Moving to Virginia Beach: Your Complete Relocation Roadmap

Couples enjoying their stay in Virginia Beach.

Are you getting ready for this fun trip?

You’re going to love it. Picture beaches with sand and waves, endless sunshine, and a lively community prepared to greet you. This guide will help you get to Virginia Beach, a beautiful seaside gem, without stress.

Moving to a new place can be exhausting and exciting, but don’t worry—we’ve got your back!

Our goal with this blog is to make your move as easy as a wave coming onto the beach. You’ll find helpful information here if you’re moving to Virginia Beach or want to know more about the area.

At Off-Load Moving, we’ll help you every step of the way, from planning the move to settling in at your new beachfront home.

So, put on your sunglasses and get ready to read this complete guide written just for you as you start a new life in Virginia Beach!

Don’t Forget these 5 important things before moving to Virginia!

1. Climate and Seasonal Changes:

Virginia has various seasons, from hot and humid summers to winters that sometimes snow. Getting ready for these natural changes is very important. Virginia summers can get pretty warm, so you must bring the right clothes and other things for warmer weather.

Prepare for high humidity by packing clothes that let air pass through them and extras like sunscreen, hats, and shades.

Winters can be cold, especially in the northern parts of the state, and it may snow sometimes. Ensure you have the right weather clothes, like gloves, boots, and jackets.

You can also change your home to prepare for the different seasons. For example, you could design your HVAC system for the changing weather.

2. Traffic and Getting to Work:

Virginia is known for having a lot of different traffic trends, especially in cities.

Before you move:

A. Find the best times to travel to and from work and other essential places.

B. Learn about other ways you can avoid driving through traffic.

C. If you want to use public transportation, find out what choices exist when they run and which stations or stops are closest to you.

By learning about the local transportation options and how traffic flows, you can better plan your daily journey and avoid delays that aren’t necessary, which will make the change easier.

3. Local customs and manners:

Each area has its own customs and ways of doing things. There are social norms and cultural practices unique to Virginia that you should learn about before you go. Spend some time getting to know the area’s habits, customs, and social rules.

People in Virginia usually take pride in being polite and having good manners, so knowing the community’s rules can help you fit in better.

Virginians are known for being friendly and warm, so embrace those traits. This will make your integration into the state’s social fabric easier.

4. Natural dangers and being ready:

Virginia is near the coast, so it is vulnerable to natural disasters like hurricanes and storms. Ensure you know what to do in an emergency in these situations.

You should consider assembling an emergency kit with water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, first aid materials, and essential papers. Ensure you know about local weather reports and evacuation routes to prepare for a natural disaster.

Being ready for these events will give you peace of mind and ensure you’re prepared to handle anything that comes up.

5. Services and rules from the state:

States have their own rules and services that make them unique. Find out what you need to change or improve when you move to Virginia. Following Virginia state rules could mean updating your driver’s license, car registration, and other official papers.

Tax rules or services that differ from what they are now may change. Being aware of these rules will help you save time and avoid problems after the move, making the adjustment to your new life in Virginia easier.

If you are interested in learning more about Virginia Beach, you can check here: booming economy.

Here are the Essential Things to Prepare for your Relocation:

Moving to Virginia Beach is an exhilarating adventure, but preparation is vital to a successful move. Before diving into the sunny shores and vibrant community, laying the groundwork for a smooth transition is essential.

So, let’s chat about preparing for your move to Virginia Beach—where to start, what to consider, and how to navigate this exciting journey.

Research the Area:

Explore Virginia Beach online, learning about its neighborhoods, local amenities, schools, and community vibes. Understanding the area will help you narrow your choices for a suitable location.

