Fact Checked by: Quick answer: For a 2,594-mile move from Charleston to Olympia, expect to spend around $1,953–$9,357 and seven to 21 days in transit. Cost and time vary by move size, date, and whether you're going DIY or using a moving company.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Olympia to Charleston guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best Professional Movers from Charleston to Olympia
Picking a long-distance moving company for your move from Charleston to Olympia isn't easy — there are tons of options out there, and figuring out who's reliable (and who's not) can feel like a real challenge.
No need to stress about sifting through endless options — we've already done the homework for you. Our picks are based on real reviews, pricing, and the range of services offered.
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Safeway Moving
 Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran owned |
American Van Lines
Certified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-owned |
Allied Van Lines
Specialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experience |
Mayzlin Relocation
Family owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricing |
North American Van Lines
1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans |
How we chose the best moving companies for your WV to WA move
Local moving companies in Charleston
- Bellhop Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Flex Moving & Storage: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Central Van & Storage, Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Dunbar Transfer: 3.9 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving, Bellhops, Inc., Bellhops
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 3
DOT #: 3610638
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
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
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
How much does it cost to move from Charleston to Olympia?
Charleston movers charge $141 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 | $1,721 - $7,224 | $1,733 - $3,938 | $1,714 - $3,459 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,573 - $9,357 | $3,017 - $6,157 | $1,953 - $4,076 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $8,960 - $15,250 | $3,912 - $8,461 | $2,371 - $4,848 |
Cost to hire movers from West Virginia to Washington
Planning a move from West Virginia to Washington? For a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,721 and $7,224. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $4,573 and $9,357 for the same journey (WV to WA). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $8,960 to $15,250.
Cost of moving containers from West Virginia to Washington
Moving containers from West Virginia to Washington will cost you $1,733 to $3,938 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $3,017 to $6,157. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,912 to $8,461. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of West Virginia.
Cost of moving truck rentals from West Virginia to Washington
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, 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 $1,714 and $3,459. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,953 to $4,076. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $2,371 and $4,848.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors influencing moving costs from Charleston to Olympia
What to know before moving from Charleston to Olympia
Moving from Charleston to Olympia comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Olympia is generally more expensive than Charleston, it's important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Charleston | Olympia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $875 | $1,895 |
| Average home value | $153,672 | $508,798 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,354 | $66,492 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,549 | $2,473 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,862 | $5,391 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 5.6% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 9.4% |
| State income tax | 6.5% | 0.0% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in Olympia, since prices are typically 117% higher than in Charleston.
- The home prices in Olympia are 231.1% higher than in Charleston, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- You’re likely to make a higher income living in Olympia, where incomes are, on average, 12.0% higher than in Charleston. Major employers in Olympia include Washington State ESD, The Evergreen State College, and Employment Security Department.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Olympia, since the cost of living for a single person in Olympia is 59.7% higher than in Charleston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you're moving your family to Olympia, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Olympia is 39.6% higher than in Charleston.
- The unemployment rate in Olympia is 9.68% lower than in Charleston.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Olympia, since its sales taxes are 34.29% higher than what you are paying in Charleston.
- One perk of moving to Olympia is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Charleston.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,789.54 in Olympia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charleston.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Olympia
| Olympia | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 55,605 | 48,018 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 39 | 33 |
| Bike friendliness score | 59 | 28 |
| Crime Index | 27.95 | 53.94 |
| Safety Index | 62.25 | 46.06 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Olympia's population is about 16% greater than Charleston.
- Olympia's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Charleston's lower score of 2.
- Olympia is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 39 out of 100 vs Charleston's 33 out of 100.
- With a score of 59 out of 100, Olympia is more bike-friendly than Charleston, which has a score of 28 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Olympia's crime rate is lower than Charleston with a score of 27.95 compared to Charleston's 53.94. This means that Olympia neighborhoods are safer than 27.95% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94%.
- Olympia is considered to be safer than Charleston with a safety index of 62.25 vs Charleston's 46.06.
- Air quality in Olympia is good, and in Charleston it's good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston vs. Olympia move
- Weather: July, August and September are the driest months in Olympia, WA and so it would be best to plan moving during these months. Snow and rain might be a challenge deo relocation during the colder months, specially during December and January.
- 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: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a Washington moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Washington, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Olympia Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. When planning a move in Washington state, explore movers' insurance options for added peace of mind. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your protection by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans with third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Washington state moving insurance.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Olympia
Ready to relocate to Oly? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Olympia.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- South Capitol
- Eastside
- North East
- Bigelow
- Wellington West
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bigelow Highlands
- Woodfield Estates
- Governor Stevens
- Carlyon-North
- Wellington West
Things to do in Olympia
Now that you've made the move to Washington it's the perfect time to explore Olympia From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Olympia features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Hands On Children's Museum, Olympic Flight Museum, WET Science Center, Bigelow House Museum, and Childhood's End Gallery.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, Squaxin Park, Percival Landing, and Tolmie State Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Olympia?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Charleston to Olympia 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 Olympia?
Because most people are moving from Charleston to Olympia 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 Olympia take?
Moving from Charleston, WV to Olympia, WA covers 2,594 miles and usually takes seven to 21 days Need to move faster? Some Charleston movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Olympia.
