Top local movers for Charleston to Detroit moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Charleston that also provides long-distance services to Detroit 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 Detroit.
- 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 Detroit?
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 | $984 – $3,123 | $623 – $1,549 | $329 – $620 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,766 – $4,802 | $1,084 – $2,090 | $347 – $765 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,885 – $6,427 | $1,552 – $2,578 | $426 – $898 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Detroit
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Charleston to Detroit typically costs between $984 and $3,123. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $1,766 and $4,802 when moving from Charleston to Detroit. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Charleston to Detroit, you’re looking at costs ranging from $2,885 up to $6,427.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Detroit
If you’re relocating from Charleston to Detroit, you’ll typically spend between $623 and $1,549 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,084 up to $2,090. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,552 and $2,578. 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 Detroit
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Charleston to Detroit 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 $329 and $620. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $347 to $765. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $426 and $898.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Charleston to Detroit
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 Detroit might be as low as $1,406, while a four-bedroom could reach $5,981.
- 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 $329 to $811 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Detroit
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Detroit runs about 61% higher for singles and 73% higher for families than Charleston.
Singles spend around $2,500 in Charleston versus $1,549 in Charleston; families pay $6,687 compared with $3,862.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Charleston | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $933 | $1,325 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,800 | $2,542 |
| Average home value | $153,672 | $73,156 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,354 | $37,761 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,549 | $2,500 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,862 | $6,687 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 9.06% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 6.5% | 4.25% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 43% higher in Detroit than in Charleston, which may impact your monthly finances.
- With home prices being nearly 52% cheaper in Detroit, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 36% lower in Detroit than in Charleston.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Detroit, as the cost of living for a single person in Detroit is 61% greater than in Charleston. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- As you plan your move to Detroit, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 73% more than it is in Charleston.
- The unemployment rate in Detroit exceeds that of Charleston by about 46%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes are 14% lower in Detroit than Charleston, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- Income taxes are 35% lower in Michigan than in West Virginia. Lower income tax rates mean less money is withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Charleston and Detroit, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $128.95 | $251.12 |
| Cell phone plan | $45.33 | $55.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.26 | $3.52 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.20 | $2.94 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $50.00 | $68.50 |
| Gym membership | $31.00 | $43.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in Detroit, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Charleston than in Detroit.
- Eggs are less expensive in Charleston than in Detroit.
- Bread costs less in Charleston than in Detroit.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Charleston than in Detroit.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Charleston than in Detroit.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Detroit.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Detroit
| Charleston | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 48,018 | 639,111 |
| Transportation score | 2 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 33 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 28 | 52 |
| Crime index | 53.94 | 72.92 |
| Safety index | 46.06 | 27.08 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Detroit’s population is about 1231% greater than Charleston.
- Detroit’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 2.
- Detroit is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 33 out of 100.
- With a score of 52 out of 100, Detroit 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.
- Detroit’s crime rate is higher than Charleston with a score of 72.92 compared to Charleston’s 53.94. This means that Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94%.
- Detroit is considered to be less safe than Charleston with a score of 27.08 vs Charleston’s 46.06.
- Air quality in Detroit is Good, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Detroit 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: The agency regulating local and intrastate household goods movers in Michigan is the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). State regulation and oversight activities include commercial vehicle registration and safety compliance, review of published tariff rates, licensing, and consumer protection efforts. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Michigan moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Michigan, 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 Detroit 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. In Alabama, Massachusetts, and Michigan, choose the economical option of Released Value Protection, provided by movers at no extra cost. However, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage of your items’ full value, consult with your moving company for alternatives or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Detroit
Ready to relocate to America’s Comeback City? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Detroit.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Corktown
- Brush Park
- Woodbridge
- Downtown
- Lafayette Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Sherwood Forest
- Palmer Woods
- University District
- Corktown
- Lafayette Park
Things to do in Detroit
Now that you’ve made the move to Michigan, it’s the perfect time to explore Detroit. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Detroit include museums and art centers like the Detroit Institute of Arts, Motown Museum, The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant, and Detroit Historical Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Belle Isle Park, Beacon Park, Palmer Park, and Balduck 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 Detriot Tigers (MLB)Detroit Red Wings (NHL)Detroit Lions (NFL)Detroit Pistons (NBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Detroit?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Charleston to Detroit. 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 Detroit?
With many people choosing to move from Charleston to Detroit 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 Detroit take?
Covering 355 miles, the move from Charleston, WV to Detroit, typically takes one to four days. Some Charleston movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Detroit can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Charleston can handle specialty items for my move to Detroit?
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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