The best local movers for Charleston to Ann Arbor moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Charleston that also handles long-distance moves to Ann Arbor. 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 Ann Arbor.
- 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 Ann Arbor?
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 | $1,074 – $3,838 | $769 – $1,811 | $557 – $1,029 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,191 – $5,542 | $1,410 – $2,645 | $620 – $1,249 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,786 – $7,657 | $1,894 – $3,634 | $769 – $1,484 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Ann Arbor
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Charleston to Ann Arbor will cost between $1,074 and $3,838. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Charleston to Charleston will range from $2,191 to $5,542, and a large move from Charleston to Ann Arbor will cost from $3,786 to $7,657.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Ann Arbor
If you’re moving from Charleston to Ann Arbor, expect to pay between $769 and $1,811 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,410 up to $2,645. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,894 and $3,634. 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 Ann Arbor
Renting a moving truck from Charleston to Ann Arbor 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 $557 and $1,029. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $620 and $1,249. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $769 up to $1,484 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Charleston to Ann Arbor
The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,934, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $6,260.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Charleston, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($557–$1,389) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Ann Arbor
Many movers find Ann Arbor easier on the wallet than Charleston – roughly 59% less for singles and 32% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,176 for one person in Ann Arbor versus $5,300 in Charleston. For a family of four, it’s $5,344 compared with $7,890.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Charleston | Ann Arbor | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,529 | $1,831 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,487 | $3,763 |
| Average home value | $559,231 | $474,909 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,294 | $66,964 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,300 | $2,176 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,890 | $5,344 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 3.5% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 4.25% |
- If you’re heading to Ann Arbor from Charleston, you’ll find that rent is roughly 10% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 15% less in Ann Arbor than in Charleston.
- Here’s some promising news: the average income is around 7% higher in Ann Arbor than in Charleston, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Ann Arbor. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 59% lower than in Charleston.
- Choosing to move to Ann Arbor can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 32% less than in Charleston.
- Ann Arbor enjoys an unemployment rate that’s roughly 13% lower compared to Charleston, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes drop 33% in Ann Arbor compared to Charleston, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Income taxes are 39% less in Michigan 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 Ann Arbor:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $156.99 | $158.05 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.78 | $48.64 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.55 | $2.70 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.82 | $3.60 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $29.17 | $44.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in Ann Arbor, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Charleston than in Ann Arbor.
- Eggs cost more in Charleston than in Ann Arbor.
- Bread is more expensive in Charleston than in Ann Arbor.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Charleston than in Ann Arbor.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Charleston than in Ann Arbor.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Ann Arbor.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Ann Arbor
| Charleston | Ann Arbor | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 150,277 | 123,851 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 40 | 52 |
| Bike friendliness score | 50 | 71 |
| Crime index | 44.97 | 31.0 |
| Safety index | 55.03 | 79.18 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Ann Arbor’s population is about 18% less than Charleston.
- Ann Arbor’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 3.
- Ann Arbor is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 52 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 40 out of 100.
- With a score of 71 out of 100, Ann Arbor is more bike-friendly than Charleston, which has a score of 50 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Ann Arbor’s crime rate is lower than Charleston with a score of 31.0 compared to Charleston’s 44.97. This means that Ann Arbor neighborhoods are safer than 31.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97%.
- Ann Arbor is considered to be safer than Charleston with a safety index of 79.18 vs Charleston’s 55.03.
- Air quality in Ann Arbor is Moderate, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Ann Arbor 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 agency regulating local and intrastate household goods movers in Michigan is the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). State regulation and oversight activities include commercial vehicle registration and safety compliance, review of published tariff rates, licensing, and consumer protection efforts. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Michigan moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Michigan 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 Ann Arbor. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. In Alabama, Massachusetts, and Michigan, choose the economical option of Released Value Protection, provided by movers at no extra cost. However, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage of your items’ full value, consult with your moving company for alternatives or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Ann Arbor
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to Tree Town, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Ann Arbor.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Kerrytown
- Lower Burns Park
- Old West Side
- Northside/Lower Town
- Allen Creek/Old West Side
Best neighborhoods for families
- Burns Park
- Eberwhite
- Water Hill
- Ann Arbor Hills
- Dicken
Things to do in Ann Arbor
Once you’re settled into your new home in Michigan, it’s time to get out and discover what Ann Arbor has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Ann Arbor, such as the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, University of Michigan Museum of Art, University of Michigan Museum of Natural History, and Kelsey Museum of Archaeology.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Gallup Park, Hudson Mills Metropark, County Farm Park, and Buhr 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 Michigan Wolverines (Big Ten) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Ann Arbor?
The best time to move from Charleston to Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Charleston to Ann Arbor, 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 Ann Arbor take?
Moving from Charleston, SC to Ann Arbor, covers 825 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 Ann Arbor.
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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