Best Moving Companies in Virginia

One of the original 13 colonies, few states have been as important to the development of our country than Virginia. However, Virginia isn’t only a historic site for tourists; today, Old Dominion has a bustling economy that’s on the rise, and Virginia moving companies are seeing an influx of new residents. Are you thinking about making a move to Virginia? Don’t tackle this major task alone — read on to learn everything you need to know about the best Virginia movers who can make your next move simple.

The 7 Best Moving Companies in Virginia

Our top recommended moving companies in Virginia for 2022:

• Best Full-Service Mover: International Van Lines
• Most Transparent Pricing: American Van Lines
• Most Moving Partners: Moving APT
• Most Vehicle Shipping Options: Allied Van Lines
• Most Customizable Moving Experience: JK Moving Services
• Best Overall Container Service: U-Pack
• Best Pricing Options: North American Van Lines

Compare The Best Moving Companies in Virginia

International Van Lines:  Best Full-Service Mover

Why We Recommend International Van Lines

International Van Lines (IVL) was rated 2022’s Best National Moving Company by Forbes and has continually won Newsweek’s Best Customer Service Award thanks to the company’s responsiveness and available services. The name says it all, for not only does International Van Lines cover every state in the U.S. — they also provide relocation services to over 150 nations worldwide. With 22 years of experience in the international and long-distance moving industry, International Van Lines has made sure that they are on top of their game and can move you almost anywhere in the world.

International Van Lines has a unique quoting process. Rather than professional movers coming to your home to do an assessment, you can opt for the virtual quoting process IVL has through their own software, MoveOne. This is both a convenient and hassle-free option for busy people and you can get an accurate quote within an hour, all from using your cell phone. You can also opt for the traditional walk-through as well. Since IVL is a full-service moving company, they do offer packing, disassembly, reassembly, and unpacking upon arrival to your destination. However, you can simply request self-packing if you would rather handle your items yourself.

Pros & Cons of International Van Lines

Services Offered

A full-service moving company, IVL currently offers the following optional services that you can add onto your move to make things easier.

• Local, long-distance, and international moving
• Packing services
• Unpacking services
• Storage services
• Custom crating for fragile or antique items
• Debris removal
• Auto transport
• Piano moving
• Air and ocean freight for international moves

How Much Does International Van Lines Cost?

Like most moving companies, IVL uses its own in-house underwriting system to determine what you’ll pay for moving services. Some of the factors that will play a role in your pricing will include: 

• The number of rooms in your home
• The type of items that you’re moving 
• When you book your moving date
• The distance you’re traveling

Below, you can view some pricing data from previous IVL customers heading to or from Virginia to get a better idea of what you might expect to pay for services.

Get a quote from IVL here.

American Van Lines: Most Transparent Pricing

Why We Recommend American Van Lines

American Van Lines (AVL) began as a company with one moving truck in Miami in 1967. Since then, it has grown into a national full-service moving company. Each and every staff member of American Van Lines is background checked and undergoes continuous training to make sure they are knowledgeable about any advancements in the moving process. AVL can also provide movers with piano and antique moving certifications, so you don’t have to worry about those items during the packing, pick up, transportation, and unpacking processes.

Although American Van Lines is pricier than other full-service moving companies, it does offer a price-match guarantee, so you can still have their excellent services on your budget. They offer flat rate moving plans so you don’t have any surprises with hidden fees. As with other movers, AVL also offers storage solutions at your destination.

Pros & Cons of American Van Lines

Services Offered

View a complete list of services offered by AVL below. 

• Packing and unpacking services
• Storage unit arrangement
• Specialty packing services for items like pianos and antiques
• Furniture disassembly and reassembly
• Crating for large items (like pianos)
• Moving supplies
• Corporate moves
• Military moves
• International moves
• Commercial moves

How Much Does American Van Lines Cost?

View below to see previous pricing data from Virginia movers who used AVL’s services. This helps you get a better idea of what you might pay based on your home’s size and the distance you’re traveling.

Get a quote from American Van Lines here.

Moving APT: Most Moving Partners

Why We Recommend Moving APT

Moving APT isn’t a professional moving company itself — it’s a moving broker, which means that it connects clients who need either a local, long-distance, or international move to the right company to accomplish the job. Moving APT exists to help you find the best deal for your move with the most reputable companies in your area. In fact, in order to achieve this, you may even end up working with more than one company if one of the movers is local and the remaining distance of your move needs to be covered. 

This model can work to your advantage by connecting you with the best moving companies in your area for the best prices. Because of its status as a broker, APT offers a full range of services, from full-service movers to commercial moves to even auto transport. You can even view information from Moving APT’s most popular partners on its website to know that you’re working with a legitimate carrier.

