($743+) Norfolk, VA to Lafayette, LA Movers
Moving from Norfolk, VA, to Lafayette, LA, runs anywhere from $743 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,796 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,146 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 $2,086, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,796 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,263 - $4,127, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $743 - $2,070.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Norfolk, VA, to Lafayette, LA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,595 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 Norfolk, VA to Lafayette, LA
Moving options from Norfolk to Lafayette fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,595 - $6,382 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 1,146 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 8 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,146-mile route from Norfolk to Lafayette, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,086 - $4,641 | $1,263 - $2,455 | $743 - $1,444 | $1,137 - $2,146 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,595 - $6,382 | $1,659 - $3,321 | $803 - $1,786 | $1,249 - $2,525 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,310 - $7,796 | $2,244 - $4,127 | $999 - $2,070 | $1,742 - $3,476 |
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 Norfolk, VA to Lafayette, LA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,146-mile move from Norfolk, Virginia, to Lafayette, Louisiana, with prices running from $2,086 - $7,796. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $272 - $1,812 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Norfolk and Lafayette are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Norfolk movers tend to run around $220 as a base rate plus $89/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Norfolk to Lafayette:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,086 - $4,641
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,595 - $6,382
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,310 - $7,796
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 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: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Norfolk, VA to Lafayette, LA
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Norfolk 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 | $453 - $4,530 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $181 - $1,087/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $272 - $2,174 |
| 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 | $906 - $2,718 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,265 - $9,060 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $679 - $1,289 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items45% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Tidal Town Moving | $906 - $2,265 |
| Piano | Any piano type82% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $725 - $3,171 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling27% of local movers | $272 - $1,359 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect23% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Apple Moving | $589 - $1,812 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $272 - $13,590+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $272 - $3,171+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Norfolk to Lafayette?
All three below meet the standards set by the Louisiana Motor Transport Association, the group most Louisiana movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Norfolk, 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 Norfolk, VA to Lafayette, LA
Moving containers from Norfolk, Virginia, to Lafayette, Louisiana, cost between $1,263 and $4,127. 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 Lafayette:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,263 - $2,455
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,659 - $3,321
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,244 - $4,127
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $68 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $136 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $634 in Norfolk, VA, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Lafayette, LA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
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 $1,263. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,659 - $3,321, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Norfolk 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 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 Lafayette, LA
A rental truck for this 1,146-mile move from Norfolk, Virginia, to Lafayette, Louisiana, costs between $743 and $2,070. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $330 - $378
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- 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 Lafayette based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $743 - $1,444
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $803 - $1,786
- 4+ bedrooms: $999 - $2,070
Pro tip: A rental truck from Norfolk to Lafayette looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $743 - $2,070. But once you factor in fuel ($330 - $378) , overnight lodging ($136/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?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $68 and $317.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $136.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $330 and $378 for the 1,146-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 $634 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 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 Norfolk, VA to Lafayette, LA
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 Lafayette, Louisiana. 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 $1,249 and $2,525.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Norfolk to Lafayette:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,137 - $2,146
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,249 - $2,525
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,742 - $3,476
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Norfolk, Virginia, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $634.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $68 - $136 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 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 a great option when you need your belongings in Lafayette 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 Lafayette, LA
Good news for your budget: Lafayette isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Norfolk. Cost of living index runs 90 there against 91 here, and rent, income, and tax rates all fall in a comparable band. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores land in a similar range too - 46/100 and 41.9/100 here versus 42/100 and 54.25/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Lafayette, LA to Norfolk, VA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Virginia to Louisiana, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Virginia alone has 104 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,146-mile move like this one.
Our take
For a move from Norfolk, VA, to Lafayette, LA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,086 for a studio to $7,796 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 1,146-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,263 - $4,127. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $743 - $2,070, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,595 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include LHC Group and King-Patin.
FAQs: Moving from Norfolk, VA, to Lafayette, LA
How do I know a mover is licensed in Louisiana?
If you’re using a legitimate moving company to relocate from one home or apartment within the state to another, look for a company regulated by the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC). During the pre-move screening process, families on the move should verify that prospective movers are registered and in good standing with the LPSC. In cases of substandard service, inflated costs, and unlicensed movers operating illegally, consumers may file a complaint, after which the commission will initiate an investigation.
What are the best neighborhoods in Lafayette?
For families, Youngsville, Erath, and Maurice are worth a look in Lafayette. If you're moving solo or without kids, Saint Streets, Freetown-Port Rico, and Downtown Lafayette tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Lafayette?
Lafayette has a walkability score of 42 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 47, 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.
Is Lafayette a safe place to live?
Lafayette has a safety index of 54.25 out of 100 and a crime index of 45.75, compared to 41.9 and 58.1 in Norfolk. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Norfolk, VA to Lafayette, LA?
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.
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.
