The best local movers for Charleston to Durham moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Charleston that also handles long-distance moves to Durham. 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 Durham.
- 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 Durham?
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 | $911 – $3,063 | $587 – $1,357 | $303 – $569 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,656 – $4,544 | $1,053 – $2,120 | $332 – $629 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,358 – $6,324 | $1,376 – $2,476 | $398 – $773 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Durham
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Charleston to Durham will cost between $911 and $3,063. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Charleston to Charleston will range from $1,656 to $4,544, and a large move from Charleston to Durham will cost from $2,358 to $6,324.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Durham
If you’re moving from Charleston to Durham, expect to pay between $587 and $1,357 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,053 up to $2,120. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,376 and $2,476. 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 Durham
Renting a moving truck from Charleston to Durham 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 $303 and $569. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $332 and $629. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $398 up to $773 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Charleston to Durham
The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,223, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $5,341.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Charleston, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($303–$664) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Durham
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Durham runs about 81% higher for singles and 54% higher for families than Charleston.
Singles spend around $2,803 in Charleston versus $1,549 in Charleston; families pay $5,945 compared with $3,862.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Charleston | Durham | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $933 | $1,875 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,800 | $2,573 |
| Average home value | $153,672 | $391,719 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,354 | $69,117 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,549 | $2,803 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,862 | $5,945 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 4.1% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 6.5% | 4.5% |
- Rent is estimated to be 94% higher in Durham compared to Charleston; it’s essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 155% greater in Durham than in Charleston.
- Here’s some promising news: the average income is around 16% higher in Durham than in Charleston, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Durham, since the cost of living for a single person in Durham is 81% higher than in Charleston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- When relocating to Durham, it’s important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in Durham is 54% greater than in Charleston.
- Durham enjoys an unemployment rate that’s roughly 34% lower compared to Charleston, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes rise by 7% in Durham over Charleston, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- Income taxes are 31% less in North Carolina than in West Virginia. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Charleston and Durham:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $128.95 | $148.21 |
| Cell phone plan | $45.33 | $51.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.26 | $4.53 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.20 | $3.66 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $50.00 | $70.00 |
| Gym membership | $31.00 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in Durham, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Charleston than in Durham.
- Eggs are less expensive in Charleston than in Durham.
- Bread costs less in Charleston than in Durham.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Charleston than in Durham.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Durham.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Durham
| Charleston | Durham | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 48,018 | 283,506 |
| Transportation score | 2 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 33 | 30 |
| Bike friendliness score | 28 | 38 |
| Crime index | 53.94 | 54.72 |
| Safety index | 46.06 | 45.28 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Durham’s population is about 490% greater than Charleston.
- Durham’s public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 2.
- Durham is less walkable than Charleston with a score of 30 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 33 out of 100.
- With a score of 38 out of 100, Durham 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.
- Durham and Charleston have a similar crime rate with scores of 54.72 and 53.94, respectively.
- Durham and Charleston have a similar safety level, with scores of 45.28 and 46.06.
- Air quality in Durham is Good, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Durham 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: 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). Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a North Carolina moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: North Carolina 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 Durham. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Durham
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to City of The Viper, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Durham.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Golden Belt
- Warehouse District
- City Center
- Research Triangle Park
- Central Park
- Chapel Hill
- Northgate Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Treyburn
- American Village/Arrowhead
- Willowhaven
- Fieldstone by the Eno
- Hope Valley Farms
Things to do in Durham
Once you’re settled into your new home in North Carolina, it’s time to get out and discover what Durham has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Durham, such as the Museum of Life + Science, Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University, Museum of Durham History, and V & E Simonetti Historic Tuba Collection.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s West Point on the Eno, RollingView Falls Lake State Park, Durham Central Park, and Historic Durham Athletic 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 Duke University (ACC)Durham Bulls (Triple-A East baseball) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Durham?
The best time to move from Charleston to Durham 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 Durham?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Charleston to Durham, 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 Durham take?
Moving from Charleston, WV to Durham, covers 293 miles and usually takes one to four 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 Durham.
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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