Quick answer: For a 264-mile move from Charlotte to Charleston, expect to spend around $370–$5,470 and one to four days in transit. Cost and time vary by move size, date, and whether you're going DIY or using a moving company.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Charleston to Charlotte guide.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
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Best Movers By Type

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Best Professional Movers from Charlotte to Charleston

Choosing a long-distance mover for your move from Charlotte to Charleston can be tough. With so many options, it's hard to know which companies you can actually trust.

Skip the hassle of endless research — we've narrowed down the top choices for you. We picked these movers based on real reviews, competitive pricing, and the variety of services they offer.

Safeway Moving
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
American Van Lines
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans

How we chose the best moving companies for your NC to WV movetoggle

moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 85 North Carolina movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

The best local movers servicing Charlotte to Charleston moves

Finding a trusted local moving company in Charlotte that offers long-distance services to Charleston can be a challenge. With so many movers advertising similar services, it's tough to know who really delivers on quality.

Good news — we've done the homework for you. Our team reviewed top local movers in Charlotte who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.

Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Charlotte to Charleston.

  1. You Move Me: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  2. Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  3. Hilldrup: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  4. TBC Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  5. E.E. Ward Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/YouMoveMeCo/, https://twitter.com/youmovemeco?lang=en
94% of all reviews were positive
5% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customers rave about You Move Me for their consistently professional staff, careful handling of items, efficient moving process, prompt communication, and quick service. Out of 296 reviews, 94% are positive—a strong record compared to most moving services, where praise often centers on reliability and friendliness. Many clients highlight how polite, organized, and attentive the crews are, with moves usually completed faster than expected and within the quoted price.
Negative feedback makes up just over 5% and focuses on reports of damaged or missing items and unexpected cost increases. A few customers mention property scratches or items left unpacked. Some describe communication issues after a problem occurred, mainly involving follow-up on claims for damaged or missing possessions. Neutral input, though rare, points to scheduling hiccups and occasional assembly mistakes. Compared with similar companies, You Move Me stands out for delivering smooth moves but should address isolated complaints about item care and billing accuracy.
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Get a Quote (800) 926-3900

Company Info

State license #: 2572

Years in Business: 10

DOT #: 2518689

Alternate Names: TEC Ventures LLC


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/gentlegiantmovingcompany/, https://twitter.com/gentlegiantnc
97% of all reviews were positive
3% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Like clockwork, Gentle Giant Moving Company stands out for delivering quick, careful moves with polite, professional teams. Out of 277 feedback entries, 97% praised their efficient service, careful handling, strong communication, and respectful crews. Customers commonly noted how rapidly yet delicately their belongings were moved, and many compared Gentle Giant favorably to other companies for great teamwork and customer care.
Pricing came in as expected or lower for most reviewers. A small number of customers, 2.5%, encountered issues with communication or abrupt customer service, generally during scheduling or initial contact, and some found pricing policies confusing. Only one neutral review appeared. Compared to other movers, Gentle Giant earns trust and recommendations for their reliable, efficient approach, but could improve by streamlining communication for all situations.
Show more
Get a Quote (704) 376-2338

Company Info

State license #: 2406

Years in Business: 45

DOT #: 373544

Alternate Names: Gentle Giant Moving Co. (NC), LLC


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crane vans
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/Hilldrup, https://twitter.com/hilldrup
86% of all reviews were positive
12% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Hilldrup receives outstanding customer input, with 85.5% positive feedback from 234 reviews. Customers highlight the professional and polite staff, efficient service, careful handling, quick moving process, and good communication. Many describe their moves as stress-free, efficient, and handled by considerate crews, contrasting their experiences favorably to other moving companies.
A smaller portion points out issues like damage to items, delivery delays, and unexpected charges. Negative reviews often focus on items arriving broken, billing disputes, or unfulfilled service promises. Compared to competitors, Hilldrup builds trust through reliability and courtesy, but some reports of higher costs and claims concerns persist.
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Get a Quote (704) 486-8429

Company Info

State license #: 2210

Years in Business: 121

DOT #: 22302

Alternate Names: Hilldrup Companies, Inc.


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/tbcmovers, https://twitter.com/IncTbc
90% of all reviews were positive
10% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
TBC Movers impresses customers with outstanding professionalism, efficient crews, careful item handling, and fast moving processes. Out of 51 reviews analyzed, 90% provide positive feedback describing polite staff and affordability, which sets this company apart from other movers. Customers appreciate well-managed moves with prompt communication and safe handling of their belongings.
Some mention same-day flexibility and the team's ability to resolve unexpected issues effectively. A few critical reviews describe issues involving property or item damage, unprofessional behavior, and slow or inadequate resolution of complaints. Negative experiences contrast with the overwhelmingly positive input about skilled movers and trustworthiness. Compared to competitors, TBC Movers earns strong recommendations for reliable, well-priced moving help, though a handful of customers felt dissatisfied with damage claims and complaint handling.
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Get a Quote (980) 428-6390

