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 Iowa.
- 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
Quick breakdown of Charleston movers that offer specialty add-on services:
Cost to move from Charleston, SC to Iowa
The table below breaks down average costs for moves from Charleston to Iowa, varying by home size and service option.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,065 – $4,653 | $855 – $2,219 | $747 – $1,367 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,489 – $6,084 | $1,530 – $3,100 | $839 – $1,593 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,420 – $8,278 | $2,200 – $4,397 | $1,015 – $2,084 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 1,183-mile move from Charleston, SC, to Iowa using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. moveBuddha aggregates thousands of verified prices from movers nationwide, updating the data monthly to track seasonal patterns and market trends. Your final quote may differ due to move size, optional services, access or parking challenges, fuel costs, and timing. Always compare estimates from several movers for an accurate picture.
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Iowa
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Charleston to Iowa will cost between $1,065 and $4,653. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,489 to $6,084, and a large move will cost from $4,420 to $8,278.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Iowa
If you’re moving from Charleston to Iowa, expect to pay between $855 and $2,219 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,530 up to $3,100. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,200 and $4,397. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Charleston.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to Iowa
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck from Charleston to Iowa, expect to spend between $747 and $1,367. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $839 and $1,593. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,015 up to $2,084 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors influencing moving costs from Charleston to IA
When calculating the price of Charleston movers, consider:
- Move size: The bigger your home and the more stuff you have, the more expensive your move will be.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Charleston, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- DIY vs. professional mover: Going the DIY route can be less expensive but demands more effort compared to hiring experts.
What you should know before moving from Charleston to IA
Leaving Charleston for Iowa means embracing a new lifestyle — and likely saving some cash. Living in Charleston typically comes with a higher price tag, so your move could open the door to more affordable living.
Check out the cost of living comparison below to understand how Charleston and Iowa measure up, helping you to prepare for the future.
Compare cost of living: Charleston vs. Iowa
| Charleston, SC | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $2,500 | $914 |
| Average home cost | $559,231 | $220,277 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,294 | $70,571 |
| Cost of living index | 112 | 89 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 3.0% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 4.4% |
Iowa sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 63% less expensive in Iowa compared to Charleston, leaving you more flexibility with your income.
- You’ll pay roughly 61% less for housing in Iowa compared to Charleston, saving you money each month.
- Expect incomes in Iowa to be about 13% higher than in Charleston, offering more opportunities to save or spend.
- You’ll spend roughly 21% less on the cost of living in Iowa compared to Charleston, a boost for your budget.
- In Iowa, the unemployment rate is about 25% below Charleston’s, a positive sign of healthier job opportunities.
- Iowa has income taxes about 37% lower than South Carolina, giving you more breathing room in your budget.
How life is different in Charleston, SC from Iowa
When relocating from Charleston to Iowa, get ready for some changes. From weather and population to politics, here’s how living in Iowa stacks up against life in the Charleston.
| Charleston, SC | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 150,277 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 56-43 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 89ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 39ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 48″ | 35″ |
| Annual snow | 0″ | 30″ |
| Crime index | 44.97 | 16.18 |
Iowa Sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, Iowa leaned Republican, while Charleston supported Democratic.
- Comparable summer highs of about 84ºF in Iowa match those of 89ºF in Charleston. With similarly warm temperatures, adjusting to your new climate might prove easy. Consider examining humidity, climate patterns, and energy demands for a full representation of how summers will unfold in your new home.
- Winter lows in Iowa can drop to 10ºF, colder than Charleston at 39ºF. Moving here means preparing for chillier winters, higher heating costs, and more intense seasonal weather — but also scenic snowy days and winter activities.
- You’ll enjoy about 35 inches of annual rain in Iowa, which is less than the 48 inches you’re used to in Charleston. That means brighter skies, extra outdoor time, and fewer rainy-day interruptions.
- Iowa gets about 30 inches of snow each year, while Charleston sees none. Moving to Iowa means preparing for snowy winters — beautiful scenery and seasonal activities, but also shoveling, upkeep, and winter gear.
- Iowa has a lower crime rate than Charleston, with indexes at 16.18 vs 44.97. A lower crime rate usually means safer neighborhoods and extra peace of mind.
Other considerations when moving to Iowa
If you’re moving from Charleston to Iowa, there’s more to do than just booking a moving crew and transporting your stuff. Be sure you’re on top of local regulations, permits, and any logistics that might affect your move.
- HOA rules: Confirm whether your HOA has any moving restrictions or requirements before scheduling your movers.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Certain cities ask you to get parking permits for moving trucks or large vehicles. Check in advance to see if you’ll need one for your move.
- State licensing: When moving within Iowa, make sure to hire a company that is licensed by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Each household goods mover in the state should have an Iowa Motor Carrier (IOWAMC) Number, which means they’ve met minimum insurance and highway safety requirements. Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check a Iowa moving license anytime on the state’s official regulatory website.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Iowa, but make sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Iowa. Get started here.
- Moving insurance: Insurance requirements vary from state to state. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Use a checklist to move with confidence. Our moving checklist keeps you organized and ensures everything’s covered, so you can relax and focus on the move.
Things to do in Iowa
No matter what you’re into, from parks and museums to sports or college-town vibes—Iowa is packed with things for you to explore and enjoy.
Museums in Iowa
- National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
- Figge Art Museum
- National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
- The Putnam Museum & Science Center
- Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
Parks in Iowa
- Vander Veer Botanical Park
- Gray’s Lake Park
- Pappajohn Sculpture Park
- Eagle Point Park
- Terry Trueblood Recreational Area
Sports teams in Iowa
- Iowa Wolves (NBA G League)
- Iowa Hawkeyes (NCAA)
- Northern Iowa Panthers (NCAA)
- Iowa State Cyclones (NCAA)
- Drake Bulldogs (NCAA)
Universities in Iowa
- Iowa State University
- University of Iowa
- University of Northern Iowa
- Maharishi International University
- Grinnell College
FAQ
How long does a move from Charleston to Iowa take?
Curious about how long it’ll take to move from Charleston, SC to Iowa? Typically, the process takes about two to eight days, but the service you choose can affect the timeline. Keep in mind that if you’re planning a summer move, things might take a bit longer due to higher demand.
Keep your move on track by confirming delivery timelines with your movers ahead of time. That way, you won’t get stuck with any surprise delays.
How many Charleston movers provide custom crating for art or antiques?
There are four movers in Charleston that offer custom-built crates for delicate or unusual items like artwork, antique pieces, and electronics. If you need special crating, confirm with a Charleston moving company that they can accommodate your specific items.
What is the best way to get a car from Charleston to Iowa?
Looking to move your car from Charleston to Iowa? Choose a service that puts professionalism and vehicle care first, backed by real experience. Check out our top picks for car shippers from South Carolina to Iowa.
Why are people moving from Charleston to Iowa?
Many people are moving to Iowa because of its low cost of living and ample economic opportunity.
Read more about the Pros & cons of moving to Iowa.
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.
Do movers in Charleston, SC, accept cash?
Yes, four movers in Charleston accept cash. However, cash is uncommon in the moving space, where traceable payment types are standard. You’ll typically pay a deposit to secure your booking before moving day. The rest of the total is due at pickup or post-delivery—confirm the schedule and permitted payment methods with your mover.
Helpful moving resources
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