($507+) Chesapeake, VA to Ann Arbor, MI Movers
Moving from Chesapeake, VA, to Ann Arbor, MI, runs anywhere from $507 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,056 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 722 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 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 $1,521, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,056 or more.
- Moving containers run $991 - $3,372, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $507 - $1,397.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chesapeake, VA, to Ann Arbor, MI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,060 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 Ann Arbor, MI
Moving options from Chesapeake to Ann Arbor 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 $2,060 - $5,045 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 33% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 73% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 722 miles and typically takes 1 to 6 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 722-mile route from Chesapeake to Ann Arbor, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,521 - $3,926 | $991 - $1,948 | $507 - $1,000 | $948 - $1,686 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,060 - $5,045 | $1,378 - $2,571 | $552 - $1,164 | $1,102 - $2,118 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,797 - $7,056 | $1,669 - $3,372 | $719 - $1,397 | $1,392 - $2,618 |
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 Chesapeake, VA to Ann Arbor, MI
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 722-mile move from Chesapeake, Virginia, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, with costs ranging from $1,521 - $7,056. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $314 - $2,096. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Chesapeake and Ann Arbor. Local movers in Chesapeake typically start around $290 as a base rate plus $125/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chesapeake to Ann Arbor:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,521 - $3,926
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,060 - $5,045
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,797 - $7,056
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 Ann Arbor.
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 Chesapeake, VA to Ann Arbor, MI
Specialty needs vary by market: 63% of Chesapeake movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Ann Arbor, 57% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing68% of local movers | $524 - $5,240 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready63% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $210 - $1,258/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $314 - $2,515 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage15% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs45% of local movers | $1,048 - $3,144 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,620 - $10,480 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $785 - $1,491 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items24% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Apple Moving | $1,048 - $2,620 |
| Piano | Any piano type45% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $838 - $3,668 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling15% of local movers | $314 - $1,572 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect11% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Atlantic Beach Movers | $681 - $2,096 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $314 - $15,720+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $314 - $3,668+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chesapeake to Ann Arbor?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Michigan Movers Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Chesapeake, VA. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Chesapeake, VA to Ann Arbor, MI
Moving containers from Chesapeake, Virginia, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, cost between $991 and $3,372. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Ann Arbor. If you go over that window, storage in Chesapeake adds around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chesapeake to Ann Arbor:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $991 - $1,948
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,378 - $2,571
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,669 - $3,372
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Chesapeake, VA and Ann Arbor, MI. 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 $734 in Chesapeake, VA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $79 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $157 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 Michigan 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 $991. 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 $1,378 - $2,571.
What are the best moving containers Chesapeake to Ann Arbor?
- 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
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 0 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chesapeake, VA to Ann Arbor, MI
Renting a moving truck for the 722-mile move from Chesapeake, Virginia, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, costs between $507 and $1,397, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $241 - $275
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- 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 Ann Arbor based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $507 - $1,000
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $552 - $1,164
- 4+ bedrooms: $719 - $1,397
Pro tip: A rental truck from Chesapeake to Ann Arbor looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $507 - $1,397. But once you factor in fuel ($241 - $275), overnight lodging ($157/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. 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 $79 and $367.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $157.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $241 and $275 for the 722-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 $734 for 2 movers in Chesapeake, Virginia, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chesapeake to Ann Arbor?
- 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 Ann Arbor, MI
If you're moving a larger household from Chesapeake, 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 Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,102 and $2,118.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chesapeake to Ann Arbor:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $948 - $1,686
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,102 - $2,118
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,392 - $2,618
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
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 $79 and $157.
- 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 $734.
What are the best freight companies from Chesapeake to Ann Arbor?
- 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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Ann Arbor 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: Chesapeake, VA vs Ann Arbor, MI
Day-to-day costs in Ann Arbor are close to what you're used to in Chesapeake: cost of living index of 106 versus 104, with average rent of $2,260/mo compared to $1,800/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 21/100 and 70.88/100 in Chesapeake versus 52/100 and 79.18/100 in Ann Arbor.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Ann Arbor, MI to Chesapeake, VA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Virginia to Michigan, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 304 movers in Virginia, so you have real options to compare for this 722-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 722-mile route from Chesapeake, VA, to Ann Arbor, MI, run $1,521 - $7,056 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $991 - $3,372, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $507 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,060, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include University of Michigan and NSK Americas, Inc..
FAQs: Moving from Chesapeake, VA, to Ann Arbor, MI
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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What is the best time of year to move from Chesapeake, VA to Ann Arbor, MI?
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. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Michigan?
The agency regulating local and intrastate household goods movers in Michigan is the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). State regulation and oversight activities include commercial vehicle registration and safety compliance, review of published tariff rates, licensing, and consumer protection efforts.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($241 - $275), daily insurance ($31/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $21) on top. Overnight stops can add another $157/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Ann Arbor?
Ann Arbor has a walkability score of 52 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 71, compared to 21 and 35 in Chesapeake. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Chesapeake movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 45% of movers in Chesapeake handle piano moves, and 24% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.