Company Info

State license #: 2975

Years in Business: 8

DOT #: 2585931


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/EEwardMovingandStorage, https://twitter.com/eewardmoving
94% of all reviews were positive
4% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
E.E. Ward Moving & Storage stands out in customer feedback for its consistent professionalism and attention to detail. Among 140 reviews, 94% are positive, a rate higher than typical movers.
Customers praise the knowledgeable, courteous staff, smooth communication, careful handling of belongings, and movers who go above and beyond. Many note efficient, stress-free moves, responsive team members, and reliable service at every stage. A small number of negative comments highlight issues with damaged or lost items and, in rare cases, unexpectedly high costs. Neutral feedback focuses on especially high pricing or incomplete moves. E.E. Ward earns a reputation for reliability and care far above industry averages, but some large-scale moves encountered costly errors or missing items that left lasting frustration.
Show more
Get a Quote (704) 774-4884

Company Info

State license #: 2774

Years in Business: 143

DOT #: 1222904

Alternate Names: E. E. Ward Moving & Storage Co., EE Ward Moving & Storage


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card

How much does it cost to move from Charlotte to Charleston?

Charlotte movers charge $80 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 $991 - $3,588 $702 - $1,833 $381 - $668
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,888 - $5,470 $1,288 - $2,615 $370 - $799
4+ bedrooms $2,476 - $7,135 $1,698 - $3,240 $463 - $941
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 264 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

Cost to hire movers from North Carolina to West Virginia

Planning a move from North Carolina to West Virginia? For a studio or one-bedroom, you'll likely pay between $991 and $3,588. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,888 and $5,470 for the same journey (NC to WV). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $2,476 to $7,135.

Cost of moving containers from North Carolina to West Virginia

When you're heading from North Carolina to West Virginia, and you're only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $702 and $1,833. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,288 and $2,615. If you're packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,698 to $3,240. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from North Carolina easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from North Carolina to West Virginia

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 and renting a truck, plan to spend between $381 and $668. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $370 and $799. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $463 and $941.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

Key factors that impact the cost of your Charlotte to Charleston movetoggle

The cost of Charlotte movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Charlotte to Charleston might cost as little as $991, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $6,092.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Charlotte, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $381 to $886 Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Charlotte to Charleston

Moving from Charlotte to Charleston means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Charlotte than in Charleston, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Charlotte compares to Charleston so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Charlotte Charleston
Average rent cost $1,790 $875
Average home value $391,658 $153,672
Average income (per capita) $64,814 $59,354
Cost of living (single person) $3,158 $1,549
Cost of living (family of 4) $8,325 $3,862
Unemployment rate 3.3% 6.2%
Sales tax 7.25% 7.0%
State income tax 4.5% 6.5%
  • Rent prices in Charleston are 51% lower than in Charlotte, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Charleston.
    Home prices in Charleston are 60.8% lower than in Charlotte.
  • Income in Charleston is 8.4% lower than in Charlotte, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Charleston — including IOGAWV President, Kanawha County Board Of Education, and CDSscrubs — may pay more.
  • 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 50.9% lower than in Charlotte.
  • 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 53.6% less than what it costs in Charlotte.
  • The unemployment rate in Charleston is 87.88% higher than in Charlotte.
  • You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Charleston, since the city's sales taxes in Charleston are 3.45% lower than in Charlotte.
  • State income taxes in Charleston are 44.44% higher than in Charlotte.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,471.50 in Charleston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charlotte.

How life is different in Charlotte vs. Charleston

Charleston Charlotte
Population 48,018 874,579
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 2 5
Walkability score 33 26
Bike friendliness score 28 31
Crime Index 53.94 46.52
Safety Index 46.06 53.48
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Charleston's population is about 95% less than Charlotte.
  • Charleston's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Charlotte's higher score of 5.
  • Charleston is more walkable than Charlotte with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Charlotte's 26 out of 100.
  • Both Charleston and Charlotte have the same bike-friendliness score of 31 out of 100, meaning Charleston is about as safe for cyclists as Charlotte. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
  • Charleston's crime rate is higher than Charlotte with a score of 53.94 compared to Charlotte's 46.52. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charlotte neighborhoods are safer than 46.52%.
  • Charleston is considered to be less safe than Charlotte with a score of 46.06 vs Charlotte's 53.48.
  • Air quality in Charleston is good, and in Charlotte it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Charlotte vs. Charleston move

  • Weather: September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Charleston, while January and February are the least comfortable months.
  • HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
  • Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
  • 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a West Virginia moving license 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: 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: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

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

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: 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 — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Charleston Golden Eagles (Mountain East) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Charlotte to Charleston?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Charlotte to Charleston You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Charlotte.

When is the cheapest time to move from Charlotte to Charleston?

Because spring and fall moves from Charlotte to Charleston are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.

How long does a move from Charlotte to Charleston take?

The 264-mile journey from Charlotte, NC to Charleston, WV, typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Charlotte 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.

Helpful moving resources