Moving from Norfolk, VA to Massachusetts: Top Companies & Costs

If you're moving from Norfolk to Massachusetts, you're looking at roughly 562 miles and a significant shift in cost of living. Massachusetts is pricier—expect higher housing costs, state income taxes at 9%, and rent about 6% above what you're paying now. But there's an upside: jobs are more plentiful (unemployment in Massachusetts sits around 3.9% versus 7.3% in Norfolk), and average incomes run about 52% higher.

Before you pick a mover, let's walk through the best options available to you.

Top 5 Moving Companies from Norfolk to Massachusetts

Out of 20 Norfolk-area movers capable of interstate relocations, these five stand out for customer satisfaction and service range:

1. A Friendly & Affordable Mover — 4.5 / 5 stars (87% positive reviews)
2. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK — 4.5 / 5 stars (80% positive reviews)
3. Coleman Worldwide Moving — 4.56 / 5 stars (37% positive reviews)
4. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving — 4.48 / 5 stars (81% positive reviews)
5. Apple Moving — 4.48 / 5 stars (56% positive reviews)

A Friendly & Affordable Mover

Rating: 4.5 / 5 | Address: 516 Central Dr Suite 104, Virginia Beach, VA 23454

What customers consistently praise here is straightforward pricing. Out of 259 reviews analyzed, 87% were positive—among the highest I've seen locally. People highlight professional crews, careful handling, and transparent rates that don't surprise you at pickup. That efficiency translates to less time on the truck and lower overall costs.

The trade-off: a small fraction of customers reported damage claims that took time to resolve. It's rare enough not to be a pattern, but if you're moving high-value items, ask about their full-value coverage options upfront.

Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, piano moving, art and antiques handling, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage.

Get a quote: (757) 689-0935 | BBB Profile

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TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

Rating: 4.5 / 5 | Address: 4007 Seaboard Ct #7, Portsmouth, VA 23701

Of 258 reviews, 80% were positive. Customers consistently mention speedy moves, professional crews, and good communication from booking through delivery. The process feels streamlined, which matters when you're coordinating an interstate haul.

Where this company loses points: nearly 1 in 5 reviews flagged unexpected charges or initial estimates that didn't match the final bill. Accuracy matters when you're budgeting for a move to an expensive state like Massachusetts. Ask for a detailed, written estimate and confirm what's included before committing.

Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, piano and safe moving, storage.

Get a quote: (757) 250-7167 | BBB Profile

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Coleman Worldwide Moving

Rating: 4.56 / 5 | Address: 3325 Croft St, Norfolk, VA 23513

This is the highest-rated company on paper—4.56 stars—but the details matter. Only 37% of 59 reviews were actually positive. The split tells you something: Coleman has very good days and very bad days. People who had smooth moves loved the care and professionalism. Those who hit delays or damage? They were frustrated.

For a 562-mile interstate haul, reliability is everything. Coleman offers comprehensive services and has 110 years in business, but I'd recommend getting multiple quotes and reading recent reviews closely before committing.

Services: Local, interstate, and international moves; packing/unpacking; office relocations; crating; storage.

Get a quote: (757) 857-0101 | BBB Profile

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College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving

Rating: 4.48 / 5 | Address: 2618 Arkansas Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23513

Strong on speed and professionalism—81% of 325 reviews were positive. Crews are typically young, energetic, and efficient. If you value fast service and friendly banter, this company delivers. Communication is straightforward, and scheduling is easy.

The caveat: damage to high-value items came up more often in negative reviews than I'd like to see. Some customers also reported unexpected add-on charges. For an interstate move, clarify what's covered in the base quote and confirm any special handling for fragile or valuable belongings.

Services: Local moves, packing/unpacking, office moves, storage.

Get a quote: (336) 810-1801 | Yelp Reviews

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Apple Moving

Rating: 4.48 / 5 | Address: 1010 Cavalier Blvd, Chesapeake, VA 23323

Of 275 reviews, 56% were positive. Apple Moving has been around 69 years, and experienced crews show. Customers praise attention to detail and willingness to accommodate special requests. The teams are hardworking and personable.

However, 43% of reviews mentioned damage, missing items, or slow claims resolution. For an interstate move where disputes are harder to resolve from a distance, this is worth noting. Ask about claims procedures and insurance details before hiring.

Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, piano and specialty item moving (hot tubs, pool tables), crating, storage.

Get a quote: (757) 397-1248 | BBB Profile

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What Norfolk Movers Can Do for You

Of the 20 interstate-capable movers in the Norfolk area, here's what specialties are most common:

Cost to Move from Norfolk to Massachusetts

Here's what you're looking at for a 562-mile interstate move, depending on your home size and method:

Note: These are averages based on seasonal and market data as of early 2026. Your actual cost will vary depending on load size, move date, access/parking, and fuel prices. Use our moving cost calculator to get personalized estimates.

Full-Service Movers vs. Containers vs. Truck Rentals

Full-service movers run $995–$6,717 depending on home size. You get professional packing, loading, transport, and unloading. It's more expensive but saves you physical labor and risk over 562 miles.

Moving containers (like PODS) cost $682–$2,812. You pack at your own pace, the company transports the container, and you unpack at the destination. Good middle ground if you want flexibility without doing all the driving yourself.

Rental trucks are cheapest at $431–$1,114. You handle everything—packing, loading, driving, unloading. It works if you're young, have help, and aren't moving high-value items. But fatigue over 562 miles is real, and damage risk is highest with this method.

