Local moving companies in Alabama
When relocating from Alabama to Charleston, WV, let our favorite local movers take the stress out of your journey.
Out of 43 Alabama movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Charleston, WV.
- Motivated Movers, Inc.: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Changing Spaces Moving Inc: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Coleman Worldwide Moving: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 14
Motivated Movers, Inc. has been serving Madison, AL, and surrounding areas with reliable local residential moving services since 2011. Setting themselves apart from nearby moving companies, they offer an array of specialized services, including packing and unpacking, as well as the capability to move bulky items like pianos and hot tubs. With an impressive average rating of 4.4 on Yelp, 4.8 on Google, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, customer satisfaction is a clear priority. Unlike many competitors, they accept credit cards and require no deposit, making them a convenient and trustworthy choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2878240
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Bellhop Moving, serving the Birmingham, AL area since 2012, is a reputable choice for local residential moves. They offer comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, and labor-only options, making them versatile compared to other local movers. Customer feedback is mostly positive, with an impressive 4.7 average rating from 435 Google reviews, though Yelp reviews average 3.6. Bellhop Moving is BBB accredited with a B+ rating and accepts credit card payments, ensuring convenience for clients, though a deposit is required.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 614
Years in Business: 35
DOT #: 2527384
Two Men and a Truck has been providing reliable local residential moving services in and around Huntsville, AL since 1990. What sets them apart from many nearby movers is their extensive range of services, including packing, unpacking, and labor-only options. Customers appreciate that they accept credit cards and do not require a deposit, making the moving experience more convenient. With a Better Business Bureau rating of A+ and an impressive 4.8 average rating from over 800 Google reviews, they are a trusted choice, despite some mixed feedback on Yelp.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 3822
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 1164434
Changing Spaces Moving Inc has been a trusted name for local residential moving services in and around Birmingham, AL since 2004. Unlike many nearby movers, they offer a comprehensive suite of services, including packing, unpacking, and crating, and they can even handle specialized tasks like moving pianos. Customers consistently praise the company, as evidenced by their average Yelp rating of 4.1 and a perfect 5.0 on Google My Business. Furthermore, their A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau underscores their commitment to customer satisfaction.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 457
Years in Business: 111
DOT #: 2897746
Alternate Names: Covan World-Wide Moving, Inc. , Coleman American Moving Services , Coleman World Group, LLC , Coleman Worldwide Moving , Covan Worldwide Moving
Coleman Worldwide Moving, established in 1915, offers reliable local residential moving services in and around Montgomery, AL. Unlike many nearby movers, Coleman also provides an array of additional services such as office moving, packing and unpacking, and safe relocation, which sets them apart. Consumer feedback is mixed, with a Google My Business rating of 3.6 based on 36 reviews, but they hold an impressive A rating from the Better Business Bureau. This long-standing and reputable company accepts credit cards and does not require a deposit, making them a convenient choice for local residents.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Cost to move from Alabama to Charleston, WV
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Alabama to Charleston, WV with different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,232 – $3,762 | $749 – $1,740 | $473 – $895 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,293 – $5,549 | $1,233 – $2,533 | $521 – $1,105 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,792 – $7,786 | $1,786 – $3,153 | $670 – $1,233 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 657-mile move from Alabama to Charleston, WV using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. Each month, moveBuddha updates thousands of vetted price points from nationwide moving companies to reflect seasonality and market trends. Your final total may vary with move size, add-on services, access or parking constraints, fuel costs, and scheduling. Comparing estimates from multiple movers is the best way to nail down accurate pricing.
Cost to hire professional movers from Alabama to Charleston, WV
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Alabama to Charleston, WV, you can expect to spend between $1,232 and $3,762. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,293 to $5,549 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home will typically run between $3,792 and $7,786.
Cost of moving containers from Alabama to Charleston, WV
When moving from Alabama to Charleston, WV, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $749 and $1,740. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,233 to $2,533. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,786 up to $3,153. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Alabama.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Alabama to Charleston, WV
Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom from Alabama to Charleston, WV, and are renting a truck, plan to spend between $473 and $895. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $521 and $1,105. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $670 and $1,233.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Compare local moving companies from Alabama to Charleston, WV
Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular services and discounts available for the top movers for your move:
| Company | Full Service | Antiques | Military Discount | Senior Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motivated Movers, Inc. | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| Bellhop Moving | ✓ | × | × | × |
| TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Changing Spaces Moving Inc | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Coleman Worldwide Moving | ✓ | × | × | × |
Out of the 3,175 movers we’ve reviewed, here’s how Alabama movers stack up compared to the percentage of movers in the country that offer these services and discounts:
| Alabama | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | 95% | 96% |
| Antiques | 34% | 46% |
| Military Discount | 4% | 3% |
| Senior Discount | 2% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from Alabama to Charleston, WV
Before you start packing, take a moment to get a feel for what life in Charleston, WV is really like compared to Alabama. From the cost of living and local culture to daily routines, we’ll guide you through the biggest lifestyle changes and must-see attractions to be aware of.
