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Top-rated movers to make your Houston to Charleston move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Houston that offers long-distance services to Charleston can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 49 top local movers in Houston who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Houston to Charleston.
- A Better Tripp Moving & Storage: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- 3 Men Movers: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Square Cow: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage: 4.44 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 005972633C
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 679167
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 000534796B
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 1914113
Alternate Names: 3 Men Movers LTD
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Company Info
State license #: 007018347C
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 006362543C
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1748594
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 0000005457
Years in Business: 56
DOT #: 436264
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Houston to Charleston?
In Texas, moving services typically cost around $131 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,201 – $4,606 | $899 – $2,049 | $735 – $1,399 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,571 – $6,306 | $1,501 – $3,164 | $763 – $1,730 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,593 – $8,383 | $2,179 – $4,350 | $968 – $2,088 |
Cost to hire movers from Houston to Charleston
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Charleston from Houston, you can expect prices to land between $1,201 and $4,606. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,571 to $6,306 for the trip from Houston to Charleston. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $4,593 and $8,383.
Cost of moving containers from Houston to Charleston
Moving containers from Houston to Charleston will cost you $899 to $2,049 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,501 to $3,164. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,179 to $4,350. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Texas.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Houston to Charleston
Renting a moving truck from Houston to Charleston typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $735 and $1,399 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $763 to $1,730. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $968 to $2,088.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Houston to Charleston move
The cost of Houston movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,323 for a one-bedroom, or up to $7,231 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Houston.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $735 to $1,728, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Houston to Charleston
Many movers find Charleston easier on the wallet than Houston – roughly 44% less for singles and 46% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,549 for one person in Charleston versus $2,770 in Houston. For a family of four, it’s $3,862 compared with $7,157.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Houston | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,658 | $933 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,195 | $1,800 |
| Average home value | $263,945 | $153,672 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,833 | $59,354 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,770 | $1,549 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,157 | $3,862 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 6.2% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 6.5% |
- When relocating from Houston to Charleston, expect to find rent about 44% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 42% more affordable in Charleston compared to Houston.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 15% lower in Charleston compared to Houston.
- You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Charleston, as the cost of living for a single person is 44% lower compared to Houston.
- A move to Charleston can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 46% less than what it costs in Houston.
- Charleston shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Houston by around 51%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes are 15% less in Charleston relative to Houston. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- West Virginia has a state income tax, while Texas does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Houston and Charleston:
| Living Expense | Houston | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.52 | $128.95 |
| Cell phone plan | $60.77 | $45.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.11 | $3.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.05 | $2.20 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $50.00 |
| Gym membership | $38.29 | $31.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Houston than in Charleston.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Houston than in Charleston.
- Eggs cost more in Houston than in Charleston.
- Bread is more expensive in Houston than in Charleston.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Houston than in Charleston.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Houston than in Charleston.
- Gym memberships cost more in Houston than in Charleston.
How life is different in Houston vs. Charleston
| Houston | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,301,572 | 48,018 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 47 | 33 |
| Bike friendliness score | 49 | 28 |
| Crime index | 63.5 | 53.94 |
| Safety index | 36.5 | 46.06 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston’s population is about 98% less than Houston.
- Charleston’s public transportation score of 2 out of 10 is lower than Houston’s score of 5.
- Charleston is less walkable than Houston with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Houston’s 47 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 Houston, which has a score of 49.
- Charleston’s crime rate is lower than Houston with a score of 53.94 compared to Houston’s 63.5. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5%.
- Charleston is considered to be safer than Houston with a safety index of 46.06 vs Houston’s 36.5.
- Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in Houston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Houston to Charleston move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: West Virginia’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: West Virginia does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Charleston. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Charleston
Planning your move to Charlie West? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home 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
After settling into your new West Virginia home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Charleston has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Charleston features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Charleston Golden Eagles (Mountain East) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Houston to Charleston?
Planning your move from Houston to Charleston? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Houston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Houston to Charleston?
Because most people are moving from Houston to Charleston in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Houston to Charleston take?
The 1,165-mile journey from Houston, TX to Charleston, , typically takes two to eight days. Some movers in Houston offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Charleston.
Are there special savings available from movers in Houston?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 2 have discounts for military personnel. 2 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Houston?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Houston, 27 movers can manage piano relocations. 15 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Texas has 180 piano movers and 125 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
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