Top local movers for Lansing to Charleston moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Lansing that also provides long-distance services to Charleston can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 11 local movers in Lansing who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Lansing to Charleston.
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Kingsley Moving Systems LLC: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- M & M Moving and Storage: 4.22 out of 5 stars
- Helper Moving LLC: 4.22 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: Hunky Monkey LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 34172
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 1890987
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 2194234
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2475734
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Fragile-only packing
How much does it cost to move from Lansing to Charleston?
Movers in Michigan generally charge an average of per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,082 – $3,130 | $651 – $1,516 | $343 – $650 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,889 – $4,819 | $1,088 – $2,085 | $396 – $747 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,047 – $7,106 | $1,518 – $2,943 | $506 – $971 |
Cost to hire movers from Lansing to Charleston
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Lansing to Charleston typically costs between $1,082 and $3,130. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $1,889 and $4,819 when moving from Lansing to Charleston. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Lansing to Charleston, you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,047 up to $7,106.
Cost of moving containers from Lansing to Charleston
If you’re relocating from Lansing to Charleston, you’ll typically spend between $651 and $1,516 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,088 up to $2,085. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,518 and $2,943. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Michigan.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Lansing to Charleston
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Lansing to Charleston move, 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, expect to pay between $343 and $650. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $396 to $747. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $506 and $971.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Lansing to Charleston
The cost of Lansing movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Lansing to Charleston might be as low as $1,456, while a four-bedroom could reach $5,845.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Lansing.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $343 to $868 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Lansing to Charleston
Many movers find Charleston easier on the wallet than Lansing – roughly 3% less for singles and 8% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,549 for one person in Charleston versus $1,595 in Lansing. For a family of four, it’s $3,862 compared with $4,199.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Lansing | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $901 | $933 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,775 | $1,800 |
| Average home value | $148,542 | $153,672 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,729 | $59,354 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,595 | $1,549 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,199 | $3,862 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.4% | 6.2% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 6.5% |
- Good news! When moving to Charleston from Lansing, you’ll benefit from rent being an estimated 22% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- The home prices in Charleston and Lansing differ by less than 5%, so there’s no need for a change in your mortgage funding unless you’re considering a larger residence.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 8% lower in Charleston than in Lansing.
- With the cost of living for a single person differing by less than 5% between Charleston and Lansing, expect similar day-to-day expenses.
- Relocating to Charleston could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 8% lower than in Lansing.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 16% lower than Lansing, Charleston boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes in Charleston exceed those in Lansing by 17%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- Income taxes are 53% higher in West Virginia than in Michigan. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Lansing and Charleston, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Lansing | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $172.97 | $128.95 |
| Cell phone plan | $46.00 | $45.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.52 | $3.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.91 | $2.20 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $68.50 | $50.00 |
| Gym membership | $31.67 | $31.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Lansing than in Charleston.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Lansing than in Charleston.
- Eggs cost more in Lansing than in Charleston.
- Bread is more expensive in Lansing than in Charleston.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Lansing than in Charleston.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Lansing than in Charleston.
- Gym memberships cost more in Lansing than in Charleston.
How life is different in Lansing vs. Charleston
| Lansing | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,644 | 48,018 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 46 | 33 |
| Bike friendliness score | 55 | 28 |
| Crime index | 48.66 | 53.94 |
| Safety index | 51.34 | 46.06 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston’s population is about 57% less than Lansing.
- Charleston’s public transportation score of 2 out of 10 is lower than Lansing’s score of 5.
- Charleston is less walkable than Lansing with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Lansing’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 Lansing, which has a score of 55.
- Charleston’s crime rate is higher than Lansing with a score of 53.94 compared to Lansing’s 48.66. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Lansing neighborhoods are safer than 48.66%.
- Charleston is considered to be less safe than Lansing with a score of 46.06 vs Lansing’s 51.34.
- Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in Lansing it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Lansing to Charleston move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- 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.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a West Virginia moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in West Virginia, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Charleston without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Charleston
Ready to relocate to Charlie West? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider 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
Now that you’ve made the move to West Virginia, it’s the perfect time to explore Charleston. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Charleston include museums and art centers like the Clay Center, West Virginia State Museum, Avampato Discovery Museum, and The Art Emporium.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Haddad Riverfront Park, Wallace Hartman Nature Preserve, and Cato Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Charleston Golden Eagles (Mountain East) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Lansing to Charleston?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Lansing to Charleston. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Lansing.
When is the cheapest time to move from Lansing to Charleston?
With many people choosing to move from Lansing to Charleston in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Lansing to Charleston take?
Covering 413 miles, the move from Lansing, MI to Charleston, typically takes one to four days. Some Lansing movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Charleston can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Lansing offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 1 movers provide military discounts. 1 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Lansing can handle specialty items for my move to Charleston?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Lansing, 7 movers can handle pianos. 2 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of MI, there are 51 piano movers and 19 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
Lansing moving services
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