($192+) Norfolk, VA to Durham, NC Movers
Moving from Norfolk, VA, to Durham, NC, runs anywhere from $192 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $4,428 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ 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 $706, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $4,428 or more.
- Moving containers run $794 - $2,334, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $192 - $477.
- 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 $1,175 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 is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $1,175 - $3,466. Containers cost roughly 17% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 81% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 184 miles, expect 1 to 2 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
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:
- Full-service movers: $706 for a studio up to $4,428 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $794 - $2,334 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $192 - $477, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $660 - $1,850, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Durham, NC
For the 184-mile move from Norfolk, Virginia, to Durham, North Carolina, full-service movers cost between $706 and $4,428. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $283 - $1,884 (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 Norfolk generally start around $220 plus $89 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Norfolk to Durham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $706 - $2,857
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,175 - $3,466
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,719 - $4,428
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: 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 Durham, NC
Specialty needs vary by market: 63% of Norfolk movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Durham, 59% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing68% of local movers | $471 - $4,710 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready63% of local movers60% 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 coverage14% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs44% 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 items24% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Atlantic Beach Movers | $942 - $2,355 |
| Piano | Any piano type44% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $754 - $3,297 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $283 - $1,413 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect11% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Atlantic Beach Movers | $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?
All three below meet the standards set by the North Carolina Movers Association, the group most North Carolina 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.
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 $1,186 - $3,500. Shorter moves don't always call for a national van line, and local moving companies in Norfolk, VA often offer competitive pricing on nearby routes. Smaller crews and regional focus translate to lower overhead and more scheduling flexibility.
Just make sure they're properly licensed for interstate moves and equipped to handle the full distance.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.58/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Norfolk, ranked #5 in Virginia, based on our analysis of feedback from 410 customers, 83.4% of which is positive.
Address: 500 Woodlake Dr, #105, Chesapeake, VA, 23320 | Founded: 2017
Moving container costs from Norfolk, VA to Durham, NC
Moving containers from Norfolk, Virginia, to Durham, North Carolina, cost between $794 and $2,334. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Norfolk typically runs around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Norfolk to Durham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $794 - $1,282
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $972 - $1,717
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,209 - $2,334
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Norfolk, VA and Durham, NC. 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 $659 in Norfolk, VA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $71 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $141 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 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 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 $972 - $1,717.
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
- 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 Durham, NC
Plan on $192 - $477 for a rental moving truck on the 184-mile route from Norfolk, Virginia, to Durham, North Carolina. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- 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: $192 - $352
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $226 - $399
- 4+ bedrooms: $276 - $477
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $192 - $477 does not include fuel ($55 - $63), lodging ($141/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Norfolk to Durham typically runs more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $141 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 $61 and $306 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $55 - $63 in fuel for the 184-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $659 in Norfolk, Virginia, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
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
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Norfolk, Virginia, to Durham, North Carolina. 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 $848 and $1,402.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Norfolk to Durham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $660 - $1,166
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $747 - $1,402
- 4+ bedrooms: $977 - $1,850
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 trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $71 - $141 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Norfolk, Virginia, typically costs $659.
What are the best freight companies from Norfolk to Durham?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Norfolk to Durham, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Norfolk, VA vs Durham, NC
Day-to-day costs in Durham are close to what you're used to in Norfolk: cost of living index of 99 versus 91, with average rent of $1,699/mo compared to $1,500/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 46/100 and 41.9/100 in Norfolk versus 30/100 and 45.28/100 in Durham.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Durham, NC to Norfolk, VA guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Virginia to North Carolina, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 304 movers licensed in Virginia, useful context for sizing up this 184-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 184-mile route from Norfolk, VA, to Durham, NC, run $706 - $4,428 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $794 - $2,334, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $192 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,175, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
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 do local movers charge in Norfolk?
Local movers based in Norfolk typically start around $220 as a base rate, plus $89/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Durham run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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 are the best neighborhoods in Durham?
For families, Treyburn, American Village/Arrowhead, and Willowhaven are worth a look in Durham. If you're moving solo or without kids, Golden Belt, Warehouse District, and City Center tend to be popular picks instead.
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.
Is Durham a safe place to live?
Durham has a safety index of 45.28 out of 100 and a crime index of 54.72, 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 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.