($744+) Norfolk, VA to Lafayette, LA Movers
Moving from Norfolk, VA, to Lafayette, LA, runs anywhere from $744 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,895 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ 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 $1,967, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,895 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,155 - $4,098, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $744 - $1,952.
- 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 $2,350 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. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,350 - $6,077 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 31% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 66% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,146 miles and typically takes 2 to 8 days.
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 | $1,967 - $4,332 | $1,155 - $2,249 | $744 - $1,294 | $1,116 - $1,924 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,350 - $6,077 | $1,627 - $3,225 | $796 - $1,619 | $1,252 - $2,406 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,147 - $7,895 | $2,201 - $4,098 | $991 - $1,952 | $1,727 - $3,115 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Norfolk, VA to Lafayette, LA
Full-service movers for the 1,146-mile relocation from Norfolk, Virginia, to Lafayette, Louisiana, cost between $1,967 and $7,895. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $272 - $1,812, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Norfolk typically charge a base rate around $220 plus $89 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Norfolk to Lafayette:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,967 - $4,332
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,350 - $6,077
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,147 - $7,895
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.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Norfolk, VA to Lafayette, LA
Specialty needs vary by market: 63% of Norfolk movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Lafayette, 40% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing68% of local movers | $453 - $4,530 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready63% of local movers60% 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 coverage14% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs44% 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 items24% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Atlantic Beach Movers | $906 - $2,265 |
| Piano | Any piano type44% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $725 - $3,171 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $272 - $1,359 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect11% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Atlantic Beach Movers | $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?
Movers licensed to operate in Louisiana are typically members of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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, combining 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 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 $1,155 and $4,098. 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 Lafayette:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,155 - $2,249
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,627 - $3,225
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,201 - $4,098
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Norfolk, VA and Lafayette, LA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $634 in Norfolk, VA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $68 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $136 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
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 $1,155. 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 $1,627 - $3,225.
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
- 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 Lafayette, LA
Renting a moving truck for the 1,146-mile move from Norfolk, Virginia, to Lafayette, Louisiana, costs between $744 and $1,952, before these typical add-ons:
- 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: $744 - $1,294
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $796 - $1,619
- 4+ bedrooms: $991 - $1,952
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $744 - $1,952 when pricing out a rental truck from Norfolk to Lafayette. Fuel alone runs $330 - $378, and overnight lodging ($136/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
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 well suited for larger moves from Norfolk, Virginia, to Lafayette, Louisiana, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,252 and $2,406.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Norfolk to Lafayette:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,116 - $1,924
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,252 - $2,406
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,727 - $3,115
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?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $68 - $136 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Norfolk, Virginia, for about five hours typically runs $634.
What are the best freight companies from Norfolk to Lafayette?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
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: Norfolk, VA vs Lafayette, LA
Norfolk and Lafayette land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 91 in Norfolk and 90 in Lafayette, and average rent is $1,500/mo vs. $2,825/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 46 vs 42 and safety scores are 41.9 vs 54.25.
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 304 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 $1,967 for a studio to $7,895 for a 4+ 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 $1,155 - $4,098. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $744 - $1,952, 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 $2,350 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 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 is the best time of year to move from Norfolk, VA to Lafayette, LA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. Louisiana also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How long does a move from Norfolk, VA to Lafayette, LA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 8 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 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.