What Affects Your Norfolk-to-Massachusetts Moving Cost

1. Move size: More stuff = higher costs. A studio runs half the price of a 4-bedroom house.
2. Time of year: Summer (May–August) is peak season; expect 20–30% higher quotes. Winter and off-season months are cheaper.
3. Pickup/delivery timing: If you need the move done in 3 days, it costs more than a 7–10 day window.
4. DIY vs. professional: Self-moving is cheaper upfront but exhausting. Professionals cost more but save your time, back, and sanity.

Cost of Living: Norfolk vs. Massachusetts

Before you commit, understand what life costs in Massachusetts compared to Norfolk:

What this means:

• Rent is 6% higher in Massachusetts. Budget an extra $88/month, but that's the least of it.
• Homes cost 119% more. If you're buying, expect to pay roughly double. Renting softens the blow.
• Incomes are 52% higher. Massachusetts salaries are genuinely better, especially in tech, healthcare, and education.
• Cost of living is 10% higher overall. Groceries, utilities, services—everything costs a bit more.
• Unemployment is 47% lower. Job market is tight and strong—good news if you're looking to work.
• Taxes are 57% higher. That 9% state income tax stings compared to Virginia's 5.75%.

Climate, Weather & Community Differences

Temperature & Snow

Summers: Massachusetts averages 82°F; Norfolk hits 88°F. Massachusetts is cooler, which means lower AC bills and less oppressive humidity.

Winters: Massachusetts dips to 16°F on average; Norfolk sits at 33°F. You're trading Virginia's mild winters for serious cold. Budget for heating costs and snow removal.

Snow: Massachusetts gets 47 inches per year versus Norfolk's 5 inches. If you love winter sports and snow days, this is a win. If you hate shoveling, this is a problem.

Rain: Both states average 47–49 inches annually—roughly equal.

Population & Community Feel

• Norfolk population: 238,000 (mid-size port city)
• Massachusetts population: 7 million (urban, suburban, rural mix)

Norfolk is more compact and naval-focused. Massachusetts is diverse—you've got Boston's urban density, college towns (Harvard, MIT, BU, Tufts), suburbs, and rural areas. Crime rates are also notably different: Massachusetts has a crime index of 13.92 versus Norfolk's 58.1, meaning safer neighborhoods overall.

Politics

Both Norfolk and Massachusetts lean Democratic (Norfolk: 72% vs. Massachusetts: 61.5%), so the political environment won't shock you.

Key Logistics Before You Move to Massachusetts

Licensing & Regulations

Moving companies in Massachusetts must hold a license from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities—Transportation Oversight Division. They're required to carry cargo insurance and file their tariffs publicly. Always verify your mover's license before booking. You can check it on the state's official regulatory site.

Permits & Parking

• Moving permits: Massachusetts doesn't require statewide moving permits, but check local parking restrictions with your city or town.
• Truck parking: Some cities require permits for oversized vehicles. Confirm this with your destination municipality.
• Elevator reservations: If you're moving into a building with an elevator, reserve it well in advance for moving day.
• HOA rules: If you're moving into a community with an HOA, check their moving day policies—some have specific windows or requirements.

Insurance Options

Massachusetts offers Released Value Protection at no cost—but it's bare-bones, covering only 60 cents per pound per article. If you have valuable items, ask your mover about full-value coverage or third-party insurance options. It's worth the cost for peace of mind on a long-distance haul.

USPS Address Change

Submit your change of address form at least a week before your move date. This ensures your mail gets forwarded without gaps.

Use a Moving Checklist

Staying organized is half the battle. Use our moving checklist to track everything from notifying utilities to forwarding subscriptions.

Things to Do in Massachusetts

Once you land, here's what awaits:

Museums: House of the Seven Gables, Museum of Fine Arts, Plimoth Patuxet, Whaling Museum, JFK Hyannis Museum

Parks: Stage Fort Park, Salem Witch Trials Memorial, Forest Park, Veterans Memorial Park

Sports: Boston Red Sox (MLB), Boston Bruins (NHL), Boston Celtics (NBA), New England Patriots (NFL), New England Revolution (MLS)

Universities: MIT, Harvard, Boston University, Tufts, UMass Amherst

FAQ

How long does a Norfolk-to-Massachusetts move take?

Typically 1–6 days depending on whether it's a direct haul or a consolidated shipment. Summer moves take longer due to volume. Ask your mover for a specific delivery window before booking.

Do Norfolk movers offer custom crating?

Yes. 16 movers in the area list custom crating for fragile or oversized items. Confirm specs and pricing upfront.

What's the best way to ship a car from Norfolk to Massachusetts?

If you need your vehicle transported, explore our top car shipping options. Expect costs to vary based on carrier type (open vs. enclosed) and timing.

Why are people moving from Norfolk to Massachusetts?

Job opportunities, higher salaries, excellent universities, natural beauty, and a strong job market draw people to the state regularly.

Can I pay cash for my move?

Only two Norfolk-area movers currently accept cash. Most require a deposit to secure your date and crew, with the remainder due at pickup or delivery. Verify payment methods and timing before booking.

Next Steps

Getting multiple quotes is non-negotiable for an interstate move. Each company will assess your specific load and timing differently. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates from Norfolk movers, and don't hesitate to call the companies above directly for personalized quotes.

A move this distance—and this expensive—deserves careful vetting. Compare reviews, verify licensing, and confirm insurance coverage before signing anything.