If you're packing up in Chesapeake and heading to California, you're looking at roughly 2,845 miles — a serious cross-country haul that deserves serious planning. The Virginia moving market has solid options, but not all of them are built for a long run like this. I've looked at what's available locally, priced out the different service types, and put together a comparison of what life actually costs on the other side. Here's the straight version.
Top Moving Companies in Chesapeake for a Move to California
Out of 19 Chesapeake movers that can handle state-to-state jobs, five consistently stand out for this route. Their review profiles vary significantly — and that gap matters when you're entrusting someone with a 2,800-mile haul.
- Coleman Worldwide Moving — 4.56 / 5
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK — 4.5 / 5
- Apple Moving — 4.48 / 5
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving — 4.48 / 5
- A Friendly & Affordable Mover — 4.52 / 5
If you'd rather use a dedicated long-distance mover with a national footprint for the full coast-to-coast run, Safe Ship Moving is one operator I respect for routes of this scale. Worth getting their quote alongside any local carriers.
Coleman Worldwide Moving
3325 Croft St, Norfolk, VA 23513 | DOT #: 2897746 | State License: 076235 | Est. 110+ years
Yelp (17 reviews) · Google (43 reviews) · BBB: Grade A+
37% positive / 61% negative (59 reviews analyzed)
A century-plus in business sounds reassuring — but the review profile here is hard to ignore. Only about one in three customers left positive feedback. Those who had good experiences point to careful handling and professional crews. The other 61%? Late arrivals, communication breakdowns, and damage to items dominate the complaints. Some customers missed flights because of delayed pickups. That's a pattern that concerns me on a short local move; on a 2,845-mile run to California, it's a bigger problem.
Services: local, interstate, international, packing, unpacking, offices, crating, storage, safes. Accepts credit cards. Also operates as Covan World-Wide Moving.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
4007 Seaboard Ct #7, Portsmouth, VA 23701 | DOT #: 2527384 | State License: 3064442
Yelp (27 reviews) · Google (230 reviews) · BBB: Grade A+
80% positive / 19% negative (258 reviews analyzed)
A much stronger picture than Coleman. Four out of five customers left positive feedback — calling out professional crews, efficient moves, and solid communication. The recurring complaints in the remaining 20% involve unexpected charges and quotes that didn't match the final bill. Cost transparency is where this franchise location has room to improve. Still, an 80% positive rate over 258 reviews is well above industry average for this market, and that's worth something.
Services: local, interstate, packing, unpacking, pianos, storage, safes. Accepts credit cards.
Apple Moving
1010 Cavalier Blvd, Chesapeake, VA 23323 | DOT #: 1934458 | State License: 163678 | Est. 69 years
Yelp (66 reviews) · Google (344 reviews) · BBB: Grade A+
56% positive / 43% negative (275 reviews analyzed)
Also operating as Harrison's Moving & Storage, Apple Moving edges past the majority-positive mark — which puts them ahead of a lot of competitors who can't clear that bar. Customers repeatedly praise the crews themselves as hardworking and careful. Where things fall apart is post-move accountability: lost or damaged items, slow response times, and complaints that go nowhere are the consistent themes in negative reviews. If you use them, document your inventory thoroughly and get their claims process in writing before moving day.
Services: local, interstate, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, crating, storage.
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
2618 Arkansas Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23513 | DOT #: 2378173 | State License: 5223
Yelp (117 reviews) · Google (1,595 reviews) · BBB: Grade F
81% positive / 18% negative (325 reviews analyzed)
The 81% positive rate from 325 reviews is genuinely strong — better than most local movers I've looked at in this area. Customers consistently note fast, professional crews and easy scheduling. On the downside: damage to high-value items and pricing that sometimes drifts from the original quote. The BBB Grade F is worth flagging, even if it reflects complaint-handling as much as move quality. For a local or smaller job, this company performs well. For a long-haul to California with valuables on board, review your insurance options carefully before signing.
Services: local, packing, unpacking, offices, storage. Accepts credit cards. Note: does not list interstate moves as an offered service — confirm this directly before booking a cross-country job.
A Friendly & Affordable Mover
516 Central Dr Suite 104, Virginia Beach, VA 23454 | DOT #: 3239170 | Est. 26 years
Yelp (51 reviews) · Google (278 reviews) · BBB: Grade A+
87% positive / 12% negative (259 reviews analyzed)
The strongest review profile of the five, and the one I'd look at first for the Chesapeake end of this move. From 259 customers, 87% are satisfied — and repeat customers specifically mention consistent quality across jobs, which tells you more than a single five-star review. Pricing is described as transparent and fair. Negative feedback exists (damage claims, occasional underestimates on move time, slower resolution on complaints), but it's genuinely in the minority. For specialty items, they handle pianos, art, antiques, and grandfather clocks, and they offer full-valuation coverage.
