Top-rated local movers that handle Charleston to Albany moves
When planning a move from Charleston to Albany, 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 Albany.
- 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 Albany?
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 | $1,161 – $3,615 | $692 – $1,723 | $483 – $877 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,293 – $5,777 | $1,297 – $2,558 | $532 – $1,095 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,991 – $7,793 | $1,683 – $3,413 | $644 – $1,285 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Albany
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Charleston to Albany, you can expect to spend between $1,161 and $3,615. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,293 to $5,777 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Charleston to Albany typically runs between $3,991 and $7,793.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Albany
When moving from Charleston to Albany, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $692 and $1,723. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,297 to $2,558. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,683 up to $3,413. 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 Albany
Renting a moving truck in Charleston is usually your cheapest option to get to Albany. 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 $483 and $877. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $532 and $1,095. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $644 and $1,285.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Charleston to Albany
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 $1,900, but larger homes can run up to $6,471.
- 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 ($483–$1,238) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Albany
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Albany runs about 16% higher for singles and 9% higher for families than Charleston.
Singles spend around $1,801 in Charleston versus $1,549 in Charleston; families pay $4,205 compared with $3,862.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Charleston | Albany | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $933 | $1,426 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,800 | $2,900 |
| Average home value | $153,672 | $281,584 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,354 | $66,546 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,549 | $1,801 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,862 | $4,205 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 7.1% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 6.5% | 10.9% |
- As you consider relocating to Albany, note that rent can be roughly 66% 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 83% higher in Albany than in Charleston.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 12% higher in Albany compared to Charleston, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Plan for higher expenses in Albany, since the cost of living for a single person is 16% more than in Charleston. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Albany, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Albany is 9% more than it is in Charleston.
- The unemployment rate in Albany is 15% higher compared to Charleston, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 14% higher in Albany 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 68% higher in New York compared to West Virginia. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Charleston with Albany:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Albany |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $128.95 | $203.15 |
| Cell phone plan | $45.33 | $57.53 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.26 | $4.71 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.20 | $3.93 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $19.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $50.00 | $79.50 |
| Gym membership | $31.00 | $31.25 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in Albany, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Charleston than in Albany.
- Eggs are less expensive in Charleston than in Albany.
- Bread costs less in Charleston than in Albany.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Charleston than in Albany.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Charleston than in Albany.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Albany.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Albany
| Charleston | Albany | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 48,018 | 99,224 |
| Transportation score | 2 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 33 | 65 |
| Bike friendliness score | 28 | 55 |
| Crime index | 53.94 | 10.0 |
| Safety index | 46.06 | 49.65 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Albany’s population is about 107% greater than Charleston.
- Albany’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 2.
- Albany is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 65 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 33 out of 100.
- With a score of 55 out of 100, Albany 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.
- Albany’s crime rate is lower than Charleston with a score of 10.0 compared to Charleston’s 53.94. This means that Albany neighborhoods are safer than 10.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94%.
- Albany is considered to be safer than Charleston with a safety index of 49.65 vs Charleston’s 46.06.
- Air quality in Albany is Good, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Albany 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: New York requires moving companies to have a license and obtain a New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) number. A NYDOT license ensures your mover is in compliance with the state’s safety, insurance, and operational regulations. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a New York moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While New York 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 Albany smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers. They’re responsible for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, discuss alternatives with your 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 Albany
Now that you’ve chosen Smallbany as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Albany to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Center Square
- Hudson Park
- Park South
- Washington Park
- Mansion
- Downtown
- Historic Pastures
- Sheridan Hollow
- Melrose
- North Albany/Shaker Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Center Square
- Helderberg
- Melrose
- Park South
- Hudson Park
- New Scotland/Woodlawn
- Northside
- Union Street
- Buckingham Pond/Crestwood
Things to do in Albany
After getting comfortable in your new New York home, it’s time to see what Albany 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, Albany offers cultural landmarks like the New York State Museum, USS Slater DE-766, Albany Institute of History & Art, and The Irish American Heritage Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Washington Park and Albany Pine Bush Preserve — 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 Albany Great Danes (America East)Saint Rose Golden Knights (NE-10) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Albany?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Charleston to Albany 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 Albany?
Because spring and fall moves from Charleston to Albany 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 Albany take?
A move of 654 miles from Charleston, WV to Albany, generally takes one to six days. Movers in Charleston sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Albany 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
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