Top-rated local movers that handle Charleston to Charlotte moves
When planning a move from Charleston to Charlotte, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing five local movers in Charleston who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Charleston to Charlotte.
- 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 Charlotte?
Movers in West Virginia charge per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $857 – $3,072 | $573 – $1,435 | $290 – $544 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,477 – $4,279 | $1,029 – $1,947 | $311 – $644 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,204 – $6,228 | $1,468 – $2,409 | $389 – $766 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Charlotte
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Charleston to Charlotte, you can expect to spend between $857 and $3,072. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,477 to $4,279 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Charleston to Charlotte typically runs between $2,204 and $6,228.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Charlotte
When moving from Charleston to Charlotte, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $573 and $1,435. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,029 to $1,947. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,468 up to $2,409. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from West Virginia.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to Charlotte
Renting a moving truck in Charleston is usually your cheapest option to get to Charlotte. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $290 and $544. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $311 and $644. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $389 and $766.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Charleston to Charlotte
The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,233, but larger homes can run up to $4,912.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Charleston.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($290–$701) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Charlotte
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Charlotte runs about 104% higher for singles and 116% higher for families than Charleston.
Singles spend around $3,158 in Charleston versus $1,549 in Charleston; families pay $8,325 compared with $3,862.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Charleston | Charlotte | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $933 | $1,913 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,800 | $3,790 |
| Average home value | $153,672 | $391,658 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,354 | $64,814 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,549 | $3,158 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,862 | $8,325 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 3.3% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 7.25% |
| State income tax | 6.5% | 4.5% |
- As you consider relocating to Charlotte, note that rent can be roughly 105% more expensive than it is in Charleston; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 155% higher in Charlotte than in Charleston.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 9% higher in Charlotte compared to Charleston, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Plan for higher expenses in Charlotte, since the cost of living for a single person is 104% more than in Charleston. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Charlotte, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Charlotte is 116% more than it is in Charleston.
- Charlotte experiences an unemployment rate that is about 47% lower than that of Charleston. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are similar in Charlotte and Charleston (within about 5%), meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
- Income taxes are 31% lower in North Carolina compared to West Virginia. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Charleston with Charlotte:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Charlotte |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $128.95 | $156.99 |
| Cell phone plan | $45.33 | $54.78 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.26 | $4.55 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.20 | $3.82 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $50.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $31.00 | $51.90 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in Charlotte, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Charleston than in Charlotte.
- Eggs are less expensive in Charleston than in Charlotte.
- Bread costs less in Charleston than in Charlotte.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Charleston than in Charlotte.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Charleston than in Charlotte.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Charlotte.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Charlotte
| Charleston | Charlotte | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 48,018 | 874,579 |
| Transportation score | 2 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 33 | 26 |
| Bike friendliness score | 28 | 31 |
| Crime index | 53.94 | 46.52 |
| Safety index | 46.06 | 53.48 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Charlotte’s population is about 1721% greater than Charleston.
- Charlotte’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 2.
- Charlotte is less walkable than Charleston with a score of 26 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 33 out of 100.
- With a score of 31 out of 100, Charlotte 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.
- Charlotte’s crime rate is lower than Charleston with a score of 46.52 compared to Charleston’s 53.94. This means that Charlotte neighborhoods are safer than 46.52% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94%.
- Charlotte is considered to be safer than Charleston with a safety index of 53.48 vs Charleston’s 46.06.
- Air quality in Charlotte is Moderate, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Charlotte move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a “C Number” issued by the commission, signifying that they’ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the state’s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a North Carolina moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While North Carolina doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Charlotte smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Charlotte
Now that you’ve chosen Queen City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Charlotte to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Belmont
- Dilworth
- Elizabeth
- First Ward
- Freedom Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Ballantyne East
- Providence Crossing
- Ballantyne West
- Providence Plantation
- Davidson
- Marvin
- Hembstead
- Tega Cay
- Sharon Woods
- Provincetown
Things to do in Charlotte
After getting comfortable in your new North Carolina home, it’s time to see what Charlotte is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Charlotte offers cultural landmarks like the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Billy Graham Library, Carolinas Aviation Museum, and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fire Education Center and Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Arequipa Park, Baxter Street Park, Fourth Ward Park, and Frazier Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Carolina PanthersCharlotte HornetsCharlotte FCCharlotte CheckersCharlotte KnightsCharlotte IndependenceCharlotte EaglesCharlotte Lady Eagles game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Charlotte?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Charleston to Charlotte are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Charleston are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Charlotte?
Because spring and fall moves from Charleston to Charlotte are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Charleston to Charlotte take?
A move of 265 miles from Charleston, WV to Charlotte, generally takes one to four days. Movers in Charleston sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Charlotte is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Charleston offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 3 movers in Charleston have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 2 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across WV, there are 5 piano movers and 4 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
Helpful moving resources
Charleston moving services
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