Local moving companies in Charleston
Out of 5 Charleston movers that can handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Alabama.
- Central Van & Storage, Inc.: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Dunbar Transfer: 4.0 out of 5 stars
- Evans Van & Storage: 3.94 out of 5 stars
- Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems: 4.14 out of 5 stars
- Positive Moves: 3.78 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 076235
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
DOT #: 1186580
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
DOT #: 070851
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 35
DOT #: 587135
Alternate Names: Future Enterprises Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Fragile-only packing
Local moving services in Charleston, WV
At a glance, the number of Charleston movers with specialty add-ons:
Cost to move from Charleston, WV to Alabama
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Charleston to Alabama with different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,208 – $3,801 | $749 – $1,671 | $464 – $913 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,316 – $5,553 | $1,297 – $2,382 | $526 – $1,105 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,835 – $8,115 | $1,734 – $3,315 | $638 – $1,350 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 656-mile move from Charleston, WV, to Alabama using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. moveBuddha collects and verifies thousands of prices from movers nationwide, then updates the figures monthly to reflect seasonal changes and market dynamics. Your total may vary with load size, extra services, access or parking hurdles, fuel prices, and your move date. Get several mover quotes to better validate pricing.
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Alabama
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Charleston to Alabama typically costs between $1,208 and $3,801. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,316 and $5,553. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,835 up to $8,115.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Alabama
If you’re relocating from Charleston to Alabama, you’ll typically spend between $749 and $1,671 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,297 up to $2,382. If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $1,734 and $3,315. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Charleston.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to Alabama
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 Charleston to Alabama, expect to pay between $464 and $913. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $526 to $1,105. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $638 and $1,350.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors influencing moving costs from Charleston to AL
The cost of a move in Charleston can change based on:
- Move size: The amount of items you have, as well as your home size and layout, will impact the total cost of your relocation.
- Time of year: Peak summer months in Charleston often come with higher moving rates.
- DIY vs. professional mover: Handling the move yourself lowers costs but adds stress; pros cost more but save time and effort.
What you should know before moving from Charleston to AL
Journeying from Charleston to Alabama opens up new possibilities, but be prepared for an increase in living expenses. As Alabama tends to be pricier than Charleston, thorough budget planning is advised.
Take a look at how living in Charleston stacks up against Alabama so you’re prepared before making the move:
Compare cost of living: Charleston vs. Alabama
| Charleston, WV | Alabama | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $875 | $925 |
| Average home cost | $153,672 | $227,508 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,354 | $59,609 |
| Cost of living index | 81 | 88 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 2.9% |
| State income tax | 6.5% | 5.0% |
Alabama sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Anticipate rent being around 6% higher in Alabama than in Charleston, which means less room in your budget.
- You’ll spend roughly 48% more on housing in Alabama compared to Charleston, so plan for a larger mortgage.
- The average income is about equal in Alabama and Charleston, meaning your budget should hold up just fine.
- On average, the cost of living in Alabama is 9% above Charleston, so prepare for higher monthly expenses.
- The unemployment rate in Alabama is around 53% lower than in Charleston, pointing to a more favorable employment outlook.
- Alabama’s income tax rates are about 23% lower than West Virginia’s, so you’ll keep more of what you earn.
How life is different in Charleston, WV from Alabama
When planning a move from Charleston to Alabama, you’ll be in for some changes, including new weather, a different community feel, and a unique political scene. Here’s what awaits when you leave the Charleston behind for life in Alabama.
| Charleston, WV | 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 |
Alabama Sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, both Charleston and Alabama voted Republican.
- Summer highs typically reach about 91ºF in Alabama and 86ºF in Charleston. With similar temperatures, you shouldn’t have much trouble adjusting to the climate. Remember to also consider humidity, general weather patterns, and energy expenses to really understand what summer will feel like in your new home.
- Winter temperatures in Alabama average 33ºF, warmer than Charleston, where lows dip to 24ºF. Expect simpler winters, lighter routines, and less time spent battling the cold.
- Get ready for 56 inches of rain annually in Alabama—a noticeable increase over 46 inches in Charleston. Expect lusher surroundings and wetter days, so pack your rain gear and adjust routines.