Cost of living: Alabama vs. Charleston, WV
| Alabama | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $925 | $875 |
| Average home cost | $227,508 | $153,672 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,609 | $59,354 |
| Cost of Living Index | 88 | 81 |
| Unemployment rate | 2.9% | 6.2% |
| State Income Tax | 5.0% | 6.5% |
Charleston sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Charleston and Alabama is about the same, so you probably won’t need to adjust your budget for rent increases.
- On average, homes in Charleston cost 32% less than in Alabama, making your move budget-friendly.
- Since income levels in Charleston are similar to those in Alabama, your bank account won’t take much of a hit when you move.
- With unemployment 114% higher in Charleston than Alabama, expect more competition for jobs. A focused job search will help you get ahead.
- Expect income taxes in West Virginia to run about 30% higher than in Alabama, which could cut into your paycheck.
How life is different in Charleston from Alabama
| Charleston | Alabama | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 48,018 | 5,108,468 |
| Political leaning | Republican 56-42 | Republican 65-35 |
| Summer high | 86ºF | 91ºF |
| Winter low | 24ºF | 33ºF |
| Annual rain | 46″ | 56″ |
| Annual snow | 28″ | 1″ |
| Crime index | 53.94 | 21.48 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- During the last presidential election, both Alabama and Charleston supported the Republican candidate.
- Summer in Charleston usually hits around 86ºF, pretty similar to the 91ºF you’re used to in Alabama. While you won’t face a dramatic change in temperature, you should still keep factors like local humidity, weather trends, and changes to energy costs in mind as you prepare for summer at your new home.
- During the coldest part of the year, Charleston gets down to 24ºF while Alabama only dips to 33ºF. Relocating to Charleston means adjusting to colder winters, which could raise your heating bill and bring some changes to your routine. Still, you’ll get to enjoy the area’s one-of-a-kind winter scenery and seasonal activities.
- In Charleston, you’ll see just 46 inches of rain annually, much less than the 56 inches you’re used to in Alabama. With fewer rainy days, you’ll have more opportunities to soak up the sun and enjoy the outdoors. This sunnier climate can really lift your mood and energy as you settle into your new home.
- Every year, Charleston gets around 28 inches of snow, much more than the 1 inch that Alabama typically sees. With all that extra snow, you’ll enjoy stunning winter scenery and tons of outdoor fun, but you’ll also have to do more prep work in the winter.
- Charleston has a higher crime rate than Alabama with a crime index of 53.94 vs 21.48. A higher crime rate isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, but it’s your cue to research local safety measures and think about how it might affect your day-to-day life.
Things to do in Charleston
From parks and museums to sports and top universities, Charleston has a little bit of everything waiting for you.
Museums in Charleston
- Clay Center
- West Virginia State Museum
- Avampato Discovery Museum
- The Art Emporium
Parks in Charleston
- Haddad Riverfront Park
- Wallace Hartman Nature Preserve
- Cato Park
Sports teams in Charleston
- Charleston Golden Eagles (Mountain East)
Universities in Charleston
- West Virginia Junior College Charleston
- University of Charleston
Other considerations when moving to Charleston, WV
- HOA rules: Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community rules before moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to book your building’s elevator ahead of time and check on any moving rules they might have.
- Parking permits: Some cities make you get a parking permit for your moving truck, so remember to look up your new neighborhood’s rules before moving day.
- State licensing: In the Mountaineer State, the state’s Public Service Commission oversees local and intrastate movers. The commission strives to support and promote the interests of both businesses and consumers, and those interested in hiring an in-state mover can browse the Commission’s Regulated Motor Carrier Database to verify that they’re reputable businesses in good standing. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a West Virginia moving license directly on the state regulator’s official website, here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit to relocate to West Virginia, but it’s wise to check local parking regulations ahead of time.
- Change of address: Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your moving date so your mail will be forwarded to West Virginia without any delays. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: When relocating in West Virginia, prioritize movers’ insurance for comprehensive coverage. Many movers provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Elevate your protection by exploring Full Value Protection options with the moving company or considering tailored plans from third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your West Virginia state moving insurance, ensuring a secure and stress-free relocation experience.
- Moving checklist: Staying organized keeps your move stress-free. Our moving checklist makes it easy to stay on top of every detail.
FAQ
How long does a move from Alabama to Charleston take?
The time frame for a move from Alabama to Charleston, WV, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.
The farther north you are in Alabama, the longer it’ll take to reach Charleston. If you’re renting a truck, expect the trip to take one or two days on average, depending on your route and how many stops you make.
Delivery from Alabama to Charleston can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you’re hiring movers or using a moving container. Always ask for a delivery estimate before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Alabama to Charleston?
If you’re gearing up for a 657-mile move from Alabama to Charleston, lock in your moving date as soon as your plans are set. Booking your movers two to three months in advance helps you snag the best rates and ensures you get the date you want.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Charleston, WV?
Summer in Charleston can reach highs of 86°F, while winter temperatures can dip to 24°F. That’s why most people moving from Alabama to Charleston opt for the milder spring or fall weather. But if you’re looking to avoid the crowds—and possibly score a better price—think about moving in the off-season, even if you have to endure crazier temperatures. Need more help planning? Check out our tips on peak moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Alabama moving services
Popular Alabama routes
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