How Much Do Lake Charles, LA Movers Cost?

Quick answer: The typical cost for hiring movers in Lake Charles is $127 per hour, with the total cost to move ranging from $650 to $4,376, on average. If you’re moving out of Louisiana, the cost of hiring long-distance movers in Lake Charles really depends on where you’re moving.

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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount

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Average cost to hire a local moving company in Lake Charles, LA

Hiring a full-service Lake Charles mover is definitely the most convenient option, but that convenience comes at a cost — professional movers tend to be more expensive than other moving options. If you want movers to do all the heavy lifting for you and you can afford it, hire a full-service moving company for your Lake Charles move.

If you want to save money, you can hire a container company, where you do the packing and loading and they transport your belongings in Lake Charles for you, or by renting a moving truck and handling it all on your own.

Here are the average moving costs from Lake Charles to another state with different types of movers:

Destination Professional Movers Containers Rental Trucks
Jacksonville $2,273 - $6,064 $1,418 - $2,835 $565 - $1,263
Virginia Beach $2,846 - $6,194 $1,650 - $3,517 $840 - $1,872
Portland $3,886 - $7,928 $2,226 - $5,001 $1,492 - $3,048

And here's how much professional movers cost in Lake Charles based on your move size:

Home size Avg. total cost Cost/hour # of movers # hours
Studio $650 $178 2 movers 3 hours
1 bedroom $828 $178 2 movers 4 hours
2 bedroom $1,219 $249 3 movers 5 hours
3 bedroom $2,560 $348 4 movers 8 hours
4 bedroom $2,908 $348 4 movers 9 hours
5+ bedroom $4,376 $488 5 movers 10 hours
  • Studio: The average cost to hire movers in Lake Charles to move a studio apartment is $178 per hour for three hours using a two-person moving crew.
  • One bedroom: Moving a one-bedroom Lake Charles apartment or home will typically take four hours, at an hourly rate of $178, and require two movers.
  • Two bedrooms: It will cost $249 an hour, on average, to hire a three-person crew in Lake Charles to move a two-bedroom home. Two-bedroom moves usually take about five hours.
  • Three bedrooms: Local Lake Charles movers charge an average hourly rate of $348 for a three-bedroom home. A move of this size will usually take eight hours to complete using four movers.
  • Four bedrooms: For a four-bedroom house in Lake Charles, you can expect to pay $348 per hour for nine hours. You’ll likely need a four-person moving crew.
  • Five or more bedrooms: If your Lake Charles home is a five-bedroom or larger, you will pay $488 an hour, on average, for five movers. Moves this size usually take about ten hours to complete.

It's worth noting the cost per hour for Lake Charles movers remains the same for all home sizes, ranging from $178 per hour for two movers to $488 per hour for five movers. As the size of your home increases, the number of movers and hours required for the move also increases, resulting in a higher total cost.

Overall, hiring local Lake Charles movers is a convenient and stress-free way to move within the city. By knowing the approximate cost for your home size, you can budget accordingly and make informed decisions for your upcoming move.

Easily compare personalized moving quotes for your Lake Charles move using our free and instant moving cost calculator.

Best local moving companies in Lake Charles, LA

Our expert team of analysts has dug deep into licensing, insurance options, online reviews, and hundreds of other data points to find you the best local moving companies in Lake Charles.

  1. Two Men and a Truck: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  2. Acadiana Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
  3. Bayou Services of Lake Charles, LLC: 4.42 out of 5 stars
  4. Heaven on Earth Moving Service LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
Pros
  • Efficient service (82%)
  • Professional and polite staff (75%)
  • Careful handling (72%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (28%)
  • Unexpected charges (25%)
  • Lack of communication (22%)
Review Analysis
Two Men and a Truck has 226 customer reviews, with 82% of them being positive. Many customers praised the company for its efficient service and professional movers who handled their belongings with care. Customers appreciated the good communication throughout the moving process. On the downside, some feedback pointed out issues with damage to items and unexpected charges, which left a few customers dissatisfied. Overall, this company stands out for its reliability and quality service compared to others in the moving industry.
Get a Quote (337) 366-8056

Company Info

State license #: 7915

Years in Business: 13

DOT #: 2527384


Two Men and a Truck, serving Lafayette, LA and surrounding areas since 2012, has built a solid reputation for local residential moving services. Unlike many nearby moving companies, they boast a high Google My Business rating of 4.8 from 393 reviews and an A+ BBB rating, indicating high customer satisfaction. Specialized in both packing and unpacking services, they also provide labor-only assistance, ensuring a flexible moving experience. With no deposit required and easy credit card acceptance, Two Men and a Truck stands out as a reliable and customer-friendly choice for local moves.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
Pros
  • Efficient service (50%)
  • Professional and polite staff (33%)
  • Careful handling (33%)
Cons
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (50%)
  • Lack of communication (33%)
  • Unfriendly or rude staff (33%)
Review Analysis
Acadiana Movers has 6 customer feedback entries, with 50% being positive. Customers praised the company for their efficient service and professional staff, highlighting their punctuality and careful handling of belongings. However, negative experiences included issues with delayed service, poor communication, and unprofessional behavior. Overall, while some customers had great experiences, others faced significant challenges, making it crucial for potential clients to consider both sides before choosing this moving company.
Get a Quote (337) 233-8954