Budgeting and Cost Analysis:

Evaluate the cost of living in Virginia Beach, considering housing, utilities, transportation, and other expenses. Create a budget to ensure financial preparedness for your new life there.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create a relocation budget:

1. List Expenses:

  • Identify all potential expenses associated with the move. This includes:
  • Moving company fees or truck rental costs
  • Packing supplies (boxes, tape, bubble wrap)
  • Transportation costs (gas, meals, and accommodation if it’s a long-distance move)
  • Storage fees, if applicable.
  • Travel expenses (flights, hotels, meals) if you move significantly

2. Moving Services:

Obtain quotes from moving companies or rental truck services. Compare costs and benefits to find the best option for your needs.

3. Packing Supplies:

Estimate the boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and other necessary packing supplies. Purchase these items, or look for free or discounted options.

4. Transportation Costs:

If you’re driving to your new location, estimate fuel costs, meals on the road, and accommodation if the journey requires an overnight stay.

5. Travel Expenses:

Calculate expenses for flights, hotels, meals, and any other travel-related costs if your move involves long-distance travel.

Finding a Place to Live:

Whether you’re renting or buying, start finding your new home early. Consider factors like proximity to work, schools (if applicable), and the distance from the beach if that’s important to you.

Employment Opportunities:

If you need to secure a job, research the job market in Virginia Beach. Update your resume and start searching for employment opportunities in your field.

Declutter and Pack Efficiently:

Begin sorting through your belongings and decluttering what you don’t need. Pack systematically, labeling boxes by room or content, to streamline unpacking.

Hacks for Efficient Decluttering and Packing

  • The Four-Box Method:Start in one room with four boxes labeled “Keep,” “Donate/Sell,” “Trash,” and “Storage.” As you go through items, categorize them into these boxes. This method not only helps you declutter but also facilitates the packing process.
  • Use Clothing as Packing Material:Save on bubble wrap and packing paper by utilizing your clothes as protective layers for fragile items. Wrap breakables in T-shirts, socks, and other soft garments. This provides extra cushioning and reduces the number of boxes you need.
  • Create a Priority Box:Designate a box for essentials you’ll need immediately upon arriving at your new home. Pack items like toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, and chargers. Label this box clearly, ensuring easy access when you reach your destination.
  • Digital Decluttering:Before packing up your electronics, take the opportunity to declutter your digital life. Delete unnecessary files, organize your folders, and back up important data. This lightens your load and ensures a smoother transition when setting up your electronics in your new space.
  • Color-Code Your Boxes:Assign a specific color to each room and label your boxes accordingly. This simplifies the unpacking process, making it easy for movers (or yourself) to identify which room each box belongs to. Consider creating a color-coded key for quick reference.

Change of Address and Utilities:

Notify relevant parties of your move. Inform the postal service, banks, subscriptions, and utility companies about your change of address.

Hiring Movers or Planning DIY Moves:

Decide whether to hire professional movers or undertake a do-it-yourself move. Get quotes from moving companies or plan your DIY move with enough time to prepare.

Schools and Healthcare:

If you have children, research schools in the area and initiate the transfer process. Also, familiarize yourself with healthcare facilities and find new doctors if necessary.

Vehicle Registration and Driver’s License:

If you’re coming from out of state, familiarize yourself with registering your vehicle and obtaining a Virginia driver’s license.

Embrace the Coastal Lifestyle:

Get excited about the new experiences awaiting you! Start researching local events, activities, and attractions in Virginia Beach. Embrace the beach lifestyle, and get ready to enjoy the sunny days and vibrant community upon your arrival.

These steps will help streamline your move and ensure a smoother transition to your new life in Virginia Beach.

Settling In: Tips for a Smooth Transition

Connect with the Community:

One of the quickest ways to feel at home in a new place is by connecting with the local community. Attend community events, join clubs or groups related to your interests, or volunteer for local initiatives. Engaging with the community helps you make friends and provides a sense of belonging and familiarity in your new surroundings.

Explore and Embrace the Locality:

Take the time to explore Virginia’s neighborhoods, attractions, and hidden gems. Whether it’s historical sites, parks, or local eateries, immersing yourself in the local culture and attractions helps you feel integrated and gives you a sense of appreciation for your new home.

