The Best Long-Distance Movers in Charleston, IL
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The best long-distance mover in Charleston is TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.44/5) for in-state moves and Safeway Moving (4.9/5) for moves out of Illinois, per moveBuddha's analysis of 99 Illinois movers.
Who are the best interstate movers serving Charleston?
moveBuddha's top-rated interstate movers for Charleston residents moving out of Illinois are Safeway Moving (4.9/5), American Van Lines (4.9/5), Allied Van Lines (4.2/5), Mayzlin Relocation (4.8/5), and North American Van Lines (4.8/5). National carriers operate dedicated long-haul networks, carry interstate FMCSA authority, and price moves by weight and mileage, the standard model for cross-state relocations.
Who are the best long-distance movers in Charleston for in-state moves?
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.44/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated Charleston-based mover for long-distance moves within Illinois, followed by Federal Companies (4.44/5) and Jenkins & Key Moving & Storage (4.34/5). Of the 0 intrastate-capable movers serving Charleston, none currently offer full packing services, so plan to handle packing yourself or hire a separate crew if you need help. Full rankings for local long-distance movers serving Charleston are listed below.
Below are moveBuddha's top picks for long-distance movers that serve Charleston but stay within Illinois:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Federal Companies: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Jenkins & Key Moving & Storage: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Sappington & Sons Moving Inc: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- Eldred Moving & Storage Co. Inc: 4.3 out of 5 stars
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has been in business for 17 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has about 78% positive reviews across roughly 263 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.7.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from TWO MEN AND A TRUCK.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"The movers were professional, careful with my belongings, and finished ahead of schedule. Worth every penny and made the move stress-free! Highly recommend."
"Called when they were on their way, arrived early, were beyond professional, and took great care with our heavy furniture. Communication was excellent throughout the move."
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Good communication
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Federal Companies has been in business for 111 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Federal Companies has about 82% positive reviews across roughly 109 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.5.
Quote accuracy 4.3
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Federal Companies.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Federal Companies emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
"The move went smoothly and efficiently, and the men were friendly and mindful of taking good care of my furniture and home. I highly recommend Allied Moving Services."
"Kyle came to our home, looked at each piece of furniture we needed to move across the country, and gave us a binding estimate. Final price was exactly the same. Great job!"
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Affordable rates
Helpful movers
Careful handling
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Jenkins & Key Moving & Storage has been in business for 70 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like small-scale moving and international moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Jenkins & Key Moving & Storage has about 85% positive reviews across roughly 27 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.2.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Jenkins & Key Moving & Storage.
Customer service 4.1
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Jenkins & Key Moving & Storage emphasizes clear communication.
Recent reviews
"My experiences with them have been great: getting a quote, loading/unloading, storage, moving. Terrific people who are very kind, helpful, and efficient! Pricing is more than reasonable too."
"Jenkins and Key delivered more than they promised, in less time, and less money. Fixed other companies' mess impeccably."
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Affordable rates
Quick moving process
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Sappington & Sons Moving Inc has been in business for 39 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Sappington & Sons Moving Inc has about 81% positive reviews across roughly 75 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.0.
Quote accuracy 4.0
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Sappington & Sons Moving Inc.
Customer service 4.1
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Sappington & Sons Moving Inc emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
5 stars for sure!!! I used Sappington & Son Moving Inc for my move, and I couldn't be more satisfied. The team was professional, punctual, and incredibly efficient. They handled all of my belongings with great care.
They were quick and very affordable. I had them move a 2 bedroom apartment within the same city, and managed to do it faster than I had anticipated. Very cautious and courteous of moving my boxes.
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Affordable rates
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Eldred Moving & Storage Co. Inc has been in business for 151 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like international moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Eldred Moving & Storage Co. Inc has about 75% positive reviews across roughly 79 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.3.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Eldred Moving & Storage Co. Inc.
Customer service 4.1
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Eldred Moving & Storage Co. Inc emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"We relocated in the same town...They were extremely fast, but with great care. The packed and wrapped and loaded all of the furniture and unloaded and placed the furniture in the new house in 4 hours. I would highly recommend and would hire again!"
