Top local movers for St. Louis to Charleston moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in St. Louis that also provides long-distance services to Charleston can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 13 local movers in St. Louis who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from St. Louis to Charleston.
- Arch Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Simple Moves: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- McGuire Moving and Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- ABC Quality Moving & Storage: 4.56 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2969512
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 22
DOT #: 2969512
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 714664
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 1653733
Pricing: $145/hr
Years in Business: 24
DOT #: 1653733
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2256609
Years in Business: 45
DOT #: 2256609
Alternate Names: McGuire Moving Co.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Company Info
State license #: 987335
Years in Business: 36
DOT #: 987335
Alternate Names: ABC Quality Moving
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
How much does it cost to move from St. Louis to Charleston?
Movers in Missouri generally charge an average of $128 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,084 – $3,090 | $657 – $1,599 | $430 – $737 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,082 – $5,117 | $1,189 – $2,250 | $463 – $865 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,607 – $7,482 | $1,566 – $2,863 | $560 – $1,139 |
Cost to hire movers from St. Louis to Charleston
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from St. Louis to Charleston typically costs between $1,084 and $3,090. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,082 and $5,117 when moving from St. Louis to Charleston. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from St. Louis to Charleston, you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,607 up to $7,482.
Cost of moving containers from St. Louis to Charleston
If you’re relocating from St. Louis to Charleston, you’ll typically spend between $657 and $1,599 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,189 up to $2,250. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,566 and $2,863. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Missouri.
Cost of moving truck rentals from St. Louis to Charleston
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a St. Louis to Charleston move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $430 and $737. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $463 to $865. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $560 and $1,139.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from St. Louis to Charleston
The cost of St. Louis movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from St. Louis to Charleston might be as low as $1,445, while a four-bedroom could reach $6,200.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in St. Louis.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $430 to $938 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from St. Louis to Charleston
Many movers find Charleston easier on the wallet than St. Louis – roughly 40% less for singles and 41% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,549 for one person in Charleston versus $2,589 in St. Louis. For a family of four, it’s $3,862 compared with $6,573.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| St. Louis | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $933 | |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,800 | |
| Average home value | $171,463 | $153,672 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,090 | $59,354 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,589 | $1,549 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,573 | $3,862 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.3% | 6.2% |
| Sales tax | 9.68% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 4.8% | 6.5% |
- Good news! When moving to Charleston from St. Louis, you’ll benefit from rent being an estimated 30% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- With home prices being nearly 10% cheaper in Charleston, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 10% lower in Charleston than in St. Louis.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Charleston. The cost of living for a single person is 40% less compared to St. Louis.
- Relocating to Charleston could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 41% lower than in St. Louis.
- There’s little difference in the unemployment rates of Charleston and St. Louis, within a margin of 5%, so job opportunities should be similar.
- Sales taxes are 28% lower in Charleston than St. Louis, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- Income taxes are 35% higher in West Virginia than in Missouri. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between St. Louis and Charleston, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | St. Louis | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $128.95 | |
| Cell phone plan | $45.33 | |
| Dozen eggs | $3.26 | |
| Loaf of bread | $2.20 | |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $50.00 | |
| Gym membership | $31.00 |
How life is different in St. Louis vs. Charleston
| St. Louis | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 293,310 | 48,018 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 66 | 33 |
| Bike friendliness score | 58 | 28 |
| Crime index | 69.65 | 53.94 |
| Safety index | 30.35 | 46.06 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Charleston’s population is about 84% less than St. Louis.
- Charleston’s public transportation score of 2 out of 10 is lower than St. Louis’s score of 8.
- Charleston is less walkable than St. Louis with a score of 33 out of 100 vs St. Louis’s 66 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 St. Louis, which has a score of 58.
- Charleston’s crime rate is lower than St. Louis with a score of 53.94 compared to St. Louis’s 69.65. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and St. Louis neighborhoods are safer than 69.65%.
- Charleston is considered to be safer than St. Louis with a safety index of 46.06 vs St. Louis’s 30.35.
- Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in St. Louis it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your St. Louis to Charleston move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- 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 check the status of a West Virginia moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in West Virginia, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Charleston without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover 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.
Where to live in Charleston
Ready to relocate to Charlie West? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider 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
Now that you’ve made the move to West Virginia, it’s the perfect time to explore Charleston. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Charleston include museums and art centers like the Clay Center, West Virginia State Museum, Avampato Discovery Museum, and The Art Emporium.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Haddad Riverfront Park, Wallace Hartman Nature Preserve, and Cato Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Charleston Golden Eagles (Mountain East) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from St. Louis to Charleston?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from St. Louis to Charleston. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in St. Louis.
When is the cheapest time to move from St. Louis to Charleston?
With many people choosing to move from St. Louis to Charleston in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from St. Louis to Charleston take?
Covering 506 miles, the move from St. Louis, MO to Charleston, typically takes one to six days. Some St. Louis movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Charleston can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in St. Louis offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 1 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in St. Louis can handle specialty items for my move to Charleston?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In St. Louis, 9 movers can handle pianos. 5 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of MO, there are 38 piano movers and 22 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
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