Company Info

Years in Business: 15

DOT #: 1996186


Acadiana Movers, established in 2011, offers top-notch local residential moving services in and around Lafayette, LA, setting them apart from many nearby moving companies. Their comprehensive offerings include office moving, packing and unpacking services, and specialized handling of pianos, art, and antiques. With a stellar Google rating averaging 4.5 from 116 reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they stand out as a reliable and reputable choice for local moves. Despite a lower rating on Yelp, their overall positive feedback and extensive service options make them a strong contender in the local moving industry.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card
Pros
  • Professional and polite staff (30%)
  • Efficient service (27%)
  • Good communication (23%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (12%)
  • Unexpected charges (8%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (6%)
Review Analysis
Bayou Services of Lake Charles, LLC has 173 customer reviews, with 93% being positive. Customers consistently praise the company for its professional and polite staff, as well as its efficient service. Many highlight the good communication throughout the moving process. On the downside, some customers reported damage to items during the move and mentioned issues with unexpected charges. Despite these negatives, the majority of feedback showcases Bayou Services as a reliable choice for moving and storage needs, often outperforming competitors in customer satisfaction.
Get a Quote (337) 602-6189

Company Info

Years in Business: 7

DOT #: 3013348


Bayou Services of Lake Charles, LLC has been the preferred choice for local residential moving in and around Lake Charles, LA since 2017. With a stellar Google My Business rating of 4.9 from 86 reviews and an A+ grade from the Better Business Bureau, they clearly surpass many competitors in the area. While their Yelp profile shows only one negative review, the overwhelming majority praise their dependable and efficient service. Bayou Services also stands out by offering packing, unpacking, and fragile-only packing services, catering to a variety of moving needs without requiring a deposit and accepting credit cards.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card
Pros
  • Professional and polite staff (32%)
  • Efficient service (30%)
  • Careful handling (28%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (22%)
  • Unexpected charges (18%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (15%)
Review Analysis
Heaven on Earth Moving Service LLC has 198 customer feedback entries, with 90% of them being positive. Many customers praised the company's professionalism, efficiency, and courteous staff. They highlighted the careful handling of belongings and excellent communication throughout the moving process. However, some feedback noted issues like damage to items and unexpected charges, which detracted from their experience. Despite these concerns, the majority of customers recommend this company, often stating it is the best moving service they have used compared to others.
Get a Quote (337) 358-6156

Company Info

State license #: 8215

Years in Business: 8

DOT #: 2999877


Heaven on Earth Moving Service LLC has been a trusted local moving company in Lake Charles, LA, since 2016, standing out for its exceptional customer service and reliability. With an impressive average rating of 4.8 on Google and a perfect 5.0 on Yelp, they boast a stellar reputation among their clients. Unlike many competitors, they offer specialized services such as piano and antique moving, as well as comprehensive packing and unpacking solutions. Their A+ Better Business Bureau rating further underscores their commitment to excellence, making them a top choice for those seeking dependable and high-quality local moving services.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOD certified

Visit our best movers in Lake Charles page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews. And if you’re moving outside of Lake Charles, consider one of Lake Charles’s top long-distance movers.

Average cost of PODS in Lake Charles, LA

PODS will cost $220–$7,448, on average, in Lake Charles. The exact PODS cost you’ll pay will depend on whether you use an eight-, 12-, or 16-foot container (note: 12-foot containers are only available for local moves). The distance of your move will also greatly impact cost.

A local Lake Charles move within 50 miles of your home will run between $220 and $813, while long-distance moves (100-250 miles) will typically cost $250–$2,107. Container pricing on cross-country moves from Lake Charles can cost an average range of $2,068–$7,448.

Here's a breakdown of related PODS costs:

  • Storage fee: $149–$359 (first 30 days is free)
  • Damage coverage: 10–$439.95 per month, depending on the protection plan. Coverage ranges from container-only (no contents protection) to $300,000. All plans have a deductible of $100.
  • Door lock (if necessary): $25 (if purchased through PODS; you can also purchase from home improvement stores or online retailers)

If you’re looking for the cost-savings of a DIY move and the convenience of full-service movers, moving containers like PODS are a great option. You’ll handle loading and unloading, but they will drop off your empty container at your current home, pick it up once it’s loaded, and deliver it to your new location. This means you won’t have to worry about driving.

PODS is our overall top pick for moving containers in Phoenix based on their stellar reputation, nationwide availability, and multiple container sizes and insurance plans. But you should take a look at least two other highly rated moving container companies on our list to see which one offers the right combination of services and pricing for your move.

Best moving containers in Lake Charles, LA

The best Lake Charles moving container companies provide multiple container sizes, pricing transparency and deals, and secure, state-of-the-art facilities for longer-term storage needs. They should also have a solid reputation for quality customer service and efficient drop-off and pickup of containers.