"The Eldred Moving Team scheduled promptly, arrived on time, worked continuously to move our belongings. They were careful with furniture, and also careful not to scrape walls and woodwork. The office manager, Becky, is efficient and helpful. Pricing is very fair."
What add-on services do Charleston movers offer?
Not every mover in Charleston offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 0 Charleston movers, here is what is available and how often:
Specialty service costs below use moveBuddha's pricing dataset adjusted for Charleston's cost of living.
Does Charleston have movers that offer art handling?
No Charleston movers in moveBuddha's dataset currently offer art handling. Statewide, 50 of 99 Illinois movers offer this service (50.51%), compared to 45.83% nationally. Mighty Moving & Storage (4.62/5) is the top-rated Illinois mover for art handling in moveBuddha's dataset and is an option for Charleston residents needing this service. Per-piece handling runs $35 to $350, with custom crates adding $105 to $140 per item.
| Art handling in Charleston | Details |
|---|---|
| Charleston movers offering this | 0 of 0 — no Charleston providers currently listed |
| Illinois statewide | 50 of 99 (50.51%) |
| National average | 45.83% |
| Top-rated Illinois statewide provider | Mighty Moving & Storage (4.62/5) |
| Per-piece handling fee | $35 to $350 |
| Custom crating per item | $105 to $140 |
Standard moving blankets offer no protection against UV exposure, humidity fluctuation, or impact fractures, the 3 damage modes most likely to affect framed artwork and sculpture in transit. Archival materials and custom crates built to the dimensions of each piece address all 3. Ask any prospective art mover for references specific to the media you are moving before signing a contract.
Does Charleston have movers that offer junk removal?
No Charleston movers in moveBuddha's dataset currently offer junk removal. Statewide, 40 of 99 Illinois movers offer this service (40.4%), compared to 36.39% nationally. Mighty Moving & Storage (4.62/5) is the top-rated Illinois mover for junk removal in moveBuddha's dataset and is an option for Charleston residents needing this service. Standalone junk removal typically runs $105 to $350 per load.
| Junk removal in Charleston | Details |
|---|---|
| Charleston movers offering this | 0 of 0 — no Charleston providers currently listed |
| Illinois statewide | 40 of 99 (40.4%) |
| National average | 36.39% |
| Top-rated Illinois statewide provider | Mighty Moving & Storage (4.62/5) |
| Typical cost per load | $105 to $350 |
| Single large item | $53 to $105 |
Downsizing before a move has a compounding cost effect on long-distance quotes. Every 500 lbs removed from a weight-based shipment reduces the base rate, and junk removal handles the heavy or awkward pieces most people prefer not to haul to donation centers themselves. Confirm whether the mover's junk removal covers electronics and appliances, since disposal regulations vary by state.
Does Charleston have movers that offer fragile-only packing?
No Charleston movers in moveBuddha's dataset currently offer fragile-only packing. Statewide, 31 of 99 Illinois movers offer this service (31.31%), compared to 23.87% nationally. Mighty Moving & Storage (4.62/5) is the top-rated Illinois mover for fragile-only packing in moveBuddha's dataset and is an option for Charleston residents needing this service. Full professional packing runs $0.15 to $0.21 per pound; fragile-only packing covers dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps at a fraction of that total.
| Fragile-only packing in Charleston | Details |
|---|---|
| Charleston movers offering this | 0 of 0 — no Charleston providers currently listed |
| Illinois statewide | 31 of 99 (31.31%) |
| National average | 23.87% |
| Top-rated Illinois statewide provider | Mighty Moving & Storage (4.62/5) |
| Full professional packing rate | $0.15 to $0.21 per pound |
Full-service packing adds $0.15 to $0.21 per pound to a move's total cost across the entire shipment. Fragile-only packing applies that cost only to dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps, the items that account for the majority of in-transit breakage claims. For movers who plan to pack most of their own belongings, fragile-only is the most cost-efficient way to get professional help where it matters most.
Does Charleston have movers that offer storage?
