Top-rated local movers that handle McAllen to Charleston moves
When planning a move from McAllen to Charleston, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing seven local movers in McAllen who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from McAllen to Charleston.
- Rick’s Moving & Storage LLC: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Jones Moving & Storage Co., Inc.: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- Groves Moving and Storage: 4.16 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Flex Moving & Storage: 4.26 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 009769916C
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 1082164
Alternate Names: Rick’s Moving and Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0000006770
Years in Business: 86
DOT #: 125563
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 005443977C
Years in Business: 26
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 009668291C
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhops, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 2
DOT #: 3610638
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from McAllen to Charleston?
Movers in Texas charge $131 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 | $1,170 – $4,724 | $936 – $2,471 | $881 – $1,792 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,897 – $6,446 | $1,672 – $3,642 | $982 – $2,050 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,294 – $9,275 | $2,275 – $4,863 | $1,175 – $2,430 |
Cost to hire movers from McAllen to Charleston
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from McAllen to Charleston, you can expect to spend between $1,170 and $4,724. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,897 to $6,446 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from McAllen to Charleston typically runs between $5,294 and $9,275.
Cost of moving containers from McAllen to Charleston
When moving from McAllen to Charleston, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $936 and $2,471. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,672 to $3,642. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,275 up to $4,863. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Texas.
Cost of moving truck rentals from McAllen to Charleston
Renting a moving truck in McAllen is usually your cheapest option to get to Charleston. 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 $881 and $1,792. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $982 and $2,050. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,175 and $2,430.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from McAllen to Charleston
The cost of McAllen movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,493, but larger homes can run up to $8,587.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in McAllen.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($881–$2,357) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from McAllen to Charleston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Charleston runs about 6% higher for singles and 9% higher for families than McAllen.
Singles spend around $1,549 in McAllen versus $1,457 in McAllen; families pay $3,862 compared with $3,557.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| McAllen | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $813 | $933 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,360 | $1,800 |
| Average home value | $221,244 | $153,672 |
| Average income (per capita) | $57,439 | $59,354 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,457 | $1,549 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,557 | $3,862 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 6.2% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 6.5% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 35% lower in Charleston than in McAllen, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 31% lower in Charleston than in McAllen.
- The average income in Charleston and McAllen is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
- Plan for higher expenses in Charleston, since the cost of living for a single person is 6% more than in McAllen. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Charleston, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Charleston is 9% more than it is in McAllen.
- Charleston experiences an unemployment rate that is about 22% lower than that of McAllen. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 15% lower in Charleston than in McAllen. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Charleston can reduce your overall living expenses.
- West Virginia has a state income tax, while Texas does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing McAllen with Charleston:
| Living Expense | McAllen | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $169.85 | $128.95 |
| Cell phone plan | $39.43 | $45.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.23 | $3.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.95 | $2.20 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $12.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $62.50 | $50.00 |
| Gym membership | $45.00 | $31.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in McAllen than in Charleston.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in McAllen than in Charleston.
- Eggs are less expensive in McAllen than in Charleston.
- Bread is more expensive in McAllen than in Charleston.
- A quick meal is cheaper in McAllen than in Charleston.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in McAllen than in Charleston.
- Gym memberships cost more in McAllen than in Charleston.
How life is different in McAllen vs. Charleston
| McAllen | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 142,210 | 48,018 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 41 | 33 |
| Bike friendliness score | 46 | 28 |
| Crime index | 36.26 | 53.94 |
| Safety index | 63.74 | 46.06 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Charleston’s population is about 66% less than McAllen.
- Charleston’s public transportation score of 2 out of 10 is lower than McAllen’s score of 3.
- Charleston is less walkable than McAllen with a score of 33 out of 100 vs McAllen’s 41 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 McAllen, which has a score of 46.
- Charleston’s crime rate is higher than McAllen with a score of 53.94 compared to McAllen’s 36.26. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and McAllen neighborhoods are safer than 36.26%.
- Charleston is considered to be less safe than McAllen with a score of 46.06 vs McAllen’s 63.74.
- Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in McAllen it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your McAllen to Charleston move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a West Virginia moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While West Virginia doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Charleston smoothly. Start the process 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: 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 chosen Charlie West as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Charleston to check out.
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 getting comfortable in your new West Virginia home, it’s time to see what Charleston is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Charleston offers cultural landmarks like 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 — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Charleston Golden Eagles (Mountain East) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from McAllen to Charleston?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from McAllen to Charleston are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in McAllen are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from McAllen to Charleston?
Because spring and fall moves from McAllen 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 McAllen to Charleston take?
A move of 1,513 miles from McAllen, TX to Charleston, generally takes four to 15 days. Movers in McAllen sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Charleston is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in McAllen offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 5 movers in McAllen have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 2 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across TX, there are 180 piano movers and 125 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
Helpful moving resources
McAllen moving services
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