Check out these highly rated moving containers:

Best Nationwide Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
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At A Glance
  • Long distance moves only
  • Only pay for the space you use
  • No deposit or initial fees
  • Fast delivery time frames
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Average cost to rent a moving truck in Lake Charles, LA

You'll definitely have to break a sweat, but moving truck rentals in Lake Charles will be much easier on your wallet than full-service movers. The average cost to rent a moving truck in Lake Charles ranges from $19-$39 per day.

While cheaper than full-service moving companies, you’ll have to do all the heavy lifting yourself — from boxing up your belongings to loading them on the truck, hauling them to your new spot, and unloading everything there.

Here are the typical costs of Lake Charles rental trucks:

  • Base cost: $19–$39 per day
  • Mileage fee: $0.69–$0.89 per mile
  • Fuel cost: Depends on driving distance
  • Truck coverage: $20–$55 based on coverage level
  • Equipment costs (optional): Dolly, straps, blankets

The total cost to rent a truck from companies like Budget or U-Haul will depend on:

  • How far you drive the truck
  • How long you have the truck rental
  • Additional insurance
  • Parking
  • Toll fees
  • Fuel
  • Accommodations and dining
  • Moving equipment rentals

Best moving truck rentals in Lake Charles, LA

The best moving truck rentals in Lake Charles provide affordable rates with no hidden fees, a variety of truck sizes, and plenty of physical locations across the U.S. for convenient rental returns.

These top moving truck rentals certainly fit the bill:

Best Availability
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Check prices (800) 468-4285
At A Glance
  • More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
  • Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
  • Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
  • U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
read our full review
Check prices (800) 468-4285
Most Reliable
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Check prices (844) 847-9517
At A Glance
  • Limits environmental impact as part of the EPA's SmartWay Program
  • Non-slip flooring makes loading and unloading easier
  • Easily choose truck size with their Truck Wizard Tool
read our full review
Check prices (844) 847-9517
Best Value Rental
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • Competitive base prices with specialized discounts
  • Round-trip and one-way moves available
  • User-friendly website makes it easy to book the right truck
read our full review
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Average cost of labor-only moving companies in Lake Charles, LA

The average cost of labor-only moving companies in Lake Charles is an hourly rate of $64 for each crew member. Most moves — even small one-bedroom apartments — require a crew of two movers, so plan on about $127.0 per hour to hire labor assistance in Lake Charles.

Best labor-only moving companies in Lake Charles

The best Lake Charles labor-only movers have a reputation for professional and efficient service, but also provide reasonable hourly rates and a variety of optional services like packing that you can pick and choose from to create a customized plan suited to your specific needs.

We like these top-notch labor-only movers:

Best Labor Only
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
  • Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
  • $1,000 money-back service guarantee
  • Fast and accurate delivery times
  • Free damage coverage with additional coverage options
read our full review
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Best customer experience
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
(866) 774-5063
At A Glance
  • Quick and easy booking process
  • National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
  • Dedicated move concierge specialist
  • Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
  • The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them
read our full review
(866) 774-5063

Factors that affect the cost of movers in Lake Charles, LA

The biggest factor that affects the cost of movers in Lake Charles, LA, is distance, but there are several other price considerations to keep in mind, including:

  • The size of your move: The more belongings you have, the more your move will cost. Moving a four-bedroom home will typically be more expensive than moving a studio apartment.
  • When you move: You’ll usually pay more to move during peak season (May–September) because demand is higher. Similarly, the time of month and day of the week you book your move will impact cost. Demand will be higher the first and last of each month, when leases change over, and on Fridays and Saturdays, the most popular moving days. To save money on your move, consider booking during the week and in the middle of one of the off-season months, if possible.
  • The type of move: Professional movers are the most convenient option, but they will cost you more than going with a DIY option like moving container companies or moving truck rentals.
  • Any add-on services you select: Even if you go with a DIY move, you may want to hire third-party movers to assist you with loading and unloading. And professional movers offer a variety of optional services like packing and unpacking to help customize and streamline your relocation. But these additional services will come at an extra cost.

Quick tips for a stress-free move

  • Have important documentation. Places like high rises and managed apartments will often require a copy of your mover's insurance and elevator reservation on moving day.
  • Get approval. Check ahead with any neighborhood, community, or HOA rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Secure a parking permit (if needed). The parking administrator can limit parking on public streets in designated residential or special areas to only those vehicles with valid parking permits approved by the council, along with any other parking regulations they have authority over.
  • Check state licensing laws. If you’re using a legitimate moving company to relocate from one home or apartment within the state to another, look for a company regulated by the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC). During the pre-move screening process, families on the move should verify that prospective movers are registered and in good standing with the LPSC. In cases of substandard service, inflated costs, and unlicensed movers operating illegally, consumers may file a complaint, after which the commission will initiate an investigation.
  • Invest in moving insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for free coverage at 60 cents per pound from movers. For full-value protection, explore alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.

Work with your movers to ensure all these items are taken care of before moving day.

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