The best local movers for Charleston to Buffalo moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Charleston that also handles long-distance moves to Buffalo. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated five local movers in Charleston 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 Charleston to Buffalo.
- 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
How much does it cost to move from Charleston to Buffalo?
The average hourly rate for movers in West Virginia 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 | $1,089 – $3,278 | $647 – $1,600 | $373 – $673 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,885 – $5,214 | $1,193 – $2,337 | $414 – $847 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,248 – $7,096 | $1,538 – $2,962 | $485 – $1,008 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Buffalo
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Charleston to Buffalo will cost between $1,089 and $3,278. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Charleston to Charleston will range from $1,885 to $5,214, and a large move from Charleston to Buffalo will cost from $3,248 to $7,096.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Buffalo
If you’re moving from Charleston to Buffalo, expect to pay between $647 and $1,600 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,193 up to $2,337. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,538 and $2,962. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from West Virginia.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to Buffalo
Renting a moving truck from Charleston to Buffalo 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 $373 and $673. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $414 and $847. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $485 up to $1,008 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Charleston to Buffalo
The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,466, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $6,391.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Charleston, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($373–$864) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Buffalo
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Buffalo runs about 67% higher for singles and 48% higher for families than Charleston.
Singles spend around $2,589 in Charleston versus $1,549 in Charleston; families pay $5,720 compared with $3,862.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Charleston | Buffalo | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $933 | $1,567 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,800 | $2,075 |
| Average home value | $153,672 | $213,418 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,354 | $63,443 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,549 | $2,589 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,862 | $5,720 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 9.5% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 8.75% |
| State income tax | 6.5% | 10.9% |
- Rent is estimated to be 37% higher in Buffalo compared to Charleston; it’s essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 39% greater in Buffalo than in Charleston.
- Here’s some promising news: the average income is around 7% higher in Buffalo than in Charleston, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Buffalo, since the cost of living for a single person in Buffalo is 67% higher than in Charleston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- When relocating to Buffalo, it’s important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in Buffalo is 48% greater than in Charleston.
- In Buffalo, the unemployment rate is approximately 53% higher than in Charleston, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes rise by 25% in Buffalo over Charleston, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- Income taxes are 68% higher in New York than in West Virginia, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Charleston and Buffalo:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Buffalo |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $128.95 | $251.62 |
| Cell phone plan | $45.33 | $46.65 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.26 | $3.96 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.20 | $3.89 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $30.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $50.00 | $85.00 |
| Gym membership | $31.00 | $33.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in Buffalo, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Charleston than in Buffalo.
- Eggs are less expensive in Charleston than in Buffalo.
- Bread costs less in Charleston than in Buffalo.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Charleston than in Buffalo.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Charleston than in Buffalo.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Buffalo.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Buffalo
| Charleston | Buffalo | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 48,018 | 278,349 |
| Transportation score | 2 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 33 | 67 |
| Bike friendliness score | 28 | 63 |
| Crime index | 53.94 | 8.0 |
| Safety index | 46.06 | 53.55 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Buffalo’s population is about 480% greater than Charleston.
- Buffalo’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 2.
- Buffalo is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 67 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 33 out of 100.
- With a score of 63 out of 100, Buffalo is more bike-friendly than Charleston, which has a score of 28 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Buffalo’s crime rate is lower than Charleston with a score of 8.0 compared to Charleston’s 53.94. This means that Buffalo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94%.
- Buffalo is considered to be safer than Charleston with a safety index of 53.55 vs Charleston’s 46.06.
- Air quality in Buffalo is Moderate, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Buffalo 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: New York requires moving companies to have a license and obtain a New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) number. A NYDOT license ensures your mover is in compliance with the state’s safety, insurance, and operational regulations. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a New York moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: New York 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 Buffalo. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers. They’re responsible for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, discuss alternatives with your moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Buffalo
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to Queen City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Buffalo.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Allentown
- Delaware District
- Lower West Side
- Elmwood Strip
- Downtown
- Parkside
- West Side
- North Park
- First Ward
Best neighborhoods for families
- Williamsville
- Clarence Center
- Eggertsville
- Harris Hill
- East Aurora
- Kenmore
- Grandyle Village
- Billington Heights
- Rapids
- Lancaster
Things to do in Buffalo
Once you’re settled into your new home in New York, it’s time to get out and discover what Buffalo has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Buffalo, such as the Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park, Pierce-Arrow Museum, Albright-Knox Art Gallery, and Buffalo Museum of Science.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, The Buffalo Zoo, Delaware Park, and Erie Basin Marina — 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 Buffalo BanditsBuffalo BeautsBuffalo Bills (AAFC)Buffalo Bisons (AHL)Buffalo Bisons (minor league)Canisius Golden GriffinsColumbus Destroyers game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Buffalo?
The best time to move from Charleston to Buffalo is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Charleston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Buffalo?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Charleston to Buffalo, 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 Charleston to Buffalo take?
Moving from Charleston, WV to Buffalo, covers 429 miles and usually takes one to four days. Need to move faster? Some Charleston movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Buffalo.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Charleston?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 3 movers in Charleston advertise piano moving expertise. 2 movers in Charleston provide antique moving services. State totals show 5 piano movers and 4 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.
Helpful moving resources
Charleston moving services
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