Best Moving Companies from Chesapeake, VA to Massachusetts
You're looking at a 567-mile move from Chesapeake, VA to Massachusetts — far enough to require an interstate mover, but not so far that you'll be in transit for weeks. From the 19 Chesapeake-based companies capable of handling state-to-state moves, these five stand out for consistent customer satisfaction and reliability on the Massachusetts route.
Top 5 Movers for Chesapeake to Massachusetts:
- A Friendly & Affordable Mover — 4.52 / 5
- 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
Coleman Worldwide Moving
Address: 3325 Croft St, Norfolk, VA 23513
Rating: 4.56 / 5
State License: 076235 | DOT #: 2897746
Years in Business: 110
Coleman has a long history in the industry, but here's the reality: customer feedback is mixed. Of 59 reviews analyzed, only 37% were positive. That's a red flag.
Customers who had good experiences praise careful handling and professional staff. But the majority of complaints center on late arrivals, poor communication, and damage to belongings. Those delays don't just disrupt schedules — people have missed flights and dealt with unnecessary stress because of timing failures.
Compared to leading national carriers, Coleman shows higher rates of damage claims and slower response to problems. If you go this route, lock down your timeline in writing and document your belongings thoroughly before pickup.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, crating, storage, piano moving, safes.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
Address: 4007 Seaboard Ct #7, Portsmouth, VA 23701
Rating: 4.5 / 5
State License: 3064442 | DOT #: 2527384
Years in Business: 9
This one's different. From 258 reviews, 80% were positive — people consistently report efficient service, polite crews, and careful handling. Many clients noted fast turnarounds and great communication throughout the booking and delivery process.
The downside: about 1 in 5 customers reported damage, unexpected charges, or inaccurate estimates. That's still better than industry average, but worth noting. The company excels at professionalism and speed; just get cost clarity upfront.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, piano moving, storage, safes.
Apple Moving
Address: 1010 Cavalier Blvd, Chesapeake, VA 23323
Rating: 4.48 / 5
State License: 163678 | DOT #: 1934458
Years in Business: 69
Apple has deep roots — nearly 70 years in business. Of 275 reviews, 56% were positive, which puts them ahead of many regional competitors. Customers appreciate the professional, polite staff and careful handling. Movers are described as hardworking and detail-oriented.
But 43% of feedback was negative, focusing on damage to items, missing belongings, and difficulty getting claims resolved. The real problem: once damage occurs, customers report that Apple's follow-up and claims process feel dismissive. That's frustrating when you've already had a bad experience.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, office relocations, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, crating, storage.
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
Address: 2618 Arkansas Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23513
Rating: 4.48 / 5
State License: 5223 | DOT #: 2378173
From 325 reviews, 81% were positive — that's above industry average. Customers love the speed, professionalism, and friendly crews. Good communication and easy scheduling come up often, and the booking process is straightforward.
Complaints tend to cluster around damage to high-value items, unexpected charges, and occasional delays. Some customers felt let down by how damage claims were handled. If you have expensive or fragile goods, clarify insurance options and get damage protection in writing.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, office relocations, storage.
A Friendly & Affordable Mover
Address: 516 Central Dr Suite 104, Virginia Beach, VA 23454
Rating: 4.52 / 5
State License: 3239170 | DOT #: 3239170
Years in Business: 26
This company stands out. From 259 reviews, 87% were positive — the highest on this list. Customers consistently praise professional staff, fair pricing, and careful handling. Repeat customers report consistently high standards, and the booking process feels genuinely stress-free.
The few negative reviews mention damage or slow claims resolution, but they're rare. Pricing is transparent and competitive for the area. If reliability and customer service are your top priorities, this is your best bet locally.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, office relocations, pianos, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage.
Moving Services Available in Chesapeake
Looking at what movers in Chesapeake can handle:
- Interstate moves: 17 companies (89%)
- Pianos: 16 companies (84%)
- Antiques: 9 companies (47%)
- Art: 9 companies (47%)
- Fragile-only packing: 8 companies (42%)
If you're moving specialty items — artwork, antiques, or a piano — check that your mover has those capabilities in writing before booking.
Cost to Move from Chesapeake, VA to Massachusetts
Here's what you can expect based on home size. These are approximate ranges for a 567-mile interstate move:
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bed | $1,078 – $2,922 | $649 – $1,502 | $402 – $770 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,896 – $5,045 | $1,196 – $2,342 | $433 – $932 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,543 – $6,858 | $1,626 – $3,019 | $557 – $1,114 |
Your actual cost depends on:
- Move size and volume of belongings
- Time of year (summer = peak pricing)
- Parking or access challenges
- Fuel prices at move time
- Added services (packing, storage, specialty handling)
To get accurate quotes tailored to your situation, use the moving cost calculator or request estimates from multiple movers. Don't rely on these ranges alone — they're ballpark figures.
Full-Service Movers vs. Containers vs. Truck Rental
Full-service movers ($1,078–$6,858) handle everything: packing, loading, driving, unloading. Best if you want minimal stress and don't want to do manual labor.
Moving containers like PODS ($649–$3,019) let you load on your schedule, then the company ships it. Useful if you need flexibility, but you're doing the heavy lifting yourself.
Rental trucks ($402–$1,114) are cheapest but require the most work. You drive, you load, you unload. Fine for small moves or if you have help, but exhausting for long-distance.
