Top-rated local movers that handle Charleston to Birmingham moves
When planning a move from Charleston to Birmingham, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 10 local movers in Charleston who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Charleston to Birmingham.
- 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
How much does it cost to move from Charleston to Birmingham?
Movers in South Carolina charge $137 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,016 – $2,911 | $634 – $1,615 | $384 – $714 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,688 – $4,908 | $1,124 – $2,204 | $414 – $855 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,939 – $6,826 | $1,538 – $2,848 | $520 – $949 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Birmingham
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Charleston to Birmingham, you can expect to spend between $1,016 and $2,911. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,688 to $4,908 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Charleston to Birmingham typically runs between $2,939 and $6,826.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Birmingham
When moving from Charleston to Birmingham, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $634 and $1,615. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,124 to $2,204. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,538 up to $2,848. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from South Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to Birmingham
Renting a moving truck in Charleston is usually your cheapest option to get to Birmingham. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $384 and $714. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $414 and $855. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $520 and $949.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Charleston to Birmingham
The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,408, but larger homes can run up to $5,443.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Charleston.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($384–$846) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Birmingham
Many movers find Birmingham easier on the wallet than Charleston – roughly 49% less for singles and 15% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,697 for one person in Birmingham versus $5,300 in Charleston. For a family of four, it’s $6,727 compared with $7,890.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Charleston | Birmingham | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,529 | $1,542 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,487 | $2,612 |
| Average home value | $559,231 | $125,988 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,294 | $39,403 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,300 | $2,697 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,890 | $6,727 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 5.6% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 10.0% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 5.0% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 50% lower in Birmingham than in Charleston, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 77% lower in Birmingham than in Charleston.
- It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 37% less in Birmingham than in Charleston.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Birmingham, where the cost of living for a single person is 49% less than in Charleston.
- Moving to Birmingham could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 15% less than in Charleston.
- The unemployment rate in Birmingham is 40% higher compared to Charleston, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 11% higher in Birmingham than in Charleston. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Income taxes are 29% lower in Alabama compared to South Carolina. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Charleston with Birmingham:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $156.99 | $211.40 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.78 | $49.55 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.55 | $4.20 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.82 | $3.52 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $29.17 | $47.50 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in Birmingham, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Charleston than in Birmingham.
- Eggs cost more in Charleston than in Birmingham.
- Bread is more expensive in Charleston than in Birmingham.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Charleston than in Birmingham.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Birmingham.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Birmingham
| Charleston | Birmingham | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 150,277 | 196,644 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 0 |
| Walkability score | 40 | 33 |
| Bike friendliness score | 50 | 31 |
| Crime index | 44.97 | 61.64 |
| Safety index | 55.03 | 38.36 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Birmingham’s population is about 31% greater than Charleston.
- Birmingham has no measurable public transportation (score of 0), while Charleston scores 3 out of 10, showing a clear advantage for Charleston.
- Birmingham is less walkable than Charleston with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 40 out of 100.
- Birmingham has a bike-friendliness score of 31 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Charleston, which has a score of 50.
- Birmingham’s crime rate is higher than Charleston with a score of 61.64 compared to Charleston’s 44.97. This means that Birmingham neighborhoods are safer than 61.64% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97%.
- Birmingham is considered to be less safe than Charleston with a score of 38.36 vs Charleston’s 55.03.
- Air quality in Birmingham is Good, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Birmingham move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: To guarantee the safety and reliability of local moving services in Alabama, it is essential for moving companies to possess a registration number issued by the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC). Trust your move to registered professionals for a secure and dependable experience. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Alabama moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Alabama doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Birmingham smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Moving companies typically take responsibility for your belongings at a rate of 60 cents per pound (or even less) per item. This means that for a lightweight item weighing five pounds and valued at $500, the reimbursement would be only $3 in the event of loss or damage. To enhance your coverage, certain movers provide additional valuation options, such as declared value or lump sum value protection, which offer better protection compared to the basic released value protection. To better understand and explore these options, consider discussing them with your chosen moving company.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Birmingham
Now that you’ve chosen B’ham as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Birmingham to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Central City
- Five Points South
- Highland Park
- Fountain Heights
- Southside
Best neighborhoods for families
- Oxmoor
- Crestwood South
- Redmont Park
Things to do in Birmingham
After getting comfortable in your new Alabama home, it’s time to see what Birmingham is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Birmingham offers cultural landmarks like the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Vulcan Park and Museum, and McWane Science Center.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Vulcan Park and Museum, Birmingham’s Railroad Park, Kelly Ingram Park, and Red Mountain Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Birmingham BaronsUAB BlazersSamford University teamsBirmingham Legion FCAlabama Youth Sports Alliance basketball leagueTragic City RollersBirmingham Bulls (SPHL)Birmingham StallionsBirmingham Squadron (NBA G League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Birmingham?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Charleston to Birmingham are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Charleston are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Birmingham?
Because spring and fall moves from Charleston to Birmingham are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Charleston to Birmingham take?
A move of 444 miles from Charleston, SC to Birmingham, generally takes one to four days. Movers in Charleston sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Birmingham is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Charleston offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 6 movers in Charleston have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 4 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across SC, there are 33 piano movers and 18 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
Helpful moving resources
Charleston moving services
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