Highly rated local moving companies for Huntsville to Charleston moves
Organizing a move from Huntsville to Charleston can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating eight local movers in Huntsville known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Huntsville to Charleston.
- Motivated Movers, Inc.: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Black Tie Moving: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Applewhite Movers LLC: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- This Side Up Moving & Storage : 4.44 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 14
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 614
Years in Business: 35
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 4111
Years in Business: 4
DOT #: 2407712
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 4119
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2172780
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 3959
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 1874024
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Huntsville to Charleston?
On average, moving companies in Alabama charge about per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,121 – $3,190 | $671 – $1,579 | $394 – $713 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,130 – $5,336 | $1,162 – $2,243 | $424 – $898 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,616 – $7,568 | $1,562 – $2,791 | $533 – $1,081 |
Cost to hire movers from Huntsville to Charleston
When planning a move to Charleston from Huntsville, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,121 and $3,190. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,130 and $5,336 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,616 to $7,568.
Cost of moving containers from Huntsville to Charleston
When you’re heading from Huntsville to Charleston, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $671 and $1,579. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,162 and $2,243. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,562 to $2,791. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Alabama easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Huntsville to Charleston
A moving rental truck from Huntsville to Charleston is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $394 to $713. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $424 to $898, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Huntsville to Charleston costs around $533 to $1,081.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Huntsville to Charleston
The cost of Huntsville movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Huntsville to Charleston may only cost $1,605, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $6,606.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Huntsville.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($394–$955), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Huntsville to Charleston
Many movers find Charleston easier on the wallet than Huntsville – roughly 51% less for singles and 7% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,549 for one person in Charleston versus $3,133 in Huntsville. For a family of four, it’s $3,862 compared with $4,140.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Huntsville | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,358 | $933 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,400 | $1,800 |
| Average home value | $266,736 | $153,672 |
| Average income (per capita) | $60,959 | $59,354 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,133 | $1,549 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,140 | $3,862 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.1% | 6.2% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 5.0% | 6.5% |
- Rent is about 38% less expensive in Charleston than in Huntsville, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 42% cheaper in Charleston than in Huntsville.
- There’s good news: the average income differences between Charleston and Huntsville are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Charleston. The cost of living for a single person there is 51% below that of Huntsville.
- A move to Charleston can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 7% lower compared to Huntsville.
- Charleston has a higher unemployment rate than Huntsville by about 100%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes are 22% cheaper in Charleston compared to Huntsville. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Income taxes are 30% more in West Virginia than in Alabama. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Huntsville versus Charleston:
| Living Expense | Huntsville | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $180.00 | $128.95 |
| Cell phone plan | $50.56 | $45.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.26 | $3.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.33 | $2.20 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.50 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $62.50 | $50.00 |
| Gym membership | $44.00 | $31.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Huntsville than in Charleston.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Huntsville than in Charleston.
- Eggs cost more in Huntsville than in Charleston.
- Bread is more expensive in Huntsville than in Charleston.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Huntsville than in Charleston.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Huntsville than in Charleston.
- Gym memberships cost more in Huntsville than in Charleston.
How life is different in Huntsville vs. Charleston
| Huntsville | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 241,114 | 48,018 |
| Transportation score | 2 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 24 | 33 |
| Bike friendliness score | 40 | 28 |
| Crime index | 42.55 | 53.94 |
| Safety index | 57.45 | 46.06 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston’s population is about 80% less than Huntsville.
- Charleston’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Huntsville, making them very similar.
- Charleston is more walkable than Huntsville with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Huntsville’s 24 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 Huntsville, which has a score of 40.
- Charleston’s crime rate is higher than Huntsville with a score of 53.94 compared to Huntsville’s 42.55. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Huntsville neighborhoods are safer than 42.55%.
- Charleston is considered to be less safe than Huntsville with a score of 46.06 vs Huntsville’s 57.45.
- Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in Huntsville it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Huntsville to Charleston move
- HOA rules: Costs across Huntsville and Charleston are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in West Virginia, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in West Virginia, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Charleston. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Charleston
With your sights set on Charlie West, these are some of the most popular 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
With your move to West Virginia complete, you can dive right into experiencing Charleston. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Charleston is home to museums and cultural arts centers 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 spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Charleston Golden Eagles (Mountain East) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Huntsville to Charleston?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Huntsville to Charleston. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Huntsville.
When is the cheapest time to move from Huntsville to Charleston?
Want to save on your move from Huntsville to Charleston? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Huntsville to Charleston take?
The 499-mile move from Huntsville, AL, to Charleston, , takes one to four days. Some Huntsville movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Charleston.
What kinds of discounts do Huntsville movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 1 movers offer special pricing for military members. 1 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Huntsville?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 7 movers in Huntsville provide piano moving services. 3 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 35 piano movers and 16 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Huntsville moving services
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