Highly rated local moving companies for Charleston to Knoxville moves
Organizing a move from Charleston to Knoxville can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 10 local movers in Charleston known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Charleston to Knoxville.
- 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 Knoxville?
On average, moving companies in South Carolina charge about $137 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $945 – $2,855 | $611 – $1,445 | $326 – $620 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,550 – $4,302 | $1,084 – $2,132 | $369 – $700 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,511 – $6,371 | $1,508 – $2,768 | $462 – $837 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Knoxville
When planning a move to Knoxville from Charleston, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $945 and $2,855. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,550 and $4,302 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $2,511 to $6,371.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Knoxville
When you’re heading from Charleston to Knoxville, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $611 and $1,445. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,084 and $2,132. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,508 to $2,768. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from South Carolina easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to Knoxville
A moving rental truck from Charleston to Knoxville is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $326 to $620. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $369 to $700, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Charleston to Knoxville costs around $462 to $837.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Charleston to Knoxville
The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Charleston to Knoxville may only cost $1,235, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $5,048.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Charleston.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($326–$803), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Knoxville
Many movers find Knoxville easier on the wallet than Charleston – roughly 59% less for singles and 34% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,184 for one person in Knoxville versus $5,300 in Charleston. For a family of four, it’s $5,200 compared with $7,890.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Charleston | Knoxville | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,529 | $1,667 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,487 | $3,210 |
| Average home value | $559,231 | $350,035 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,294 | $61,050 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,300 | $2,184 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,890 | $5,200 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 4.7% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 9.25% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 0.0% |
- Rent is about 28% less expensive in Knoxville than in Charleston, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 37% cheaper in Knoxville than in Charleston.
- There’s good news: the average income differences between Knoxville and Charleston are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Knoxville. The cost of living for a single person there is 59% below that of Charleston.
- A move to Knoxville can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 34% lower compared to Charleston.
- Knoxville has a higher unemployment rate than Charleston by about 18%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes are nearly equal in both Knoxville and Charleston (within a 5% range), so budgeting should not be affected by this change.
- Tennessee has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Charleston versus Knoxville:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $156.99 | $215.94 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.78 | $54.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.55 | $4.06 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.82 | $3.64 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $85.00 |
| Gym membership | $29.17 | $34.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in Knoxville, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Charleston than in Knoxville.
- Eggs cost more in Charleston than in Knoxville.
- Bread is more expensive in Charleston than in Knoxville.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Charleston than in Knoxville.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Knoxville.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Knoxville
| Charleston | Knoxville | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 150,277 | 190,740 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 40 | 31 |
| Bike friendliness score | 50 | 30 |
| Crime index | 44.97 | 42.54 |
| Safety index | 55.03 | 57.46 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Knoxville’s population is about 27% greater than Charleston.
- Knoxville’s public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 3.
- Knoxville is less walkable than Charleston with a score of 31 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 40 out of 100.
- Knoxville has a bike-friendliness score of 30 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Charleston, which has a score of 50.
- Knoxville and Charleston have a similar crime rate with scores of 42.54 and 44.97, respectively.
- Knoxville and Charleston have a similar safety level, with scores of 57.46 and 55.03.
- Air quality in Knoxville is Good, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Knoxville move
- HOA rules: Costs across Charleston and Knoxville are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Tennessee, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Tennessee, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Knoxville. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. When it comes to movers’ insurance in Tennessee, most moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra charge. This basic coverage extends to 60 cents per pound per item. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Additionally, exploring third-party insurance providers is a viable choice for tailored plans. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Tennessee.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Knoxville
With your sights set on Marble City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Knoxville.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Farragut
- Oak Ridge
- Alcoa
- Maryville
- Seymour
- Lenoir City
- Louisville
- Eagleton Village
- Loudon
Best neighborhoods for families
- Farragut
- Oak Ridge
- Maryville
- Alcoa
- Louisville
- Loudon
- Clinton
Things to do in Knoxville
With your move to Tennessee complete, you can dive right into experiencing Knoxville. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Knoxville is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Knoxville Museum of Art, East Tennesse Historical Society, Muse Knoxville, and Old Smoky Railway Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Lakeshore Park, World’s Fair Park, Krutch Park, and Fort Dickerson Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Tennessee Volunteers (SEC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Knoxville?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Charleston to Knoxville. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Charleston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Knoxville?
Want to save on your move from Charleston to Knoxville? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Charleston to Knoxville take?
The 371-mile move from Charleston, SC, to Knoxville, , takes one to four days. Some Charleston movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Knoxville.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Charleston?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 6 movers in Charleston provide piano moving services. 4 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 33 piano movers and 18 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Charleston moving services
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