9 Best Virginia Moving Companies 2022

1. Best Full-Service Mover: International Van Lines
2. Best for Extended Storage: Allied Van Lines
3. Best Customer Service: North American Van Lines
4. Best Add-On Services: American Van Lines
5. Best for Military Moves: Safeway Moving Systems
6. Best Insurance Options: JK Moving Services
7. Most Competitive Pricing: U-Pack
8. Best for Self-Service: PODS
9. Best Long-Distance Moving Container: 1-800-PACK-RAT

We’ve compiled important metrics on each of our recommended companies so you can make a quick decision. Compare and contrast each provider based on their pricing, service availability, industry reviews, and more. Be sure to request free quotes before booking, so you can compare rates:

Virginia Full-Service Movers

Virginia Self-Service Movers

* Long-distance average cost is based on aggregate data from customer reviews for a two-bedroom home, moving 250 miles. Cost can vary significantly based on move weight and distance. Be sure to request a free quote to get an accurate estimate for your move.

Where Are You Moving?

Moving distance will have a great impact on your cost as well as the range of possible moving companies you can work with.

Best Long-Distance Moving Companies in Virginia

The top Virginia movers featured here are well-equipped to handle a variety of moving needs. They are fully licensed to operate in the state and across the entire United States. Some can even assist with relocations to other countries:

1. International Van Lines

International Van Lines operates both as a broker and carrier, with availability across the entire US. They handle more than 15,000 relocations per year while maintaining superior customer service that has won them industry acclaim. If that weren’t enough, they’re also one of the most affordable full-service companies on our list. Here’s everything you need to know to decide if they’re the right pick for you:

IVL Services

International Van Lines offers a comprehensive selection of add-ons to make any relocation easy. From piano moving to crane operation and boat transport, there’s no task too big for them to handle:

• Local, long-distance, and international moving
• Packing and unpacking
• Storage (short-term and long-term)
• Custom crating
• Debris removal
• Auto transport
• Piano moving
• Air and ocean freight
• And more

IVL Cost

When you request an estimate from International Van Lines, an experienced agent will walk you through all of your price options at different service levels. They make everything clear and easy to understand so you can book with confidence. Here is some sample cost data from previous clients:

• Request a free quote to get a custom estimate from International Van Lines
• Read our full review for even more information about this company

2. Allied Van Lines

With over 85 years of experience, Allied Van Lines is one of the best moving long-distance moving companies in Virginia today. The company can help you move across town, across the country, or to another country overseas. Beyond their basic services, packing, unpacking, and auto shipping are just a few of the add-on services you can add to your moving package. Allied Van Lines is one of the most prominent full-service moving carriers available in the U.S. today.

Allied Services

Customize your move with a wide variety of add-on services, including:

• Local and long-distance moving
• International moving
• Packing (full-service or partial)
• Unpacking
• Furniture assembly and disassembly
• Auto shipping
• Storage
• Debris removal
• GPS shipment tracking
• And more

Allied Cost

If you’re booking a move across town, you can expect to pay an hourly rate. The rate you will pay will depend on where you’re moving, ranging on average from $30 to $50 per hour. Long-distance moves are billed at a flat rate that is lower the smaller and shorter your move.

• Request a free quote to get a custom estimate from Allied Van Lines
• Read our full review for even more information about this company

3. North American Van Lines

North American Van Lines (NAVL) is an industry-leading moving company. They are an excellent choice whether you’re moving locally or cross country. Along with their extensive add-on services, they provide extra insurance options to protect your goods.

