Local moving companies in West Virginia
When you’re moving from West Virginia to Chicago, IL, make your move easy with one of the best local movers who know the ins and outs of relocating from the Mountain State to the vibrant Chi-Town.
Out of 8 West Virginia movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Chicago, IL.
- Central Van & Storage, Inc.: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems: 4.14 out of 5 stars
- Country Roads Moving LLC: 4.02 out of 5 stars
- Dunbar Transfer: 4.0 out of 5 stars
- Central Van Lines: 3.98 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 076235
Central Van & Storage, Inc., serving Charleston, WV, has been a trusted name in local residential moving since 1998. Known for their comprehensive services, they stand out by offering specialized moving for items like pianos, hot tubs, and antiques, along with office moving services. Despite mixed online reviews—ranging from a low average on Yelp to a high 4.6 rating on Google—they maintain a Better Business Bureau rating of A+, indicating strong reliability and customer service. Unlike many competitors, they provide full valuation insurance coverage and do not require a deposit, making them a strong contender for anyone needing dependable, flexible moving services in the Charleston area.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 35
DOT #: 587135
Alternate Names: Future Enterprises Corporation
Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems has been a reliable choice for local residential moves in Huntington, WV since 1990. Unlike some nearby competitors, they offer comprehensive packing and unpacking services, accept credit cards, and require no deposit. While consumer reviews are mixed, with a 3.9 average rating on Google and an A+ BBB rating, they remain a trusted name in the community. Their long-standing presence and extensive service offerings make them a solid option for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
DOT #: 3094022
Country Roads Moving LLC specializes in local residential moving services in and around Fairmont, WV, setting them apart from other nearby companies with their exceptional attention to customer satisfaction. They boast an impressive average rating of 5.0 from five Yelp reviews, reflecting their commitment to high-quality service. In addition to residential moves, they also offer office moving, packing, and unpacking services, making them a versatile option for diverse moving needs. With the added convenience of accepting credit cards and requiring no deposit, Country Roads Moving LLC stands out as a reliable and customer-friendly choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
DOT #: 1186580
Dunbar Transfer, based in Tornado, WV, specializes in local residential moving services, making them a top choice for those staying within the area. With stellar consumer reviews—boasting a perfect 5.0 average on Yelp and a solid 4.4 on Google—customers consistently praise their service quality. Unlike many local competitors, Dunbar Transfer also offers packing and unpacking services, as well as the capability to move delicate items like pianos and art. They accept both cash and credit cards, and no deposit is required, further setting them apart from other movers in the region.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 28
Services Offered
Cost to move from West Virginia to Chicago, IL
This table details typical cost ranges to move from West Virginia to Chicago, IL, depending on your home size and the moving service selected.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,238 – $3,504 | $682 – $1,578 | $464 – $798 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,198 – $5,216 | $1,255 – $2,509 | $481 – $947 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,696 – $8,186 | $1,624 – $3,147 | $594 – $1,179 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 580-mile move from West Virginia to Chicago, IL using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. moveBuddha gathers thousands of verified rates from movers across the country and refreshes the data each month to capture seasonal shifts and market changes. Your actual cost can differ based on shipment size, extra services, parking or access issues, fuel prices, and timing. We recommend getting quotes from several movers to gauge a fair price.
Cost to hire professional movers from West Virginia to Chicago, IL
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from West Virginia to Chicago, IL, typically costs between $1,238 and $3,504. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,198 and $5,216. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from West Virginia to Chicago, IL, you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,696 up to $8,186.
Cost of moving containers from West Virginia to Chicago, IL
When relocating from West Virginia to Chicago, IL, you’ll typically spend between $682 and $1,578 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,255 up to $2,509. If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $1,624 and $3,147. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from West Virginia.
Cost of moving truck rentals from West Virginia to Chicago, IL
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck from West Virginia to Chicago, IL, expect to pay between $464 and $798. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $481 to $947. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $594 and $1,179.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Compare local moving companies from West Virginia to Chicago, IL
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Van & Storage, Inc. | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems | × | × | × | × |
| Country Roads Moving LLC | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Dunbar Transfer | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Central Van Lines | × | × | × | × |
After evaluating 3,175 movers, here’s how West Virginia movers measure up to the countrywide competition in terms of offered services and discounts:
| West Virginia | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | 80% | 96% |
| Antiques | 40% | 46% |
| Military Discount | 0% | 3% |
| Senior Discount | 0% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from West Virginia to Chicago, IL
Before packing your bags, it’s important to understand how life in Chicago, IL differs from what you’re used to in West Virginia. From the cost of living and cultural vibe to everyday experiences. We’ll walk you through key lifestyle differences and the top local attractions you can explore in your new hometown.
