How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Virginia Beach
Make an informed choice by considering the following crucial factors when choosing movers in Virginia Beach.
Determine Your Budget
The average hourly rate for local movers in Virginia Beach is $62. A two-bedroom move in the area costs approximately $4,220 in total. Your actual costs will depend on any additional tasks you need your movers to handle, move distance, your home size, and the season.
We recommend obtaining quotes from a minimum of three reputable movers in your area. Be sure to request written estimates. These should detail the total cost, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Hold onto your mover's estimate until your move is done.
Read Customer Reviews
Positive customer feedback is essential for all moving companies. Check platforms such as Yelp, the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, Google Reviews, and social media to gain insights into the typical customer experience with that mover.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Virginia Beach must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are moving from one Virginia city to another, your mover must be bonded, insured, and certified according to state regulations. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles oversees intrastate moving companies.
If you're moving across state lines, the regulations are different. Interstate moving companies must be licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and must carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use these numbers to look up the company’s registration status and complaint history on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Assess whether your chosen mover provides the services that align with your expectations when requesting quotes. Make a list of any basic or add-on services you might need and take inventory of your home before seeking quotes. Additionally, inform your moving company representative about any extra services you may need to evaluate the company's capability to provide satisfactory service.
Types of Moving Services
For basic moves, full-service movers will include the following services in the base price:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
If you require additional services from your moving company, share these when requesting a quote. The following services may lead to increased pricing for your move:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Virginia Beach, VA
Here are some additional tips to consider when moving in Virginia Beach.
Schedule an Early Move
Virginia Beach traffic during the morning and evening rush hours is often hectic. Navigating gridlock in a moving truck is even more difficult than with a standard personal-use vehicle. Movers stuck in traffic during your local move will typically lead to higher costs since they’ll still be on the clock. You can prevent this by booking movers a few hours before or after morning rush hour.
Avoid Busy Season
The busiest moving period, which falls between May and September, coincides with the summer heat in Virginia Beach. This can slow or negatively impact your move. If you book in advance, you should be able to schedule with your preferred mover regardless of the season. However, your movers may be hampered by the heat.
Pack in Advance
You should start packing about six weeks before your move. Spend some time packing daily to prevent last-minute scrambling on moving day. Most moving companies won't move items that haven't been packed by your scheduled moving time.
How Much do Movers Cost in Virginia Beach, VA
Movers in Virginia Beach cost $2,633 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,111 to move a larger 4 bedroom house the same distance. See the chart below for more moving estimates, and contact a moving company for a more accurate quote specific to your situation.
Distance | Studio-1 Bedroom | 2-3 Bedroom | 4+ Bedroom |
---|---|---|---|
Less than 250 miles | $2,633 | $3,077 | $7,111 |
250-999 miles | $3,246 | $3,700 | $10,591 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,284 | $4,250 | $10,933 |
2,500+ miles | $3,194 | $5,314 | $13,069 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Virginia Beach
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