NAVL Services

Whether you want to do a lot of work yourself or want to have a completely hands-off move, North American Van Lines can help. You can choose from an extensive selection of add-on services to best meet your needs and budget:

• Local and long-distance moving
• International moving
• Packing and unpacking (full-service or partial)
• Furniture assembly and disassembly
• Debris removal
• 24/7 shipment tracking
• Appliance installation
• Storage
• Excellent insurance options
• And more

NAVL Cost

Like most other movers, North American charges hourly rates for local moves. These rates vary from city to city. Long-distance moves are billed at a flat rate, based on size and distance. This company’s pricing is competitive with top moving companies. For a typical two-bedroom 500-mile move, for example, you can expect to pay between $2,400 to $5,400. Here is some sample pricing from the company to help you plan your move:

• Request a free quote to get a custom estimate from North American Van Lines
• Read our full review for even more information about this company

4. American Van Lines

American Van Lines is one of the largest moving carriers in the business. They operate across all the lower 48 states and supply the most-experienced moving crews in the business. AVL’s moves are all priced out at flat rates, which ensures that you’ll never pay more than the rate you’re quoted.

AVL Services

American Van Lines is one of the best movers in Virginia today. They are unique compared to the other full-service options on our list, because they perform all services in-house. They will take care of your entire move personally, never contracting with partner companies. Here’s what’s available:

• Local, long-distance, and international moving
• Residential and commercial moving
• Full-service or partial packing
• Car shipping
• Storage
• Antique moving
• And more

AVL Cost

You might find it frustrating that you can’t get an instant quote on their website. While you can start the estimate process online, you’ll have to speak with an AVL agent to finalize your estimate. This is common in the industry, allowing your mover to ensure they provide an accurate rate for your circumstances. Here’s a ballpark estimate for what you should budget when working with AVL:

• Request a free quote to get a custom estimate from American Van Lines
• Read our full review for even more information about this company

5. Safeway Moving Systems

The Safeway Moving Systems service model might be considered the opposite of American Van Lines. Whereas AVL is a direct carrier that never brokers moves, Safeway is a broker that never operates directly as a carrier. Instead, they might be considered more like a travel agent for moving. They will help you to find the best rates for your relocation, leveraging their industry partnerships. If you need to move to of from Virginia and another state, they are a great option that can help you to move more affordably.

Safeway Services

As one of the best long-distance movers in Virginia, Safeway can help you move anywhere in the entire country. Because they act as a broker, Safeway’s services and reputation can vary from location to location. Be sure to speak with an agent over the phone and ask any important questions about your needs.

• Long-distance moves only
• Commercial and residential moves
• Military moving
• Storage (Up to 30 days free)
• Packing (free)
• Furniture assembly and disassembly
• And more

Safeway Cost

Safeway provides binding quotes and has been known to lower the prices in the past to offer better rates than their competitors. To get this price match, you’ll need to have a written estimate from a reputable company—so be sure to collect a few quotes from the other top Virginia moving companies listed here. Here’s a quick look at their pricing structure:

• Request a free quote to get a custom estimate from Safeway Moving Systems
• Read our full review for even more information about this company

6. JK Moving Systems

With headquarters in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., JK Moving Systems offers local moving services throughout the entire state and long-distance services to all 50 states. They can help you move internationally as well. They operate as a direct moving carrier in Virginia but as a broker elsewhere. With strong customer reviews and a truly impressive service menu, their dedicated team can help you move with ease.

JK Services

JK offers the widest selection of add-on services on our list. From long-term storage and car shipping to packing, crating, and more, they will ensure your every need is met:

• Local moving in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C.
• Long-distance and international moving
• Residential and commercial services
• Packing (full-service or fragile-only)
• Climate-controlled storage
• Furniture wrapping
• GPS shipment tracking
• Financing assistance
• And more

JK Cost

This company doesn’t share detailed price information on its website. The factors that will most impact your final cost include your shipment weight, move distance, how many movers you hire, and any special services you elect. Speak with one of their friendly and knowledgeable agents to get a personalized quote so you can budget for your relocation.

• Request a free quote to get a custom estimate from JK Moving Services
• Read our full review for even more information about this company

7. U-Pack

Are you moving from Virginia to another state? Are you looking for the most affordable option possible, even if it means you’ll have to do some extra work? If you answered yes to both of those questions, then U-Pack is the choice for you. They are a top moving container company, offering a semi-DIY service that keeps cost to a minimum.

