Top-rated movers to make your Irvine to Charleston move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Irvine that offers long-distance services to Charleston can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 86 top local movers in Irvine who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Irvine to Charleston.
- Meathead Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Maison Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Terry Moving and Storage Inc.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Best California Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meat Head Movers Inc , Meathead Movers Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190726
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 76628
Alternate Names: Orange County Movers Inc , College Boys Moving and Storage of Orange County , Affordable Moving and Storage of Orange County
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0182466
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Alternate Names: NorthStar Moving Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 189603
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 649215
Alternate Names: Terry Moving and Storage Inc , Richards Moving Company , Orange County Storage Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: T0192283
Pricing: $109/hr
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3489907
Alternate Names: Best California Movers & Storage , An Moving Forward
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Irvine to Charleston?
In California, moving services typically cost around $128 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,319 – $5,368 | $1,199 – $3,071 | $1,355 – $2,620 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,441 – $7,323 | $2,109 – $4,786 | $1,340 – $3,148 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,729 – $11,208 | $2,930 – $5,990 | $1,835 – $3,603 |
Cost to hire movers from Irvine to Charleston
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Charleston from Irvine, you can expect prices to land between $1,319 and $5,368. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $3,441 to $7,323 for the trip from Irvine to Charleston. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $6,729 and $11,208.
Cost of moving containers from Irvine to Charleston
Moving containers from Irvine to Charleston will cost you $1,199 to $3,071 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,109 to $4,786. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,930 to $5,990. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Irvine to Charleston
Renting a moving truck from Irvine to Charleston typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $1,355 and $2,620 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $1,340 to $3,148. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $1,835 to $3,603.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Irvine to Charleston move
The cost of Irvine movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,670 for a one-bedroom, or up to $10,669 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Irvine.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $1,355 to $3,155, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Irvine to Charleston
Many movers find Charleston easier on the wallet than Irvine – roughly 83% less for singles and 79% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,549 for one person in Charleston versus $9,167 in Irvine. For a family of four, it’s $3,862 compared with $18,000.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Irvine | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,719 | $933 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,575 | $1,800 |
| Average home value | $1,561,760 | $153,672 |
| Average income (per capita) | $114,027 | $59,354 |
| Cost of living (single) | $9,167 | $1,549 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $18,000 | $3,862 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 6.2% |
| Sales tax | 7.75% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 6.5% |
- When relocating from Irvine to Charleston, expect to find rent about 78% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 90% more affordable in Charleston compared to Irvine.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 48% lower in Charleston compared to Irvine.
- You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Charleston, as the cost of living for a single person is 83% lower compared to Irvine.
- A move to Charleston can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 79% less than what it costs in Irvine.
- Charleston shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Irvine by around 15%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes are 10% less in Charleston relative to Irvine. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Income taxes in West Virginia are 51% below those in California. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Irvine and Charleston:
| Living Expense | Irvine | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.96 | $128.95 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.33 | $45.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.50 | $3.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.59 | $2.20 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $50.00 |
| Gym membership | $54.17 | $31.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Irvine than in Charleston.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Irvine than in Charleston.
- Eggs cost more in Irvine than in Charleston.
- Bread is more expensive in Irvine than in Charleston.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Irvine than in Charleston.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Irvine than in Charleston.
- Gym memberships cost more in Irvine than in Charleston.
How life is different in Irvine vs. Charleston
| Irvine | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,670 | 48,018 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 43 | 33 |
| Bike friendliness score | 69 | 28 |
| Crime index | 31.01 | 53.94 |
| Safety index | 68.99 | 46.06 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston’s population is about 84% less than Irvine.
- Charleston’s public transportation score of 2 out of 10 is lower than Irvine’s score of 4.
- Charleston is less walkable than Irvine with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Irvine’s 43 out of 100.
- Charleston has a bike-friendliness score of 28 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Irvine, which has a score of 69.
- Charleston’s crime rate is higher than Irvine with a score of 53.94 compared to Irvine’s 31.01. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Irvine neighborhoods are safer than 31.01%.
- Charleston is considered to be less safe than Irvine with a score of 46.06 vs Irvine’s 68.99.
- Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in Irvine it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Irvine to Charleston move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: West Virginia’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: West Virginia does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Charleston. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Charleston
Planning your move to Charlie West? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home 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
After settling into your new West Virginia home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Charleston has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Charleston features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Charleston Golden Eagles (Mountain East) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Irvine to Charleston?
Planning your move from Irvine to Charleston? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Irvine.
When is the cheapest time to move from Irvine to Charleston?
Because most people are moving from Irvine to Charleston in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Irvine to Charleston take?
The 2,327-mile journey from Irvine, CA to Charleston, , typically takes seven to 18 days. Some movers in Irvine offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Charleston.
Are there special savings available from movers in Irvine?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 1 have discounts for military personnel. 2 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Irvine?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Irvine, 66 movers can manage piano relocations. 55 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, California has 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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