Top local movers for Charleston to Chapel Hill moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Charleston that also provides long-distance services to Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill.
- 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 Chapel Hill?
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 | $911 – $3,063 | $616 – $1,371 | $297 – $553 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,576 – $4,498 | $1,107 – $2,059 | $332 – $654 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,313 – $6,140 | $1,489 – $2,451 | $386 – $804 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Chapel Hill
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Charleston to Chapel Hill typically costs between $911 and $3,063. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $1,576 and $4,498 when moving from Charleston to Chapel Hill. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Charleston to Chapel Hill, you’re looking at costs ranging from $2,313 up to $6,140.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Chapel Hill
If you’re relocating from Charleston to Chapel Hill, you’ll typically spend between $616 and $1,371 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,107 up to $2,059. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,489 and $2,451. 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 Chapel Hill
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Charleston to Chapel Hill 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 $297 and $553. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $332 to $654. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $386 and $804.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Charleston to Chapel Hill
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 Chapel Hill might be as low as $1,273, while a four-bedroom could reach $5,184.
- 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 $297 to $685 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Chapel Hill
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Chapel Hill runs about 45% higher for singles and 24% higher for families than Charleston.
Singles spend around $2,248 in Charleston versus $1,549 in Charleston; families pay $4,790 compared with $3,862.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Charleston | Chapel Hill | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $933 | $1,325 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,800 | $3,433 |
| Average home value | $153,672 | $592,460 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,354 | $65,621 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,549 | $2,248 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,862 | $4,790 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 3.2% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 6.5% | 4.5% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 123% higher in Chapel Hill than in Charleston, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 286% higher in Chapel Hill than in Charleston.
- Exciting news here, the average income is about 11% higher in Chapel Hill than in Charleston, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Chapel Hill, as the cost of living for a single person in Chapel Hill is 45% greater than in Charleston. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- As you plan your move to Chapel Hill, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 24% more than it is in Charleston.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 48% lower than Charleston, Chapel Hill boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes in Chapel Hill exceed those in Charleston by 7%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- Income taxes are 31% lower in North Carolina 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 Chapel Hill, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Chapel Hill |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $128.95 | $156.99 |
| Cell phone plan | $45.33 | $55.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.26 | $4.53 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.20 | $4.04 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $50.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $31.00 | $42.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in Chapel Hill, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Charleston than in Chapel Hill.
- Eggs are less expensive in Charleston than in Chapel Hill.
- Bread costs less in Charleston than in Chapel Hill.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Charleston than in Chapel Hill.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Chapel Hill.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Chapel Hill
| Charleston | Chapel Hill | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 48,018 | 63,764 |
| Transportation score | 2 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 33 | 34 |
| Bike friendliness score | 28 | 50 |
| Crime index | 53.94 | 26.42 |
| Safety index | 46.06 | 73.58 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Chapel Hill’s population is about 33% greater than Charleston.
- Chapel Hill’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 2.
- Chapel Hill and Charleston are similarly walkable.
- With a score of 50 out of 100, Chapel Hill 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.
- Chapel Hill’s crime rate is lower than Charleston with a score of 26.42 compared to Charleston’s 53.94. This means that Chapel Hill neighborhoods are safer than 26.42% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94%.
- Chapel Hill is considered to be safer than Charleston with a safety index of 73.58 vs Charleston’s 46.06.
- Air quality in Chapel Hill is Moderate, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Chapel Hill 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: For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a “C Number” issued by the commission, signifying that they’ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the state’s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a North Carolina moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in North Carolina, 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 Chapel Hill 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. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Chapel Hill
Ready to relocate to Southern Part of Heaven? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Chapel Hill.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown Chapel Hill
- Franklin Street Area
- Carrboro
- Midtown Chapel Hill
- East 54
Best neighborhoods for families
- Meadowmont
- The Oaks
- Winmore
- The Preserve at Jordan Lake
- Southern Village
- Briar Chapel
- Dunhill
- Governor’s Club
- Westfall
- Claremont/Claremont South
Things to do in Chapel Hill
Now that you’ve made the move to North Carolina, it’s the perfect time to explore Chapel Hill. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Chapel Hill include museums and art centers like the The Carolina Basketball Museum, Ackland Art Museum, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, and Kidzu Children’s Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate North Carolina Botanical Garden, Coker Arboretum, Brumley Forest Nature Preserve, and Battle 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 UNC Tar Heels (Various sports) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Chapel Hill?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Charleston to Chapel Hill. 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 Chapel Hill?
With many people choosing to move from Charleston to Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill take?
Covering 289 miles, the move from Charleston, WV to Chapel Hill, typically takes one to four days. Some Charleston movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Chapel Hill can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Charleston can handle specialty items for my move to Chapel Hill?
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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