U-Pack Services

Not sure if U-Pack is right for your needs? Here’s a quick look at what they provide:

• Interstate moving only
• 3-day loading and unloading times
• Two container size options
• Storage (off-site)
• Hourly moving labor (additional cost)

U-Pack Cost

U-Pack is one of the only movers on our list who will allow you to get a quote and book entirely through their website. They also happen to be the single most affordable option in most cases, assuming you and your family are ready to handle the loading and unloading work.

• Request a free quote to get a custom estimate from U-Pack
• Read our full review for even more information about this company

8. PODS

Portable storage containers offer a convenient way to move on a budget. PODS is among the best in this space, available for both local moving and interstate moves to and from Virginia. All you have to do is rent however many containers you’d like, pack them at your own pace, and unpack them after PODS delivers them to your new house. Here’s the rundown on this acclaimed service:

PODS Services

If you think that a moving container service is ideal for your needs, PODS is one of the best. Here’s a brief summary of what you’ll get when you hire them:

• Local, long-distance, and cross-country moving
• 30-day rentals
• Three container size options
• Storage (on-site or off-site)
• Hourly loading assistance (extra cost)

PODS Cost

PODS has wider availability, longer rental periods, and more container sizes than their largest competitor U-Pack, but they are also slightly more expensive:

• Request a free quote to get a custom estimate from PODS
• Read our full review for even more information about this company

9. 1-800-PACK-RAT

1-800-PACK-RAT assists clients with local and long-distance moves. They offer 30-day moving container rentals that are great for both moving and storage. Their local services are limited to within 100-miles of their three locations in Virginia, which include Norfolk, Richmond, Sterling). If you’re moving further than that, they can help you to move to 30 other states. Be sure to ask a rep about their availability when calling for an estimate.

Pack Rat Services

Pack Rat offers a variety of options to best meet your needs, including:

• Local, long-distance, and cross-country moving
• 30-day rentals
• Three container sizes
• Storage (on-site or off-site)
• Hourly loading assistance (extra cost)

Pack Rat Cost

If you’re biggest concern is saving money on your move, Pack Rat and other container services can often help you save as much as 50% compared to a full-service team. Here’s an estimate of average moving costs with this company:

• Request a free quote to get a custom estimate from 1-800-PACK-RAT
• Read our full review for even more information about this company

Best Local Moving Companies in Virginia

If you’re move is shorter than 30 miles, that will be considered a local relocation. These moves have different regulations, and they are also billed at an hourly rate rather than a flat rate. We’ve put together guides on the best moving companies in Virginia by city to help you find the perfect match:

Compare Moving Quotes

Moving to Virginia

You might be nervous about relocating to a new state. That’s understandable. There are so many different components to a move, from making sure you’re working with a reliable company and budgeting to changing your legal address, getting accustomed to local culture, and more. Here’s everything you need to make your move to Virginia more manageable:

Moving Regulations in Virginia

Before you settle on any moving company, you should be sure of their registration status. Ask for proof of all required registrations and insurance policies listed here:

• Local Licensing: All local moving companies are regulated by the Virginia DMV. Movers must carry a Certificate of Fitness to operate legally and must maintain a $750,000 Public Liability insurance policy for bodily injury and property damage.
• Tariff Requirement: Moving companies must keep a tariff on file with the state. Any changes to this tariff require a 30-day notice. Moves under 30 miles are billed at hourly rates, while longer relocations are billed based on shipping weight and move distance. Read more about long-distance moving costs here.
• Workers’ Compensation: This insurance policy protects you in the event of a work-related injury during a move. Without this coverage, you could be held liable for damages.
• Released Liability Coverage: This insurance provides some reimbursement in case of loss or damage to your goods during transit. At $0.60 per pound, per item, the value of most goods won’t be covered. You can supplement this with valuation coverage from your mover, or a third-party insurer if you need it, however.
• FMCSA Registration: Interstate movers must register with the FMCSA. This body requires that all movers display active USDOT and MC numbers on their paperwork and vehicles.

