Highly rated local moving companies for Charleston to Wilmington moves
Organizing a move from Charleston to Wilmington can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating five local movers in Charleston known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Charleston to Wilmington.
- 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 Wilmington?
On average, moving companies in West Virginia charge about per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,144 – $3,215 | $628 – $1,584 | $354 – $680 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,000 – $5,112 | $1,147 – $2,159 | $386 – $814 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,444 – $7,170 | $1,476 – $2,734 | $490 – $930 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Wilmington
When planning a move to Wilmington from Charleston, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,144 and $3,215. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,000 and $5,112 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,444 to $7,170.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Wilmington
When you’re heading from Charleston to Wilmington, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $628 and $1,584. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,147 and $2,159. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,476 to $2,734. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from West Virginia easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to Wilmington
A moving rental truck from Charleston to Wilmington is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $354 to $680. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $386 to $814, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Charleston to Wilmington costs around $490 to $930.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Charleston to Wilmington
The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Charleston to Wilmington may only cost $1,481, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $6,266.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Charleston.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($354–$917), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Wilmington
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Wilmington runs about 128% higher for singles and 13% higher for families than Charleston.
Singles spend around $3,533 in Charleston versus $1,549 in Charleston; families pay $4,350 compared with $3,862.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Charleston | Wilmington | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $933 | $1,933 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,800 | $3,200 |
| Average home value | $153,672 | $307,799 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,354 | $49,354 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,549 | $3,533 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,862 | $4,350 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 10.3% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 0.0% |
| State income tax | 6.5% | 6.6% |
- Rent is about 107% more expensive in Wilmington than in Charleston. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 100% steeper in Wilmington compared to Charleston.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 17% less in Wilmington than in Charleston.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Wilmington, with the cost of living for a single person being 128% more than in Charleston. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Wilmington, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 13% higher than in Charleston.
- Wilmington has a higher unemployment rate than Charleston by about 66%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Wilmington has no sales tax, so you’ll save money on every taxable purchase compared to Charleston. This can be especially helpful if you make frequent or larger purchases.
- Income taxes are nearly the same between Delaware and West Virginia, within a 5% range. This consistency assures you of predictable financial planning during your state move.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Charleston versus Wilmington:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Wilmington |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $128.95 | $126.92 |
| Cell phone plan | $45.33 | $44.10 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.26 | $3.05 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.20 | $3.56 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $50.00 | $72.50 |
| Gym membership | $31.00 | $33.50 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Charleston than in Wilmington.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Charleston than in Wilmington.
- Eggs cost more in Charleston than in Wilmington.
- Bread costs less in Charleston than in Wilmington.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Charleston than in Wilmington.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Charleston than in Wilmington.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Wilmington.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Wilmington
| Charleston | Wilmington | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 48,018 | 70,898 |
| Transportation score | 2 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 33 | 74 |
| Bike friendliness score | 28 | 52 |
| Crime index | 53.94 | 67.32 |
| Safety index | 46.06 | 32.68 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Wilmington’s population is about 48% greater than Charleston.
- Wilmington’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 2.
- Wilmington is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 74 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 33 out of 100.
- With a score of 52 out of 100, Wilmington 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.
- Wilmington’s crime rate is higher than Charleston with a score of 67.32 compared to Charleston’s 53.94. This means that Wilmington neighborhoods are safer than 67.32% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94%.
- Wilmington is considered to be less safe than Charleston with a score of 32.68 vs Charleston’s 46.06.
- Air quality in Wilmington is Good, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Wilmington move
- HOA rules: Costs across Charleston and Wilmington are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- 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: Movers headquartered in Delaware that offer local and intrastate moving services don’t need to be licensed. Still, they must comply with Delaware Department of Transportation (DDOT) regulations on insurance and commercial vehicle safety. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Delaware, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Delaware, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Wilmington. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Selecting Released Value Protection is a cost-effective choice, provided at no extra charge by movers, even though it offers limited coverage. Within this option, the mover’s responsibility is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. If you’re concerned about the value of your possessions and require more extensive coverage, consider discussing alternative options with the moving company you’ve chosen or explore third-party insurance providers. Ensure comprehensive protection for your belongings during the move by exploring these additional coverage choices.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Wilmington
With your sights set on Chemical Capital of the World, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Wilmington.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Trolley Square
- Happy Valley
- Midtown Brandywine
- Delaware Avenue
- Trinity Vicinity
Best neighborhoods for families
- Forty Acres
- Happy Valley
- Trolley Square
- Lower Highlands
- Wawaset Park/Wawaset Heghts
Things to do in Wilmington
With your move to Delaware complete, you can dive right into experiencing Wilmington. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Wilmington is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Nemours Estate, Hagley Museum And Library, Delaware Children’s Museum, and Delaware Art Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Bellevue State Park, Brandywine Park, Rockford Park & Tower, and Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Delaware Blue Coats (NBA G League)Wilmington Blue Rocks (MiLB)Delaware Black Foxes (USARL)Bearfight FC of Wilmington (USASA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Wilmington?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Charleston to Wilmington. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Charleston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Wilmington?
Want to save on your move from Charleston to Wilmington? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Charleston to Wilmington take?
The 435-mile move from Charleston, WV, to Wilmington, , takes one to four days. Some Charleston movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Wilmington.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Charleston?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 3 movers in Charleston provide piano moving services. 2 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 5 piano movers and 4 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Charleston moving services
Popular West Virginia routes
- West Virginia to Delaware car shippers
- West Virginia to California movers
- West Virginia to Florida movers
- West Virginia to Georgia movers
- West Virginia to Illinois movers
- West Virginia to Michigan movers
- West Virginia to New York movers
- West Virginia to North Carolina movers
- West Virginia to Ohio movers
- West Virginia to Pennsylvania movers
- West Virginia to Texas movers
- See All Moving Routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!