No Charleston movers in moveBuddha's dataset currently offer storage. Statewide, 89 of 99 Illinois movers offer this service (89.9%), compared to 84.85% nationally. Mighty Moving & Storage (4.62/5) is the top-rated Illinois mover for storage in moveBuddha's dataset and is an option for Charleston residents needing this service. Storage-in-transit runs about $0.50 per cubic foot per month, putting a 1-bedroom load (about 514 cu ft) at roughly $180/month.
| Storage in Charleston | Details |
|---|---|
| Charleston movers offering this | 0 of 0 — no Charleston providers currently listed |
| Illinois statewide | 89 of 99 (89.9%) |
| National average | 84.85% |
| Top-rated Illinois statewide provider | Mighty Moving & Storage (4.62/5) |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $180 |
| 2-3 bedroom monthly estimate (~1,000 cu ft) | $350 |
Storage-in-transit is priced at approximately $0.50 per cubic foot per month. A 1-bedroom load (around 514 cu ft) runs about $180 per month. Costs scale with shipment volume, so a larger home will see proportionally higher storage fees. Verify billing start date and whether coverage remains active during the storage period before signing any contract that includes a storage window.
Does Charleston have movers that offer hot tub relocation?
No Charleston movers in moveBuddha's dataset currently offer hot tub relocation. Statewide, 19 of 99 Illinois movers offer this service (19.19%), compared to 21.93% nationally. Alliance Moving & Storage (4.8/5) is the top-rated Illinois mover for hot tub relocation in moveBuddha's dataset and is an option for Charleston residents needing this service. Hot tub moves typically run $105 to $280 per item when bundled with a full-service move.
| Hot tub relocation in Charleston | Details |
|---|---|
| Charleston movers offering this | 0 of 0 — no Charleston providers currently listed |
| Illinois statewide | 19 of 99 (19.19%) |
| National average | 21.93% |
| Top-rated Illinois statewide provider | Alliance Moving & Storage (4.8/5) |
| Bundled with full-service move | $105 to $280 |
| Standalone hot tub move | $210 to $560 |
Hot tubs weigh 500 to 1,000 lbs empty and require full drainage before any move. Disassembly, draining, and specialized dollies are required to move them safely. Bundling a hot tub into a full-service household move is almost always cheaper than booking a specialty carrier separately.
Does Charleston have movers that offer piano moving?
No Charleston movers in moveBuddha's dataset currently offer piano moving. Statewide, 70 of 99 Illinois movers offer this service (70.71%), compared to 72.52% nationally. Mighty Moving & Storage (4.62/5) is the top-rated Illinois mover for piano moving in moveBuddha's dataset and is an option for Charleston residents needing this service. A standalone piano move in Illinois typically costs $560 to $2,450, depending on instrument type.
| Piano moving in Charleston | Details |
|---|---|
| Charleston movers offering this | 0 of 0 — no Charleston providers currently listed |
| Illinois statewide | 70 of 99 (70.71%) |
| National average | 72.52% |
| Top-rated Illinois statewide provider | Mighty Moving & Storage (4.62/5) |
| Upright piano | $560 to $1,050 |
| Baby grand piano | $840 to $1,750 |
| Grand piano | $1,260 to $2,450 |
A standard upright piano weighs 400 to 800 lbs and a grand piano tops 1,200 lbs, putting both well beyond what general moving equipment is built to handle safely. Purpose-built piano boards, padded blankets, and rigging straps are the minimum required to move the instrument without cracking the soundboard or damaging the legs. For most households, adding piano moving to a full-service move costs less than booking a dedicated piano-only carrier separately.
Who are the best movers in Charleston for small long-distance moves?
Federal Companies leads Charleston's small-move providers with a 4.44/5 moveBuddha score, followed by Jenkins & Key Moving & Storage at 4.34/5. DIY options like moving containers and rental trucks reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving and are worth comparing for loads under 3,000 pounds.
What are the best moving containers for long-distance moves from Charleston?
Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5), U-Pack (5.0/5), and MovingYourself (5.0/5) are moveBuddha's top-rated container options for moves out of Charleston. Moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, making them the most cost-effective option for Charleston residents who can handle their own loading and unloading. Container pricing varies by distance, container size, and the number of units required, so use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare quotes for your specific move before committing to a provider.
What are the best labor-only movers in Charleston?
