($1,235) Moving from Des Moines to Charleston
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: A move from Des Moines to Charleston costs $639 to $5,884 and takes two-seven days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 787-mile move yourself.
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Hiring a long-distance moving company from Des Moines will be more expensive, while renting a truck or using a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Charleston to Des Moines guide.
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The best Des Moines to Charleston moving companies
Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Des Moines to Charleston is a big deal. There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.
Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Des Moines to Charleston.
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- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5
- North American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5
- JK Moving Services: 4.6 out of 5
How much does it cost to move from Des Moines to Charleston?
Des Moines movers charge $142 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,235 - $4,522 | $851 - $2,065 | $568 - $1,070 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,480 - $5,884 | $1,414 - $2,925 | $639 - $1,349 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,371 - $8,327 | $1,976 - $3,738 | $792 - $1,572 |
Factors influencing moving costs from Des Moines to Charleston
The cost of Des Moines movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Des Moines to Charleston can be as low as $1,235 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $7,293.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Des Moines, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $568 to $1,383. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.
How much are professional moving companies when moving from Des Moines to Charleston?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to Charleston will cost between $1,235 to $4,522. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,480 to $5,884, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Des Moines to Charleston will cost from $4,371 to $8,327.
How much are moving container companies from Des Moines to Charleston?
Moving containers from Des Moines to Charleston will cost you $851 to $2,065 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,414 to $2,925. A larger home will cost $1,976 to $3,738.
How much is a moving truck from Des Moines to Charleston?
Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $568 to $1,070. A larger move will cost $639 to $1,349, and a four-bedroom move from Des Moines to Charleston costs from $792 to $1,572. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.
Pros and cons of moving from Des Moines to Charleston
Cost of living: Des Moines vs Charleston
| Des Moines | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,150 | $962 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $146,899 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $58,251 |
| Cost of Living (single person) | $1,891 | $1,866 |
| Cost of Living (family of 4) | $4,380 | $4,269 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 6.2% |
| Sales Tax | 7.0% | 7.0% |
| State Income Tax | 4.4% | 6.5% |
- Rent prices in Charleston are 16% lower than in Des Moines.
- Home prices in Charleston are 23.6% lower than in Des Moines.
- Income is the same in Charleston and Des Moines.
- The cost of living for a single person in Charleston is 1.3% lower than in Des Moines.
- The cost of living for a family in Charleston is 2.5% lower than in Des Moines.
- The unemployment rate in Charleston is 5.08% higher than in Des Moines.
- Sales taxes are the same in Charleston and Des Moines.
- State income taxes in Charleston are 47.73% higher than in Des Moines.
To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,960.34 in Charleston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Des Moines.
How is life different in Des Moines compared to Charleston?
| Charleston | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 48,018 | 699,292 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 2 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 33 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 28 | 39 |
| Crime Index | 3.0 | 5.0 |
| Safety Index | 46.06 | 57.8 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston's population is about 93% less than Des Moines.
- Charleston's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Des Moines's lower score of 5.
- Charleston is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
- Charleston is less bike-friendly than Des Moines with a score of 28 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 39.
- Charleston's crime rate is lower than Des Moines with a score of 3.0 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Charleston is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 46.06 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
- Air quality in Charleston is good, and in Des Moines it's good.
Considerations for moving to Charleston
- Weather: September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Charleston, while January and February are the least comfortable months.
- 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 you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a West Virginia moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: West Virginia does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Charleston. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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 will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Local Des Moines movers
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
most popular
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Get A Quote |
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2601 104th St #400, Urbandale, IA, 50322 (515) 216-3654 |
| All Mighty Movers LLC | Get A Quote |
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59 Clark St., Des Moines, IA, 50314 (515) 313-1395 |
| Adamantine Spine Moving | Get A Quote |
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4701 NW Urbandale Dr., Des Moines, IA, 50322 (319) 519-0154 |
Visit our best long distance movers in Des Moines page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
What to do in Charleston
These are some of the best things to do in your new West Virginia home.
- 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
Get your sports on!
Charleston is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
- Charleston Golden Eagles (Mountain East)
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Charleston?
The best time to move from Des Moines to Charleston is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Des Moines.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Charleston?
Because most people are moving from Des Moines 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 Des Moines to Charleston take?
The 787-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Charleston, WV, takes two-seven days. Some Des Moines movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Charleston.
