Top-rated local movers that handle Atlanta to Charleston moves
When planning a move from Atlanta to Charleston, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 49 local movers in Atlanta 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 Atlanta to Charleston.
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc.: 4.78 out of 5 stars
- Atlanta Peach Movers: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- The Armstrong Company: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Wirks Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.42 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 8948
Pricing: $125/hr
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 3306591
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 8292
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 797586
Alternate Names: Georgia Peach Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 206366
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 1170867
Alternate Names: Armstrong Relocation , Armstrong Companies
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 500873
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1942465
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9035
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2878240
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Atlanta to Charleston?
Movers in Georgia charge $139 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 | $875 – $2,944 | $610 – $1,428 | $309 – $531 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,624 – $4,546 | $1,043 – $1,977 | $338 – $622 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,358 – $6,385 | $1,461 – $2,451 | $414 – $796 |
Cost to hire movers from Atlanta to Charleston
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Atlanta to Charleston, you can expect to spend between $875 and $2,944. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,624 to $4,546 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Atlanta to Charleston typically runs between $2,358 and $6,385.
Cost of moving containers from Atlanta to Charleston
When moving from Atlanta to Charleston, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $610 and $1,428. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,043 to $1,977. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,461 up to $2,451. 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 Georgia.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Atlanta to Charleston
Renting a moving truck in Atlanta is usually your cheapest option to get to Charleston. 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 $309 and $531. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $338 and $622. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $414 and $796.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Atlanta to Charleston
The cost of Atlanta movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,261, but larger homes can run up to $5,082.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Atlanta.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($309–$706) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Atlanta to Charleston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Charleston runs about 69% higher for singles and 1% higher for families than Atlanta.
Singles spend around $5,300 in Atlanta versus $3,134 in Atlanta; families pay $7,890 compared with $7,822.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Atlanta | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,810 | $2,529 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,039 | $4,487 |
| Average home value | $388,167 | $559,231 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,107 | $62,294 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,134 | $5,300 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,822 | $7,890 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.0% | 4.0% |
| Sales tax | 8.9% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 5.49% | 7.0% |
- As you consider relocating to Charleston, note that rent can be roughly 32% more expensive than it is in Atlanta; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 44% higher in Charleston than in Atlanta.
- It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 6% less in Charleston than in Atlanta.
- Plan for higher expenses in Charleston, since the cost of living for a single person is 69% more than in Atlanta. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- You’ll find the cost of living for a family to be nearly equivalent in Charleston and Atlanta, with only a minor variance of about 5%, so you’ll likely see minimal difference in daily expenses.
- Charleston experiences an unemployment rate that is about 33% lower than that of Atlanta. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are similar in Charleston and Atlanta (within about 5%), meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
- Income taxes are 28% higher in South Carolina compared to Georgia. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Atlanta with Charleston:
| Living Expense | Atlanta | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.80 | $156.99 |
| Cell phone plan | $57.65 | $54.78 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.13 | $4.55 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.96 | $3.82 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $90.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $46.00 | $29.17 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Atlanta than in Charleston.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Atlanta than in Charleston.
- Eggs are less expensive in Atlanta than in Charleston.
- Bread is more expensive in Atlanta than in Charleston.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Atlanta than in Charleston.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Atlanta than in Charleston.
- Gym memberships cost more in Atlanta than in Charleston.
How life is different in Atlanta vs. Charleston
| Atlanta | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 498,715 | 150,277 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 48 | 40 |
| Bike friendliness score | 42 | 50 |
| Crime index | 64.23 | 44.97 |
| Safety index | 35.77 | 55.03 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Charleston’s population is about 70% less than Atlanta.
- Charleston’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Atlanta’s score of 8.
- Charleston is less walkable than Atlanta with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Atlanta’s 48 out of 100.
- With a score of 50 out of 100, Charleston is more bike-friendly than Atlanta, which has a score of 42 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Charleston’s crime rate is lower than Atlanta with a score of 44.97 compared to Atlanta’s 64.23. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Atlanta neighborhoods are safer than 64.23%.
- Charleston is considered to be safer than Atlanta with a safety index of 55.03 vs Atlanta’s 35.77.
- Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in Atlanta it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Atlanta to Charleston 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 promote safety, economic development, and ethical business practices, the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) oversees movers in the state. They are responsible for inspecting, examining, and auditing public utility providers like movers. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While South Carolina 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 Charleston smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. When moving in South Carolina, explore movers’ insurance options. Many offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, discuss Full Value Protection with the moving company or consider third-party insurance providers. Prioritize understanding coverage limits and potential extra costs. Read reviews to make an informed decision on the best insurance for your South Carolina move.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Charleston
Now that you’ve chosen The Holy City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Charleston to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Harleston Village
- James Island
- North Charleston
- South of Broad West Ashley
Best neighborhoods for families
- Mount Pleasant
- Park Circle
- Stiles Point
- Summerville
- Wagener Terrace
Things to do in Charleston
After getting comfortable in your new South Carolina home, it’s time to see what Charleston 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, Charleston offers cultural landmarks like the Fort Sumter National Monument, Nathaniel Russell House, Old Slave Mart Museum, and The Charleston Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Middleton Place, Battery & White Point Gardens, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, and Joseph P. Riley, Jr. 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 Charleston RiverDogs (Carolina League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Atlanta to Charleston?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Atlanta to Charleston are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Atlanta are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Atlanta to Charleston?
Because spring and fall moves from Atlanta to Charleston 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 Atlanta to Charleston take?
A move of 297 miles from Atlanta, GA to Charleston, generally takes one to four days. Movers in Atlanta sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Charleston is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Atlanta?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 3 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 3 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Atlanta offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 31 movers in Atlanta have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 28 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across GA, there are 54 piano movers and 39 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.
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