Highly rated local moving companies for Fort Wayne to Charleston moves
Organizing a move from Fort Wayne to Charleston can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating six local movers in Fort Wayne known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Fort Wayne to Charleston.
- MVM Moving & Storage: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- Hoover the Mover: 4.28 out of 5 stars
- Callan & Woodworth Moving & Storage: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- My Movers Inc.: 4.16 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 1444491
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 502126
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Pride Moving, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 69
DOT #: 3757839
Alternate Names: Zitrans, Inc. , Zitrans, Inc. dba Hoover the Mover
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 127
DOT #: 475992
Alternate Names: Haviland Callan, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 50
Alternate Names: Happy Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
How much does it cost to move from Fort Wayne to Charleston?
On average, moving companies in Indiana charge about $130 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $850 – $2,792 | $618 – $1,506 | $299 – $566 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,627 – $4,147 | $1,077 – $2,153 | $329 – $697 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,387 – $5,629 | $1,395 – $2,652 | $422 – $801 |
Cost to hire movers from Fort Wayne to Charleston
When planning a move to Charleston from Fort Wayne, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $850 and $2,792. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,627 and $4,147 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $2,387 to $5,629.
Cost of moving containers from Fort Wayne to Charleston
When you’re heading from Fort Wayne to Charleston, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $618 and $1,506. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,077 and $2,153. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,395 to $2,652. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Indiana easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Fort Wayne to Charleston
A moving rental truck from Fort Wayne to Charleston is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $299 to $566. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $329 to $697, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Fort Wayne to Charleston costs around $422 to $801.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Fort Wayne to Charleston
The cost of Fort Wayne movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Fort Wayne to Charleston may only cost $1,237, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $5,047.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Fort Wayne.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($299–$746), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Fort Wayne to Charleston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Charleston runs about -40% higher for singles and 23% higher for families than Fort Wayne.
Singles spend around $1,549 in Fort Wayne versus $2,600 in Fort Wayne; families pay $3,862 compared with $3,150.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Fort Wayne | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,233 | $933 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,367 | $1,800 |
| Average home value | $227,803 | $153,672 |
| Average income (per capita) | $53,978 | $59,354 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,600 | $1,549 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,150 | $3,862 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.1% | 6.2% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 3.15% | 6.5% |
- Rent is about 25% less expensive in Charleston than in Fort Wayne, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 33% cheaper in Charleston than in Fort Wayne.
- Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 10% greater in Charleston than in Fort Wayne, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Charleston. The cost of living for a single person there is 40% below that of Fort Wayne.
- When considering a family move to Charleston, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 23% higher than in Fort Wayne.
- Charleston has a higher unemployment rate than Fort Wayne by about 22%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes are nearly equal in both Charleston and Fort Wayne (within a 5% range), so budgeting should not be affected by this change.
- Income taxes are 106% more in West Virginia than in Indiana. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Fort Wayne versus Charleston:
| Living Expense | Fort Wayne | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $245.73 | $128.95 |
| Cell phone plan | $56.88 | $45.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.21 | $3.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.87 | $2.20 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $17.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $50.00 |
| Gym membership | $50.00 | $31.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Fort Wayne than in Charleston.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Fort Wayne than in Charleston.
- Eggs are less expensive in Fort Wayne than in Charleston.
- Bread is more expensive in Fort Wayne than in Charleston.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Fort Wayne than in Charleston.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Fort Wayne than in Charleston.
- Gym memberships cost more in Fort Wayne than in Charleston.
How life is different in Fort Wayne vs. Charleston
| Fort Wayne | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 265,974 | 48,018 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 32 | 33 |
| Bike friendliness score | 41 | 28 |
| Crime index | 40.9 | 53.94 |
| Safety index | 59.1 | 46.06 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston’s population is about 82% less than Fort Wayne.
- Charleston’s public transportation score of 2 out of 10 is lower than Fort Wayne’s score of 3.
- Charleston and Fort Wayne are similarly walkable.
- Charleston has a bike-friendliness score of 28 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Fort Wayne, which has a score of 41.
- Charleston’s crime rate is higher than Fort Wayne with a score of 53.94 compared to Fort Wayne’s 40.9. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Fort Wayne neighborhoods are safer than 40.9%.
- Charleston is considered to be less safe than Fort Wayne with a score of 46.06 vs Fort Wayne’s 59.1.
- Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in Fort Wayne it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Fort Wayne to Charleston move
- HOA rules: Costs across Fort Wayne and Charleston are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in West Virginia, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in West Virginia, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Charleston. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Charleston
With your sights set on Charlie West, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider 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
With your move to West Virginia complete, you can dive right into experiencing Charleston. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Charleston is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Charleston Golden Eagles (Mountain East) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Fort Wayne to Charleston?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Fort Wayne to Charleston. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Fort Wayne.
When is the cheapest time to move from Fort Wayne to Charleston?
Want to save on your move from Fort Wayne to Charleston? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Fort Wayne to Charleston take?
The 318-mile move from Fort Wayne, IN, to Charleston, , takes one to four days. Some Fort Wayne movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Charleston.
What kinds of discounts do Fort Wayne movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 1 movers offer special pricing for military members. 1 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Fort Wayne?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 5 movers in Fort Wayne provide piano moving services. 2 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 43 piano movers and 21 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Fort Wayne moving services
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