Top-rated local movers that handle Charleston to Columbus moves
When planning a move from Charleston to Columbus, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing five local movers in Charleston 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 Charleston to Columbus.
- 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 Columbus?
Movers in West Virginia charge 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 | $1,240 – $3,555 | $703 – $1,631 | $444 – $813 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,288 – $5,474 | $1,194 – $2,347 | $485 – $1,006 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,949 – $7,707 | $1,610 – $3,286 | $648 – $1,214 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Columbus
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Charleston to Columbus, you can expect to spend between $1,240 and $3,555. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,288 to $5,474 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Charleston to Columbus typically runs between $3,949 and $7,707.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Columbus
When moving from Charleston to Columbus, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $703 and $1,631. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,194 to $2,347. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,610 up to $3,286. 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 West Virginia.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to Columbus
Renting a moving truck in Charleston is usually your cheapest option to get to Columbus. 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 $444 and $813. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $485 and $1,006. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $648 and $1,214.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Charleston to Columbus
The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,733, but larger homes can run up to $7,073.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Charleston.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($444–$1,149) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Columbus
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Columbus runs about 32% higher for singles and -1% higher for families than Charleston.
Singles spend around $2,041 in Charleston versus $1,549 in Charleston; families pay $3,834 compared with $3,862.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Charleston | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $933 | $1,250 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,800 | $1,400 |
| Average home value | $153,672 | $157,861 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,354 | $50,542 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,549 | $2,041 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,862 | $3,834 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 5.3% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 6.5% | 5.49% |
- As you consider relocating to Columbus, note that rent can be roughly 26% more expensive than it is in Charleston; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Home prices are within about 5% of each other in Columbus and Charleston, so there’s no need to change up your mortgage budget, unless you’re upgrading your living situation.
- It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 15% less in Columbus than in Charleston.
- Plan for higher expenses in Columbus, since the cost of living for a single person is 32% more than in Charleston. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- You’ll find the cost of living for a family to be nearly equivalent in Columbus and Charleston, with only a minor variance of about 5%, so you’ll likely see minimal difference in daily expenses.
- Columbus experiences an unemployment rate that is about 15% lower than that of Charleston. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 29% higher in Columbus than in Charleston. 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 16% lower in Georgia compared to West Virginia. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Charleston with Columbus:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $128.95 | $211.40 |
| Cell phone plan | $45.33 | $40.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.26 | $2.24 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.20 | $3.52 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $50.00 | $50.00 |
| Gym membership | $31.00 | $10.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in Columbus, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Charleston than in Columbus.
- Eggs cost more in Charleston than in Columbus.
- Bread costs less in Charleston than in Columbus.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Charleston than in Columbus.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships cost more in Charleston than in Columbus.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Columbus
| Charleston | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 48,018 | 206,922 |
| Transportation score | 2 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 33 | 25 |
| Bike friendliness score | 28 | 31 |
| Crime index | 53.94 | 72.18 |
| Safety index | 46.06 | 27.82 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Columbus’s population is about 331% greater than Charleston.
- Columbus’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Charleston, making them very similar.
- Columbus is less walkable than Charleston with a score of 25 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 33 out of 100.
- With a score of 31 out of 100, Columbus 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.
- Columbus’s crime rate is higher than Charleston with a score of 72.18 compared to Charleston’s 53.94. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 72.18% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94%.
- Columbus is considered to be less safe than Charleston with a score of 27.82 vs Charleston’s 46.06.
- Air quality in Columbus is Good, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Columbus 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: Moving companies in Georgia are regulated by the the Georgia Department of Public Safety (GDPS). Regulations include insurance requirements and the handling of consumer complaints. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Georgia moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Georgia 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 Columbus smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness, offered by movers at no extra charge. However, it provides minimal coverage, with the mover’s responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, explore other options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Columbus
Now that you’ve chosen The Lowell of the South[ as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Columbus to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- MidTown
- Uptown
- Downtown Columbus
- Overlook
- Lakebottom
Best neighborhoods for families
- North Columbus
- Brookstone
- Green Island Hills
- MidTown
- Ivy Park
Things to do in Columbus
After getting comfortable in your new Georgia home, it’s time to see what Columbus 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, Columbus offers cultural landmarks like the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center, National Civil War Naval Museum, Columbus Museum, and Coca-Cola Space Science Center.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Flat Rock 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 Columbus Lions (NAL)Columbus River Dragons (FPHL)Columbus Chatt-a-Hoots (SBL)Columbus Rapids (NISL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Columbus?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Charleston to Columbus are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Charleston are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Columbus?
Because spring and fall moves from Charleston to Columbus 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 Charleston to Columbus take?
A move of 606 miles from Charleston, WV to Columbus, generally takes one to six days. Movers in Charleston sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Columbus is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Charleston offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 3 movers in Charleston have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 2 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across WV, there are 5 piano movers and 4 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
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