Pros & Cons of Moving APT 

Services Offered

With more than 2,500 carriers standing by to help arrange any type of move, there are few services that Moving APT won’t be able to arrange on your behalf. Some of the company’s most popular add-ons include:

• Piano moving and crating
• Car and truck shipping
• Packing services
• Packing supplies
• Appliance reconnection services
• Furniture assembly and disassembly

Keep in mind that the services available will vary depending on your location.

How Much Does Moving APT Cost?

It can be difficult to accurately define Moving APT’s pricing due to their price matching policy. However, a  four-bedroom, 1,000-mile move with Moving APT was quoted at $7,800, which puts the company in line with other carriers in Virginia. To learn more about what you’ll pay for your unique move, be sure to get a free quote by clicking here. 

JK Moving Services: Most Customizable Moving Experience

Why We Recommend JK Moving Services

JK Moving Services has a reputation for being a professional moving company with the most customizable plans out there. Whatever your needs, whether they include storage facilities at your origin or destination, specialty packing services, a specific schedule, or vehicle transport, JK can design a plan specifically for you. You are partnered with a certified relocation specialist for an in-home consultation so you can get a quote, make a schedule, and plan any services you require for your move.

JK’s hardworking staff is all background-checked and certified for their roles. JK has its own customer service app you can download so that you can always be in contact about your move and stay updated. JK has served over 500,000 customers in long-distance moves over the course of its 40-year history, and this commitment to customer care is surely a major component of its long-term success. 

Pros & Cons of JK Moving Services

Services Offered

JK Moving Services is a full-service moving company offering the following specialty services. 

• Packing and unpacking
• Loading and unloading
• Residential and commercial services
• Packing (full-service or fragile-only)
• Climate-controlled storage 
• Furniture wrapping
• GPS shipment tracking
• Financing assistance
• Archival services
• Crating
• Auto relocation services

Though JK Moving Services does not offer local moving processes in most parts of the country, the company currently does offer local moves within the state of Virginia. 

How Much Does JK Moving Services Cost?

As a general pricing example, you can expect to pay $2,500 to $5,500 for a two-bedroom, 500-mile move with JK Moving Services. However, like Moving APT, it can be difficult to accurately estimate shipping costs from JK because the company takes such an in-depth, personalized look at pricing. Thankfully, getting a free quote from JK Moving Services is as easy as requesting contact here. 

Allied Van Lines: Most Vehicle Shipping Options

Why We Recommend Allied Van Lines

Allied Van Lines has over 85 years of experience in the moving industry. Whether you need a company to help with an interstate move, an international move, or even a local move, Allied has specialized plans that can accomplish any kind of move. Allied Van Lines is a full-service moving company, so if you need them to pack your belongings and unpack them at your new home, that is included in the full-service plan. However, Allied works with you to tailor its moving services to your specific needs. For example, if you need to move out of your home before your new home is ready, Allied has storage services for you at your destination.

Allied Van Lines strives to make long-distance moves as stress-free as possible. Once an Allied representative has done an in-home walk-through to provide you with an accurate quote up front, then they will help you plan the logistics of your move. Full-service means that you don’t have to do anything but sign a contract — they will handle packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking, and if you need packing supplies, Allied will provide those as well. Of course, you can also choose to save by handling these tasks yourself. With Allied Van Lines as your local moving company, your shipment is completely in your hands. 

Pros & Cons of Allied Van Lines

Services Offered

As a full-service moving company, Allied Van Lines offers many of the same services that you’ll find with competitors like IVL. You can currently book the following services for your upcoming move. 

• Packing services and unpacking services
• Fragile-only packing
• Storage for in-transit items
• Arrangement of long-term storage units
• Shipment tracking
• Furniture disassembly and reassembly
• Auto and boat transport
• Basic liability coverage
• Full-value coverage
• Online moving resources

How Much Does Allied Van Lines Cost?

Concerned about the price you’ll pay for your moving services? While you can’t be sure of what you’ll pay before you get a free quote, past pricing data can give you a rough idea of what you might pay for moving services from Allied. Let’s take a closer look at what past customers usually paid for their moving experience with Allied Van Lines.

Get a quote from Allied Van Lines here.

U-Pack: Most Widely Available Container Service

Why We Recommend U-Pack

U-Pack is a container-style moving company that helps you save and enjoy a move that’s less of a hassle. Packing a container yourself rather than hiring a full-service mover has several advantages, including working on your own schedule and packing up how you want. If you’re looking for a relaxed packing pace as well as autonomy when it comes to your belongings, U-Pack may be the company you’re looking for.

Simply go online to see how many of U-Pack’s ReloCubes you will need for your move based on storage capacity and your home size. If you want, you can also opt to have a whole moving trailer for your use, and you only pay for the trailer portion that you use (full loads not required). All you need to do is contact U-Pack, tell them what kind of container and how many of those you want, and set up a time for them to park the containers at your home. You have three days to pack the container, and then U-Pack drivers will whisk your belongings off to your destination. Once the container arrives, you have three days to unpack it. This unique system can save you both time and money on your next move. 