Cost of living: West Virginia vs. Chicago, IL
| West Virginia | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $899 | $2,045 |
| Average home cost | $168,172 | $295,743 |
| Average income (per capita) | $55,217 | $71,566 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 106 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.2% | 9.0% |
| State Income Tax | 6.5% | 4.95% |
Chicago sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Chicago is approximately 127% higher than in West Virginia. Keep this in mind when planning your budget.
- Home prices are about 76% higher in Chicago than in West Virginia. It’s important to factor in increased costs for a down payment, property taxes, and overall homeownership expenses.
- Salaries in Chicago are usually 30% higher than in West Virginia, giving you more wiggle room for living expenses or saving extra cash.
- Even though unemployment in Chicago is 114% higher than in West Virginia, you’ll still find opportunities if you’re proactive. Start building your network early.
- Income tax rates in Illinois are about 24% lower than in West Virginia, which means a lighter tax burden and more take-home pay.
How life is different in Chicago from West Virginia
| Chicago | West Virginia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 1,782,959 |
| Political leaning | Democrat 74-24 | Republican 69-30 |
| Summer high | 84ºF | 83ºF |
| Winter low | 19ºF | 21ºF |
| Annual rain | 38″ | 45″ |
| Annual snow | 35″ | 33″ |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 17.47 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, Chicago leaned Democrat, while West Virginia went Republican.
- Summer temperatures in Chicago typically reach 84ºF, which is about the same as the average 83ºF you’re used to in West Virginia. That means you won’t have to worry about a major heat increase. However, be sure to consider local humidity, weather patterns, and possible shifts in energy costs for a complete picture of what summer living will be like in your new home.
- During the coldest months, Chicago sees lows around 19ºF—much like West Virginia, where temperatures dip to 21ºF. With such similar winter weather, your move should go pretty smoothly.
- You can expect only about 38 inches of annual rainfall in Chicago vs the 45 inches you’re used to in West Virginia. With less rain each year, you’ll enjoy more sunshine and freedom to get outside without worrying about the weather. This kind of climate can be a real boost for your energy and outlook when you’re moving.
- In Chicago, you can expect about 35 inches of snow each year, while West Virginia sees around 33 inches annually. Since snowfall is pretty comparable in both places, your winter should feel pretty similar.
- Crime rates in Chicago are higher than in West Virginia, with a crime index of 35.19 versus 17.47. This doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker, but it’s smart to research local safety insights and think about how it might affect your daily life.
Things to do in Chicago
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Chicago.
Museums in Chicago
- The Field Museum
- Shedd Aquarium
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Chicago History Museum
- Museum of Contemporary Art
Parks in Chicago
- Millennium Park
- Grant Park
- The 606
- Lincoln Park
- Garfield Park
Sports teams in Chicago
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
- Chicago Cubs (MLB)
- Chicago White Sox (MLB)
- Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
Universities in Chicago
- Chicago State University
- Governors State University
- Northeastern Illinois University
- Northern Illinois University
- University of Illinois at Chicago
Other considerations when moving to Chicago, IL
- HOA rules: Before your move, double-check any neighborhood or community guidelines to help everything go smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: One thing you’ll want to take care of early is reserving your building’s elevator and finding out any moving policies they have.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for your moving truck, so check your new neighborhood’s regulations before moving day.
- State licensing: In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Double-check that your moving company is properly licensed before booking.
- State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit to settle in Illinois, but it’s a smart idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
- Change of address: Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. You’ll be able to select your move date so your mail gets forwarded to Illinois on time. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items’ full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Staying organized is key to a stress-free move. Our moving checklist helps you stay on track, so you don’t miss a single detail.
FAQ
How long does a move from West Virginia to Chicago take?
The time it takes to move from West Virginia to Chicago, IL depends on where you’re starting and the kind of moving option you choose. No matter which route you go, packing and loading your stuff typically takes a day or less, even if you’re handling it all on your own.
Obviously, the further upstate you are in West Virginia, the longer the drive time to Chicago will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.
Depending on the company’s schedule and shipping logistics, delivery from West Virginia to Chicago can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you’re using professional movers or a moving container. Be sure to ask for an estimated timeline before you book.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from West Virginia to Chicago?
If you’re planning a 580-mile move from West Virginia to Chicago, it’s a good idea to schedule your moving date as soon as your plans are confirmed. To get the best rates and secure your preferred date, aim to book your movers two to three months ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Chicago, IL?
Summer temperatures in Chicago can soar to 84°F, while winters can get as chilly as 19°F. That’s why most people making the move from West Virginia to Chicago prefer the milder weather of spring or fall. But if you’re hoping to dodge the crowds and maybe snag a better deal, consider moving during summer or winter. Sure, you’ll have to handle a bit more heat or cold, but it could be worth it. Want more advice? Check out our tips on peak moving season.
Helpful moving resources
West Virginia moving services
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