The best local movers for New York City to Charleston moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in New York City that also handles long-distance moves to Charleston. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 165 local movers in New York City who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from New York City to Charleston.
- NYC Great Movers: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Imperial Moving and Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Roadway Moving : 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Alpha Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- White Glove Moving & Storage: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 39493
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2180117
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 32647
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 1422485
Alternate Names: Lion’s Den Enterprises Inc. , Imperial Self Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 38589
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 1854436
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2047066
Years in Business: 29
DOT #: 2047066
Alternate Names: Alpha Movers , Alpha Relocation Services , Alpha Transportation, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 648262
Years in Business: 29
DOT #: 648262
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
How much does it cost to move from New York City to Charleston?
The average hourly rate for movers in New York is . Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $987 – $2,855 | $679 – $1,571 | $430 – $752 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,751 – $4,778 | $1,166 – $2,398 | $446 – $901 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,428 – $6,805 | $1,553 – $3,148 | $595 – $1,153 |
Cost to hire movers from New York City to Charleston
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from New York City to Charleston will cost between $987 and $2,855. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from New York City to New York City will range from $1,751 to $4,778, and a large move from New York City to Charleston will cost from $3,428 to $6,805.
Cost of moving containers from New York City to Charleston
If you’re moving from New York City to Charleston, expect to pay between $679 and $1,571 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,166 up to $2,398. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,553 and $3,148. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from New York.
Cost of moving truck rentals from New York City to Charleston
Renting a moving truck from New York City to Charleston is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $430 and $752. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $446 and $901. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $595 up to $1,153 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from New York City to Charleston
The cost of New York City movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,346, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $5,991.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in New York City, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($430–$968) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from New York City to Charleston
Many movers find Charleston easier on the wallet than New York City – roughly 73% less for singles and 74% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,549 for one person in Charleston versus $5,683 in New York City. For a family of four, it’s $3,862 compared with $15,081.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| New York City | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $3,992 | $933 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $8,817 | $1,800 |
| Average home value | $752,778 | $153,672 |
| Average income (per capita) | $78,058 | $59,354 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,683 | $1,549 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $15,081 | $3,862 |
| Unemployment rate | 11.2% | 6.2% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 10.9% | 6.5% |
- If you’re heading to Charleston from New York City, you’ll find that rent is roughly 80% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 80% less in Charleston than in New York City.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 24% lower in Charleston compared to New York City.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Charleston. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 73% lower than in New York City.
- Choosing to move to Charleston can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 74% less than in New York City.
- Charleston enjoys an unemployment rate that’s roughly 45% lower compared to New York City, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes drop 13% in Charleston compared to New York City, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Income taxes are 40% less in West Virginia than in New York. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between New York City and Charleston:
| Living Expense | New York City | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $186.67 | $128.95 |
| Cell phone plan | $57.90 | $45.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $6.33 | $3.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $5.04 | $2.20 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $28.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $135.00 | $50.00 |
| Gym membership | $159.00 | $31.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in New York City than in Charleston.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in New York City than in Charleston.
- Eggs cost more in New York City than in Charleston.
- Bread is more expensive in New York City than in Charleston.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in New York City than in Charleston.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in New York City than in Charleston.
- Gym memberships cost more in New York City than in Charleston.
How life is different in New York City vs. Charleston
| New York City | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 8,258,035 | 48,018 |
| Transportation score | 10 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 88 | 33 |
| Bike friendliness score | 69 | 28 |
| Crime index | 50.83 | 53.94 |
| Safety index | 49.17 | 46.06 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston’s population is about 99% less than New York City.
- Charleston’s public transportation score of 2 out of 10 is lower than New York City’s score of 10.
- Charleston is less walkable than New York City with a score of 33 out of 100 vs New York City’s 88 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 New York City, which has a score of 69.
- Charleston’s crime rate is higher than New York City with a score of 53.94 compared to New York City’s 50.83. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and New York City neighborhoods are safer than 50.83%.
- Charleston is considered to be less safe than New York City with a score of 46.06 vs New York City’s 49.17.
- Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in New York City it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your New York City to Charleston move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a West Virginia moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: West Virginia doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Charleston. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Charleston
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to Charlie West, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Charleston.
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
Once you’re settled into your new home in West Virginia, it’s time to get out and discover what Charleston has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Charleston, such as 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 — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Charleston Golden Eagles (Mountain East) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from New York City to Charleston?
The best time to move from New York City to Charleston is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in New York City.
When is the cheapest time to move from New York City to Charleston?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from New York City to Charleston, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from New York City to Charleston take?
Moving from New York City, NY to Charleston, covers 530 miles and usually takes one to six days. Need to move faster? Some New York City movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Charleston.
Which movers in New York City give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 3 movers here honor AAA discounts. 8 movers give special rates to military members. 9 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in New York City?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 146 movers in New York City advertise piano moving expertise. 117 movers in New York City provide antique moving services. State totals show 115 piano movers and 82 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
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