charleston to az

---
title: "Moving from Charleston, WV to Arizona: Cost, Top Movers & What to Expect"
description: "Planning a move from Charleston, WV to Arizona? Get real cost estimates, top mover reviews, and key info on the 1,886-mile route before you book."
author: Sean Sullivan
keywords: ["moving from Charleston to Arizona", "Charleston WV to Arizona movers", "Charleston to Arizona moving cost", "Charleston WV moving companies", "long distance movers Charleston WV", "Charleston WV moving companies reviews", "interstate movers Charleston"]
---

If you're planning a move from Charleston, WV to [Arizona](/movers/arizona), you're looking at roughly 1,886 miles — a serious long-haul that deserves more than just grabbing whoever answers the phone first. I've gone through the local options so you can figure out who's worth calling, what to budget, and what actually changes once you get there.

Before we get into companies: use the [moving cost calculator](/calculator) to get a ballpark tied to your specific home size and timing. The ranges below are solid starting points, but your actual quote shifts based on when you move, how much stuff you're hauling, and which services you add.

## Top Moving Companies in Charleston for Your Move to Arizona

Out of the Charleston, WV movers that handle interstate work, five stand out for this route. Here's how they rank:

1. Central Van & Storage, Inc. — 4.58 / 5
2. Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems — 4.16 / 5
3. Dunbar Transfer — 3.98 / 5
4. Evans Van & Storage — 3.98 / 5
5. Positive Moves — 3.84 / 5

### Central Van & Storage, Inc.

**37 Jacobson Drive, Charleston, WV 25159 | DOT #: 076235 | 28 years in business**

4.5/5 — [7 Yelp reviews](https://www.yelp.com/biz/central-van-lines-poca) | [130 Google reviews](https://www.google.com/search?q=central+van+%26+storage+inc.+google+reviews&ei=SjhNY5soxvfAA8-zrKAC&oq=Central+Van+%26+Storage%2C+Inc.+google+) | [BBB: A+](https://www.bbb.org/us/wv/poca/profile/moving-companies/central-van-storage-of-charleston-inc-0282-5003560)

75% positive across 16 reviews. Customers consistently highlight careful item handling, friendly crews, and reliable communication. The 25% negative reviews center on property damage and billing disputes — that last point matters on a long-distance move. Get your estimate in writing and document your belongings before anything gets loaded. Central Van handles local, interstate, and international moves, plus specialty items like pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, and art. Full-valuation coverage and storage are available.

**Phone:** (800) 753-1898

### Dunbar Transfer

**134 Bel Aire Dr, Tornado, WV 25202 | DOT #: 1186580**

3.9/5 — [2 Yelp reviews](https://www.yelp.com/biz/dunbar-transfer-tornado-2)

100% positive from a small review pool. Customers flag quick execution, punctuality, and crews that handle stairs and tight spaces without fuss. With limited reviews, I wouldn't over-index on the perfect score — but no negative feedback on record is at least a clean signal. Handles local and interstate moves, packing and unpacking, pianos, pool tables, and art.

**Phone:** (304) 722-1003

### Evans Van & Storage

**37 Jacobson Dr, Poca, WV | DOT #: 070851**

3.9/5 — [128 Google reviews](https://www.google.com/search?q=Evans+Van+%26+Storage+Poca%2C+WV)

93% positive out of 130 reviews — that's a meaningful sample. Customers praise professional staff, careful furniture handling, and a well-organized process. Affordability and scheduling flexibility come up repeatedly. The negatives — damaged or missing items, unexpected charges, poor follow-up — are rare but present. Handles full-service local and interstate moves, packing, crating, and storage.

**Phone:** (800) 437-4017

### Positive Moves

**841 57th St SE, Charleston, WV 25304**

3.8/5 — [4 Yelp reviews](https://www.yelp.com/biz/positive-moves-charleston) | [88 Google reviews](https://www.google.com/search?q=POSITIVE+MOVES+Charleston%2C+WV+25304)

93% positive feedback, with reviewers pointing to efficiency, care, and competitive rates. The handful of complaints mention property damage, late arrivals, and surprise charges. Worth noting: the service menu is leaner than others on this list — no packing or storage — so if you need specialty handling for pianos or antiques, confirm capability before booking.

**Phone:** (304) 590-0840

### Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems

**1301 7th Ave #A, Huntington, WV 25701 | DOT #: 587135 | 35 years in business**

4.1/5 — [5 Yelp reviews](https://www.yelp.com/biz/watts-brothers-moving-and-storage-huntington) | [23 Google reviews](https://www.google.com/search?q=Watts+Brothers+Moving+and+Storage+Systems+Huntington%2C+WV) | [BBB: A+](https://www.bbb.org/us/wv/huntington/profile/moving-companies/watts-brothers-moving-storage-systems-0282-5002771)

This one's split right down the middle — 50% positive, 50% negative out of 34 reviews. Praise covers polite crews, careful handling, and solid rates. The complaints go harder: lost valuables, damaged furniture, and management that doesn't follow up. A 50/50 split on a 1,886-mile move is a red flag I take seriously. Handles local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, crating, full-valuation coverage, and storage.