Pros & Cons of U-Pack

Services Offered

Because U-Pack is not a full-service mover, it offers a limited range of services. Currently, you can only book long-distance moving services and storage through U-Pack’s team. U-Pack does not offer services on moves that cover fewer than 150 miles, so if you’re moving locally, you’ll need to choose another container service provider like PODS. 

How Much Does U-Pack Cost?

You can get an instant quote from U-Pack’s team by using their online scheduling tool. To get a better estimation of what you might pay before you connect with the company, browse some pricing data from previous U-Pack customers we’ve compiled below. 

Get a quote from U-Pack here.

North American Van Lines: Best Pricing Options

Why We Recommend North American Van Lines

North American Van Lines has been in the moving business since 1933 and is a forerunner in many of today’s moving technologies, including WorldTrac. WorldTrac is a satellite GPS system that lets you know where your belongings are at any time. North American Van Lines also uses interactive driver simulators to teach driver safety. This can help you rest with the peace-of-mind that comes with knowing your driver is professionally trained. 

North American offers a range of moving plans, including full-service moves, fragile-only packing, self-packing options where you pack and they load, transport, and unload, and even debris removal once your belongings are settled at your destination. North American’s website says you can get a free moving quote online, but you actually do need to speak to a representative to finalize the quote.

Pros & Cons of North American Van Lines

Services Offered

In addition to the standard moving services you’ll find with any professional moving company, North American Van Lines also offers the following services.

• Corporate relocation
• Full-service and fragile-only packing
• Discounted moving supplies
• Appliance disconnection and reconnection
• Furniture disassembly and reassembly
• Custom crating for awkwardly shaped items
• Loading and unloading
• Crane vans for loading large items
• Storage (long-term and short-term)
• Satellite tracking
• Auto transport
• Full-valuation coverage

How Much Does North American Van Lines Cost?

You can get a better idea of what you’ll pay for your services through North American Van Lines using the chart below, which was compiled using past customer data. Be sure to get your own quote to finalize your unique pricing and service package.

Get a quote from North American Van Lines here.

How to Choose a Moving Company

Moving cross country or even locally is a huge step, so it’s important to choose the moving process that’s best for you. If you know you need help from professionals, hiring a moving company and scheduling a move is the first step toward relocating. But the steps before choosing a mover are important as well. You need to compare quotes and plans as well as service areas before choosing the mover for your job. You also have the option of going solo and relocating without hiring professionals.

Full-Service Moving

Full-service moving is a process during which you hire a moving company, and they do all the heavy lifting for you — literally. They provide packing supplies upon your request, and they can do all the packing of your belongings, from furniture to appliances to clothing and personal items. The professionals then load your packed up belongings into a moving vehicle, transport them to your new home, and unload them for you. You can even opt to have the movers unpack everything for you and put any disassembled furniture back together. Be mindful that if you do choose a full-service moving plan, things like medications and personal documents should be kept with you during your move, as well as things like expensive and delicate electronics.

Full-service moving is a great option if you have a lot of antique or specialty items, or if you’re moving a large, unwieldy item that can be dangerous to move, such as a piano or hot tub. Hiring a professional moving team can also take the stress of scheduling and logistics off your shoulders, especially if you are taking care of children or elderly family members during your move. If you cannot drive or would rather not drive a large commercial vehicle, hiring full-service movers is a great solution, especially if your move involves a lot of travel. 

However, hiring moving companies, especially to handle the moving process from start to finish, is expensive. You get what you pay for in most cases — everything is handled professionally, on time, and with good customer service. But the cost of a moving company may be out of your budget altogether. Some moving companies have also been known to lose or damage items in transit. If you’re uncomfortable about letting strangers into your household goods, hiring movers may not be the right decision for you.

Self-Service

Instead of hiring professional movers, you can always have a DIY move. If you’d like to save money by packing and loading your things yourself, a DIY move can be a great choice. DIY moves are ideal for smaller households and for those without delicate or specialty items. If you do a self-service move, you are in control of the planning, logistics, and execution of the move. For some, this is ideal, as they want to be part of every detail.

If you have no experience driving a moving vehicle and would rather leave the driving to someone else, you can always use a container company. You would still be responsible for packing and unpacking the moving container, but trained drivers would be the ones transporting your items where they need to go. This helps you save on your move over hiring a full-service team.

If you do need to rent a moving vehicle (if your personal vehicle is too small) or trailer to attach to your vehicle, you can easily compare moving truck options from companies like U-Haul. Moving truck rental companies will often offer assistance in choosing the best size truck for you based on your move size. Renting a moving truck is usually the most affordable way to move. 

