Top-rated movers to make your Charleston to Houston move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Charleston that offers long-distance services to Houston can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed five top local movers in Charleston who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Charleston to Houston.
- 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 Houston?
In West Virginia, moving services typically cost around per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,188 – $5,186 | $899 – $2,070 | $728 – $1,413 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,755 – $6,301 | $1,517 – $3,164 | $810 – $1,730 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,456 – $8,202 | $2,073 – $4,267 | $1,027 – $1,968 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Houston
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Houston from Charleston, you can expect prices to land between $1,188 and $5,186. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,755 to $6,301 for the trip from Charleston to Houston. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $4,456 and $8,202.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Houston
Moving containers from Charleston to Houston will cost you $899 to $2,070 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,517 to $3,164. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,073 to $4,267. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of West Virginia.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to Houston
Renting a moving truck from Charleston to Houston typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $728 and $1,413 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $810 to $1,730. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $1,027 to $1,968.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Charleston to Houston move
The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,295 for a one-bedroom, or up to $7,667 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Charleston.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $728 to $1,782, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Houston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Houston runs about 79% higher for singles and 85% higher for families than Charleston.
Singles spend around $2,770 in Charleston versus $1,549 in Charleston; families pay $7,157 compared with $3,862.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Charleston | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $933 | $1,658 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,800 | $3,195 |
| Average home value | $153,672 | $263,945 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,354 | $69,833 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,549 | $2,770 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,862 | $7,157 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 4.1% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 6.5% | 0.0% |
- Planning a move to Houston? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 77% higher than in Charleston, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Houston are about 72% higher than those in Charleston.
- Exciting update: you’ll see an average income that’s about 18% higher in Houston compared to Charleston, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Houston, as living costs for a single person are 79% higher than in Charleston. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you’re moving your family to Houston, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Houston is 85% higher than in Charleston.
- The unemployment rate in Houston is about 34% lower than in Charleston. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes in Houston are 18% more than in Charleston, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Texas has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Charleston and Houston:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $128.95 | $200.52 |
| Cell phone plan | $45.33 | $60.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.26 | $4.11 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.20 | $3.05 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $50.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $31.00 | $38.29 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in Houston, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Charleston than in Houston.
- Eggs are less expensive in Charleston than in Houston.
- Bread costs less in Charleston than in Houston.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Charleston than in Houston.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Charleston than in Houston.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Houston.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Houston
| Charleston | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 48,018 | 2,301,572 |
| Transportation score | 2 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 33 | 47 |
| Bike friendliness score | 28 | 49 |
| Crime index | 53.94 | 63.5 |
| Safety index | 46.06 | 36.5 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Houston’s population is about 4693% greater than Charleston.
- Houston’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 2.
- Houston is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 47 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 33 out of 100.
- With a score of 49 out of 100, Houston 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.
- Houston’s crime rate is higher than Charleston with a score of 63.5 compared to Charleston’s 53.94. This means that Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94%.
- Houston is considered to be less safe than Charleston with a score of 36.5 vs Charleston’s 46.06.
- Air quality in Houston is Good, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Houston move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Texas’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Texas does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Houston. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It’s crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Houston
Planning your move to HOU? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Houston.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Greenway/Upper Kirby
- Montrose
- Museum District
Best neighborhoods for families
- Clear Lake City
- Friendswood
- Kingwood
- Memorial
- Sugar Land
Things to do in Houston
After settling into your new Texas home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Houston has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Houston features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Children’s Museum of Houston, The Menil Collection, and Houston Museum of Natural Science.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Hermann Park, Terry Hershey Park, Lake Houston Park, and Memorial Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Houston Texans (NFL)Houston Astros (MLBHouston Dash (NWSL)Houston Dynamo FC (MLS)Houston Rockets (NBA)Houston SaberCats (MLR) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Houston?
Planning your move from Charleston to Houston? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Charleston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Houston?
Because most people are moving from Charleston to Houston in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Charleston to Houston take?
The 1,164-mile journey from Charleston, WV to Houston, , typically takes two to eight days. Some movers in Charleston offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Houston.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Charleston?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Charleston, 3 movers can manage piano relocations. 2 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, West Virginia has 5 piano movers and 4 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
Helpful moving resources
Charleston moving services
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