Top local movers for Charleston to Gainesville moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Charleston that also provides long-distance services to Gainesville can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed five local movers in Charleston who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Charleston to Gainesville.
- 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 Gainesville?
Movers in West Virginia generally charge an average of per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,153 – $3,937 | $736 – $1,853 | $497 – $933 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,207 – $5,688 | $1,260 – $2,622 | $563 – $1,176 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,836 – $8,360 | $1,775 – $3,473 | $664 – $1,301 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Gainesville
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Charleston to Gainesville typically costs between $1,153 and $3,937. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,207 and $5,688 when moving from Charleston to Gainesville. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Charleston to Gainesville, you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,836 up to $8,360.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Gainesville
If you’re relocating from Charleston to Gainesville, you’ll typically spend between $736 and $1,853 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,260 up to $2,622. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,775 and $3,473. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from West Virginia.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to Gainesville
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Charleston to Gainesville move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $497 and $933. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $563 to $1,176. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $664 and $1,301.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Charleston to Gainesville
The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Charleston to Gainesville might be as low as $1,827, while a four-bedroom could reach $6,685.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Charleston.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $497 to $1,206 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Gainesville
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Gainesville runs about 11% higher for singles and -10% higher for families than Charleston.
Singles spend around $1,727 in Charleston versus $1,549 in Charleston; families pay $3,491 compared with $3,862.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Charleston | Gainesville | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $933 | $1,444 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,800 | $3,000 |
| Average home value | $153,672 | $288,002 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,354 | $59,013 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,549 | $1,727 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,862 | $3,491 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 4.4% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 6.5% | 0.0% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 83% higher in Gainesville than in Charleston, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 87% higher in Gainesville than in Charleston.
- Luckily, the average income is within about 5% of the same in Gainesville and Charleston, so no need to worry about big financial changes.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Gainesville, as the cost of living for a single person in Gainesville is 11% greater than in Charleston. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- Relocating to Gainesville could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 10% lower than in Charleston.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 29% lower than Charleston, Gainesville boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes are effectively the same in Gainesville and Charleston (within a 5% range), allowing you to focus on other financial aspects when moving.
- Florida has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Charleston and Gainesville, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Gainesville |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $128.95 | $310.42 |
| Cell phone plan | $45.33 | $49.22 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.26 | $4.53 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.20 | $3.70 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $50.00 | $65.00 |
| Gym membership | $31.00 | $45.25 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in Gainesville, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Charleston than in Gainesville.
- Eggs are less expensive in Charleston than in Gainesville.
- Bread costs less in Charleston than in Gainesville.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Charleston than in Gainesville.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Charleston than in Gainesville.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Gainesville.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Gainesville
| Charleston | Gainesville | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 48,018 | 141,085 |
| Transportation score | 2 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 33 | 37 |
| Bike friendliness score | 28 | 69 |
| Crime index | 53.94 | 8.0 |
| Safety index | 46.06 | 52.61 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Gainesville’s population is about 194% greater than Charleston.
- Gainesville’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 2.
- Gainesville is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 37 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 33 out of 100.
- With a score of 69 out of 100, Gainesville 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.
- Gainesville’s crime rate is lower than Charleston with a score of 8.0 compared to Charleston’s 53.94. This means that Gainesville neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94%.
- Gainesville is considered to be safer than Charleston with a safety index of 52.61 vs Charleston’s 46.06.
- Air quality in Gainesville is Good, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Gainesville move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- State licensing: Individuals and companies engaging in for-profit local and intrastate moving within the Sunshine State must register each year with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Division of Consumer Services. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Florida moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Florida, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Gainesville without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. Released Value Protection stands out as a cost-effective choice, provided by movers at no extra expense, although it comes with limited coverage. In this option, the mover’s liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. To ensure comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, consult with your chosen moving company about alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers. Secure the best protection for your belongings during the move with these tailored coverage choices.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Gainesville
Ready to relocate to Gainesville? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Gainesville.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Duckpond
- Midtown
- Northwest Gainesville
- Sugarfoot
- Suburban Heights
Best neighborhoods for families
- Northwest Gainesville
- Duckpond
- Haile Plantation
- Eastside
Things to do in Gainesville
Now that you’ve made the move to Florida, it’s the perfect time to explore Gainesville. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Gainesville include museums and art centers like the Florida Museum of Natural History, Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art, Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention, and Matheson History Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park, Depot Park, and Kanapaha Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Florida Gators (SEC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Gainesville?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Charleston to Gainesville. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Charleston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Gainesville?
With many people choosing to move from Charleston to Gainesville in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Charleston to Gainesville take?
Covering 709 miles, the move from Charleston, WV to Gainesville, typically takes one to six days. Some Charleston movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Gainesville can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Charleston can handle specialty items for my move to Gainesville?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Charleston, 3 movers can handle pianos. 2 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of WV, there are 5 piano movers and 4 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
Charleston moving services
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