0 of 0 Charleston movers (0%) offer labor-only services, compared to 58.59% statewide and 54.55% nationally. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.44/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated labor-only mover in Charleston, followed by Federal Companies (4.44/5). Labor-only movers handle loading and unloading without providing a truck, making them the right fit for Charleston residents who plan to drive themselves or who have rented their own vehicle. Combining a labor-only crew with a rental truck or moving container reduces total move cost by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, based on moveBuddha's pricing dataset.
What are the best moving truck rentals for long-distance Charleston moves?
Budget Truck Rental, Penske Truck Rental, and U-Haul Truck Rental are moveBuddha's top-rated rental truck options for a DIY move out of Charleston. A truck rental is the cheapest way to move out of state for those willing to handle both the loading and the driving. For moves over 500 miles, a local mover and a national mover price a rental truck the same, so distance alone does not change which provider to choose. Use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare total DIY costs against container and full-service quotes before committing.
How much does it cost to hire long-distance movers in Charleston?
Moving costs across Illinois range from $517 for a studio (2 movers, 3 hours at $269/hour) to $6,153 for a 5+ bedroom home (5 movers, 10 hours), according to moveBuddha's analysis of Illinois mover quotes. The table below shows Illinois statewide averages by home size. Your actual cost in Charleston will vary based on distance, access conditions, and your mover's pricing model.
Use our free moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate for your move.
| Home size | Estimated interstate cost from Illinois* |
|---|---|
| Studio apartment | $517 |
| 1-bedroom home or apartment | $786 |
| 2-bedroom home or apartment | $1,377 |
| 3-bedroom home | $3,411 |
| 4-bedroom home | $3,938 |
| 5+ bedroom home | $6,153 |
*Estimated costs above are based on varying types of moves that cross state lines in Illinois. All exceed 150 miles, but might remain below 1,500. Your price depends on inventory, distance, timing, service level, and more.
Data reflects Illinois statewide averages based on moveBuddha's analysis of mover quotes collected.
What affects moving costs in Charleston?
Here are some additional cost considerations for your long-distance Charleston move:
- Distance: The farther you move from Charleston, the more you pay. A short intrastate move costs far less than a cross-country relocation. Once you cross state lines, pricing structure changes entirely and costs rise considerably.
- Home size and weight: Movers price local moves by the hour and interstate moves by total shipment weight. Downsizing before your move reduces both your bill and your packing time.
- Move type: Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most. DIY options like rental trucks or moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service, according to moveBuddha data.
- Add-on services: Professional packing adds an average of $0.15–$0.21 per pound. Shuttle service, if required, adds $0.08–$0.12 per pound with minimums often starting around $200.
- Timing: Summer moves (May through September) carry the highest rates. Mid-month and mid-week bookings are consistently cheaper than weekend or month-end dates.
FAQs about the best long-distance movers in Charleston
Are long-distance movers in Charleston required to be federally licensed?
Federal law requires every mover transporting household goods across state lines to carry a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. In Charleston, 0 of the 0 movers moveBuddha has evaluated hold that federal credential. Every mover on this page meets that standard. Cross-check any company in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's database before signing anything.
The FMCSA's Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move details the legal protections and obligations that apply to your interstate shipment.
Local vs. national movers: what's best for your Charleston move?
For moves staying within Illinois, hiring a local mover in Charleston is almost always the more economical pick. moveBuddha tracks 0 movers in the area, and 0 holding FMCSA interstate authorization.
National movers carry higher price tags, but their experience coordinating multi-state relocations can reduce the risk of delays on longer routes where logistics complexity is high.
When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Charleston?
November and December are the slowest months for Charleston movers, driven by winter lows near 20°F and the combined effect of school calendars and the holiday season. Lower demand means more open slots and more pricing flexibility, making it the best time to negotiate a lower rate. If your timeline is flexible, booking an off-peak winter date is the most straightforward way to cut your total moving cost.
What are the cheapest ways to move out of Charleston?
DIY options are the most affordable route out of Charleston, especially for moves within 50 miles. According to moveBuddha's research, rental trucks and moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving. The lowest-cost options are renting a moving truck from companies like U-Haul, or booking a moving container such as PODS. For longer relocations, our guide to the cheapest ways to move out of state covers additional cost-cutting strategies.