Moving To Virginia

Choosing the type of moving company that you want to work with is one of the easier steps you’ll need to complete when planning a move. After you choose a general company type that works for your schedule and budget, it’s time to begin arranging specifics. Planning ahead won’t only save you stress when moving to Virginia — just a few minutes of work a day can potentially end up saving you thousands of dollars by the time you make it to your new home.

Let’s take a closer look at a few of the factors that will play a role in your moving pricing to help you begin budgeting for your move. We’ll also introduce you to a few quick facts and recommendations that will help you make the most out of your time in Virginia.  

Virginia Moving Costs

The two most important factors that moving companies take into consideration when pricing your move are the distance your move covers and your home size. If you’re moving further away from your home, you’ll pay more for your moving services because moving companies need to use more resources to complete long moves. Similarly, moving a larger home requires more personnel, which means paying more for your move.

Let’s take a look at a few general examples of what you might expect to pay when moving to Virginia based on distance for a three- to four-bedroom home. 

Best Cities in Virginia

Still deciding where you want to move? The following cities represent some of the best that Virginia has to offer. 

Arlington: Arlington, Virginia, is on the border between the state and Washington, D.C. You have access to plenty of outdoor activities like hiking, biking, walking, and boating in this area. The schools achieve above average in Arlington, and you’re surrounded by historical sites and museums. The crime rate is over 60% lower than the national average, which makes the area good for families. Arlington’s proximity to the national capital as well as government agencies like the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Defense means that the government is one of the largest employers in the area. 

Richmond: Richmond, Virginia, is two hours outside of Washington, D.C. This city is full of museums and home to no less than eight Fortune 500 companies, including Brinks and Carmax. Millennials thrive in this city, as there is always something to do and the median income is $61,000. This makes Richmond an affordable area with exciting attractions such as drag shows, antique furniture shops, festivals, hiking trails, and much more.

Virginia Beach: Virginia Beach has more restaurants than you can try in a year in addition to its lovely shores. It is located in Virginia’s Tidewater region, which means that tourists flock year-round from all directions and support the city’s economy. This city has almost half a million residents, but it retains the charm of a beach town with a small-town atmosphere. The military is a large employer in the area. 

Living in Virginia

These tips will help you make a smarter move to Virginia. 

Defense jobs are in demand: There are 27 active military bases in the state of Virginia and that history runs proud and deep. Economic growth in Virginia is based heavily on military and defense jobs, although manufacturing, maritime trade, health care, education, and renewable energy are all industries on the rise.

Know where housing is affordable: The cost of living in Virginia as a whole is about the same as the national average, although some cities like Arlington and Richmond have lower housing costs than average. These areas may be enticing for young professionals and singles looking to move to Virginia. 

History is everywhere: Virginia is definitely a state for history and nature buffs alike. Anywhere in the state, you can find museums, historical sites, and monuments marking military events, significant happenings, and even sites important to the foundation of the country. Take some time to learn more about our nation’s history while you’re in Old Dominion. 

Final Thoughts

Though moving might seem like an impossible task, a bit of planning can make everything manageable. Make sure that you don’t book your move date before getting a quote from at least three competing moving companies. The more quotes you get, the more confident you can be that you’re getting a great price on your move.

House Method Rating Methodology

At House Method, our primary goals are to be a reliable source of information and to be totally transparent to our readers. With that in mind, we’ve developed the following formula to render objective ratings – on a scale of 10 points – for the moving companies we review.

• Transparency (3.0): Communication and being fully straightforward regarding company policies and licensing are incredibly important. A given mover’s willingness to display these, to supply quick quotes, and to provide clearly-worded moving contracts all factor into the three points within this single rating criteria.
• Cost (2.5): A mover’s cost relative to industry averages, as well as accessibility to cost data play a role in the customer experience as much as anything else. We know that being sure of what you’re paying – and being confident that you’re not overpaying – will ultimately make for a positive move. We’ve weighted cost factors accordingly in our ratings.
• Customer Service (2.0): Establishing an easy line of contact with your movers during the booking process or during the move itself is a huge asset for any moving client. The stress of moving, in general, can be greatly eased by knowing you can talk to a licensed professional whenever you need to, which is why we’ve listed this as a key rating category. This is where customer reviews come into play; since the majority of complaints stem from poor customer service, feedback from BBB, Yelp, Google, and other review platforms factor into this criteria.
• Services Offered (1.5): This rates lower on our priority list than many would think, simply due to the fact that many movers provide a similar line of services. However, breadth of service offerings does still vary to a degree.
• Customization Options (1.0): Having the autonomy to fully customize your move should rate highly on any moving checklist. Here, we’ve taken moving package customization ability, as well as pricing for more involved add-ons. Steep pricing for such services can provide something of a soft barrier for clients looking to add to their move, and we’ve taken this into consideration.