Top-rated local movers that handle Charleston to New Orleans moves
When planning a move from Charleston to New Orleans, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing five local movers in Charleston 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 Charleston to New Orleans.
- 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 New Orleans?
Movers in West Virginia charge 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 | $1,167 – $4,356 | $825 – $2,005 | $587 – $1,167 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,395 – $5,763 | $1,410 – $2,679 | $654 – $1,388 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,957 – $8,384 | $2,012 – $3,548 | $853 – $1,570 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to New Orleans
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Charleston to New Orleans, you can expect to spend between $1,167 and $4,356. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,395 to $5,763 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Charleston to New Orleans typically runs between $3,957 and $8,384.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to New Orleans
When moving from Charleston to New Orleans, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $825 and $2,005. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,410 to $2,679. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,012 up to $3,548. 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 West Virginia.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to New Orleans
Renting a moving truck in Charleston is usually your cheapest option to get to New Orleans. 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 $587 and $1,167. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $654 and $1,388. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $853 and $1,570.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Charleston to New Orleans
The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,253, but larger homes can run up to $6,862.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Charleston.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($587–$1,514) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Charleston to New Orleans
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – New Orleans runs about 102% higher for singles and 105% higher for families than Charleston.
Singles spend around $3,134 in Charleston versus $1,549 in Charleston; families pay $7,905 compared with $3,862.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Charleston | New Orleans | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $933 | $1,813 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,800 | $3,150 |
| Average home value | $153,672 | $231,649 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,354 | $51,116 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,549 | $3,134 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,862 | $7,905 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 11.0% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 10.0% |
| State income tax | 6.5% | 4.25% |
- As you consider relocating to New Orleans, note that rent can be roughly 101% more expensive than it is in Charleston; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 51% higher in New Orleans than in Charleston.
- It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 14% less in New Orleans than in Charleston.
- Plan for higher expenses in New Orleans, since the cost of living for a single person is 102% more than in Charleston. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to New Orleans, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in New Orleans is 105% more than it is in Charleston.
- The unemployment rate in New Orleans is 77% higher compared to Charleston, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 43% higher in New Orleans than in Charleston. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Income taxes are 35% lower in Louisiana compared to West Virginia. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Charleston with New Orleans:
| Living Expense | Charleston | New Orleans |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $128.95 | $244.46 |
| Cell phone plan | $45.33 | $58.50 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.26 | $4.35 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.20 | $4.03 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $25.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $50.00 | $124.00 |
| Gym membership | $31.00 | $61.75 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in New Orleans, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Charleston than in New Orleans.
- Eggs are less expensive in Charleston than in New Orleans.
- Bread costs less in Charleston than in New Orleans.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Charleston than in New Orleans.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Charleston than in New Orleans.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in New Orleans.
How life is different in Charleston vs. New Orleans
| Charleston | New Orleans | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 48,018 | 383,997 |
| Transportation score | 2 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 33 | 58 |
| Bike friendliness score | 28 | 66 |
| Crime index | 53.94 | 67.31 |
| Safety index | 46.06 | 32.69 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- New Orleans’s population is about 700% greater than Charleston.
- New Orleans’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 2.
- New Orleans is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 58 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 33 out of 100.
- With a score of 66 out of 100, New Orleans 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.
- New Orleans’s crime rate is higher than Charleston with a score of 67.31 compared to Charleston’s 53.94. This means that New Orleans neighborhoods are safer than 67.31% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94%.
- New Orleans is considered to be less safe than Charleston with a score of 32.69 vs Charleston’s 46.06.
- Air quality in New Orleans is Good, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to New Orleans 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: If you’re using a legitimate moving company to relocate from one home or apartment within the state to another, look for a company regulated by the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC). During the pre-move screening process, families on the move should verify that prospective movers are registered and in good standing with the LPSC. In cases of substandard service, inflated costs, and unlicensed movers operating illegally, consumers may file a complaint, after which the commission will initiate an investigation. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Louisiana moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Louisiana 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 New Orleans smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for free coverage at 60 cents per pound from movers. For full-value protection, explore alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in New Orleans
Now that you’ve chosen The Crescent City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in New Orleans to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Central Business District
- Freret
- Gentilly Terrace
- Old Aurora
- West End
Best neighborhoods for families
- Algiers Point
- Bayou St. John
- East Carrollton
- Fillmore
- West End
Things to do in New Orleans
After getting comfortable in your new Louisiana home, it’s time to see what New Orleans 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, New Orleans offers cultural landmarks like the The National WWII Museum, Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World, New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, and The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden at NOMA.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s New Orleans City Park, Audubon Park, New Orleans Musical Legends Park, and Louis Armstrong 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 New Orleans Saints (NFL)New Orleans Pelicans (NBA)New Orleans Jesters (NPSL)Big Easy Rollergirls (WFTDA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to New Orleans?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Charleston to New Orleans are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Charleston are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to New Orleans?
Because spring and fall moves from Charleston to New Orleans 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 Charleston to New Orleans take?
A move of 906 miles from Charleston, WV to New Orleans, generally takes two to seven days. Movers in Charleston sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in New Orleans is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Charleston offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 3 movers in Charleston have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 2 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across WV, there are 5 piano movers and 4 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
Charleston moving services
Popular West Virginia routes
- West Virginia to Louisiana 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!