Top local movers for Charleston to Los Angeles moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Charleston that also provides long-distance services to Los Angeles can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed five local movers in Charleston who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Charleston to Los Angeles.
- Central Van & Storage, Inc.: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Dunbar Transfer: 4.0 out of 5 stars
- Evans Van & Storage: 3.94 out of 5 stars
- Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems: 4.14 out of 5 stars
- Positive Moves: 3.78 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 076235
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
DOT #: 1186580
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
DOT #: 070851
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 35
DOT #: 587135
Alternate Names: Future Enterprises Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Fragile-only packing
How much does it cost to move from Charleston to Los Angeles?
Movers in West Virginia generally charge an average of 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 | $1,253 – $5,420 | $1,262 – $3,226 | $1,329 – $2,443 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,798 – $7,307 | $2,220 – $4,648 | $1,368 – $3,028 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,722 – $11,656 | $3,082 – $6,178 | $1,817 – $3,492 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Los Angeles
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Charleston to Los Angeles typically costs between $1,253 and $5,420. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,798 and $7,307 when moving from Charleston to Los Angeles. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Charleston to Los Angeles, you’re looking at costs ranging from $6,722 up to $11,656.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Los Angeles
If you’re relocating from Charleston to Los Angeles, you’ll typically spend between $1,262 and $3,226 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,220 up to $4,648. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $3,082 and $6,178. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from West Virginia.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to Los Angeles
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Charleston to Los Angeles 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 $1,329 and $2,443. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,368 to $3,028. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,817 and $3,492.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Charleston to Los Angeles
The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Charleston to Los Angeles might be as low as $2,722, while a four-bedroom could reach $10,983.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Charleston.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $1,329 to $3,321 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Los Angeles
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Los Angeles runs about 277% higher for singles and 229% higher for families than Charleston.
Singles spend around $5,833 in Charleston versus $1,549 in Charleston; families pay $12,720 compared with $3,862.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Charleston | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $933 | $2,603 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,800 | $4,443 |
| Average home value | $153,672 | $2,368,088 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,354 | $74,993 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,549 | $5,833 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,862 | $12,720 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 10.6% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 9.5% |
| State income tax | 6.5% | 13.3% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 238% higher in Los Angeles than in Charleston, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 1441% higher in Los Angeles than in Charleston.
- Exciting news here, the average income is about 26% higher in Los Angeles than in Charleston, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Los Angeles, as the cost of living for a single person in Los Angeles is 277% greater than in Charleston. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- As you plan your move to Los Angeles, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 229% more than it is in Charleston.
- The unemployment rate in Los Angeles exceeds that of Charleston by about 71%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes in Los Angeles exceed those in Charleston by 36%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- Income taxes are 105% higher in California than in West Virginia. 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 Charleston and Los Angeles, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $128.95 | $192.54 |
| Cell phone plan | $45.33 | $62.50 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.26 | $7.02 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.20 | $4.58 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $50.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $31.00 | $47.76 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in Los Angeles, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Charleston than in Los Angeles.
- Eggs are less expensive in Charleston than in Los Angeles.
- Bread costs less in Charleston than in Los Angeles.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Charleston than in Los Angeles.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Charleston than in Los Angeles.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Los Angeles.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Los Angeles
| Charleston | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 48,018 | 3,820,914 |
| Transportation score | 2 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 33 | 69 |
| Bike friendliness score | 28 | 59 |
| Crime index | 53.94 | 53.81 |
| Safety index | 46.06 | 46.19 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Los Angeles’s population is about 7857% greater than Charleston.
- Los Angeles’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 2.
- Los Angeles is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 69 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 33 out of 100.
- With a score of 59 out of 100, Los Angeles is more bike-friendly than Charleston, which has a score of 28 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Los Angeles and Charleston have a similar crime rate with scores of 53.81 and 53.94, respectively.
- Los Angeles and Charleston have a similar safety level, with scores of 46.19 and 46.06.
- Air quality in Los Angeles is Moderate, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Los Angeles 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: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in California, 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 Los Angeles 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. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Los Angeles
Ready to relocate to City of Angels? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Los Angeles.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Echo Park
- Los Feliz
- Playa Del Rey
- Silver Lake
- Westwood
Best neighborhoods for families
- Brentwood
- Eagle Rock
- Mar Vista
- Playa Vista
- Studio City
Things to do in Los Angeles
Now that you’ve made the move to California, it’s the perfect time to explore Los Angeles. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Los Angeles include museums and art centers like the The Getty Center, Griffith Observatory, Petersen Automotive Museum, and Battleship USS Iowa Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Griffith Park, Runyon Canyon Park, Lake Hollywood Park, and Echo 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 Los Angeles Clippers (NBA)Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)Los Angeles FC (MLS)Los Angeles Kings (NHL)Los Angeles Lakers (NBA)Los Angeles Rams (NFL)Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Los Angeles?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Charleston to Los Angeles. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Charleston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Los Angeles?
With many people choosing to move from Charleston to Los Angeles 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 Charleston to Los Angeles take?
Covering 2,330 miles, the move from Charleston, WV to Los Angeles, typically takes seven to 18 days. Some Charleston movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Los Angeles can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Charleston can handle specialty items for my move to Los Angeles?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Charleston, 3 movers can handle pianos. 2 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of WV, there are 5 piano movers and 4 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
Charleston moving services
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