Top-rated local movers that handle Charleston to Mobile moves
When planning a move from Charleston to Mobile, 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 Mobile.
- 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 Mobile?
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 | $1,172 – $4,369 | $784 – $1,772 | $562 – $1,038 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,325 – $5,553 | $1,396 – $2,668 | $570 – $1,296 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,877 – $8,292 | $1,818 – $3,412 | $790 – $1,586 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Mobile
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Charleston to Mobile, you can expect to spend between $1,172 and $4,369. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,325 to $5,553 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Charleston to Mobile typically runs between $3,877 and $8,292.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Mobile
When moving from Charleston to Mobile, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $784 and $1,772. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,396 to $2,668. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,818 up to $3,412. 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 Mobile
Renting a moving truck in Charleston is usually your cheapest option to get to Mobile. 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 $562 and $1,038. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $570 and $1,296. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $790 and $1,586.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Charleston to Mobile
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 $2,118, but larger homes can run up to $6,568.
- 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 ($562–$1,303) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Mobile
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Mobile runs about 18% higher for singles and 6% higher for families than Charleston.
Singles spend around $1,825 in Charleston versus $1,549 in Charleston; families pay $4,104 compared with $3,862.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Charleston | Mobile | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $933 | $1,083 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,800 | $1,833 |
| Average home value | $153,672 | $186,159 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,354 | $61,962 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,549 | $1,825 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,862 | $4,104 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 6.2% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 10.0% |
| State income tax | 6.5% | 5.0% |
- As you consider relocating to Mobile, note that rent can be roughly 49% more expensive than it is in Charleston; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 21% higher in Mobile than in Charleston.
- The average income in Mobile and Charleston is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
- Plan for higher expenses in Mobile, since the cost of living for a single person is 18% more than in Charleston. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Mobile, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Mobile is 6% more than it is in Charleston.
- Both Mobile and Charleston present nearly identical unemployment rates, within a 5% range, signifying stability in employment conditions.
- Sales taxes are 43% higher in Mobile 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 23% lower in Alabama 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 Mobile:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $128.95 | $165.58 |
| Cell phone plan | $45.33 | $68.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.26 | $3.50 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.20 | $3.31 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $50.00 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $31.00 | $36.13 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in Mobile, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Charleston than in Mobile.
- Eggs are less expensive in Charleston than in Mobile.
- Bread costs less in Charleston than in Mobile.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Charleston than in Mobile.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Charleston than in Mobile.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Mobile.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Mobile
| Charleston | Mobile | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 48,018 | 187,041 |
| Transportation score | 2 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 33 | 32 |
| Bike friendliness score | 28 | 34 |
| Crime index | 53.94 | 64.95 |
| Safety index | 46.06 | 35.05 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Mobile’s population is about 290% greater than Charleston.
- Mobile’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 2.
- Mobile and Charleston are similarly walkable.
- With a score of 34 out of 100, Mobile 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.
- Mobile’s crime rate is higher than Charleston with a score of 64.95 compared to Charleston’s 53.94. This means that Mobile neighborhoods are safer than 64.95% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94%.
- Mobile is considered to be less safe than Charleston with a score of 35.05 vs Charleston’s 46.06.
- Air quality in Mobile is Good, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Mobile 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: To guarantee the safety and reliability of local moving services in Alabama, it is essential for moving companies to possess a registration number issued by the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC). Trust your move to registered professionals for a secure and dependable experience. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Alabama moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Alabama 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 Mobile smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Moving companies typically take responsibility for your belongings at a rate of 60 cents per pound (or even less) per item. This means that for a lightweight item weighing five pounds and valued at $500, the reimbursement would be only $3 in the event of loss or damage. To enhance your coverage, certain movers provide additional valuation options, such as declared value or lump sum value protection, which offer better protection compared to the basic released value protection. To better understand and explore these options, consider discussing them with your chosen moving company.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Mobile
Now that you’ve chosen The Port City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Mobile to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Spanish Fort
- Point Clear
- Tillmans Corner
- Theodore
- Chickasaw
Best neighborhoods for families
- Point Clear
- Saraland
- Loxley
- Satsuma
- Semmes
Things to do in Mobile
After getting comfortable in your new Alabama home, it’s time to see what Mobile 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, Mobile offers cultural landmarks like the GulfQuest – National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico, Battleship USS ALABAMA, Mobile Carnival Museum, and History Museum of Mobile.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Mobile Bay, Mobile Botanical Gardens, Bienville Square, and Medal of Honor 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 South Alabama Jaguars (Sun Belt)Spring Hill Badgers (SIAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Mobile?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Charleston to Mobile 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 Mobile?
Because spring and fall moves from Charleston to Mobile 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 Mobile take?
A move of 816 miles from Charleston, WV to Mobile, generally takes two to seven days. Movers in Charleston sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Mobile 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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