Services: local, interstate, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage. Accepts credit cards, cash, and money orders.
Local Moving Services Available in Chesapeake, VA
Here's a quick breakdown of specialty services among the 19 Chesapeake movers that handle interstate jobs:
| Service | # of Movers | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 17 | 89.5% |
| Small moves | 11 | 57.9% |
| Antiques | 9 | 47.4% |
| Art | 9 | 47.4% |
| Pianos | 16 | 84.2% |
| Fragile-only packing | 8 | 42.1% |
If you have a piano, artwork, or antiques making this trip, don't assume your mover handles them. Confirm it during the quote call — not on moving day.
Cost to Move from Chesapeake, VA to California
Use the moving cost calculator to build a number specific to your situation. The table below gives you a baseline based on a ~2,845-mile move from Chesapeake, using pricing data from January 2026.
| Move Size | Full-Service Movers | Moving Containers | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,173 – $5,045 | $1,331 – $3,556 | $1,521 – $2,834 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $3,427 – $7,242 | $2,482 – $4,837 | $1,664 – $3,513 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,583 – $10,885 | $3,259 – $6,875 | $2,083 – $4,017 |
Actual costs vary based on home size, services added, fuel prices, timing, and access conditions at pickup and delivery. Get quotes from at least three providers.
Cost to Hire Movers from Chesapeake to California
For a studio or one-bedroom, full-service movers run between $1,173 and $5,045. That spread reflects everything from a light off-season move to a peak-summer job with packing and storage. Two- to three-bedroom homes typically land between $3,427 and $7,242. Large households — four bedrooms or more — should budget $6,583 to $10,885. On a haul this long, getting at least three written quotes isn't optional; it's how you avoid getting overcharged.
Cost of Moving Containers from Chesapeake to California
Moving containers are the middle-ground option — you pack and load on your own schedule, the company handles the transport. For a studio or one-bedroom, expect $1,331 to $3,556. Two- to three-bedroom moves run $2,482 to $4,837. Larger homes come in at $3,259 to $6,875. If your destination timing is flexible and you're comfortable doing your own packing, containers can save real money on this route compared to full-service.
Cost of Moving Truck Rentals from Chesapeake to California
Rental trucks are the cheapest option on paper, but you're the one driving 2,800+ miles across the country. For a studio or one-bedroom, that runs $1,521 to $2,834. Two- to three-bedroom moves land at $1,664 to $3,513. Larger households can expect $2,083 to $4,017. Factor in fuel separately — at current prices, that cross-country tank bill adds up fast and isn't always included in the base estimate.
Factors That Affect Moving Costs from Chesapeake to CA
Three things move your number up or down more than anything else:
- Move size and weight: More rooms, more cubic feet, higher cost. The volume of your shipment drives pricing more than almost anything else on long-distance moves.
- Time of year: Summer is peak season. If you can book in fall or spring, you'll generally pay less and have an easier time getting your preferred dates.
- Service level: Full-service is the hands-off choice at a premium. Containers and truck rentals lower the bill but raise the effort — and on a 2,800-mile run, that effort is significant.
What to Know Before Moving from Chesapeake to CA
Moving from Chesapeake to California means trading Virginia's cost structure for one of the country's most expensive states. The weather improves. The tax bill gets worse. Here's the full picture.
Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs. California
| Chesapeake, VA | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,800 | $1,856 |
| Average home cost | $375,209 | $771,057 |
| Per capita income | $63,484 | $91,905 |
| Cost of living index | 104 | 134 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.0% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 13.3% |
Sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, BLS, Tax Foundation, Zumper, Numbeo.
A few things to flag:
- Rent is nearly identical — about $56/month more in California on average. Your monthly housing budget won't take a major hit if you're renting.
- Home prices are a different conversation entirely. California homes cost roughly 106% more than in Chesapeake. If you're planning to buy, run the numbers hard before you commit.
- Income averages 45% higher in California per capita, which can offset a lot of the higher cost of living depending on your field.
- Overall cost of living runs about 29% higher. That touches groceries, utilities, and transportation — not just housing.
- Unemployment is marginally higher in California (5.4% vs. 5.0%). Job competition is real, especially in high-demand metros.
- State income tax is the sticker shock for most Virginia transplants. California tops out at 13.3% — one of the highest rates in the country — versus Virginia's 5.75%.
