The BEST Moving Companies in Charleston, WV

Our Top Pick: If you’re moving locally in Charleston, WV, our top pick is Central Van & Storage, Inc.. We’ve rated them 4.8 out of 5 stars. If you’re looking for an interstate moving company to handle your West Virginia move, we recommend Safeway Moving.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates

With 48,018 people living in Charleston, the city sees its fair share of moving trucks. With an average moving cost of $141 per hour in Charleston, finding a moving company that balances cost and quality is key.

Whether your new place is down the road or you’re looking for the best long-distance moving company, we’ve reviewed the best moving companies in Charleston to make your next move a smooth transition.

How we chose the best movers in Charleston

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 8 West Virginia movers and listed the top five best movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

Our track record

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Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 2,500+ moving companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

Best movers for those moving locally in Charleston

Central Van & Storage, Inc.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.8 / 5

DOT #: 076235

Years in Business: 28

37 Jacobson Drive, Charleston, WV 25159

Central Van & Storage, Inc., serving Charleston, WV, has been a trusted name in local residential moving since 1998. Known for their comprehensive services, they stand out by offering specialized moving for items like pianos, hot tubs, and antiques, along with office moving services. Despite mixed online reviews—ranging from a low average on Yelp to a high 4.6 rating on Google—they maintain a Better Business Bureau rating of A+, indicating strong reliability and customer service. Unlike many competitors, they provide full valuation insurance coverage and do not require a deposit, making them a strong contender for anyone needing dependable, flexible moving services in the Charleston area.

Get a Quote (800) 753-1898

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

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Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.24 / 5

DOT #: 587135

Years in Business: 35

1301 7th Ave # A, Huntington, WV 25701

Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems has been a reliable choice for local residential moves in Huntington, WV since 1990. Unlike some nearby competitors, they offer comprehensive packing and unpacking services, accept credit cards, and require no deposit. While consumer reviews are mixed, with a 3.9 average rating on Google and an A+ BBB rating, they remain a trusted name in the community. Their long-standing presence and extensive service offerings make them a solid option for local moves.

Get a Quote (304) 529-2360

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Future Enterprises Corporation
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Dunbar Transfer

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar3.96 / 5

DOT #: 1186580

134 Bel Aire Dr, Tornado, WV 25202

Dunbar Transfer, based in Tornado, WV, specializes in local residential moving services, making them a top choice for those staying within the area. With stellar consumer reviews—boasting a perfect 5.0 average on Yelp and a solid 4.4 on Google—customers consistently praise their service quality. Unlike many local competitors, Dunbar Transfer also offers packing and unpacking services, as well as the capability to move delicate items like pianos and art. They accept both cash and credit cards, and no deposit is required, further setting them apart from other movers in the region.

Get a Quote (304) 722-1003

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art

Additional Information

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Positive Moves

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar3.76 / 5
841 57th St SE, Charleston, WV 25304

Positive Moves is a highly reputable local moving company serving Charleston, WV and its surrounding areas. Known for their meticulous care in handling fragile items, art, and antiques, they stand out from other nearby movers by offering specialized services such as piano moving and fragile-only packing. Unlike competitors, Positive Moves requires no deposit, making the booking process seamless and stress-free. Consumer reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with a strong 4.7 average rating on Google indicating high satisfaction, despite a more mixed reception on Yelp. Choose Positive Moves for a reliable and detailed-oriented local moving experience.

Get a Quote (304) 590-0840

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Fragile-only packing

Additional Information

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Evans Van & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar3.62 / 5

DOT #: 070851

37 Jacobson Dr, Poca, WV 18004374017

Evans Van & Storage is a reputable local moving company based in Poca, WV, specializing in residential moves within the surrounding area. Unlike some nearby movers, they offer both packing and unpacking services, catering to those needing additional assistance. They stand out for not requiring a deposit and accepting both cash and credit cards, which makes the booking process more flexible. With consistently positive consumer reviews highlighting their reliability and attention to detail, Evans Van & Storage is a top choice for anyone looking to move locally without the hassle.

Get a Quote (800) 437-4017

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing

Additional Information

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Best movers for those moving out of West Virginia

Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
read our full review
(980) 217-6841
Best for Quick Quotes
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
(844) 794-6004
At A Glance
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Binding estimates
read our full review
(844) 794-6004
Best Nationwide Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
read our full review
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Most Experienced Mover
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(866) 835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
read our full review
(866) 835-2392

Alternative Charleston moving options

Moving Containers

  1. U-Pack: 5 out of 5
  2. PODS: 4.8 out of 5
Best value container
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • Long distance moves only
  • Only pay for the space you use
  • No deposit or initial fees
  • Fast delivery time frames
read our full review
Check prices Check prices
Best Nationwide Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
read our full review
Check prices

Labor Only

  1. HireAHelper: 4.5 out of 5
  2. Bellhop: 4.3 out of 5
Best Labor Only
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
  • Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
  • $1,000 money-back service guarantee
  • Fast and accurate delivery times
  • Free damage coverage with additional coverage options
read our full review
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Best customer experience
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
(866) 774-5063
At A Glance
  • Quick and easy booking process
  • National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
  • Dedicated move concierge specialist
  • Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
  • The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them
read our full review
(866) 774-5063

