Top local movers for Charleston to Grand Rapids moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Charleston that also provides long-distance services to Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids.
- 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 Grand Rapids?
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 | $1,061 – $3,014 | $662 – $1,480 | $389 – $718 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,075 – $5,406 | $1,185 – $2,324 | $398 – $869 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,554 – $7,296 | $1,511 – $2,806 | $511 – $1,004 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Grand Rapids
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Charleston to Grand Rapids typically costs between $1,061 and $3,014. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,075 and $5,406 when moving from Charleston to Grand Rapids. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Charleston to Grand Rapids, you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,554 up to $7,296.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Grand Rapids
If you’re relocating from Charleston to Grand Rapids, you’ll typically spend between $662 and $1,480 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,185 up to $2,324. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,511 and $2,806. 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 Grand Rapids
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Charleston to Grand Rapids 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 $389 and $718. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $398 to $869. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $511 and $1,004.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Charleston to Grand Rapids
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 Grand Rapids might be as low as $1,474, while a four-bedroom could reach $6,631.
- 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 $389 to $877 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Grand Rapids
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Grand Rapids runs about 244% higher for singles and 85% higher for families than Charleston.
Singles spend around $5,333 in Charleston versus $1,549 in Charleston; families pay $7,160 compared with $3,862.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Charleston | Grand Rapids | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $933 | $1,900 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,800 | $3,200 |
| Average home value | $153,672 | $328,256 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,354 | $63,299 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,549 | $5,333 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,862 | $7,160 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 4.3% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 6.5% | 4.25% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 90% higher in Grand Rapids than in Charleston, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 114% higher in Grand Rapids than in Charleston.
- Exciting news here, the average income is about 7% higher in Grand Rapids than in Charleston, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Grand Rapids, as the cost of living for a single person in Grand Rapids is 244% greater than in Charleston. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- As you plan your move to Grand Rapids, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 85% more than it is in Charleston.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 31% lower than Charleston, Grand Rapids boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes are 14% lower in Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Grand Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $128.95 | $118.12 |
| Cell phone plan | $45.33 | $45.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.26 | $3.25 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.20 | $3.46 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $50.00 | $67.50 |
| Gym membership | $31.00 | $33.99 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Charleston than in Grand Rapids.
- Cell phone plans have similar prices in both Charleston and Grand Rapids.
- Eggs cost more in Charleston than in Grand Rapids.
- Bread costs less in Charleston than in Grand Rapids.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Charleston than in Grand Rapids.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Charleston than in Grand Rapids.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Grand Rapids.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Grand Rapids
| Charleston | Grand Rapids | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 48,018 | 198,893 |
| Transportation score | 2 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 33 | 56 |
| Bike friendliness score | 28 | 52 |
| Crime index | 53.94 | 44.23 |
| Safety index | 46.06 | 55.77 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Grand Rapids’s population is about 314% greater than Charleston.
- Grand Rapids’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 2.
- Grand Rapids is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 56 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 33 out of 100.
- With a score of 52 out of 100, Grand Rapids 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.
- Grand Rapids’s crime rate is lower than Charleston with a score of 44.23 compared to Charleston’s 53.94. This means that Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94%.
- Grand Rapids is considered to be safer than Charleston with a safety index of 55.77 vs Charleston’s 46.06.
- Air quality in Grand Rapids is Good, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids
Ready to relocate to GR? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Grand Rapids.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Fulton Heights
- Heritage Hill
- South Hill
- Heartside-Downtown
- East Hills
- Midtown
- Belknap Lookout
Best neighborhoods for families
- Eastgate
- Ottawa Hills
- Eastown
- Fulton Heights
- South East End
- North East Citizens Action
- Millbrook
- East Hills
- Belknap Lookout
- Heritage Hill
Things to do in Grand Rapids
Now that you’ve made the move to Michigan, it’s the perfect time to explore Grand Rapids. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Grand Rapids include museums and art centers like the Gerald R. Ford Museum, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, and Grand Rapids Art Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Gerald R. Ford Airport Viewing Park, Blandford Nature Center Richmond Park, and Riverside 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 Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Grand Rapids?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Charleston to Grand Rapids. 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 Grand Rapids?
With many people choosing to move from Charleston to Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids take?
Covering 474 miles, the move from Charleston, WV to Grand Rapids, typically takes one to four days. Some Charleston movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Grand Rapids can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Charleston can handle specialty items for my move to Grand Rapids?
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
Popular West Virginia routes
- West Virginia to Michigan 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!