Top local movers for Charleston to Indianapolis moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Charleston that also provides long-distance services to Indianapolis can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 10 local movers in Charleston who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Charleston to Indianapolis.
- 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 Indianapolis?
Movers in South Carolina generally charge an average of $137 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,034 – $3,497 | $751 – $1,713 | $546 – $1,005 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,103 – $5,498 | $1,326 – $2,653 | $550 – $1,217 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,635 – $6,984 | $1,688 – $3,214 | $666 – $1,390 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Indianapolis
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Charleston to Indianapolis typically costs between $1,034 and $3,497. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,103 and $5,498 when moving from Charleston to Indianapolis. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Charleston to Indianapolis, you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,635 up to $6,984.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Indianapolis
If you’re relocating from Charleston to Indianapolis, you’ll typically spend between $751 and $1,713 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,326 up to $2,653. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,688 and $3,214. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from South Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to Indianapolis
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Charleston to Indianapolis move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $546 and $1,005. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $550 to $1,217. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $666 and $1,390.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Charleston to Indianapolis
The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Charleston to Indianapolis might be as low as $1,864, while a four-bedroom could reach $6,366.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Charleston.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $546 to $1,237 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Indianapolis
Many movers find Indianapolis easier on the wallet than Charleston – roughly 47% less for singles and 16% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,804 for one person in Indianapolis versus $5,300 in Charleston. For a family of four, it’s $6,667 compared with $7,890.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Charleston | Indianapolis | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,529 | $1,688 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,487 | $2,708 |
| Average home value | $559,231 | $220,467 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,294 | $59,110 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,300 | $2,804 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,890 | $6,667 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 5.6% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 3.15% |
- Good news! When moving to Indianapolis from Charleston, you’ll benefit from rent being an estimated 44% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- With home prices being nearly 61% cheaper in Indianapolis, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
- Luckily, the average income is within about 5% of the same in Indianapolis and Charleston, so no need to worry about big financial changes.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Indianapolis. The cost of living for a single person is 47% less compared to Charleston.
- Relocating to Indianapolis could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 16% lower than in Charleston.
- The unemployment rate in Indianapolis exceeds that of Charleston by about 40%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes are 22% lower in Indianapolis than Charleston, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- Income taxes are 55% lower in Indiana than in South Carolina. Lower income tax rates mean less money is withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Charleston and Indianapolis, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Indianapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $156.99 | $231.67 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.78 | $62.58 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.55 | $3.33 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.82 | $3.00 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $29.17 | $35.50 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in Indianapolis, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Charleston than in Indianapolis.
- Eggs cost more in Charleston than in Indianapolis.
- Bread is more expensive in Charleston than in Indianapolis.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Charleston than in Indianapolis.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Charleston than in Indianapolis.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Indianapolis.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Indianapolis
| Charleston | Indianapolis | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 150,277 | 887,642 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 40 | 31 |
| Bike friendliness score | 50 | 43 |
| Crime index | 44.97 | 60.71 |
| Safety index | 55.03 | 39.29 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Indianapolis’s population is about 491% greater than Charleston.
- Indianapolis’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 3.
- Indianapolis is less walkable than Charleston with a score of 31 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 40 out of 100.
- Indianapolis has a bike-friendliness score of 43 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Charleston, which has a score of 50.
- Indianapolis’s crime rate is higher than Charleston with a score of 60.71 compared to Charleston’s 44.97. This means that Indianapolis neighborhoods are safer than 60.71% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97%.
- Indianapolis is considered to be less safe than Charleston with a score of 39.29 vs Charleston’s 55.03.
- Air quality in Indianapolis is Good, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Indianapolis move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Indiana moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Indiana, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Indianapolis without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Indianapolis
Ready to relocate to Amateur Sports Capital of the World? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Indianapolis.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Broad Ripple Village
- Fountain Square
- Mile Square
- Meridian-Kessler
- Old Northside
Best neighborhoods for families
- Avon
- Brownsburg
- Carmel
- Fishers
- Westfield
Things to do in Indianapolis
Now that you’ve made the move to Indiana, it’s the perfect time to explore Indianapolis. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Indianapolis include museums and art centers like the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, Indianapolis Museum of Art, and The Eiteljorg Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Eagle Creek Park, White River State Park, Broad Ripple Park, and Krannert Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Indianapolis Colts (NFL)Indianapolis Pacers (NBA)Indianapolis Fever (WNBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Indianapolis?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Charleston to Indianapolis. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Charleston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Indianapolis?
With many people choosing to move from Charleston to Indianapolis in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Charleston to Indianapolis take?
Covering 726 miles, the move from Charleston, SC to Indianapolis, typically takes one to six days. Some Charleston movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Indianapolis can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Charleston can handle specialty items for my move to Indianapolis?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Charleston, 6 movers can handle pianos. 4 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of SC, there are 33 piano movers and 18 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
Charleston moving services
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