Local moving companies in Charleston
Out of 10 Charleston movers that can handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Illinois.
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Smooth Move Charleston: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Low Country Moving, LLC: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- Cougar Moving: 4.12 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.16 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 9792-B
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 9823
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2357653
Alternate Names: Go Smooth Move, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2362770
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
Company Info
Pricing: $124/hr
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2868021
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Local moving services in Charleston, SC
At a glance, the number of Charleston movers with specialty add-ons:
Cost to move from Charleston, SC to Illinois
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Charleston to Illinois with different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,124 – $4,185 | $793 – $1,851 | $611 – $1,192 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,372 – $5,303 | $1,366 – $2,766 | $693 – $1,362 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,674 – $7,520 | $2,033 – $3,703 | $878 – $1,654 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 926-mile move from Charleston, SC, to Illinois using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. moveBuddha collects and verifies thousands of prices from movers nationwide, then updates the figures monthly to reflect seasonal changes and market dynamics. Your total may vary with load size, extra services, access or parking hurdles, fuel prices, and your move date. Get several mover quotes to better validate pricing.
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Illinois
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Charleston to Illinois typically costs between $1,124 and $4,185. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,372 and $5,303. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,674 up to $7,520.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Illinois
If you’re relocating from Charleston to Illinois, you’ll typically spend between $793 and $1,851 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,366 up to $2,766. If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $2,033 and $3,703. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Charleston.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to Illinois
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 from Charleston to Illinois, expect to pay between $611 and $1,192. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $693 to $1,362. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $878 and $1,654.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors influencing moving costs from Charleston to IL
The cost of a move in Charleston can change based on:
- Move size: The amount of items you have, as well as your home size and layout, will impact the total cost of your relocation.
- Time of year: Peak summer months in Charleston often come with higher moving rates.
- DIY vs. professional mover: Handling the move yourself lowers costs but adds stress; pros cost more but save time and effort.
What you should know before moving from Charleston to IL
Relocating from Charleston to Illinois could mean a change in lifestyle and might also help you save some money. The cost of living in Charleston is generally higher, so moving could provide a chance for more budget-friendly living.
Explore the detailed cost of living analysis below to see how Charleston fares against Illinois, so you’re well-prepared for what’s next.
Compare cost of living: Charleston vs. Illinois
| Charleston, SC | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $2,500 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $559,231 | $249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,294 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 112 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 4.95% |
Illinois sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 53% lower in Illinois than in Charleston, giving you extra breathing room in your budget.
- In Illinois, home prices are about 55% lower than in Charleston, easing your mortgage burden.
- Exciting news: the average income is about 26% higher in Illinois than in Charleston, so you’ll likely have more room to save or invest.
- The cost of living is around 20% lower in Illinois than in Charleston, freeing up money for savings or lifestyle upgrades.
- In Illinois, the unemployment rate is about 32% higher than in Charleston, which could make the job market more competitive for newcomers.
- Illinois’s income tax rates are about 29% lower than South Carolina’s, so you’ll keep more of what you earn.
How life is different in Charleston, SC from Illinois
When planning a move from Charleston to Illinois, you’ll be in for some changes, including new weather, a different community feel, and a unique political scene. Here’s what awaits when you leave the Charleston behind for life in Illinois.
| Charleston, SC | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 150,277 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 56-43 | Democratic 55-45 |
| Summer high | 89ºF | 86ºF |
| Winter low | 39ºF | 17ºF |
| Annual rain | 48″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 0″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 44.97 | 19.7 |
Illinois Sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, both Charleston and Illinois voted Democratic.
- Summer highs typically reach about 86ºF in Illinois and 89ºF in Charleston. With similar temperatures, you shouldn’t have much trouble adjusting to the climate. Remember to also consider humidity, general weather patterns, and energy expenses to really understand what summer will feel like in your new home.
- Colder winters await in Illinois, where lows average 17ºF, compared to Charleston at 39ºF. This shift means more heating costs and brisker weather, but also unique seasonal charm and activities.
- In Illinois, rainfall totals about 40 inches a year, less than the 48 inches you’re used to in Charleston. More sunshine and fewer rainy days make it easier to get outside and enjoy your new home.
- Illinois gets about 22 inches of snow each year, while Charleston sees none. Moving to Illinois means preparing for snowy winters — beautiful scenery and seasonal activities, but also shoveling, upkeep, and winter gear.
- Illinois has a lower crime index of 19.7 versus Charleston at 44.97, suggesting safer neighborhoods and fewer safety concerns overall.
Other considerations when moving to Illinois
If you’re relocating from Charleston to Illinois, there’s more involved than simply packing up and hiring movers. Don’t forget to look into local regulations, permits, and any other logistics that could impact your 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 you find out how to reserve it for your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for moving trucks or oversized vehicles, so be sure to find out ahead of time if you’ll need one for your move.
- State licensing: In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Double-check that your moving company is fully licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can easily verify a Illinois moving license anytime on the state’s official regulatory site.
- Moving permits: Illinois does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can select your official move date to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Illinois without a hitch. Get started here.
- Moving insurance: Insurance rules aren’t the same everywhere. They change depending on the state. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items’ full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Move with confidence using our moving checklist. It keeps you organized and covers all the details, letting you stress less and focus on settling into your new place.
Things to do in Illinois
Whether you love parks, museums, sports, or college-town energy, Illinois has plenty for you to discover and enjoy.
Museums in Illinois
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- Caterpillar Visitors Center
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site
- Museum of Hummels
Parks in Illinois
- Starved Rock State Park
- Matthiessen State Park
- Illinois Beach State Park
- Pere Marquette State Park
- Kankakee river State Park
Sports teams in Illinois
- Chicago Cubs (MLB)
- Chicago White Sox (MLB)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
- Chicago Sky (WNBA)
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
Universities in Illinois
- University of Chicago
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Northwestern University
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- Northern Illinois University
FAQ
How long does a move from Charleston to Illinois take?
The time it takes to move from Charleston, SC, to Illinois ultimately depends on the moving method you choose. But on average it will take two to seven days. Deliveries will likely take longer during the busy summer months.
For the fastest turnaround, ask your moving company for an estimated delivery window before booking.
Do movers in Charleston offer custom-built crate services?
Four movers in Charleston list custom crating, a useful option for fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped items. Before you book, ask a Charleston mover about crate specs and whether they can tailor the build to your needs.
What is the best way to get a car from Charleston to Illinois?
Need to ship your car from Charleston to Illinois? Go with a team that takes professionalism and car care seriously, with proven experience to match. See our top choices for car shipping from South Carolina to Illinois.
Why are people moving from Charleston to Illinois?
Many people are moving to Illinois because of its home of Chicago and ample economic opportunity.
Read more about the Pros & cons of moving to Illinois.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Charleston?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Charleston.
Is cash an option to pay for a move from Charleston, SC?
THere are currently, four movers in Charleston that allow customers to pay with cash. Keep in mind that cash remains the exception; most carriers want traceable payments and digital receipts. Standard process is to pay a deposit to secure the date and crew. You’ll pay the remainder at pickup or after delivery—verify the exact timing and acceptable methods before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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