Movers in Norfolk, VA

Moving to or from Norfolk? See what local and long-distance moves cost, what to check before you book, and get quotes without calling around.

Norfolk has an estimated population of 230,930 (US Census Bureau, 2023).

Moving in Norfolk: local considerations

Norfolk sits at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia, home to Naval Station Norfolk, the largest naval base in the world. Interstates 64 and 264 are the main highway routes, and the Downtown Tunnel and Midtown Tunnel connect Norfolk to Portsmouth across the Elizabeth River. Neighborhoods such as Ghent, Ocean View, and downtown reflect the city's mix of historic and waterfront character.

Norfolk's housing includes historic homes in areas like Ghent and Freemason, along with apartments and newer development downtown and near the waterfront. Because many buildings are older or located in dense parts of the city, it is worth confirming with the landlord or building manager about loading access and any scheduling needs before moving day.

Hurricane season and coastal flooding are worth keeping in mind when timing a move, with many residents favoring spring or fall. The naval base and related defense industry are major employers, and military-related moves are common, with many local moves also connecting Norfolk to Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Portsmouth. Confirming these details early tends to make the move day itself much less stressful.

Sources: City of Norfolk, Virginia Department of Transportation, National Weather Service Wakefield, US Census Bureau.

What moving in Norfolk actually looks like

Norfolk is the 3rd largest city we cover in Virginia, home to roughly 2.6% of the state's residents, spread over about 53.3 square miles of land (US Census Bureau Gazetteer, 2023). In areas built at this density, homes are usually a mix of houses and apartments. As a general rule, stairs, narrow streets and parking on move day tend to affect an hourly quote more than the furniture does, so confirm access at both ends with your mover.

Movers serving Norfolk generally cover the surrounding area too, so a quote for Norfolk is usually valid for a move to or from nearby towns. Distances below are straight-line, measured between Census centre points.

What a move in Norfolk costs

A local move inside Norfolk is usually quoted hourly: a two- or three-person crew, a truck, and travel time. The size of your home drives the hours, and packing services, stairs, long carries and bulky items such as pianos or safes add to them.

A move from Norfolk to another state is priced differently, on the weight of your shipment and the distance it travels, plus any packing, storage or specialty handling. Ask every mover for the estimate type in writing: binding, non-binding, or binding not-to-exceed.

Local move or long-distance move?

Staying inside Virginia? That’s an in-state move and a local crew can handle it. Crossing the Virginia state line makes it an interstate move, which needs a carrier registered with a USDOT number. Our call line routes you to the right kind of mover once you tell us which one you’re doing.

Before you book a Norfolk mover

  • Get at least three written estimates so you can compare like with like.
  • Check the mover’s USDOT or state licence number and current insurance.
  • Confirm what valuation coverage is included and what an upgrade costs.
  • Ask how they handle stairs, lifts, long carries and parking at both ends.
  • Never pay a large deposit in cash before the truck arrives.
Use the moving checklist

Common questions about moving in Norfolk

How much do movers cost in Norfolk, VA?
Local Norfolk moves are normally charged by the hour for a truck and crew, so the total depends on how much you're moving, stairs or lifts at either end, and how much packing you want the crew to do. Long-distance moves out of Norfolk are priced on shipment weight and mileage. Getting two or three written estimates is the only reliable way to see your real price.
Do I need an interstate mover to leave Virginia?
Yes. Any mover crossing a state line must be registered with the FMCSA and carry a USDOT number. For a move that stays inside Virginia, a local in-state mover is all you need.
When is the cheapest time to move in Norfolk?
Midweek dates in the middle of the month, outside the May-to-September peak, are usually the cheapest. Booking three to six weeks ahead also gives you more choice of crews.
How far in advance should I book Norfolk movers?
Four to six weeks is comfortable for a local move. Allow six to eight weeks for a long-distance move or any move landing on a month-end or summer weekend.

More cities in Virginia

All Virginia cities

Planning the details? The Moving Guide covers costs, packing, estimates and moving day, free and without an account.

Get Quotes