Top local movers for Charleston to Cleveland moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Charleston that also provides long-distance services to Cleveland 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 Cleveland.
- 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 Cleveland?
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 | $1,141 – $3,635 | $721 – $1,818 | $492 – $981 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,184 – $5,461 | $1,260 – $2,442 | $536 – $1,085 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,435 – $7,644 | $1,669 – $3,473 | $664 – $1,424 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Cleveland
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Charleston to Cleveland typically costs between $1,141 and $3,635. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,184 and $5,461 when moving from Charleston to Cleveland. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Charleston to Cleveland, you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,435 up to $7,644.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Cleveland
If you’re relocating from Charleston to Cleveland, you’ll typically spend between $721 and $1,818 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,260 up to $2,442. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,669 and $3,473. 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 Cleveland
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Charleston to Cleveland 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 $492 and $981. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $536 to $1,085. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $664 and $1,424.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Charleston to Cleveland
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 Cleveland might be as low as $1,775, while a four-bedroom could reach $6,299.
- 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 $492 to $1,181 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Cleveland
Many movers find Cleveland easier on the wallet than Charleston – roughly 53% less for singles and 15% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,490 for one person in Cleveland versus $5,300 in Charleston. For a family of four, it’s $6,729 compared with $7,890.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Charleston | Cleveland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,529 | $1,338 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,487 | $2,733 |
| Average home value | $559,231 | $108,509 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,294 | $64,965 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,300 | $2,490 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,890 | $6,729 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 6.8% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 3.5% |
- Good news! When moving to Cleveland from Charleston, you’ll benefit from rent being an estimated 48% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- With home prices being nearly 81% cheaper in Cleveland, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
- Luckily, the average income is within about 5% of the same in Cleveland and Charleston, so no need to worry about big financial changes.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Cleveland. The cost of living for a single person is 53% less compared to Charleston.
- Relocating to Cleveland could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 15% lower than in Charleston.
- The unemployment rate in Cleveland exceeds that of Charleston by about 70%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes are 11% lower in Cleveland than Charleston, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- Income taxes are 50% lower in Ohio 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 Cleveland, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $156.99 | $310.82 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.78 | $48.93 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.55 | $4.11 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.82 | $3.06 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $19.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $55.00 |
| Gym membership | $29.17 | $35.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in Cleveland, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Charleston than in Cleveland.
- Eggs cost more in Charleston than in Cleveland.
- Bread is more expensive in Charleston than in Cleveland.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Charleston than in Cleveland.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Charleston than in Cleveland.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Cleveland.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Cleveland
| Charleston | Cleveland | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 150,277 | 372,624 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 40 | 57 |
| Bike friendliness score | 50 | 52 |
| Crime index | 44.97 | 63.41 |
| Safety index | 55.03 | 36.59 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Cleveland’s population is about 148% greater than Charleston.
- Cleveland’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 3.
- Cleveland is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 57 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 40 out of 100.
- Both Cleveland and Charleston have similar bike-friendliness scores (50 vs 52), meaning Cleveland is about as safe for cyclists as Charleston. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Cleveland’s crime rate is higher than Charleston with a score of 63.41 compared to Charleston’s 44.97. This means that Cleveland neighborhoods are safer than 63.41% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97%.
- Cleveland is considered to be less safe than Charleston with a score of 36.59 vs Charleston’s 55.03.
- Air quality in Cleveland is Moderate, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Cleveland 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: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Ohio moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Ohio, 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 Cleveland 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 cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Cleveland
Ready to relocate to America’s North Coast? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Cleveland.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Tremont
- Ohio City
- Detroit-Shoreway
- Clark-Fulton
- Waterloo
Best neighborhoods for families
- Edgewater
- Jefferson
- Kamm’s Corner
- Ohio City
- Old Brooklyn
Things to do in Cleveland
Now that you’ve made the move to Ohio, it’s the perfect time to explore Cleveland. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Cleveland include museums and art centers like the A Christmas Story House, African American Museum, ARTneo, and Artists Archives of the Western Reserve.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Edgewater Park, Cleveland Metroparks, Cleveland Botanical Garden, and Rocky River Reservation, 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 Cleveland Browns (NFL)Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA)Cleveland Charge NBA G-League)Cleveland Crunch (MASL2)Cleveland Guardians (MLB)Cleveland Monsters (AHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Cleveland?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Charleston to Cleveland. 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 Cleveland?
With many people choosing to move from Charleston to Cleveland 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 Cleveland take?
Covering 721 miles, the move from Charleston, SC to Cleveland, typically takes one to six days. Some Charleston movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Cleveland can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Charleston can handle specialty items for my move to Cleveland?
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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