Moving from Chesapeake to Ohio: Costs, Companies & Route Guide
If you're moving from Chesapeake to Ohio, you're looking at a 621-mile haul across two states with pretty different cost-of-living pictures. I've pulled together what you actually need to know: real pricing, which local movers are worth calling, and how Ohio stacks up against what you're leaving behind.
Top 5 Chesapeake Movers for Ohio Relocations
Out of 19 Chesapeake-based companies equipped to handle interstate moves, here are the ones with the strongest track records for Ohio jobs.
- 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
A Friendly & Affordable Mover
516 Central Dr Suite 104, Virginia Beach, VA 23454
4.52 / 5 | Yelp | Google | BBB A+
87% positive reviews | 12% negative
What jumps out here: 87% of customers left positive feedback, and most cite professional staff, careful handling, and fair pricing. Customers returning for repeat moves often report consistent quality and a straightforward booking process.
The downside is smaller but worth noting—a few clients reported damage claims that dragged on or underestimated moving time. Still, when complaints do surface, they're the exception rather than the rule.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, piano moving, art and antiques, full-value coverage, storage.
Contact: (757) 689-0935
Coleman Worldwide Moving
3325 Croft St, Norfolk, VA 23513
4.56 / 5 | Yelp | Google | BBB A+
37% positive reviews | 61% negative
Coleman has strong star ratings, but the review breakdown tells a different story. Only 37% of customers rated their experience positively, citing careful handling and efficient packing. The 61% negative feedback centers on late arrivals, poor communication, and—most damaging—items arriving broken or damaged.
If you book with Coleman, go in with realistic expectations on timing and document everything before the truck leaves your driveway.
Services: Local, interstate, and international moves; packing/unpacking; office relocations; crating; storage.
State License: 076235 | DOT: 2897746 | Years in Business: 110
Contact: (757) 857-0101
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
4007 Seaboard Ct #7, Portsmouth, VA 23701
4.5 / 5 | Yelp | Google | BBB A+
80% positive reviews | 19% negative
With 258 reviews analyzed, four out of five customers praised fast, professional service and good communication. Many noted smooth booking and consistent updates throughout the move. The crew comes across as polite and careful with belongings.
The catch: about 1 in 5 reviews warned about damage, surprise charges, or cost estimates that didn't match the final bill. A few customers switched companies after budget overruns.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, piano moving, storage.
State License: 3064442 | DOT: 2527384 | Years in Business: 9
Contact: (757) 250-7167
Apple Moving
1010 Cavalier Blvd, Chesapeake, VA 23323
4.48 / 5 | Yelp | Google | BBB A+
56% positive reviews | 43% negative
Apple Moving edges above the 50% positive threshold, with customers consistently praising professional, polite staff and careful handling. Reviewers frequently highlight attention to detail and the crew's willingness to work around special requests.
The 43% negative feedback focuses on damage and missing items—and more frustrating, difficulty getting timely claim resolutions. Some customers felt dismissed when raising damage issues. The moving teams are generally described as hardworking, but the company could improve accountability after problems occur.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, office relocations, piano, hot tub, pool table moving, crating, storage.
State License: 163678 | DOT: 1934458 | Years in Business: 69
Contact: (757) 397-1248
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
2618 Arkansas Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23513
4.48 / 5 | Yelp | Google | BBB Grade F
81% positive reviews | 18% negative
With 325 reviews, 81% gave positive feedback—above industry average. Customers praise speed, professionalism, friendly crews, and minimal stress during the move. Good communication and easy scheduling are recurring themes.
The downside: damage to belongings (especially high-value items), surprise charges, and occasional no-shows or delays. A few customers complained about difficulty getting damage claims honored. If timing and valuables are critical, ask detailed questions about insurance and get everything in writing.
Services: Local moves, packing/unpacking, office relocations, storage.
DOT: 2378173 | Years in Business: Less than 1
Contact: (336) 810-1801
Chesapeake to Ohio: What Movers Offer Locally
A quick snapshot of specialty services available from Chesapeake movers:
- Interstate moves: 89% of local companies
- Piano moving: 84%
- Antiques and art: 47% each
- Fragile-only packing: 42%
- Small moves: 58%
Moving Costs: Chesapeake to Ohio
Here's what you'll actually pay, depending on home size and service type. These are average ranges for a 621-mile move:
| Move Size | Full-Service Movers | Moving Containers | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,041 – $3,039 | $705 – $1,540 | $455 – $858 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,920 – $5,019 | $1,163 – $2,450 | $501 – $969 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,480 – $6,721 | $1,601 – $2,924 | $577 – $1,242 |
Note: These estimates are based on pricing data compiled as of January 2026. Your final cost depends on move size, added services, parking challenges, fuel rates, and timing. Get a personalized quote to see where you actually land.
Full-Service Movers: Chesapeake to Ohio
A studio or one-bedroom runs $1,041–$3,039. Two or three bedrooms typically fall $1,920–$5,019. A larger four- or five-bedroom home will cost $3,480–$6,721.
The range exists because distance alone doesn't determine price. How quickly the crew can load, whether you need packing services, and current fuel surcharges all factor in.
Moving Containers: Chesapeake to Ohio
If you're moving fewer items or need flexible timing, containers often beat full-service quotes. Expect $705–$1,540 for a studio, $1,163–$2,450 for a two or three-bedroom, and $1,601–$2,924 for a large home.