Establish New Routines:

Moving to a new place can disrupt familiar routines. Establish new daily rituals, whether it’s a morning walk on the beach, discovering a new favorite coffee spot, or exploring a new hobby unique to Virginia. These routines create a sense of normalcy and comfort in your new environment.

Get Involved in Local Activities:

Virginia offers a wide array of activities and events year-round. Whether it’s cultural festivals, farmers’ markets, or outdoor concerts, participating in local events is a great way to get a taste of the local lifestyle and meet new people.

Stay Flexible and Patient:

Adjusting to a new environment takes time. Be patient with yourself during this transition. Some days might be more challenging, but staying open-minded and adaptable will help ease the adjustment.

Prioritize Self-Care:

Moving is often stressful, and taking care of your well-being during this time is crucial. Take breaks, practice self-care, and balance settling in and taking time for yourself.

A Key Ingredient for a Smooth Move is Partnering with a Reliable Moving Company.

Who are We?

When moving to Virginia Beach, there’s no better place to be if you want your move to go smoothly. Off-Load Moving is the best neighborhood moving company in Virginia Beach, and they have been doing great moving for 25 years.

Our skilled staff can handle any job, from minor to big ones. Please let our experienced professionals assist you. Because we know the city well, we can ensure your move to your new home goes smoothly.

What can we offer?

As professionals, our movers know how to handle all kinds of moves, including those in apartments, condos, single-family houses, retirement communities, dorms, businesses, and more.

Off-Load Moving is your committed partner for a stress-free move, whether you need help loading and unloading, complete packing services for your whole house or just particular rooms, or even carefully taking apart and putting together furniture.

Where do we serve?

We serve in the following areas: Virginia Beach, VA Norfolk, VA Chesapeake, VA Portsmouth, VA and many more…

Contact us today at 757-749-7212 for a FREE QUOTE.

GET YOUR FREE QUOTES HERE

Off Load Moving

5-Star Moving Company

Don’t just take our words for it. Our customers have experienced how great our services are. 

5.0
Based on 112 Reviews
Tim Donahue
May 2, 2023

Great moving experience overall. Briar is very professional and his crew handled my property as if it were their own. Highly recommend!

Corry King
April 30, 2023

Moving doesn’t have to be stressful if you hire a company that goes above and beyond to ensure your move goes smoothly! Briar and his team were extremely professional, handled all of my items with extreme care, and didn’t waste any time. If you’re looking to move a few items or an entire home, I definitely recommend Off-load Moving to meet your needs!

Nikole DEmanuele
April 13, 2023

Briar and his team are a pleasure to work with!! Super professional, and respectful!! They take extra measures to make sure that things are done properly and to our standards!! I highly recommend Off-Load Moving!!

Kristin Quigg
March 21, 2023

Don’t even bother looking for another company, Off-Load Moving is by far the best around. Hands down the most professional, friendly, and respectful group of guys I’ve had the pleasure of working with. I’ve moved every year for the last 8 years and I have yet to find a company as good as this, I will 100% use them again for my future moving needs! They were prompt, thorough, and genuinely cared about my home and my property - they ensured everything was protected to the best of their abilities. Moving day can always be stressful, but with this crew at your service you can’t go wrong - and they do it with a smile on their face! Thank you Off-Load Moving for making moving day a breeze.

Lauren T
March 20, 2023

Briar and the team at Off Load Moving were professional, respectful, and reliable from start to finish with the move they completed for me. They communicated clearly ahead of time and provided an extremely accurate and easy to understand estimate of the cost with no hidden fees or gimmicks. The day of the move Briar showed up on time, reviewed the service contract with me, and made sure I had no additional questions. There was no waste of time or resources. They got to work immediately upon their arrival, and did not stop working until everything had been completed. They moved large, heavy, oversized items from my old house to my new house across the water, and took extreme care in packing my most delicate and fragile items with the up most responsibility. Nothing was damaged, and I had the opportunity to inspect everything prior to them leaving. During the move I did not have to do any additional work, and I was informed of what was happening every step of the way. If I ever needed anything moved for any reason or occasion again, Briar and the team at Off Load are my first and only call. Their level of care, class, and professionalism is above and beyond.

