($203+) Norfolk, VA to Durham, NC Movers
Moving from Norfolk, VA, to Durham, NC, runs anywhere from $203 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $4,744 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 184 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 2 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 $764, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $4,744 or more.
- Moving containers run $794 - $2,427, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $203 - $510.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Norfolk, VA, to Durham, NC. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,362 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 Durham, NC
There are 3 main ways to move from Norfolk to Durham: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $1,362 - $3,599. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 2 days for this 184-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 184-mile route from Norfolk to Durham, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $764 - $3,122, container $794 - $1,456, rental truck $203 - $351, freight trailer $700 - $1,274.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $1,362 - $3,599, container $1,031 - $1,840, rental truck $239 - $450, freight trailer $776 - $1,563.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $1,804 - $4,744, container $1,388 - $2,427, rental truck $282 - $510, freight trailer $1,036 - $1,924.
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 Durham, NC
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 184-mile move from Norfolk, Virginia, to Durham, North Carolina, with costs ranging from $764 - $4,744. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $283 - $1,884. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Norfolk and Durham. Local movers in Norfolk typically start around $220 as a base rate plus $89/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Norfolk to Durham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $764 - $3,122
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,362 - $3,599
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,804 - $4,744
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 Durham.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Virginia to North Carolina. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Norfolk, VA to Durham, NC
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Norfolk movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Durham, 86% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $471 - $4,710 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $188 - $1,130/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $283 - $2,261 |
| 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 | $942 - $2,826 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,355 - $9,420 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $706 - $1,340 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items45% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Tidal Town Moving | $942 - $2,355 |
| Piano | Any piano type82% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $754 - $3,297 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling27% of local movers | $283 - $1,413 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect23% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Apple Moving | $612 - $1,884 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $283 - $14,130+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $283 - $3,297+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Norfolk to Durham?
Movers licensed to operate in North Carolina are typically members of the North Carolina Movers 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.
How much do local movers cost in Norfolk, VA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Norfolk to Durham with a local mover averages $1,375 - $3,634. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Norfolk, VA can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to national carriers. Many price shorter moves using hourly or regional rates that may come in lower overall, with leaner operations and tighter service areas often translating to more flexible scheduling and a more personalized experience.
Keep in mind that not every local mover is authorized for moves that cross city or state lines. Always confirm interstate licensing and proper insurance before booking.
The Other Moving Company (4.58/5 stars) is a local mover in Norfolk, based on our analysis of feedback from 249 customers, 85.1% of which is positive.
Address: 4375 George Washington Memorial Hwy Suite 100, HAYES, VA, 23072 | Founded: 1997
Moving container costs from Norfolk, VA to Durham, NC
Moving containers from Norfolk, Virginia, to Durham, North Carolina, cost between $794 and $2,427. 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 Durham. If you go over that window, storage in Norfolk adds around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Norfolk to Durham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $794 - $1,456
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,031 - $1,840
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,388 - $2,427
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $71 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $141 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Durham, NC, 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 $659 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 North Carolina 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 $794. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,031 - $1,840, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Norfolk to Durham?
- 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 Durham, NC
A rental truck for this 184-mile move from Norfolk, Virginia, to Durham, North Carolina, costs between $203 and $510. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $55 - $63
- Daily insurance: $28/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 Durham based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $203 - $351
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $239 - $450
- 4+ bedrooms: $282 - $510
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Norfolk to Durham starts at $203 - $510, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($55 - $63) , overnight lodging ($141/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Norfolk, Virginia, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $659.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $55 - $63 for the 184-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $57 and $306, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $141 per night for hotel stops on the 184-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $283 - $424.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Norfolk to Durham?
- 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 Durham, NC
For larger DIY moves from Norfolk, Virginia, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Durham, North Carolina.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $776 and $1,563.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Norfolk to Durham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $700 - $1,274
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $776 - $1,563
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,036 - $1,924
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?
- 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 $71 and $141.
- 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 Norfolk, Virginia, for roughly five hours typically average $659.
What are the best freight companies from Norfolk to Durham?
- 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.
- 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 operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Norfolk to Durham. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Norfolk, VA vs Durham, NC
Norfolk and Durham land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 91 in Norfolk and 99 in Durham, and rent tracks closely too ($1,500/mo vs. $1,699/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (46 vs 30) and safety scores (41.9 vs 45.28) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Durham, NC to Norfolk, VA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Virginia to North Carolina 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 184-mile route.
Our take
For a move from Norfolk, VA, to Durham, NC, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $764 for a studio to $4,744 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 184-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $794 - $2,427. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $203 - $510, 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 $1,362 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Durham tend to point to low cost of living and quality education, though terrible traffic and high crime rate come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Duke University & Duke Univ. Health System and IBM.
FAQs: Moving from Norfolk, VA, to Durham, NC
What is the best time of year to move from Norfolk, VA to Durham, NC?
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. North Carolina 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 do I know a mover is licensed in North Carolina?
For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a “C Number” issued by the commission, signifying that they’ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the state’s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT).
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($55 - $63), daily insurance ($28/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $141/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Durham?
Durham has a walkability score of 30 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 38, 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.
How much does it cost to move from Norfolk, VA to Durham, NC?
Costs on this route range from around $764 to $4,744, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $764 and $4,744, 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 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.
