Top-rated local movers that handle Norfolk to Charleston moves
When planning a move from Norfolk to Charleston, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 20 local movers in Norfolk who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Norfolk to Charleston.
- Coleman Worldwide Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Apple Moving : 4.48 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.36 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 076235
Years in Business: 110
DOT #: 2897746
Alternate Names: Covan World Wide Moving, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 3786641
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Alternate Names: All My Sons Of Newport News, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 163678
Years in Business: 69
DOT #: 1934458
Alternate Names: Harrison’s Moving & Storage Co., Inc. , Harrison’s Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 3064442
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Virginia Beach
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 5223
Years in Business: 0
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Norfolk to Charleston?
Movers in Virginia charge $161 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,019 – $3,007 | $645 – $1,516 | $347 – $657 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,762 – $4,778 | $1,122 – $2,282 | $392 – $794 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,901 – $6,239 | $1,594 – $2,719 | $492 – $962 |
Cost to hire movers from Norfolk to Charleston
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Norfolk to Charleston, you can expect to spend between $1,019 and $3,007. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,762 to $4,778 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Norfolk to Charleston typically runs between $2,901 and $6,239.
Cost of moving containers from Norfolk to Charleston
When moving from Norfolk to Charleston, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $645 and $1,516. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,122 to $2,282. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,594 up to $2,719. 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 Virginia.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Norfolk to Charleston
Renting a moving truck in Norfolk is usually your cheapest option to get to Charleston. 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 and renting a truck, plan to spend between $347 and $657. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $392 and $794. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $492 and $962.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Norfolk to Charleston
The cost of Norfolk movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,279, but larger homes can run up to $5,572.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Norfolk.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($347–$868) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Norfolk to Charleston
Many movers find Charleston easier on the wallet than Norfolk – roughly 44% less for singles and 30% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,549 for one person in Charleston versus $2,769 in Norfolk. For a family of four, it’s $3,862 compared with $5,552.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Norfolk | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,875 | $933 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,492 | $1,800 |
| Average home value | $283,890 | $153,672 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,484 | $59,354 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,769 | $1,549 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,552 | $3,862 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.3% | 6.2% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 6.5% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 42% lower in Charleston than in Norfolk, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 46% lower in Charleston than in Norfolk.
- It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 7% less in Charleston than in Norfolk.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Charleston, where the cost of living for a single person is 44% less than in Norfolk.
- Moving to Charleston could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 30% less than in Norfolk.
- Charleston experiences an unemployment rate that is about 15% lower than that of Norfolk. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 17% higher in Charleston than in Norfolk. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Income taxes are 13% higher in West Virginia compared to Virginia. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Norfolk with Charleston:
| Living Expense | Norfolk | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $190.88 | $128.95 |
| Cell phone plan | $49.33 | $45.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.71 | $3.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.12 | $2.20 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.25 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $50.00 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $31.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Norfolk than in Charleston.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Norfolk than in Charleston.
- Eggs cost more in Norfolk than in Charleston.
- Bread is more expensive in Norfolk than in Charleston.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Norfolk than in Charleston.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Norfolk than in Charleston.
- Gym memberships cost more in Norfolk than in Charleston.
How life is different in Norfolk vs. Charleston
| Norfolk | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 238,005 | 48,018 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 46 | 33 |
| Bike friendliness score | 47 | 28 |
| Crime index | 58.1 | 53.94 |
| Safety index | 41.9 | 46.06 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston’s population is about 80% less than Norfolk.
- Charleston’s public transportation score of 2 out of 10 is lower than Norfolk’s score of 6.
- Charleston is less walkable than Norfolk with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Norfolk’s 46 out of 100.
- Charleston has a bike-friendliness score of 28 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Norfolk, which has a score of 47.
- Charleston’s crime rate is lower than Norfolk with a score of 53.94 compared to Norfolk’s 58.1. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Norfolk neighborhoods are safer than 58.1%.
- Charleston is considered to be safer than Norfolk with a safety index of 46.06 vs Norfolk’s 41.9.
- Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in Norfolk it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Norfolk to Charleston move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a West Virginia moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While West Virginia doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Charleston smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Charleston
Now that you’ve chosen Charlie West as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Charleston to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- East End
- West Side
- Kanawha City
- City Center
Best neighborhoods for families
- South Hills
- Edgewood
- Kanawha City
- Fort Hill
- Loudon Heights
Things to do in Charleston
After getting comfortable in your new West Virginia home, it’s time to see what Charleston is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Charleston offers cultural landmarks like the Clay Center, West Virginia State Museum, Avampato Discovery Museum, and The Art Emporium.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Haddad Riverfront Park, Wallace Hartman Nature Preserve, and Cato Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Charleston Golden Eagles (Mountain East) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Norfolk to Charleston?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Norfolk to Charleston are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Norfolk are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Norfolk to Charleston?
Because spring and fall moves from Norfolk to Charleston are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Norfolk to Charleston take?
A move of 414 miles from Norfolk, VA to Charleston, generally takes one to four days. Movers in Norfolk sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Charleston is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Norfolk?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Norfolk offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 17 movers in Norfolk have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 9 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across VA, there are 77 piano movers and 47 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
Helpful moving resources
Norfolk moving services
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