Andy Nelson
March 11, 2023

Prompt, professional, and courteous service. Great team!

Victoria Walker
March 11, 2023

My friend recommended me giving Off-Load Moving a call. They responded in the same day and were able to get me scheduled for a Saturday a few days later! They communicated with me and were able to move my small couch into a my place very quick. I will definitely use them next time i move and recommend them to anyone in need of moving service!

Caitlin Kane
March 10, 2023

It was & absolute pleasure working with these gentleman, they were absolutely amazing. Definitely a 10 out of 10 experience.

VaLisa Welsh
March 8, 2023

Great group of people. First met them when they delivered my new furniture. I then hired them for our move. So glad I did. They are professional and were so careful with all of our things. I highly recommend them for any of your moving needs.

Denise Rose
March 7, 2023

5+ STARS!!! Quick responses. Great communications. On time arrival. Packing expertise. Very fair pricing.

Krystle Lipetzky
March 5, 2023

The Work Load: on different occasions, Off-Load Moving (OLM) moved a piano, and delivered two sets of couches, not to mention assembled necessary reclining couch pieces for us. The Crew: This hard working crew is professional, yet personable and they meant business in safely moving our goods. Not to mention, they did everything in a timely manner and were very easy to work with. Overall Assessment: Would absolutely recommend OLM to everyone. Stop wasting your time searching for a moving company, because OLM can do it all. The care they took with not just the items coming into our home but they carefully moved our current belongings aside to make way for the new furniture, they added padding to the door frame, and took away the obnoxiously large delivery boxes. It was a stress-free and first class experience. Side Note: OLM’s owner recommended we check out Casual Home Furniture in Chesapeake, which was an absolute win.

Nicole Salsbury
February 25, 2023

This team made my move stress free. They were very professional and quick. I highly recommend this wonderful team for your move!

Christin Bell
February 23, 2023

I can not recommend this company more! Briar and his team were trustworthy, fast, and the pricing was great! We will be using them for our future moves!

Tuck Da Monsta
February 23, 2023

Briar was exceptionally professional. He and his crew went above and beyond while providing additional services after delivering my household goods from storage. I would highly recommend his company for any and all things related to moving. You will not be disappointed.

Eric & Lisa Saar
February 18, 2023

Off-Load Moving did a great job moving our existing shop to a new location. They were on time and did everything promised and more. Thank you so much for the professionalism and cleanliness. We will use you for our next move.

Patty Preston
February 16, 2023

Off Load Moving company made this process so easy for me. They were professional handled everything with care and very respectful. If you want a stress free and professional move these are the guys I recommend. Thank you again for a great experience.

Ryan Finn
February 10, 2023

From the initial request up until after the move was completed, Briar and the rest of his team were amazing. My wife sent in a quote request and we received a very professional phone call from Briar to get an idea of what we were moving, when we were moving and to schedule a in-person estimate. The estimate was quick but thorough and on time! Come moving day, the team was very friendly, considerate of our home and belongings, and worked quickly and efficiently to get us moved into our new house. Briar showed up to check in on us and his team and to assist with a few of the more valuable and fragile items. After move in, Briar reached out to us and came out to make sure everything was done to our satisfaction. All in all, the team was fantastic and the move went very smoothly. The prices were right and the cost estimates were transparent and clearly spelled out for us. 10/10 would recommend Off-Load moving company to anyone in the Hampton Roads area and we will be utilizing them in the future, should we move in the area again!

Teonna James
February 10, 2023

Best moving company there is !

Lucas4life L.
February 2, 2023

Briar and his team were the best! This was the best moving experience I have ever had. I will be ONLY using them in the future. I appreciate you all so much.

Johnita Forbes
February 2, 2023

This company is filled with all stars! Great customer service and very professional! I was referred to them to do a hard job at new condo and they boldly stepped up to the challenge!! Choose this company 1st for your moving services. I had to learn the hard way that all moving companies are not build like Off-Load!