Factors That Shape Your Moving Cost
Move size is the biggest driver. More rooms and more stuff = higher bill, period.
Seasonal pricing matters. Summer is peak season in Chesapeake; expect to pay premium rates June through August. Winter and early spring are cheaper.
DIY vs. professional is a false economy for interstate moves. Yes, a rental truck is cheaper upfront, but you're on the hook for driving 567 miles, fuel, and potential vehicle damage. A professional move, while more expensive, includes liability protection and expertise.
What Changes When You Move to Massachusetts
If you're relocating from Chesapeake to Massachusetts, the cost of living is similar overall — but some specifics shift. Here's what to budget for:
Cost of Living Comparison
| Factor | Chesapeake, VA | Massachusetts |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. rent | $1,800 | $1,588 |
| Avg. home price | $375,209 | $623,131 |
| Avg. income (per capita) | $63,484 | $96,505 |
| Cost of living index | 104 | 100 |
| Unemployment | 5.0% | 3.9% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 9.0% |
Key takeaways:
- Rent is about 12% lower in Massachusetts, so monthly housing costs actually drop.
- Home prices are 66% higher, so if you're buying, expect a bigger mortgage payment.
- Incomes average 52% higher in Massachusetts, which helps offset costs.
- Income taxes are 57% higher — 9% vs. 5.75%. That stings on your tax bill.
- Job market is stronger — 3.9% unemployment vs. 5% in Chesapeake.
Climate and Lifestyle Differences
| Factor | Chesapeake, VA | Massachusetts |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 249,422 | 7,001,399 |
| Summer high | 87°F | 82°F |
| Winter low | 31°F | 16°F |
| Annual rainfall | 47" | 49" |
| Annual snowfall | 5" | 47" |
| Crime index | 25.0 | 13.92 |
| Political lean | Democratic (52–46) | Democratic (61.5–36.3) |
What to expect:
Summers feel similar — only 5 degrees difference. But winters are significantly colder in Massachusetts (16°F vs. 31°F). You'll need heavier heating bills, winter tires, snow removal equipment, and a different mindset about cold-weather living.
Massachusetts gets 47 inches of snow annually compared to Chesapeake's 5 inches. That's a massive shift. If you love snow, great. If you've never dealt with regular snowfall, budget extra time for cleanup and adjust your driving habits.
Crime is lower in Massachusetts (13.92 vs. 25.0), so you may feel safer in terms of property and violent crime rates.
Both areas lean Democratic politically, so that alignment helps if local policy matters to you.
Logistics to Handle Before Moving
Don't just book a mover and call it done. Handle these details ahead of time:
Licensing and permits:
- Moving companies in Massachusetts must be licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities – Transportation Division. Verify your mover's license before hiring.
- Massachusetts has no statewide moving permit requirement, but check local parking rules for your destination city — some require advance notice or permits for large vehicles.
Building access:
- If your destination has an HOA, check community rules for move-in dates and truck parking.
- If you're moving into an apartment building, reserve the elevator in advance. Buildings often restrict move-in times.
Address and mail:
- File your USPS change of address at least one week before moving. Go to usps.com to set your official move date and forwarding period.
Insurance:
- Moving companies provide Released Value Protection at no cost — but it only covers 60 cents per pound per item. That's almost nothing for valuable goods.
- If you have high-value items (art, antiques, electronics), discuss full-value coverage options with your mover or consider third-party moving insurance.
Moving checklist:
- Use our moving checklist to stay organized and catch anything you might forget.
Things to Do in Massachusetts
Once you land, there's plenty to explore:
Museums: Museum of Fine Arts, The House of the Seven Gables, Plimoth Patuxet, Whaling Museum, JFK Hyannis Museum.
Parks: Stage Fort Park, Salem Witch Trials Memorial, Forest Park, Veterans Memorial Park.
Sports: Red Sox (MLB), Bruins (NHL), Celtics (NBA), Patriots (NFL), Revolution (MLS).
Universities: MIT, Harvard, Boston University, Tufts, UMass Amherst.
FAQ
How long does this move take?
Most moves from Chesapeake to Massachusetts take 1–6 days depending on the mover's schedule and service level. Summer moves often face delays due to peak-season congestion. Always ask about the estimated delivery window before booking.
Do these movers handle specialty items like art and antiques?
Yes. About 15 Chesapeake movers offer custom crating for fragile, oversized, or oddly-shaped pieces — including artwork, antiques, and electronics. Confirm your mover's specialty services in writing.
What about car shipping?
If you're also shipping a vehicle from Chesapeake to Massachusetts, use a company with a strong track record for professionalism and vehicle care. Get references and verify insurance coverage.
Why are people moving to Massachusetts from Chesapeake?
Natural beauty, strong education system, better job market, and cultural attractions draw people to Massachusetts. It's a significant lifestyle shift compared to Chesapeake, so make sure the climate and pace fit you.
Start Your Move
You've got solid options in Chesapeake. A Friendly & Affordable Mover has the highest customer satisfaction on this route, while TWO MEN AND A TRUCK offers speed and reliability.
Compare quotes from multiple movers to lock in the best price and timeline for your move. Don't settle for the first estimate — this route attracts competitive bidding, and you should use that to your advantage.