Local moving companies in California
When relocating from California to Charlotte, NC, let our favorite local movers take the stress out of your journey.
Out of 317 California movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Charlotte, NC.
- Grace Moving Company: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- All Star Movers & Storage: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Meathead Movers: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Sterling Van Lines: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Rigo’s Moving Company Inc: 4.66 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0189642
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 2806730
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191302
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2971368
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meathead Packers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0189566
Years in Business: 33
DOT #: 568254
Alternate Names: Sterling Van Lines, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191663
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 3075110
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Cost to move from California to Charlotte, NC
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from California to Charlotte, NC with different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,298 – $4,913 | $1,294 – $3,252 | $1,354 – $2,514 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,533 – $7,420 | $2,185 – $4,876 | $1,450 – $3,213 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,576 – $11,026 | $3,291 – $6,309 | $1,833 – $3,788 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 2,544-mile move from California to Charlotte, NC using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Dec 11, 2025. Each month, moveBuddha updates thousands of vetted price points from nationwide moving companies to reflect seasonality and market trends. Your final total may vary with move size, add-on services, access or parking constraints, fuel costs, and scheduling. Comparing estimates from multiple movers is the best way to nail down accurate pricing.
Cost to hire professional movers from California to Charlotte, NC
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from California to Charlotte, NC, you can expect to spend between $1,298 and $4,913. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,533 to $7,420 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home will typically run between $6,576 and $11,026.
Cost of moving containers from California to Charlotte, NC
When moving from California to Charlotte, NC, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,294 and $3,252. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,185 to $4,876. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,291 up to $6,309. 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 California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from California to Charlotte, NC
Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. 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 from California to Charlotte, NC, and are renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,354 and $2,514. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,450 and $3,213. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,833 and $3,788.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Compare local moving companies from California to Charlotte, NC
Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular services and discounts available for the top movers for your move:
| Company | Full Service | Antiques | Military Discount | Senior Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grace Moving Company | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| All Star Movers & Storage | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Meathead Movers | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Sterling Van Lines | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rigo’s Moving Company Inc | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
Out of the 3,180 movers we’ve reviewed, here’s how California movers stack up compared to the percentage of movers in the country that offer these services and discounts:
| California | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | 98% | 96% |
| Antiques | 61% | 46% |
| Military Discount | 1% | 4% |
| Senior Discount | 1% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from California to Charlotte, NC
Before you start packing, take a moment to get a feel for what life in Charlotte, NC is really like compared to California. From the cost of living and local culture to daily routines, we’ll guide you through the biggest lifestyle changes and must-see attractions to be aware of.
Cost of living: California vs. Charlotte, NC
| California | Charlotte | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,856 | $1,790 |
| Average home cost | $771,057 | $391,658 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $64,814 |
| Cost of Living Index | 134 | 102 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 3.3% |
| State Income Tax | 13.3% | 4.5% |
Charlotte sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Charlotte and California is about the same, so you probably won’t need to adjust your budget for rent increases.
- On average, homes in Charlotte cost 49% less than in California, making your move budget-friendly.
- The average income is about 29% lower in Charlotte than in California. It’s important to review your budget and plan accordingly.
- Charlotte’s unemployment rate is 39% lower than California, suggesting a healthier job market.
- You’ll pay roughly 66% less in state income taxes in North Carolina compared to California, so you keep more of what you earn.
How life is different in Charlotte from California
| Charlotte | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 874,579 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Republican 51-48 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 89ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 30ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 43″ | 22″ |
| Annual snow | 2″ | 7″ |
| Crime index | 46.52 | 28.43 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Charlotte voted Republican, while California was Democratic.
- Summer in Charlotte usually hits around 89ºF, pretty similar to the 87ºF you’re used to in California. While you won’t face a dramatic change in temperature, you should still keep factors like local humidity, weather trends, and changes to energy costs in mind as you prepare for summer at your new home.
- During the coldest part of the year, Charlotte gets down to 30ºF while California only dips to 59ºF. Relocating to Charlotte means adjusting to colder winters, which could raise your heating bill and bring some changes to your routine. Still, you’ll get to enjoy the area’s one-of-a-kind winter scenery and seasonal activities.
- Expect about 43 inches of rain each year in Charlotte—compared to just 22 inches in California. With more rain comes greener scenery and wetter days, so get ready to adjust your routine and invest in some quality waterproof gear.
- In Charlotte, you’ll get about 2 inches of snow each year. Meanwhile, California averages around 7 inches annually. With similar snowfall in both places, your move should be pretty straightforward.
- Charlotte has a higher crime rate than California with a crime index of 46.52 vs 28.43. A higher crime rate isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, but it’s your cue to research local safety measures and think about how it might affect your day-to-day life.
Things to do in Charlotte
From parks and museums to sports and top universities, Charlotte has a little bit of everything waiting for you.
Museums in Charlotte
- Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
- Billy Graham Library
- Carolinas Aviation Museum
- Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fire Education Center and Museum
- Charlotte Nature Museum in Freedom Park
Parks in Charlotte
- Arequipa Park
- Baxter Street Park
- Fourth Ward Park
- Frazier Park
- Independence Park
Sports teams in Charlotte
- Carolina Panthers
- Charlotte Hornets
- Charlotte FC
- Charlotte Checkers
- Charlotte Knights
Universities in Charlotte
- Central Piedmont Community College
- Johnson C. Smith University
- Johnson & Wales University
- Queens University of Charlotte
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Other considerations when moving to Charlotte, NC
- HOA rules: Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community rules before moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to book your building’s elevator ahead of time and check on any moving rules they might have.
- Parking permits: Some cities make you get a parking permit for your moving truck, so remember to look up your new neighborhood’s rules before moving day.
- 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). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a North Carolina moving license directly on the state regulator’s official website, here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit to relocate to North Carolina, but it’s wise to check local parking regulations ahead of time.
- Change of address: Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your moving date so your mail will be forwarded to North Carolina without any delays. Get started here.
- Mover’s 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: Staying organized keeps your move stress-free. Our moving checklist makes it easy to stay on top of every detail.
FAQ
How long does a move from California to Charlotte take?
The time frame for a move from California to Charlotte, NC, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.
The farther north you are in California, the longer it’ll take to reach Charlotte. If you’re renting a truck, expect the trip to take one or two days on average, depending on your route and how many stops you make.
Delivery from California to Charlotte can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you’re hiring movers or using a moving container. Always ask for a delivery estimate before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from California to Charlotte?
If you’re gearing up for a 2,544-mile move from California to Charlotte, lock in your moving date as soon as your plans are set. Booking your movers two to three months in advance helps you snag the best rates and ensures you get the date you want.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Charlotte, NC?
Summer in Charlotte can reach highs of 89°F, while winter temperatures can dip to 30°F. That’s why most people moving from California to Charlotte opt for the milder spring or fall weather. But if you’re looking to avoid the crowds—and possibly score a better price—think about moving in the off-season, even if you have to endure crazier temperatures. Need more help planning? Check out our tips on peak moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
California moving services
Popular California routes
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