Helpful Moving Resources

Here are some quick links to useful resources in the state:

• Update Your Mailing Address: USPS Online Change of Address Form
• Update Your Drivers License: Virginia DMV Website
• Real Estate Trends: Virginia Housing Market Report
• State Government: State of Virginia
• Virginia Tourism Guide: Visit Virginia

Virginia Moving Costs

We were able to get pricing from the best moving companies in Virginia to put together a summary of average cost by home size and distance. Remember that these are simply average figures and not a substitute for personalized moving estimates. You should always try to get quotes from multiple providers prior to booking:

Best Places to Live in Virginia

If you’re still looking for a place to move to in the Old Dominion, then these locales may be of interest to you. Here are some of the best places to live in the state:

• Arlington, VA: With great schools, low crime rates, and plenty of nightlife attractions, this city is consistently one of the best places to live in the state. The cost of living here is high, with the median home cost being over $700,000. Still, high household incomes somewhat offset this.
• Falls Church, VA: With median home costs approaching levels seen in Arlington, Falls Church is one of the costliest places to own a home. However, many of the same advantages, including great schools and low crime rates, make it a great place to live.
• Chantilly, VA: Located near Washington DC, this smaller town provides suburban living with easy access to the city. This community offers high safety ratings, although the cost of living here is high as well.
• Lorton, VA: While housing will still cost you here, Lorton has a reputation for being the most affordable town in Fairfax County. A population of just over 20,000 means things are more spread out, making it a quieter place to live.

Top Reasons to Move to Virginia

Virginia’s strong economy and abundant natural beauty make it a highly attractive place to settle down. Here are some aspects of the state that local residents love:

• Job Growth: Virginia’s unemployment of 3.4% falls well under the national figure of 4.2%. With plenty of jobs in agriculture, the military sector, and business, residents have numerous employment options.
• Rural & Urban: Whether you’d like a home in one of Northern Virginia’s larger, more congested cities, or would want to live in a small coastal or Appalachian town, Virginia has a huge cross-section of living options.
• Great Schools: Virginia’s schools are among the best in the country, both at the elementary and college levels. The University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, and the College of William and Mary are among a few top-tier colleges and universities in the state. The first two of these schools offer discounted tuition for in-state students.
• Top Healthcare: Virginia is home to more than 100 hospitals, many of which are nationally rated. The Inova Fairfax Hospital and University of Virginia Medical Center are among many that are well-regarded.

Tips for Living in Virginia

Life in any state, no matter how idyllic, presents several pros and cons. Here are a few facts of life in Virginia, which can help you get acquainted with living here more easily:

• Plenty of Military Families: Virginia is home to 27 separate military bases, with each branch of the US Armed Forces holding at least one base in the state. If you live near an airbase, you’ll want to pick a home away from direct flight paths.
• Culture Divide: There is a definitive political divide between many of the larger cities and college towns and many of the more rural communities in this state. Over recent elections, it has become more of a swing state. This can lead to some tension during election years.
• Traffic is Rough: This is especially true in the Washington DC metro area and through the I-95 corridor. Heavy traffic is a fact of life at all hours.
• Plenty of Festivals: Festivals are a staple of life during the warmer months here. The Blues, Brews, and Barbecue festival is just one of many large-scale events to enjoy.

How to Choose the Best Moving Company

Before booking with any moving company, you’ll want to consider every possible factor. Below are the most important aspects of any mover that you should examine:

• Service Profile: When requesting a quote, discuss your service needs with your coordinator to determine if they are the best choice for you.
• Pricing: Getting multiple quotes is vital if you want to save money on your relocation. Explore all your options and schedule personalized quotes with each of the best moving companies in Virginia prior to signing a contract.
• Well-Reviewed: You should look up customer reviews from multiple sources verify the company’s service record. Don’t just trust what you see on their site.