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The best local movers for Charleston to Fort Wayne moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Charleston that also handles long-distance moves to Fort Wayne. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 10 local movers in Charleston who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Charleston to Fort Wayne.
- 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 Fort Wayne?
The average hourly rate for movers in South Carolina is $137. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,070 – $3,838 | $753 – $1,826 | $516 – $1,004 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,255 – $5,414 | $1,395 – $2,610 | $564 – $1,192 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,637 – $7,505 | $1,817 – $3,507 | $699 – $1,460 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Fort Wayne
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Charleston to Fort Wayne will cost between $1,070 and $3,838. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Charleston to Charleston will range from $2,255 to $5,414, and a large move from Charleston to Fort Wayne will cost from $3,637 to $7,505.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Fort Wayne
If you’re moving from Charleston to Fort Wayne, expect to pay between $753 and $1,826 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,395 up to $2,610. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,817 and $3,507. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from South Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to Fort Wayne
Renting a moving truck from Charleston to Fort Wayne 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, expect to spend between $516 and $1,004. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $564 and $1,192. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $699 up to $1,460 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Charleston to Fort Wayne
The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,882, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $5,938.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Charleston, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($516–$1,352) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Fort Wayne
Many movers find Fort Wayne easier on the wallet than Charleston – roughly 51% less for singles and 60% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,600 for one person in Fort Wayne versus $5,300 in Charleston. For a family of four, it’s $3,150 compared with $7,890.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Charleston | Fort Wayne | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,529 | $1,233 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,487 | $2,367 |
| Average home value | $559,231 | $227,803 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,294 | $53,978 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,300 | $2,600 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,890 | $3,150 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 5.1% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 3.15% |
- If you’re heading to Fort Wayne from Charleston, you’ll find that rent is roughly 53% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 59% less in Fort Wayne than in Charleston.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 13% lower in Fort Wayne compared to Charleston.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Fort Wayne. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 51% lower than in Charleston.
- Choosing to move to Fort Wayne can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 60% less than in Charleston.
- In Fort Wayne, the unemployment rate is approximately 27% higher than in Charleston, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes drop 22% in Fort Wayne compared to Charleston, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Income taxes are 55% less in Indiana than in South Carolina. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Charleston and Fort Wayne:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Fort Wayne |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $156.99 | $245.73 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.78 | $56.88 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.55 | $3.21 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.82 | $2.87 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $17.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $29.17 | $50.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in Fort Wayne, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Charleston than in Fort Wayne.
- Eggs cost more in Charleston than in Fort Wayne.
- Bread is more expensive in Charleston than in Fort Wayne.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Charleston than in Fort Wayne.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Charleston than in Fort Wayne.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Fort Wayne.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Fort Wayne
| Charleston | Fort Wayne | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 150,277 | 265,974 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 40 | 32 |
| Bike friendliness score | 50 | 41 |
| Crime index | 44.97 | 40.9 |
| Safety index | 55.03 | 59.1 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Fort Wayne’s population is about 77% greater than Charleston.
- Fort Wayne’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Charleston, making them very similar.
- Fort Wayne is less walkable than Charleston with a score of 32 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 40 out of 100.
- Fort Wayne has a bike-friendliness score of 41 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Charleston, which has a score of 50.
- Fort Wayne’s crime rate is lower than Charleston with a score of 40.9 compared to Charleston’s 44.97. This means that Fort Wayne neighborhoods are safer than 40.9% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97%.
- Fort Wayne is considered to be safer than Charleston with a safety index of 59.1 vs Charleston’s 55.03.
- Air quality in Fort Wayne is Good, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Fort Wayne move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) regulate movers operating within Indiana and issue moving companies Indiana Households Goods Carriers Numbers. Check to make sure prospective movers have one and that it’s up to date. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Indiana moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Indiana doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Fort Wayne. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Opt for Released Value Protection – a budget-friendly choice with no extra cost from movers, though coverage is limited to 60 cents per pound. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, reimbursement is just $15. To ensure coverage for your items’ full value, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Fort Wayne
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to City of Churches, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Fort Wayne.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- West Central
- North Anthony
- Downtown
- Northside
- Historic Northeast
Best neighborhoods for families
- Pine Valley
- Aboite Township
- Cherry Hill
- Arlington Park
- Georgetown
Things to do in Fort Wayne
Once you’re settled into your new home in Indiana, it’s time to get out and discover what Fort Wayne has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Fort Wayne, such as the Science Central, Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum, and History Center.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Lakeside Park & Rose Garden, Kreager Park, Buckner Park, and Promenade Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Fort Wayne Komets (ECHL)Fort Wayne Ants (NBA G League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Fort Wayne?
The best time to move from Charleston to Fort Wayne is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Charleston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Fort Wayne?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Charleston to Fort Wayne, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Charleston to Fort Wayne take?
Moving from Charleston, SC to Fort Wayne, covers 783 miles and usually takes two to seven days. Need to move faster? Some Charleston movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Fort Wayne.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Charleston?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 6 movers in Charleston advertise piano moving expertise. 4 movers in Charleston provide antique moving services. State totals show 33 piano movers and 18 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Charleston moving services
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