Virginia is for lovers, according to the state motto. Its rich history, inspiring nature, art, education, and food make it easy to fall in love. Everything a person could want or need lies within the borders of the state. Before relocating, learn more about the state so you can fall in love too.
This detailed guide provides important things to know before moving to Virginia. From the best cities and towns to how to pick a moving company, you’ll find the information you need to relocate without stress tagging along. Use this guide together with the best state-to-state movers and secure a smooth relocation process.
You Need Reliable Movers
Virginia is for lovers but your love should not rush you into an abrupt, unplanned move without help from professional movers. Moving professionals make it easier to move. The average cost to hire movers in Virginia ranges from $1,200 – $4,500+, depending on the distance, size of your home, time of year, and the company.
Local and long-distance moving companies offer several services that you customize to meet your needs. Choose your services, whether you only want the movers to drive the truck or prefer they take care of the whole ordeal. Movers bring innovative tools and equipment to safely move your stuff.
If you want more than to rent a moving truck, check out the services you can arrange with moving professionals:
- Pack/unpack
- Load/unload
- Furniture assembly/disassembly
- Appliance reconnection
You can search for moving companies online. Reviews, social media pages, and the company website are resources available to help narrow your search. Word-of-mouth can also help connect you to a good moving professional.
As you search for movers, look for professionals that:
- Carry insurance and a license issued through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA); preferably bonded
- Carry transportation insurance, as mandated by federal law
- Have a good reputation in the community
- Offers fair, competitive rates
- Is knowledgeable and professional
Moving Companies Aren’t Equipped to Move Everything
Moving company rules and regulations imposed by state and federal laws forbid movers from transporting everything you may want to move. Check with the cross-country movers you’re working with for a list of items they cannot transport if anything questionable is packed in your stuff.
Make arrangements to move items that your movers cannot move in your vehicle or by other methods of transportation. Consider leaving bulky, oversized items that are easily replaceable if transportation issues become a concern.
Common items movers cannot move to your new location include:
- Food
- Animals
- Firearms/explosives
- Live plants/flowers
- Money/valuables
- Chemicals/household cleaners
Need to move large, oversized, or heavyweight items like a piano or pool table? Items like this require special handling and equipment to move. Typically, they’re labeled “specialty items” and cost more to transport than standard household items.
Items commonly categorized as specialty items include:
- Pianos
- Pool tables
- Hot tubs
- Riding lawn mowers
- Exercise equipment
The Economy is Thriving
U.S. News and World Report ranked Virginia #13 in state economy, #24 in growth, and #5 in employment. Top industries include retail and health, although shipbuilding, wineries, and farming keep food on the table for many.
The economy seems to remain steady in Virginia, even when other states decline or face troubles. Subsequently, The Washington Post referred to Virginia as “the best state in America”.
Virginia plans to increase its current minimum wage to $12 per hour by 2023. Currently, the state follows federal minimum wage guidelines with a set minimum wage rate of $7.25 per hour.
Several Fortune 500 companies are headquartered in the state, including:
- Fannie Mac
- Capital One Financial
- Dominion Energy
- Booz Allen Hamilton
- Altria Group
- Genworth
- Northrop Grumman
Fortune 500 companies and top-paying companies like those on our list fill every corner of the state. You can find outstanding employers no matter your location.
Expect a Large Military Presence
With 47 military bases, eight of which are army bases, in Virginia, you can expect to see a large military presence wherever you go. Every branch has at least one active base, and some have multiple bases.
As the #1 employer in the state, the U.S. Military is home to more than 128,000 active-duty members of the military. Expect to see new faces each year from June until August as soldiers receive their PCS orders. Family members looking to be close to their loved ones often follow behind.
Only California has a larger military presence than Virginia. There is a good chance you’ll meet several people with military connections. Prepare to live a military-type life.
Our nation’s capital sits approximately 130 miles from the Virginia state border. Many military officers and retired police officers find careers in Washington, D.C.
Education in Virginia
Parents appreciate the above-average educational system offering their children worthwhile educational opportunities. No matter where you move in Virginia, exceptional schools are part of the deal.
Virginia students outperform the competition. The U.S. Department of Education’s National Assessment of Educational Progress consistently ranks the state in the top 10. In 2010, the Quality Report ranked Virginia fourth best in the country.
With 167 colleges and universities in Virginia, higher education opportunities provide students with the opportunity to succeed in life. Some of the best colleges and universities in the state include:
- Virginia Tech
- College of William and Mary
- Virginia Military Institute
- Norfolk State University
- University of Virginia
Frequently Asked Questions
Do moving companies offer any discounts?
Though it’s not standard practice, some moving companies offer discounts such as those for military, seniors, and AAA holders. Check with the moving company you work with to find out about any available discounts you qualify to receive.
How much money do I need to make to live comfortably in Virginia?
A single individual without children should earn an annual income of approximately $26,631 to live comfortably in Virginia. An adult with two children should earn $61,780, or just over $76,000 pre-tax.
When is the best time of the year to move?
Summer moves award you the comfort of warm weather, but moving companies are busy since its peak season. An off-season move during November or December will net you the best prices if you can stand the cold temperatures.
How many moving company estimates do I need?
Experts recommend getting at least three moving quotes before you hire. With three quotes minimum, it is easy to understand average costs so you aren’t taken advantage of by an unscrupulous moving company. A quote gives more information about the mover and you can compare companies against one another to find the best.
What is the cost to move to Virginia?
Factors like the area you move from, the weight of items brought along, and the time of year impact the overall costs to move to Virginia. For example, a move from Tennessee to Virginia ranges between $630 and $6,300+ depending on these factors.
Move to Virginia with Confidence
Now that you know important information like the average cost to buy a home and why you need moving professionals, you can relocate without the same worry sheltering your mind.
