($460+) Chesapeake, VA to Columbus, OH Movers
Moving from Chesapeake, VA, to Columbus, OH, runs anywhere from $460 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,129 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 581 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 $1,282, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,129 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,010 - $3,311, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $460 - $1,217.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chesapeake, VA, to Columbus, OH. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,094 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 Columbus, OH
There are 3 main ways to move from Chesapeake to Columbus: 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 $2,094 - $4,826. Containers cost roughly 43% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 78% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 581 miles, expect 1 to 6 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 581-mile route from Chesapeake to Columbus, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $1,282 - $3,728 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,010 - $1,802), rental truck ($460 - $849), or freight trailer ($856 - $1,589). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,094 - $4,826 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $7,129.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Chesapeake, VA to Columbus, OH
For the 581-mile move from Chesapeake, Virginia, to Columbus, Ohio, full-service movers cost between $1,282 and $7,129. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $296 - $1,976 (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 Chesapeake generally start around $290 plus $125 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chesapeake to Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,282 - $3,728
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,094 - $4,826
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,634 - $7,129
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 Columbus.
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 Columbus, OH
Specialty needs vary by market: 63% of Chesapeake movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Columbus, 70% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing68% of local movers | $494 - $4,940 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready63% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $198 - $1,186/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $296 - $2,371 |
| 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 | $988 - $2,964 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,470 - $9,880 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $740 - $1,406 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items24% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Atlantic Beach Movers | $988 - $2,470 |
| Piano | Any piano type45% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $790 - $3,458 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling15% of local movers | $296 - $1,482 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect11% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Atlantic Beach Movers | $642 - $1,976 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $296 - $14,820+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $296 - $3,458+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chesapeake to Columbus?
Ohio Association of Movers membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Ohio, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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, with 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Chesapeake, VA. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Chesapeake, VA to Columbus, OH
Moving containers from Chesapeake, Virginia, to Columbus, Ohio, cost between $1,010 and $3,311. 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 Chesapeake typically runs around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chesapeake to Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,010 - $1,802
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,195 - $2,344
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,661 - $3,311
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $74 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $148 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 $692 in Chesapeake, 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 Columbus, OH, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Virginia to Ohio 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 $1,010. 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 $1,195 - $2,344.
What are the best moving containers Chesapeake to Columbus?
- 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 Columbus, OH
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 581 miles from Chesapeake, Virginia, to Columbus, Ohio, running $460 - $1,217. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $183 - $209
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- 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 Columbus based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $460 - $849
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $467 - $949
- 4+ bedrooms: $589 - $1,217
Pro tip: A rental truck from Chesapeake to Columbus looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $460 - $1,217. But once you factor in fuel ($183 - $209), overnight lodging ($148/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?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Chesapeake, Virginia, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $692.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $183 - $209 for the 581-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 $59 and $321, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $148 per night for hotel stops on the 581-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $296 - $445.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chesapeake to Columbus?
- 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 Columbus, OH
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Chesapeake, Virginia, to Columbus, Ohio. 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 $889 and $1,895.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chesapeake to Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $856 - $1,589
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,036 - $1,895
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,396 - $2,573
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 $74 - $148 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 Chesapeake, Virginia, typically costs $692.
What are the best freight companies from Chesapeake to Columbus?
- 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: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Columbus 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 Columbus, OH
Chesapeake and Columbus land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 104 in Chesapeake and 91 in Columbus, and average rent is $1,800/mo vs. $1,441/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 21 vs 41 and safety scores are 70.88 vs 50.35.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Columbus, OH to Chesapeake, VA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Virginia to Ohio, 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 262 movers in Virginia, so you have real options to compare for this 581-mile move.
Our take
A move from Chesapeake, VA, to Columbus, OH, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,282 - $7,129 on the 581-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,010 - $3,311, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $460 - $1,217. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,094 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Columbus tend to point to low cost of living and delicious food, though bad drivers and terrible traffic come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Ohio State University and The State of Ohio.
FAQs: Moving from Chesapeake, VA, to Columbus, OH
How do I know a mover is licensed in Ohio?
Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number.
What is the best time of year to move from Chesapeake, VA to Columbus, OH?
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.
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.
Is Columbus a safe place to live?
Columbus has a safety index of 50.35 out of 100 and a crime index of 49.65, compared to 70.88 and 25.0 in Chesapeake. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Chesapeake, VA to Columbus, OH?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $467 - $949. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
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 40% and 26% nationally.