The best local movers for Birmingham to Charleston moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Birmingham that also handles long-distance moves to Charleston. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 11 local movers in Birmingham 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 Birmingham to Charleston.
- Bellhop Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Changing Spaces Moving Inc: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Move Daddy: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- New Latitude Movers : 4.34 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2878240
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 3822
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 1164434
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 4029
Years in Business: 10
Alternate Names: Move daddy
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Grandfather clocks
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 2179652
Alternate Names: Move & Store, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 3915
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Alternate Names: All My Sons Moving & Storage Of Birmingham, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Birmingham to Charleston?
The average hourly rate for movers in Alabama 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 | $1,235 – $3,586 | $715 – $1,607 | $434 – $791 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,043 – $5,724 | $1,179 – $2,263 | $487 – $929 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,020 – $7,937 | $1,605 – $3,102 | $560 – $1,132 |
Cost to hire movers from Birmingham to Charleston
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Birmingham to Charleston will cost between $1,235 and $3,586. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Birmingham to Birmingham will range from $2,043 to $5,724, and a large move from Birmingham to Charleston will cost from $4,020 to $7,937.
Cost of moving containers from Birmingham to Charleston
If you’re moving from Birmingham to Charleston, expect to pay between $715 and $1,607 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,179 up to $2,263. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,605 and $3,102. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Alabama.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Birmingham to Charleston
Renting a moving truck from Birmingham to Charleston 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 $434 and $791. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $487 and $929. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $560 up to $1,132 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Birmingham to Charleston
The cost of Birmingham movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,690, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $6,993.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Birmingham, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($434–$1,010) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Birmingham to Charleston
Many movers find Charleston easier on the wallet than Birmingham – roughly 43% less for singles and 43% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,549 for one person in Charleston versus $2,697 in Birmingham. For a family of four, it’s $3,862 compared with $6,727.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Birmingham | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,542 | $933 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,612 | $1,800 |
| Average home value | $125,988 | $153,672 |
| Average income (per capita) | $39,403 | $59,354 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,697 | $1,549 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,727 | $3,862 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 6.2% |
| Sales tax | 10.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 5.0% | 6.5% |
- If you’re heading to Charleston from Birmingham, you’ll find that rent is roughly 30% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 22% greater in Charleston than in Birmingham.
- Here’s some promising news: the average income is around 51% higher in Charleston than in Birmingham, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Charleston. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 43% lower than in Birmingham.
- Choosing to move to Charleston can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 43% less than in Birmingham.
- In Charleston, the unemployment rate is approximately 11% higher than in Birmingham, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes drop 30% in Charleston compared to Birmingham, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Income taxes are 30% higher in West Virginia than in Alabama, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Birmingham and Charleston:
| Living Expense | Birmingham | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $211.40 | $128.95 |
| Cell phone plan | $49.55 | $45.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.20 | $3.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.52 | $2.20 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $50.00 |
| Gym membership | $47.50 | $31.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Birmingham than in Charleston.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Birmingham than in Charleston.
- Eggs cost more in Birmingham than in Charleston.
- Bread is more expensive in Birmingham than in Charleston.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Birmingham than in Charleston.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Birmingham than in Charleston.
- Gym memberships cost more in Birmingham than in Charleston.
How life is different in Birmingham vs. Charleston
| Birmingham | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 196,644 | 48,018 |
| Transportation score | 0 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 33 | 33 |
| Bike friendliness score | 31 | 28 |
| Crime index | 61.64 | 53.94 |
| Safety index | 38.36 | 46.06 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston’s population is about 76% less than Birmingham.
- Charleston has a public transportation score of 2 out of 10, while Birmingham has no measurable transit system (score of 0).
- Charleston and Birmingham 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 Birmingham, which has a score of 31.
- Charleston’s crime rate is lower than Birmingham with a score of 53.94 compared to Birmingham’s 61.64. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Birmingham neighborhoods are safer than 61.64%.
- Charleston is considered to be safer than Birmingham with a safety index of 46.06 vs Birmingham’s 38.36.
- Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in Birmingham it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Birmingham to Charleston 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: 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a West Virginia moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: West Virginia 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 Charleston. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Charleston
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to Charlie West, these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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
Once you’re settled into your new home in West Virginia, it’s time to get out and discover what Charleston has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Charleston, such as 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 — 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 Charleston Golden Eagles (Mountain East) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Birmingham to Charleston?
The best time to move from Birmingham to Charleston is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Birmingham.
When is the cheapest time to move from Birmingham to Charleston?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Birmingham to Charleston, 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 Birmingham to Charleston take?
Moving from Birmingham, AL to Charleston, covers 565 miles and usually takes one to six days. Need to move faster? Some Birmingham movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Charleston.
Which movers in Birmingham give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Birmingham?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 10 movers in Birmingham advertise piano moving expertise. 4 movers in Birmingham provide antique moving services. State totals show 35 piano movers and 16 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
Birmingham moving services
Popular Alabama routes
- Alabama to West Virginia car shippers
- Alabama to California movers
- Alabama to Florida movers
- Alabama to Georgia movers
- Alabama to Illinois movers
- Alabama to Michigan movers
- Alabama to New York movers
- Alabama to North Carolina movers
- Alabama to Ohio movers
- Alabama to Pennsylvania movers
- Alabama to Texas movers
- See All Moving Routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!