Christina Frierman
February 1, 2023

Briar and Gavin were awesome!! I called them with a short term need to rearrange some furniture in my house due to a medical need. They came quickly! They were professional. Call Briar and Off-Load moving for all your needs!! I can’t recommend them highly enough!

Justin Acosta
January 31, 2023

I’ve worked with offload moving several times, and their customer service has always been spot on! I always recommend them to anyone I know. They really know how to put their clients first, and make things happen fast!

Nicole pixler
January 28, 2023

Off-load moving is the way to go! Briar the owner contacted me to donate his time to my non profit StandUp for kids, Hampton Roads! He and his company came to meet me with a 16ft box truck, followed me to 3 different pickup locations in Virginia Beach and then to Norfolk to deliver. They did this out of the goodness in their hearts!! So thankful for this young man and his desire to give back!!

Jonathan Grissom
January 28, 2023

Briar helped me out for a bike transport. The service was quick and easy. If you need a motorcycle moved, I would highly recommend for the quality of service and price.

Chris Anderson
January 20, 2023

Very easy move. Thank you

josh F
January 20, 2023

10/10 would recommend!!

OFTP_Adamtheki113r
January 16, 2023

First off I’d just like to say GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE. When moving it is always so stressful and timelines are always changing, but with this company everything ran very smoothly. Very Accommodating to my timeline of needs and overall just very friendly and easy to work with. I can’t think of anything that cements good companies to great companies better than their customer service and responsiveness. I was moving from Virginia down to SC and all my stuff was here the same day as pickup. Nothing was damaged everything arrived and was taken great care for. I witnessed so many horror stories where stuff was broken and items arriving late. With this company I am so grateful I didn’t need to experience that first hand. Last thing if you want great service and careful handling of your most valuable household items this is worth every single penny. I am ecstatic to set up my new life down here and explore the many new places to see!!

Sydney P
January 14, 2023

Meet and greet by the owner was very professional and he was very layback. He and his crew had free time before my pac date where they came over and started packing and all their packing was done professionally . They treated all items like if it was their own property . Showed up on time communication was outstanding. I highly recommended this company to anyone who is in search of a local or long distance move out. Once again really appreciate your time and effort

Lauren F
December 29, 2022

Briar made the whole process of moving for me stress free. Great customer service, good communication, fast, timely, and efficient. Would definitely recommend and use their services again!

Shannon Shifflett
December 21, 2022

Blair and his crew were phenomenal. They were timely, efficient and just wholesome people. They helped out tremendously for a last minute moves and I couldn’t be happier. Thank you Off-load Moving!!!

Fontaine Smith
December 20, 2022

It was absolutely ?

Maria Lancaster
December 11, 2022

We had another great move in day with Off-LOAD Moving! We are so grateful to find such a great resource for all our moving needs and projects. All of our stuff is handled carefully and padded for transfer. Brier the owner is very organized and professional. Don't bother calling anywhere else! They're the BEST! Maria Lancaster, Virginia Beach, VA

Sarah Providente
December 9, 2022

Quick and efficient! Hard workers!

John McGrath
December 4, 2022

Very professional & a great experience dealing with this business!!

Josh Ford
December 4, 2022

This place is wonderful. The family who runs it, are beyond professional. On top of it are the most genuine and kindhearted people. The employees are very hard working and flexible, and we’re great to work with. Beyond happy and grateful for the work they’ve done. If I ever needed a move again, this will be the business I use. Not to mention a great veteran run business. Thank y’all so much, much love. It was a pleasure

Mark Bradley
December 1, 2022

Called and they were able to move a MONSTER of a dresser up 3 flights of stairs the same day. They are very personal and care about your belongings. I would recommend to anyone.

