The best local movers for Durham to Charleston moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Durham that also handles long-distance moves to Charleston. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 27 local movers in Durham 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 Durham to Charleston.
- TROSA Moving: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Truckin’ Movers Corporation: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Miracle Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.44 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: C-726
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 675014
Alternate Names: TROSA Inc., TROSA Moving & Storage, TROSA Lawn Care, TROSA Thrift , TROSA Moving , Triangle Residential Options for Substance Abusers , Trosa Furniture & Frameshop , TROSA Lawncare
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2443
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Oliver & Finley, LLC , Two Men And A Truck
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2262
Years in Business: 48
DOT #: 0233952
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 2894
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 2461529
Alternate Names: Miracle Movers of Raleigh, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
Company Info
State license #: 2934
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Durham to Charleston?
The average hourly rate for movers in North Carolina is $145. 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 | $858 – $2,912 | $569 – $1,357 | $288 – $558 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,411 – $4,197 | $1,075 – $2,038 | $325 – $667 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,970 – $5,726 | $1,447 – $2,631 | $398 – $765 |
Cost to hire movers from Durham to Charleston
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Durham to Charleston will cost between $858 and $2,912. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Durham to Durham will range from $1,411 to $4,197, and a large move from Durham to Charleston will cost from $1,970 to $5,726.
Cost of moving containers from Durham to Charleston
If you’re moving from Durham to Charleston, expect to pay between $569 and $1,357 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,075 up to $2,038. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,447 and $2,631. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from North Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Durham to Charleston
Renting a moving truck from Durham 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 $288 and $558. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $325 and $667. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $398 up to $765 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Durham to Charleston
The cost of Durham movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,141, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $4,548.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Durham, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($288–$685) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Durham to Charleston
Many movers find Charleston easier on the wallet than Durham – roughly 45% less for singles and 35% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,549 for one person in Charleston versus $2,803 in Durham. For a family of four, it’s $3,862 compared with $5,945.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Durham | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,875 | $933 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,573 | $1,800 |
| Average home value | $391,719 | $153,672 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,117 | $59,354 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,803 | $1,549 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,945 | $3,862 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 6.2% |
| Sales tax | 7.5% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 4.5% | 6.5% |
- If you’re heading to Charleston from Durham, you’ll find that rent is roughly 48% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 61% less in Charleston than in Durham.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 14% lower in Charleston compared to Durham.
- 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 45% lower than in Durham.
- 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 35% less than in Durham.
- In Charleston, the unemployment rate is approximately 51% higher than in Durham, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes drop 7% in Charleston compared to Durham, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Income taxes are 44% higher in West Virginia than in North Carolina, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Durham and Charleston:
| Living Expense | Durham | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $148.21 | $128.95 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.67 | $45.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.53 | $3.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.66 | $2.20 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $70.00 | $50.00 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $31.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Durham than in Charleston.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Durham than in Charleston.
- Eggs cost more in Durham than in Charleston.
- Bread is more expensive in Durham than in Charleston.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Durham than in Charleston.
- Gym memberships cost more in Durham than in Charleston.
How life is different in Durham vs. Charleston
| Durham | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 283,506 | 48,018 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 30 | 33 |
| Bike friendliness score | 38 | 28 |
| Crime index | 54.72 | 53.94 |
| Safety index | 45.28 | 46.06 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston’s population is about 83% less than Durham.
- Charleston’s public transportation score of 2 out of 10 is lower than Durham’s score of 4.
- Charleston is more walkable than Durham with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Durham’s 30 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 Durham, which has a score of 38.
- Charleston and Durham have a similar crime rate with scores of 53.94 and 54.72, respectively.
- Charleston and Durham have a similar safety level, with scores of 46.06 and 45.28.
- Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in Durham it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Durham 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 Durham to Charleston?
The best time to move from Durham to Charleston is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Durham.
When is the cheapest time to move from Durham to Charleston?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Durham 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 Durham to Charleston take?
Moving from Durham, NC to Charleston, covers 292 miles and usually takes one to four days. Need to move faster? Some Durham movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Charleston.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Durham?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 19 movers in Durham advertise piano moving expertise. 8 movers in Durham provide antique moving services. State totals show 78 piano movers and 38 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
Durham moving services
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