The best local movers for Charleston to Lancaster moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Charleston that also handles long-distance moves to Lancaster. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated five local movers in Charleston who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Charleston to Lancaster.
- 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 Lancaster?
The average hourly rate for movers in West Virginia is . Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,369 – $5,083 | $1,180 – $2,928 | $1,291 – $2,545 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,523 – $7,521 | $2,229 – $4,571 | $1,468 – $2,821 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,028 – $12,460 | $3,123 – $6,320 | $1,765 – $3,496 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Lancaster
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Charleston to Lancaster will cost between $1,369 and $5,083. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Charleston to Charleston will range from $3,523 to $7,521, and a large move from Charleston to Lancaster will cost from $7,028 to $12,460.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Lancaster
If you’re moving from Charleston to Lancaster, expect to pay between $1,180 and $2,928 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $2,229 up to $4,571. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $3,123 and $6,320. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from West Virginia.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to Lancaster
Renting a moving truck from Charleston to Lancaster is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $1,291 and $2,545. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,468 and $2,821. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,765 up to $3,496 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Charleston to Lancaster
The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,583, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $11,627.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Charleston, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($1,291–$3,158) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Lancaster
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Lancaster runs about 64% higher for singles and 44% higher for families than Charleston.
Singles spend around $2,540 in Charleston versus $1,549 in Charleston; families pay $5,562 compared with $3,862.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Charleston | Lancaster | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $933 | $2,305 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,800 | $2,500 |
| Average home value | $153,672 | $473,053 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,354 | $74,723 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,549 | $2,540 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,862 | $5,562 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 15.6% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 6.5% | 13.3% |
- Rent is estimated to be 197% higher in Lancaster compared to Charleston; it’s essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 208% greater in Lancaster than in Charleston.
- Here’s some promising news: the average income is around 26% higher in Lancaster than in Charleston, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Lancaster, since the cost of living for a single person in Lancaster is 64% higher than in Charleston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- When relocating to Lancaster, it’s important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in Lancaster is 44% greater than in Charleston.
- In Lancaster, the unemployment rate is approximately 152% higher than in Charleston, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes rise by 46% in Lancaster over Charleston, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- Income taxes are 105% higher in California than in West Virginia, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Charleston and Lancaster:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Lancaster |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $128.95 | $225.00 |
| Cell phone plan | $45.33 | $43.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.26 | $2.67 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.20 | $5.51 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $50.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $31.00 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in Lancaster, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Charleston than in Lancaster.
- Eggs cost more in Charleston than in Lancaster.
- Bread costs less in Charleston than in Lancaster.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Charleston than in Lancaster.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Charleston than in Lancaster.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Lancaster.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Lancaster
| Charleston | Lancaster | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 48,018 | 173,516 |
| Transportation score | 2 | 0 |
| Walkability score | 33 | 29 |
| Bike friendliness score | 28 | 40 |
| Crime index | 53.94 | 45.5 |
| Safety index | 46.06 | 54.5 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Lancaster’s population is about 261% greater than Charleston.
- Lancaster has no measurable public transportation (score of 0), while Charleston scores 2 out of 10, showing a clear advantage for Charleston.
- Lancaster is less walkable than Charleston with a score of 29 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 33 out of 100.
- With a score of 40 out of 100, Lancaster 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.
- Lancaster’s crime rate is lower than Charleston with a score of 45.5 compared to Charleston’s 53.94. This means that Lancaster neighborhoods are safer than 45.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94%.
- Lancaster is considered to be safer than Charleston with a safety index of 54.5 vs Charleston’s 46.06.
- Air quality in Lancaster is Good, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Lancaster move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: California doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Lancaster. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Lancaster
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to , these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Lancaster.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown Lancaster
- Central Lancaster
- East Lancaster
- College Terrace
- Skytower Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Quartz Hill
- West Lancaster
- Rancho Vista
- Brentwood
- El Dorado
Things to do in Lancaster
Once you’re settled into your new home in California, it’s time to get out and discover what Lancaster has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Lancaster, such as the Lancaster Museum of Art & History, Western Hotel Museum, and Boyle Heights History Studios & Tours.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, Apollo Community Regional Park, Saddleback Butte State Park, and Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Lancaster?
The best time to move from Charleston to Lancaster is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Charleston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Lancaster?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Charleston to Lancaster, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Charleston to Lancaster take?
Moving from Charleston, WV to Lancaster, covers 2,312 miles and usually takes seven to 18 days. Need to move faster? Some Charleston movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Lancaster.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Charleston?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 3 movers in Charleston advertise piano moving expertise. 2 movers in Charleston provide antique moving services. State totals show 5 piano movers and 4 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Charleston moving services
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