Local moving companies in Charleston
Out of 5 Charleston movers that can handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Illinois.
- 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
Local moving services in Charleston, WV
Here’s how many movers in Charleston include specialty add-ons:
Cost to move from Charleston, WV to Illinois
Check the table below for expected cost ranges to move from Charleston to Illinois with various services, based on your home’s size.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,114 – $3,341 | $671 – $1,599 | $397 – $790 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,082 – $5,104 | $1,213 – $2,227 | $432 – $928 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,788 – $7,937 | $1,662 – $3,042 | $566 – $1,085 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 522-mile move from Charleston, WV, to Illinois using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. moveBuddha gathers thousands of verified rates from movers across the country and refreshes them monthly to account for seasonal shifts and market trends. Your actual cost can change based on move size, added services, parking or access issues, fuel prices, and timing. We recommend getting quotes from several movers for the most accurate pricing.
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Illinois
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Charleston to Illinois, you can expect prices to land between $1,114 and $3,341. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,082 to $5,104 for the trip from Charleston to IL. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $3,788 and $7,937.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Illinois
Moving containers from Charleston to Illinois will cost you $671 to $1,599 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,213 to $2,227. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,662 to $3,042. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Charleston.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to Illinois
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $397 and $790 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment from Charleston to Illinois with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $432 to $928. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $566 to $1,085.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors influencing moving costs from Charleston to IL
Here’s what shapes the moving costs in Charleston:
- Move size: The number of rooms and volume of belongings directly affect your final bill.
- Time of year: Summer moves in Charleston fall during peak season, which usually means higher prices.
- DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.
What you should know before moving from Charleston to IL
When relocating from Charleston to Illinois, you can look forward to new experiences, yet it’s crucial to anticipate higher living expenses. With Illinois typically being more costly than Charleston, careful financial planning is essential.
Compare the lifestyle in Charleston with that in Illinois to better prepare yourself for your upcoming move:
Compare cost of living: Charleston vs. Illinois
| Charleston, WV | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $875 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $153,672 | $249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,354 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 81 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 6.5% | 4.95% |
Illinois sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Illinois runs about 35% higher than in Charleston, so you’ll want to adjust your budget.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 62% higher in Illinois than in Charleston.
- On average, incomes in Illinois run 32% above Charleston, potentially improving your financial flexibility.
- Expect the cost of living in Illinois to be roughly 11% higher than in Charleston, which may require some budgeting adjustments.
- Illinois has a lower unemployment rate than Charleston by about 15%, suggesting a stronger job market.
- Income tax rates are around 24% lower in Illinois, so your take-home pay will be higher than in West Virginia.
How life is different in Charleston, WV from Illinois
From the weather and population to local politics, here’s how life in Illinois stacks up against what you’re used to in Charleston.
| Charleston, WV | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 48,018 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Republican 56-42 | Democratic 55-45 |
| Summer high | 86ºF | 86ºF |
| Winter low | 24ºF | 17ºF |
| Annual rain | 46″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 28″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 53.94 | 19.7 |
Illinois Sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, Illinois leaned Democratic, while Charleston supported Republican.
- Summertime highs settle at approximately 86ºF in Illinois as well as 86ºF in Charleston, ensuring the climate feels quite familiar. Apart from temperatures, it’s important to think about humidity, weather trends, and energy costs to grasp what summertime will be like in your new area.
- Colder winters set in at 17ºF in Illinois, compared to 24ºF in Charleston. With this change, expect brisker winters and higher costs, but also the unique appeal of a colder climate.
- In Illinois, you’ll get only about 40 inches of rain per year, versus 46 inches in Charleston. Less rain means more sunshine, more time outdoors, and fewer weather-related concerns.
- In Illinois, you’ll get about 22 inches of snow each year, far less than Charleston. That means moving to Illinois will bring milder winters with less shoveling and fewer weather headaches.
- Illinois records a lower crime rate (19.7) than Charleston (53.94), meaning you may enjoy more security and peace of mind after your move.
Other considerations when moving to Illinois
When you’re moving from Charleston to Illinois, you’ll want to do more than just pack your boxes and hire movers. Make sure you’re up to speed on local rules, permits, and other logistics that could affect your move.
- HOA rules: Always check community regulations beforehand so your move-in goes smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: Be sure to reserve the elevator if your building requires it for move-ins.
- 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 Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Before you hire a moving company, double-check that they’re properly licensed.
- State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s site.
- Moving permits: There’s no need for a moving permit in Illinois, but be sure to look up local parking rules before moving day.
- Change of address: Make sure to fill out your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. You can choose your official move date and have your mail forwarded to Illinois. Get started here.
- Moving insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items’ full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Nothing beats peace of mind. Our moving checklist makes it easy to stay organized and be sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Things to do in Illinois
Whether you’re into sports, parks, museums, or universities, Illinois has tons for you to discover and enjoy.
Museums in Illinois
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- Caterpillar Visitors Center
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site
- Museum of Hummels
Parks in Illinois
- Starved Rock State Park
- Matthiessen State Park
- Illinois Beach State Park
- Pere Marquette State Park
- Kankakee river State Park
Sports teams in Illinois
- Chicago Cubs (MLB)
- Chicago White Sox (MLB)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
- Chicago Sky (WNBA)
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
Universities in Illinois
- University of Chicago
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Northwestern University
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- Northern Illinois University
FAQ
How long does a move from Charleston to Illinois take?
Curious about how long it’ll take to move from Charleston, WV, to Illinois? Most moves on this route usually take one to six days, depending on your service. Just a heads up. Moving during the hectic summer season might leave you open to delays.
To keep your move on track and steer clear of delays, be sure to ask about the delivery timeline before you book your movers.
How many movers provide custom crating for art or antiques?
There one mover in Charleston that offers customized crates for a variety of fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped pieces, including artwork, antique pieces, and electronics. If you will need special crating for any of your items, be sure to confirm with a Charleston moving company that they will be able to accommodate your specific needs.
What is the best way to get a car from Charleston to Illinois?
Need to get your car from Charleston to Illinois? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced. Here is our list of the best Charleston to Illinois car shippers.
Why are people moving from Charleston to Illinois?
Many people are moving to Illinois because of its home of Chicago and ample economic opportunity.
Read more about the Pros & cons of moving to Illinois.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Charleston?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Charleston.
Can I pay for my move from Charleston, WV, with cash?
There are four movers in Charleston that accept cash payments. Even so, cash is not the norm in the moving industry, where traceable payment types are preferred. Plan to pay a deposit to lock in your booking and move date. The rest of the balance is usually due at pickup or after delivery—verify timing and accepted methods with your mover.
Helpful moving resources
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