Full DIY

  1. U-Haul Truck Rental: 4.15 out of 5
  2. Penske Truck Rental: 4 out of 5
Best Availability
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Check prices (800) 468-4285
At A Glance
  • More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
  • Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
  • Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
  • U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
read our full review
Check prices (800) 468-4285
Most Reliable
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Check prices (844) 847-9517
At A Glance
  • Limits environmental impact as part of the EPA's SmartWay Program
  • Non-slip flooring makes loading and unloading easier
  • Easily choose truck size with their Truck Wizard Tool
read our full review
Check prices (844) 847-9517

Average cost of movers in Charleston

The pricing table below shows ballpark costs for local moves within the Charleston area and its surrounding suburbs. Or check out our post on the cost to move in West Virginia for more pricing info.

Keep in mind the price ranges listed are only averages. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the specific requirements of your move.

You can also check out our moving cost calculator for more accurate moving cost estim

Local moving costs in Charleston

If you’re moving within 50 miles of Charleston, it’s considered a local move. The cost of a rental truck combines a base fee and the mileage fees. In Charleston, the base fee ranges from $19 to $39 while the mileage ranges from $0.69 per mile to $0.69 per mile.

And if you’re looking for some labor help, the average cost for movers in Charleston is $141 per hour.

Home Size Avg. Total Cost Cost/hour # of Movers # Hours
Studio $936 $197 2 movers 3 hours
1 Bedroom $1,133 $197 2 movers 4 hours
2 Bedroom $1,567 $276 3 movers 5 hours
3 Bedroom $3,061 $387 4 movers 8 hours
4 Bedroom $3,448 $387 4 movers 9 hours
5+ Bedroom $5,075 $542 5 movers 10 hours

Interstate moving costs out of Charleston

The cost to move from Charleston to a different state is determined by how much you’re moving and how far away the new state is from West Virginia. Here are a few examples:

Don’t see your new home state? Check out these popular moving routes.

How do I find a reputable Charleston mover?

If you’re looking for the best movers in Charleston, here’s what you should look for:

  • A good reputation: Whether they’re a new family-owned business in Charleston or a large van lines company with years of experience operating all over West Virginia, a good reputation is absolutely essential. Watch out for red flags and common moving scams.
  • Look into dispute resolution: All businesses may have some hiccups, but it's how they handle these incidents that shows the company’s true colors. If a mover in Charleston has a history of unresolved customer complaints, it might be best to look elsewhere.
  • Ensure experience aligns with your move: A mover with excellent reviews for local moves in Charleston may not be the best interstate moving company. Verify that the company has adequate experience with the type of move you're planning.
  • Get multiple estimates: Reputable Charleston movers should provide a free estimate for your move. Getting moving quotes from multiple companies will give you a good idea of a fair price for the services you need.

Fortunately, the Charleston movers on this list all pass this checklist with flying colors and have been hand selected by our experts at moveBuddha.

If you want to broaden your search to the whole state, check out the best moving companies in West Virginia.

FAQs

Do I need to get a parking permit for movers in Charleston?

For more info on parking permits in Charleston, visit the local DOT website.

How can I save money when hiring a Charleston moving company?

It’s almost always cheaper to hire a moving company in Charleston outside of their busy season. Moving during the week and between October and April allows for the greatest savings.

Now that you know when moving companies in Charleston are less busy, you can use that to negotiate your moving costs.

Do Charleston movers offer storage?

Yes, depending on your storage needs most moving companies in Charleston do offer both short and long-term storage units.

However, while some have their own storage facilities, others don't, in which case they may store your items at a third-party warehouse. It's always worth asking about storage facilities and getting quotes when screening prospective movers early on in the moving process.

If your Charleston mover doesn’t offer storage - or you need services beyond what they can provide - reach out to at least three of the best self-storage companies to get an idea of the price of self-storage before choosing one.

Should you use your mover's storage solutions?

What is there to do in Charleston?

Some popular attractions in Charleston include:

  • State Capitol
  • West Virginia State Museum
  • Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences
  • Capitol Street and Capitol Market
  • West Virginia Veterans Memorial
  • East End Historic District
  • Governor's Mansion
  • Kanawha State Forest
  • Avampato Discovery Museum

How’s the job market in Charleston?

Charleston’s unemployment rate is at 6.2%. Looking for a job in the “Charlie West”? Let us help you start looking, here’s a list of the top employers in Charleston:

  • IOGAWV President
  • Kanawha County Board Of Education
  • CDSscrubs
  • Cannelton Inc
  • United Talent
  • Mardi Gras Casino WV
  • Capital Area Services Co LLC
  • Jackson Kelly PLLC
  • Oktana

How can I see all moving companies in West Virginia?

You can find all moving companies in West Virginia by clicking here.

Helpful Charleston Resources

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