Rental Trucks: Chesapeake to Ohio
DIY truck rental is cheapest but requires you to drive the entire 621 miles and handle loading/unloading yourself. Budget $455–$858 for a studio, $501–$969 for two to three bedrooms, and $577–$1,242 for four-plus bedrooms. These quotes include fuel.
Factors That Drive Your Moving Cost
- Move size: Studio moves cost far less than relocating a five-bedroom house.
- Season: Summer demand spikes prices. Winter and early spring are cheaper.
- DIY vs. professional: A truck rental is budget-friendly but labor-heavy. Movers cost more but save you days of physical work.
- Add-ons: Packing, storage, or specialty item handling all increase the bill.
Cost of Living: Chesapeake vs. Ohio
The Numbers
| Metric | Chesapeake, VA | Ohio |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,800 | $945 |
| Average home price | $375,209 | $230,798 |
| Per capita income | $63,484 | $66,990 |
| Cost of living index | 104 | 94 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.0% | 3.6% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 3.5% |
What This Means for You
Rent: Ohio is roughly 48% cheaper. Monthly savings are real and immediate.
Home prices: Homes in Ohio are about 38% less expensive—a meaningful difference if you're buying.
Salaries: Ohio's average per capita income is 6% higher, which can offset cost-of-living gains and boost savings potential.
Overall cost of living: Ohio runs about 10% cheaper, translating to monthly savings across groceries, utilities, and services.
Job market: Ohio's unemployment rate is 28% lower than Chesapeake's, which matters if you're job-hunting.
Taxes: State income tax is 39% lower in Ohio—a meaningful chunk of money stays in your pocket each month.
Life in Ohio vs. Chesapeake: What Changes
| Factor | Chesapeake, VA | Ohio |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 249,422 | 11,785,935 |
| Political lean | Democratic 52–46 | Republican 55–45 |
| Summer high | 87°F | 84°F |
| Winter low | 31°F | 20°F |
| Annual rainfall | 47 inches | 40 inches |
| Annual snowfall | 5 inches | 28 inches |
| Crime index | 25.0 | 20.76 |
Climate
Summer temperatures are nearly identical (87°F vs. 84°F), so you won't notice a huge shift there. But winters are significantly colder in Ohio—expect lows around 20°F instead of 31°F. That means higher heating bills but also real snow and winter scenery.
Ohio gets less rain annually (40 inches vs. 47), but it trades that for 28 inches of snow compared to Chesapeake's 5 inches. If you love snow, this is a win. If you hate scraping ice, plan ahead.
Politics
Chesapeake leans Democratic; Ohio leans Republican. If local politics matter to you, this is worth factoring in.
Safety
Ohio's crime index of 20.76 is lower than Chesapeake's 25.0—a meaningful difference that reflects safer neighborhoods overall.
Population & Community
Chesapeake is a mid-sized city; Ohio (the state) has 11.7 million people spread across major metros like Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati. You're going from tight-knit to something larger and more diverse—whether that's appealing depends on your preferences.
Before You Move: Essential Logistics
Permits & Parking
Ohio doesn't require a local moving permit, but check your specific city's parking rules. Some municipalities require advance permits for large moving trucks—best to confirm before moving day.
HOA & Building Rules
If you're moving into a community with an HOA, check their move-in day rules. Many buildings require elevator reservations well in advance.
Moving Company Licensing
Ohio doesn't require local movers to be state-licensed, but they must be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). Always ask for the mover's USDOT number and verify it before booking.
Address Change
File your USPS change of address at least one week before your move at USPS.com. This ensures mail forwarding starts on your official move date.
Moving Insurance
Insurance rules vary by state. Movers offer Released Value Protection (free but minimal—60 cents per pound maximum) or full-value coverage (paid add-on). Review your options with the mover or consider third-party insurance if you have high-value items.
Moving Checklist
Grab our moving checklist to make sure nothing falls through the cracks during your prep.
What to Do in Ohio
Museums
- Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
- Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- A Christmas Story House
- National Museum of the US Air Force
Parks & Outdoors
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
- Wayne National Forest
- Upper Falls at Old Man's Cave
- Maumee Bay State Park
Sports
- Cincinnati Reds (MLB)
- Cleveland Guardians (MLB)
- Cincinnati Bengals (NFL)
- Cleveland Browns (NFL)
- Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA)
Universities
- The Ohio State University
- University of Cincinnati
- Case Western Reserve University
- Kent State University
- Bowling Green State University
Common Questions
How long does a Chesapeake-to-Ohio move take?
Typically one to six days, depending on your service choice. Full-service movers usually complete it faster than container or truck rental options. Summer moves may run longer due to demand. Always confirm the delivery timeframe when booking.
Do Chesapeake movers offer custom crating?
Yes—15 Chesapeake movers provide custom crating services, ideal for artwork, antiques, and fragile items. Ask about crate construction, padding, and lead times when requesting a quote.
How do I ship a car from Chesapeake to Ohio?
Hire a professional auto transport company. They'll handle loading, transport, and delivery while you focus on your household goods.
Why move to Ohio?
Low cost of living, strong job market (3.6% unemployment), and lower taxes make Ohio attractive. Plus, it's a state with real seasons, decent outdoor recreation, and major cities with plenty of cultural amenities.
Payment options?
Most Chesapeake movers accept credit card, ACH, or cashier's check. Cash is rare in the industry because companies need a paper trail. You typically pay a deposit upfront, with the balance due at pickup or after delivery. Confirm payment methods and timing before you book.
Ready to Move?
Compare quotes from top Chesapeake movers to find the best price and service for your Ohio move. Get at least three estimates, ask about hidden fees, and read the fine print on damage liability before signing.