Top local movers for Charleston to Portland moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Charleston that also provides long-distance services to Portland 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 Portland.
- 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 Portland?
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 | $1,200 – $4,193 | $738 – $1,887 | $598 – $1,053 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,300 – $5,628 | $1,382 – $2,757 | $615 – $1,342 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,203 – $8,459 | $1,952 – $3,535 | $747 – $1,629 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Portland
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Charleston to Portland typically costs between $1,200 and $4,193. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,300 and $5,628 when moving from Charleston to Portland. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Charleston to Portland, you’re looking at costs ranging from $4,203 up to $8,459.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Portland
If you’re relocating from Charleston to Portland, you’ll typically spend between $738 and $1,887 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,382 up to $2,757. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,952 and $3,535. 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 Portland
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Charleston to Portland 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 $598 and $1,053. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $615 to $1,342. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $747 and $1,629.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Charleston to Portland
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 Portland might be as low as $2,197, while a four-bedroom could reach $6,783.
- 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 $598 to $1,449 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Portland
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Portland runs about 61% higher for singles and 57% higher for families than Charleston.
Singles spend around $2,491 in Charleston versus $1,549 in Charleston; families pay $6,060 compared with $3,862.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Charleston | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $933 | $1,925 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,800 | $3,500 |
| Average home value | $153,672 | $542,001 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,354 | $64,171 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,549 | $2,491 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,862 | $6,060 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 5.5% |
| State income tax | 6.5% | 5.8% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 128% higher in Portland than in Charleston, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 253% higher in Portland than in Charleston.
- Exciting news here, the average income is about 8% higher in Portland than in Charleston, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Portland, as the cost of living for a single person in Portland is 61% greater than in Charleston. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- As you plan your move to Portland, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 57% more than it is in Charleston.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 16% lower than Charleston, Portland boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes are 21% lower in Portland than Charleston, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- Income taxes are 11% lower in Maine than in West Virginia. Lower income tax rates mean less money is withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Charleston and Portland, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $128.95 | $203.15 |
| Cell phone plan | $45.33 | $54.88 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.26 | $4.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.20 | $3.62 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $50.00 | $120.00 |
| Gym membership | $31.00 | $65.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in Portland, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Charleston than in Portland.
- Eggs are less expensive in Charleston than in Portland.
- Bread costs less in Charleston than in Portland.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Charleston than in Portland.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Charleston than in Portland.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Portland.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Portland
| Charleston | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 48,018 | 68,408 |
| Transportation score | 2 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 33 | 62 |
| Bike friendliness score | 28 | 68 |
| Crime index | 53.94 | 32.16 |
| Safety index | 46.06 | 67.84 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Portland’s population is about 42% greater than Charleston.
- Portland’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 2.
- Portland is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 62 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 33 out of 100.
- With a score of 68 out of 100, Portland 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.
- Portland’s crime rate is lower than Charleston with a score of 32.16 compared to Charleston’s 53.94. This means that Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94%.
- Portland is considered to be safer than Charleston with a safety index of 67.84 vs Charleston’s 46.06.
- Air quality in Portland is Good, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Portland 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: Although a local license is not required in Maine, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Maine moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Maine, 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 Portland 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. Consider cost-free Released Value Protection from movers in Maine, offering basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. If you seek full-value protection, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Portland
Ready to relocate to The Forest City? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Portland.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- East End
- West End
- West Bayside
- Parkside
- Downtown
- Oakdale
- Back Cove
- Valley Street
Best neighborhoods for families
- Deering Center
- East End
- Rosemont
- West End
- Valley Street
- North Deering
- Back Cove
- East Deering
- Oakdale
Things to do in Portland
Now that you’ve made the move to Maine, it’s the perfect time to explore Portland. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Portland include museums and art centers like the Portland Museum of Art, Victoria Mansion, 5th Maine Museum, and The Wadsworth-Longfellow House.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Eastern Promenade Trail, Back Cove Trail, Deering Oaks Park, and Quarry Run Dog 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 Maine Celtics (G League)Maine Mariners (ECHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Portland?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Charleston to Portland. 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 Portland?
With many people choosing to move from Charleston to Portland 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 Portland take?
Covering 850 miles, the move from Charleston, WV to Portland, typically takes two to seven days. Some Charleston movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Portland can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Charleston can handle specialty items for my move to Portland?
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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