**Phone:** (304) 529-2360

## Specialty Moving Services in Charleston

Quick breakdown of which add-on capabilities these Charleston movers offer for this route:

- Interstate moves: 5 of 5 (100%)
- Pianos: 3 of 5 (60%)
- Art: 3 of 5 (60%)
- Antiques: 2 of 5 (40%)
- Fragile-only packing: 2 of 5 (40%)
- Small moves: 0 of 5 (0%)

If you're moving a piano, fine art, or antiques, verify capabilities before you commit — not every Charleston mover handles them.

## Cost to Move from Charleston, WV to Arizona

At roughly 1,886 miles, this firmly qualifies as a [long-distance move](/best/long-distance-movers), and the pricing reflects it. Here's the breakdown by home size and service type:

| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,192 – $5,048 | $1,119 – $2,659 | $1,044 – $1,949 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $3,388 – $7,226 | $1,955 – $3,698 | $1,096 – $2,319 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,210 – $10,224 | $2,492 – $4,978 | $1,367 – $2,810 |

*Cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 1,886-mile move from Charleston, WV to Arizona. Your final quote will vary based on move size, optional services, access or parking challenges, fuel costs, and timing. Always compare estimates from multiple movers before you commit.*

### Cost to Hire Movers from Charleston to Arizona

For a studio or one-bedroom, you're looking at $1,192 to $5,048 with a full-service mover. A two- to three-bedroom home runs $3,388 to $7,226. A large four-bedroom-plus move comes in at $6,210 to $10,224. That's a wide spread — the gap between the low and high ends mostly comes down to company, season, and what services you add on.

### Cost of Moving Containers from Charleston to Arizona

[Moving containers](/best/moving-containers) are a reasonable middle ground if you want flexibility without driving a truck nearly 1,900 miles yourself. For a small load, expect $1,119 to $2,659. Two to three bedrooms typically runs $1,955 to $3,698. Larger four-plus bedroom moves fall between $2,492 and $4,978.

### Cost of Rental Trucks from Charleston to Arizona

A [rental truck](/best/truck-rentals) is the cheapest option on paper — studio or one-bedroom runs $1,044 to $1,949, two to three bedrooms $1,096 to $2,319, and four-plus bedrooms $1,367 to $2,810. These figures include estimated fuel. The catch: you're doing all the driving, loading, and unloading across nearly 1,900 miles. That's three-plus days behind the wheel. It's not free — it just trades money for your time and labor.

## What Drives Moving Costs from Charleston to Arizona

A few variables that'll push your number up or down:

- **Move size:** More rooms, more stuff — bigger truck, more labor, higher cost. Straightforward, but it's the biggest lever you can pull.
- **Time of year:** Summer is peak season. Charleston movers charge more from May through August because demand spikes. Move in fall or winter and you'll likely get better rates and more scheduling flexibility.
- **DIY vs. professional:** Going the DIY route costs less upfront but means you're handling all the logistics of a cross-country drive. Factor in your time and energy honestly.

## What to Know Before Moving from Charleston to Arizona

### Cost of Living: Charleston vs. Arizona

The headline: Arizona is meaningfully more expensive than Charleston across almost every category. Here's the data:

| | Charleston, WV | Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $875 | $1,308 |
| Average home cost | $153,672 | $428,711 |
| Per capita income | $59,354 | $72,581 |
| Cost of living index | 81 | 107 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 3.6% |
| State income tax | 6.5% | 2.5% |

*Charleston sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation. Arizona sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo.*

What those numbers mean practically:

- **Rent** runs about 49% higher in Arizona than in [West Virginia](/movers/west-virginia). Factor that in before you sign a lease remotely.
- **Home prices** in Arizona are roughly 179% more than in Charleston. If you're buying, get pre-approved before you go.
- **Incomes** are about 22% higher in Arizona — that helps offset the cost difference, but doesn't fully close the gap.
- **Cost of living** overall is about 32% higher in Arizona. A real budget review before the move isn't optional; it's essential.
- **Unemployment** is roughly 42% lower in Arizona — a healthier job market by any measure.
- **State income tax** in Arizona (2.5%) is significantly lower than West Virginia's (6.5%). That's real money back in your pocket each year.

