Best 5 Movers in Charleston, WV

The vibrant city of Charleston, West Virginia has residents who count on the services of a professional mover when relocating. Save yourself the need to juggle your move by hiring a moving company. We've put together a list of the best local and long-distance moving companies in Charleston below.

Here are our picks for the top movers in Charleston for local and long-distance relocations.

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Charleston

Make an informed choice by taking the following factors into consideration when deciding on a mover in Charleston.

Determine Your Budget

Local movers in Charleston charge an average hourly rate of $60. A two-bedroom move in the area costs around $4,249 in total. Your actual costs will vary depending on the season, move distance, any additional tasks you need your movers to handle, and your home size.

Consider getting quotes from three or more movers in your area to make an informed choice. Written estimates are important in this process. They should contain a total cost breakdown, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep your mover's estimate readily available until the move is completed to ensure fair pricing.

Read Customer Reviews

Positive customer feedback is important for all moving companies. Visit sites such as Yelp, Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, Google Reviews, and social media to gain insights into the typical customer experience with that mover.

Ensure Proper Licensing

Moving companies in Charleston must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are only moving intrastate, verify that your mover has a Certificate of Convenience & Necessity from the West Virginia Public Service Commission.

The requirements are a bit different if you're moving to or from another state. In this case, choose a moving company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The team should also have active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can see a company's registration status on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.

Services

Assessing whether the mover provides the services you need is essential during the quote process. Get ready for the quote process by taking a detailed inventory of your possessions and writing down any services you might require. Notify the moving company about any particular conditions or needs to evaluate if the company is a good fit.

Types of Moving Services

For basic moves, full-service movers will include the following moving services in the starting cost:

• Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
• Loading and unloading
• Released liability coverage for loss or damage

Ensure that your moving company is informed of any special services you require during the quote process. Additional fees may apply for the following services:

• Crating for art or antiques
• Extra flights of stairs
• Long carries
• Packing
• Piano moving
• Storage
• Unpacking
• Vehicle shipping

Tips To Consider When Moving in Charleston, WV

Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when relocating to, from, or within Charleston.

Schedule an Early Move

The morning and evening rush hours in Charleston are widely known for their extreme traffic congestion. Movers stuck in traffic can also lead to higher costs when charged an hourly rate. We recommend planning before morning rush hour, which makes sure the movers avoid heavy traffic and complete the move before evening.

Avoid Busy Season

May to September marks the peak moving season and Charleston's hottest time of the year. Moving at this time can slow or worsen your move, especially if you start searching for a mover too close to your move. The high demand could lead to limited availability with your desired mover. By planning and booking at least eight weeks before your move, you should be able to secure your desired moving company. However, keep in mind the possibility that the hot weather could make the move more difficult for your movers.

Pack in Advance

Most moving companies handle same-day packing requests similarly. Movers will not move loose items that haven’t been packed when your move is scheduled to begin in many cases. You should start packing around six weeks before your move. Pack a few boxes every day to avoid rushing on the day of your move. Your movers may have some extra boxes with them for last-minute packing, but you shouldn’t depend on it.

How Much do Movers Cost in Charleston, WV

Movers in Charleston cost $2,643.13 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,230.26 to move a larger 4 bedroom house the same distance. See the chart below for more moving estimates, and contact a moving company for a more accurate quote specific to your situation.

Moving Data Sources

CDC Wonder

U.S. Census

Bureau of Labor Statistics