Phil, Brittany and Wes Family
November 26, 2022

Briar (the owner) and his family did an absolutely amazing job moving us in VB! They moved all of our large and heavy items in one day. Briar was also extremely flexible and willing to work with us on moving our move date due to some issues with closing on our new house. During the move one of our organizing units for the kids playroom broke and Briar immediately bought us a new one and had it shipped to our new address. Moving is always a very stressful experience and OFF-Load Moving made it as stress free as possible! I would highly recommend OFF-Load moving to anyone looking for an affordable, reliable and professional moving company ?

Chris Tlustos
November 26, 2022

Absolutely amazing quality of work. Logan and his family always take great care of all your stuff and they are absolute professionals. Couldn’t be happier with the service. Great work!

Andrew Will
November 26, 2022

First time using a moving company and they were so professional and accommodating. It’s a shame I’m moving away from them! Would recommend to anyone moving in the area!

Ira Lind
November 24, 2022

I used Off Load Moving when moving into my house, and they did a phenomenal job! Always double checking making sure they had everything going to the right place, they were fast, professional, and I would recommend them to ANYONE moving ANYTHING. TRUST ME YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!

Brieanne Hamilton
November 22, 2022

The best movers we could have asked for! Made moving back into our house a breeze! I would recommend over and over again!

Antoiwon Brooks
November 22, 2022

I have used Off-Loading moving for two moves and have referred them to several friends and family members who used them. This is the best moving company on the east coast hands down. They were on time, they took care to properly move everything without damage, they were so easy to work with. And I got an amazing discount for being military. The owner himself even showed up and moved my furniture! Amazing company and I’ll continue to use and refer them. They have a customer for life

Danajah Gatling
November 22, 2022

Off-Load Moving is a very wholesome and professional moving company! I recommend them for every move, small or large. All your needs will be met and you won’t be disappointed !

Jo Ann Morgan
November 21, 2022

We were getting new furniture and we had to get rid of our old. They were great and so reasonable! Life savers!

Ryleigh Kramp
November 2, 2022

My first time ever moving I used a different company and I had an awful experience so I was dreading my second move. I can say that off- load moving changed my experience and I was extremely satisfied. I would 100% recommend to anyone. Briar was very flexible and accommodating to match my schedule. They showed up a few minutes early to make sure everything was ready to start loading at our set time. They were very efficient and delicate. I trust them with my belongings, nothing was damaged and everything was well taken care of. Definitely would use this company again for my next move.

MG A
June 15, 2022

I can't say enough good things about Off-Load Moving! Veteran owned, Family ran, the highest moral and ethical standards. AND the price was better than much of the so called competition. They did everything they could to help out. This is the 3rd time I have used this company. Will never trust anyone else with my furniture, and precious cargo. Thank you for all you do!

gktii
September 28, 2021

What a great experience working with these guys. Super attentive, very professional and insanely polite! They moved my elderly mother into her new place and were so thoughtful of her transition, and made sure she felt comfortable the entire time. Highly recommend these guys if you need movers..

Bob Faison
September 3, 2021

I have moved quite a bit in my life and I have never had such a GREAT experience. Moving is never fun but Briar and his TEAM did an excellent job! Customer service seems to be less and less important to companies in many cases these days but definitely not the case with OFF-LOAD. I actually receive text messages on holidays from Briar personally as well as a thank you card which also contained a gift card - pretty impressive. It's the little things in my mind that set companies/people apart. I would also like to give a "shout out" to Briar's parents who actually helped out during the move. Great people and they raised a great young man, kudos to you! I hope this helps in your decision making process when choosing a company for your moving needs. Thanks for reading.

Yvonne Cole
August 24, 2021

They were so nice, accomadating and professional. Took care of the furniture, it was wrapped and secure. I would highly reccomend for any moving and I say this without reservation. They were awesome!

Christian Sharrock Miller
July 18, 2021

Briar and his team were polite, knowledgeable, honest, helpful and Humorous. They moved three households and were on time, accomdating, honest and fun all in one. It was the best experience as a client and Real Estate Agent I've ever had or seen and I've moved all over the world, can't thank then enough! You guys rock!