Chesapeake, VA vs Lafayette, LA
Chesapeake and Lafayette land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 104 in Chesapeake and 90 in Lafayette, and rent tracks closely too ($1,800/mo vs. $2,825/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (21 vs 42) and safety scores (70.88 vs 54.25) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Lafayette, LA to Chesapeake, VA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Virginia to Louisiana in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 104 movers based in Virginia, handy for sizing up options on this 1,147-mile route.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Chesapeake, VA, to Lafayette, LA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,002 - $8,453 on the 1,147-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,276 - $4,171 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $728 - $2,154 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,569 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include LHC Group and King-Patin.
FAQs: Moving from Chesapeake, VA, to Lafayette, LA
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.
How much does it cost to move from Chesapeake, VA to Lafayette, LA?
Costs on this route range from around $2,002 to $8,453, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,002 and $8,453, 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 is the cheapest way to move from Chesapeake, VA to Lafayette, LA?
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 $795 - $1,648. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($359 - $410), daily insurance ($30/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $148/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Chesapeake, VA to Lafayette, LA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 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.