How Life in California Compares to Chesapeake
| Chesapeake, VA | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 249,422 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Democratic (52–46) | Democratic (59–41) |
| Summer high | 87°F | 87°F |
| Winter low | 31°F | 59°F |
| Annual rain | 47″ | 22″ |
| Annual snow | 5″ | 7″ |
| Crime index | 25.0 | 28.43 |
Sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces, Wikipedia.
- Politics: Both lean Democratic, so not a significant culture shift there.
- Summer heat: The high temperature is identical at 87°F, but the experience isn't. Virginia summers are humid; California varies wildly by region. Coastal California is mild. The Central Valley is brutal. Know where you're moving specifically.
- Winters: This is probably the biggest quality-of-life change. California's winter lows average around 59°F versus Chesapeake's 31°F. Easier seasons, smaller heating bills, and no ice to scrape off your windshield.
- Rain: You're going from 47 inches a year to 22. More sun, more time outdoors, fewer days stuck inside waiting for weather to clear.
- Snow: The statewide averages are similar (5″ vs. 7″), but that's skewed by California's Sierra Nevada. Most coastal areas see essentially no snow.
- Crime: California's index is slightly higher (28.43 vs. 25.0 for Chesapeake). Look up your specific destination neighborhood rather than relying on the statewide figure.
Other Things to Handle Before Moving to California
A few logistical details that are specific to California and worth sorting before moving day:
- State mover licensing: Any California-based mover you hire needs a "T Number" issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). It confirms they've cleared state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability, plus a criminal background check through the California Department of Justice. Verify it on the CAPUC's official website before signing anything.
- Moving permits: California doesn't require a state-level moving permit, but local parking rules vary. Look up the rules for your specific city or neighborhood before your truck shows up.
- HOA rules: If you're moving into a managed community, contact the HOA before your move date to confirm move-in procedures and any restrictions.
- Elevator reservations: Moving into a multi-story building? Book the elevator in advance — most buildings require it for move days and won't hold it open on a first-come basis.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address at least a week before your move date. You can set the exact start date and have mail forwarded to your California address online.
- Moving insurance: The default Released Value Protection that movers provide costs nothing — and covers almost nothing. The liability cap is 60 cents per pound per item. A 25-pound TV gets you $15 in coverage if it's destroyed. If you have anything valuable making this trip, look at full-value protection or a third-party policy.
- Moving checklist: Use a structured moving checklist to stay on top of every step. On a cross-country move, the things that slip through the cracks tend to be the expensive ones.
Things to Do in California
California is big enough that your experience depends heavily on where you land. That said, here's a starting list of what's out there.
Museums
- The Getty Center
- USS Midway Museum
- Hess Persson Estates
- California State Railroad Museum
- The Getty Villa
Parks
- La Jolla Cove
- Heisler Park
- Sonoma Plaza
- Mount Rubidoux Park
- Redwood Regional Park
Sports Teams
- Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
- Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
- San Jose Sharks (NHL)
- Los Angeles Angels (MLB)
- Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)
Universities
- Stanford University
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of Southern California
- University of California, San Diego
FAQ
How long does a move from Chesapeake to California take?
Most moves on this route run between 7 and 21 days, depending on service type and your specific pickup and delivery locations. Summer moves tend to run longer because demand is high and schedules get compressed. Ask any mover for a written delivery window before you book — not after you've signed the contract.
How many Chesapeake movers offer custom crating for art or antiques?
Fifteen movers in the Chesapeake area offer custom crating for fragile, oversized, or unusually shaped items — including artwork, antiques, and electronics. If you have pieces that need it, confirm that capability during the quote call, not on moving day.
What's the best way to get a car from Chesapeake to California?
Auto transport is the practical choice for a 2,800-mile run — it keeps the mileage off your vehicle and avoids the wear of a cross-country drive. Look for a licensed and insured carrier with verifiable reviews. Open transport costs less; enclosed is worth the premium for higher-value vehicles.
Why are people moving from Chesapeake to California?
Job opportunities and climate are the two biggest drivers. California's per capita income runs about 45% higher than Chesapeake's, which pulls a lot of career-focused movers. The mild winters — particularly along the coast — are the other consistent reason people make the move.
Can I pay for a Chesapeake to California move with cash?
Two movers in the Chesapeake area accept cash. That said, cash is unusual in this industry for good reason — there's no paper trail if a dispute comes up. Most movers take a deposit to lock in your booking, with the balance due at pickup or delivery. Confirm payment terms and timing before you sign anything.
Ready to nail down a real number? Compare quotes with our moving cost calculator — or if you want someone to handle everything from boxes to delivery, start with our interstate movers overview.