The best local movers for Oakland to Charleston moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Oakland that also handles long-distance moves to Charleston. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 101 local movers in Oakland 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 Oakland to Charleston.
- 680 Movers: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Pure Moving Company: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.5 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0191566
Pricing: $125/hr
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 2950711
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0167668
Years in Business: 44
DOT #: 373544
Alternate Names: Great Giant Moving Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191103
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 3207734
Alternate Names: Pure Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190673
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 3670248
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0182466
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
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
How much does it cost to move from Oakland to Charleston?
The average hourly rate for movers in California is $128. 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 | $1,268 – $5,104 | $1,387 – $3,353 | $1,384 – $2,654 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,639 – $7,696 | $2,417 – $4,834 | $1,561 – $3,192 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,703 – $11,324 | $3,264 – $6,509 | $2,010 – $4,115 |
Cost to hire movers from Oakland to Charleston
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Oakland to Charleston will cost between $1,268 and $5,104. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Oakland to Oakland will range from $3,639 to $7,696, and a large move from Oakland to Charleston will cost from $6,703 to $11,324.
Cost of moving containers from Oakland to Charleston
If you’re moving from Oakland to Charleston, expect to pay between $1,387 and $3,353 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $2,417 up to $4,834. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $3,264 and $6,509. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Oakland to Charleston
Renting a moving truck from Oakland 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 $1,384 and $2,654. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,561 and $3,192. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $2,010 up to $4,115 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Oakland to Charleston
The cost of Oakland movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,645, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $10,733.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Oakland, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($1,384–$3,574) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Oakland to Charleston
Many movers find Charleston easier on the wallet than Oakland – roughly 51% less for singles and 55% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,549 for one person in Charleston versus $3,146 in Oakland. For a family of four, it’s $3,862 compared with $8,584.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Oakland | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,969 | $933 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,450 | $1,800 |
| Average home value | $736,156 | $153,672 |
| Average income (per capita) | $94,389 | $59,354 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,146 | $1,549 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $8,584 | $3,862 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 6.2% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 6.5% |
- If you’re heading to Charleston from Oakland, you’ll find that rent is roughly 60% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 79% less in Charleston than in Oakland.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 37% lower in Charleston compared to Oakland.
- 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 51% lower than in Oakland.
- 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 55% less than in Oakland.
- In Charleston, the unemployment rate is approximately 38% higher than in Oakland, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes drop 32% in Charleston compared to Oakland, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Income taxes are 51% less in West Virginia than in California. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Oakland and Charleston:
| Living Expense | Oakland | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $277.25 | $128.95 |
| Cell phone plan | $53.00 | $45.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $6.71 | $3.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $5.09 | $2.20 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $30.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $140.00 | $50.00 |
| Gym membership | $54.28 | $31.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Oakland than in Charleston.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Oakland than in Charleston.
- Eggs cost more in Oakland than in Charleston.
- Bread is more expensive in Oakland than in Charleston.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Oakland than in Charleston.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Oakland than in Charleston.
- Gym memberships cost more in Oakland than in Charleston.
How life is different in Oakland vs. Charleston
| Oakland | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 440,646 | 48,018 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 75 | 33 |
| Bike friendliness score | 65 | 28 |
| Crime index | 68.62 | 53.94 |
| Safety index | 31.38 | 46.06 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston’s population is about 89% less than Oakland.
- Charleston’s public transportation score of 2 out of 10 is lower than Oakland’s score of 8.
- Charleston is less walkable than Oakland with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Oakland’s 75 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 Oakland, which has a score of 65.
- Charleston’s crime rate is lower than Oakland with a score of 53.94 compared to Oakland’s 68.62. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.62%.
- Charleston is considered to be safer than Oakland with a safety index of 46.06 vs Oakland’s 31.38.
- Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in Oakland it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Oakland 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 Oakland to Charleston?
The best time to move from Oakland to Charleston is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Oakland.
When is the cheapest time to move from Oakland to Charleston?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Oakland 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 Oakland to Charleston take?
Moving from Oakland, CA to Charleston, covers 2,554 miles and usually takes seven to 21 days. Need to move faster? Some Oakland movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Charleston.
Which movers in Oakland give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 2 movers here honor AAA discounts.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Oakland?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 80 movers in Oakland advertise piano moving expertise. 68 movers in Oakland provide antique moving services. State totals show 297 piano movers and 227 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
Oakland moving services
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