### How Life Changes from Charleston to Arizona

Beyond the finances, here's what shifts day to day:

| | Charleston, WV | Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 48,018 | 7,431,344 |
| Political leaning | Republican 56-42 | Democrat 56-44 |
| Summer high | 86°F | 99°F |
| Winter low | 24°F | 34°F |
| Annual rain | 46″ | 12″ |
| Annual snow | 28″ | 6″ |
| Crime index | 53.94 | 24.89 |

*Charleston sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces. Arizona sources: Wikipedia, NeighborhoodScout.*

A few things worth flagging specifically:

- **Summer heat:** Arizona averages 99°F in the summer — that's a real adjustment from Charleston's 86°F ceiling. Expect higher energy bills from air conditioning. The tradeoff is winter: Arizona lows average 34°F versus Charleston's 24°F, and you'll swap 28 inches of annual snow for about 6.
- **Rainfall:** Going from 46 inches per year to 12 is a noticeable shift. More sun, more time outdoors, and far fewer rain-related interruptions.
- **Crime:** Arizona's crime index of 24.89 is substantially lower than Charleston's 53.94. That difference tends to show up in day-to-day quality of life.
- **Scale:** You're leaving a city of 48,000 for a state of 7.4 million. Urban density, commute times, and pace of life will all feel different — especially if you're heading to Phoenix or Tucson.
- **Politics:** Charleston leans Republican (56-42); Arizona recently shifted to lean Democrat (56-44). Worth knowing if it factors into your decision.

### Other Considerations When Moving to Arizona

A few logistics that trip people up:

- **HOA rules:** Arizona has a heavy HOA presence. Before you schedule movers, check whether your new community has restrictions on moving truck access, allowed hours, or parking.
- **Elevator reservations:** Moving into a multi-unit building? Reserve the service elevator in advance — some buildings require 48 to 72 hours' notice.
- **Truck parking permits:** Some Arizona cities require permits for large moving vehicles parked on public streets. Check with your destination city before move day.
- **State licensing:** Arizona is considered largely "unregulated" for intrastate moves, but companies still fall under Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures oversight. Verify your mover is fully licensed before you hand over a deposit.
- **Moving insurance:** The default Released Value Protection most movers include covers 60 cents per pound per article — not replacement value. A 25-pound TV that gets damaged nets you $15 in reimbursement. For a nearly 1,900-mile move, I'd seriously look at full-value protection or a third-party policy before you load the truck.
- **Change of address:** Submit your USPS change of address at least one week before your move date. Set the official start date so your mail starts forwarding correctly from day one.
- **Moving checklist:** Use a [moving checklist](/resources/moving-checklist) to stay organized in the final stretch — it's the best way to avoid the scramble of realizing you forgot something in the last 48 hours.

## Things to Do in Arizona

Arizona has enough to keep you exploring for years after you arrive.

### Museums in Arizona

- Musical Instrument Museum
- Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
- Commemorative Air Force Museum
- Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park
- Jerome State Historic Park

### Parks in Arizona

- Canyon de Chelly National Monument
- Sunset Crater & Wupatki National Monuments
- Petrified Forest National Park
- Walnut Canyon National Monument
- Saguaro National Park

### Sports Teams in Arizona

- Arizona Cardinals (NFL)
- Phoenix Suns (NBA)
- Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB)
- Arizona Coyotes (NHL)
- Arizona Rattlers (IFL)

### Universities in Arizona

- Arizona State University
- Northern Arizona University
- University of Arizona
- American Indian College
- Carrington College

## FAQ

### How long does a move from Charleston to Arizona take?

For a professional interstate move at roughly 1,886 miles, plan for a transit window of five to sixteen days. Summer moves tend toward the longer end because movers are juggling higher volume. The most important thing: get a specific delivery window in writing before you sign anything. "Estimated delivery" with no defined range is how people end up on an air mattress for two weeks.

### How many Charleston movers offer custom crating for art or antiques?

One Charleston mover in this group offers custom-built crating for delicate or unusual items. If you're moving artwork, antiques, or electronics that need built-to-spec protection, confirm that capability — and capacity — before you book.

### What's the best way to move a car from Charleston to Arizona?

Driving a second vehicle nearly 1,900 miles is a significant undertaking. For most people, auto transport makes more sense. Check out our [car shipping guide](/best/car-shipping) to compare options for this route.

### Why are people moving from Charleston to Arizona?

Two main pulls: job market and weather. Arizona's unemployment rate runs roughly 42% lower than Charleston's, the state income tax rate is significantly lower, and the climate is reliably dry and sunny. For people coming from a colder, wetter environment, it's a substantial quality-of-life shift — and the income gap helps partially offset the higher cost of living.

### Where can I find long-distance movers for this route?

Start with our [long-distance movers](/best/long-distance-movers) list. [SafeShip Moving](/company/safe-ship-moving) is one operator I've found reliable for interstate moves of this distance — they coordinate the full move and tend to communicate clearly on delivery windows, which matters a lot on a haul this long. Get quotes from at least three companies before you decide.

### Do movers in Charleston accept cash?

Four of the five Charleston movers listed here accept cash. That said, I'd recommend a traceable payment method — credit card or check — for a move this size. It gives you a paper trail if something goes wrong. Most movers collect a deposit at booking and the balance at pickup or delivery. Confirm the payment schedule and accepted methods before you sign anything.

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Ready to see what your specific move will actually cost? Use our [moving cost calculator](/calculator) and compare quotes from Charleston movers before you commit to anything.