- In Alabama, it only snows about 1 inch annually while Charleston gets 28 inches. Moving to Alabama, with less snow, means easier winters, less maintenance, and fewer weather-related hassles.
- Alabama has a lower crime index of 21.48 versus Charleston at 53.94, suggesting safer neighborhoods and fewer safety concerns overall.
Other considerations when moving to Alabama
If you’re relocating from Charleston to Alabama, there’s more involved than simply packing up and hiring movers. Don’t forget to look into local regulations, permits, and any other logistics that could impact your move.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure you find out how to reserve it for your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for moving trucks or oversized vehicles, so be sure to find out ahead of time if you’ll need one for your move.
- State licensing: To guarantee the safety and reliability of local moving services in Alabama, it is essential for moving companies to possess a registration number issued by the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC). Trust your move to registered professionals for a secure and dependable experience. Double-check that your moving company is fully licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can easily verify a Alabama moving license anytime on the state’s official regulatory site.
- Moving permits: Alabama does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can select your official move date to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Alabama without a hitch. Get started here.
- Moving insurance: Insurance rules aren’t the same everywhere. They change depending on the state. Moving companies typically take responsibility for your belongings at a rate of 60 cents per pound (or even less) per item. This means that for a lightweight item weighing five pounds and valued at $500, the reimbursement would be only $3 in the event of loss or damage. To enhance your coverage, certain movers provide additional valuation options, such as declared value or lump sum value protection, which offer better protection compared to the basic released value protection. To better understand and explore these options, consider discussing them with your chosen moving company.
- Moving checklist: Move with confidence using our moving checklist. It keeps you organized and covers all the details, letting you stress less and focus on settling into your new place.
Things to do in Alabama
Whether you love parks, museums, sports, or college-town energy, Alabama has plenty for you to discover and enjoy.
Museums in Alabama
- Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
- U.S. Space and Rocket Center
- Battleship USS ALABAMA
- Legacy Museum
- Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Parks in Alabama
- Gulf State Park
- Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
- Sipsey Wilderness
- The Wharf
- Orange Beach Waterfront Park
Sports teams in Alabama
- Auburn Tigers (NCAA)
- Alabama Crimson Tide (NCAA)
- AFC Mobile (NPSL)
- Dixie Derby Girls (WFTDA)
- Birmingham Squadron (NBA G League)
Universities in Alabama
- The University of Alabama
- Auburn University
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham
- The University of Alabama in Huntsville
- Samford University
FAQ
How long does a move from Charleston to Alabama take?
The time it takes to move from Charleston, WV, to Alabama ultimately depends on the moving method you choose. But on average it will take one to six days. Deliveries will likely take longer during the busy summer months.
For the fastest turnaround, ask your moving company for an estimated delivery window before booking.
Do movers in Charleston offer custom-built crate services?
One mover in Charleston lists custom crating, a useful option for fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped items. Before you book, ask a Charleston mover about crate specs and whether they can tailor the build to your needs.
What is the best way to get a car from Charleston to Alabama?
Need to ship your car from Charleston to Alabama? Go with a team that takes professionalism and car care seriously, with proven experience to match. See our top choices for car shipping from West Virginia to Alabama.
Why are people moving from Charleston to Alabama?
Many people are moving to Alabama because of its low cost of living and tasty southern comfort food.
Read more about the Pros & cons of moving to Alabama.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Charleston?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Charleston.
Is cash an option to pay for a move from Charleston, WV?
THere are currently, four movers in Charleston that allow customers to pay with cash. Keep in mind that cash remains the exception; most carriers want traceable payments and digital receipts. Standard process is to pay a deposit to secure the date and crew. You’ll pay the remainder at pickup or after delivery—verify the exact timing and acceptable methods before booking.
Helpful moving resources
West Virginia moving services
Popular West Virginia routes
- West Virginia to Alabama car shippers
- West Virginia to California
- West Virginia to Florida
- West Virginia to Georgia
- West Virginia to Illinois
- West Virginia to Michigan
- West Virginia to New York
- West Virginia to North Carolina
- West Virginia to Ohio
- West Virginia to Pennsylvania
- West Virginia to Texas
- See All Moving Routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!