Top local movers for Lexington to Charleston moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Lexington that also provides long-distance services to Charleston can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed eight local movers in Lexington who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Lexington to Charleston.
- Wildcat Moving LLC: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Vincent Fister Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Saunier Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.36 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 3952
Pricing: $140/hr
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2207083
Alternate Names: Wildcat Furniture Repair , Wildcat Pressure Washing , The Wildcat Group
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 3885
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Beautiful World, LLC. , Two Men And A Truck – Lexington
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0065
Years in Business: 71
Alternate Names: Fister, Inc. , Vincent Fister Company, Inc. , United Van Lines
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 1280
Years in Business: 36
DOT #: 070851
Alternate Names: Saunier North American , Saunier Moving & Storage, Inc., A North American Van Lines Agent
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 4393
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: College Hunks Moving , MJ, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Lexington to Charleston?
Movers in Kentucky generally charge an average of $105 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 | $1,163 – $3,199 | $686 – $1,555 | $434 – $760 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,043 – $5,520 | $1,214 – $2,398 | $441 – $882 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,961 – $7,699 | $1,666 – $3,178 | $550 – $1,086 |
Cost to hire movers from Lexington to Charleston
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Lexington to Charleston typically costs between $1,163 and $3,199. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,043 and $5,520 when moving from Lexington to Charleston. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Lexington to Charleston, you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,961 up to $7,699.
Cost of moving containers from Lexington to Charleston
If you’re relocating from Lexington to Charleston, you’ll typically spend between $686 and $1,555 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,214 up to $2,398. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,666 and $3,178. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Kentucky.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Lexington to Charleston
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Lexington to Charleston 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 $434 and $760. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $441 to $882. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $550 and $1,086.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Lexington to Charleston
The cost of Lexington movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Lexington to Charleston might be as low as $1,570, while a four-bedroom could reach $6,921.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Lexington.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $434 to $1,029 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Lexington to Charleston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Charleston runs about 71% higher for singles and 89% higher for families than Lexington.
Singles spend around $5,300 in Lexington versus $3,100 in Lexington; families pay $7,890 compared with $4,170.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Lexington | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,175 | $2,529 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,110 | $4,487 |
| Average home value | $309,021 | $559,231 |
| Average income (per capita) | $61,526 | $62,294 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,100 | $5,300 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,170 | $7,890 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 4.0% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 4.0% | 7.0% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 86% higher in Charleston than in Lexington, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 81% higher in Charleston than in Lexington.
- Luckily, the average income is within about 5% of the same in Charleston and Lexington, so no need to worry about big financial changes.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Charleston, as the cost of living for a single person in Charleston is 71% greater than in Lexington. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- As you plan your move to Charleston, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 89% more than it is in Lexington.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 7% lower than Lexington, Charleston boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes in Charleston exceed those in Lexington by 50%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- Income taxes are 75% higher in South Carolina than in Kentucky. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Lexington and Charleston, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Lexington | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $206.92 | $156.99 |
| Cell phone plan | $71.33 | $54.78 |
| Dozen eggs | $2.98 | $4.55 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.90 | $3.82 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $14.25 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $37.50 | $29.17 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Lexington than in Charleston.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Lexington than in Charleston.
- Eggs are less expensive in Lexington than in Charleston.
- Bread costs less in Lexington than in Charleston.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Lexington than in Charleston.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Lexington than in Charleston.
- Gym memberships cost more in Lexington than in Charleston.
How life is different in Lexington vs. Charleston
| Lexington | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 320,347 | 150,277 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 90 | 40 |
| Bike friendliness score | 85 | 50 |
| Crime index | 50.88 | 44.97 |
| Safety index | 49.12 | 55.03 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston’s population is about 53% less than Lexington.
- Charleston’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Lexington’s score of 4.
- Charleston is less walkable than Lexington with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Lexington’s 90 out of 100.
- Charleston has a bike-friendliness score of 50 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Lexington, which has a score of 85.
- Charleston’s crime rate is lower than Lexington with a score of 44.97 compared to Lexington’s 50.88. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Lexington neighborhoods are safer than 50.88%.
- Charleston is considered to be safer than Lexington with a safety index of 55.03 vs Lexington’s 49.12.
- Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in Lexington it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Lexington to Charleston 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: To promote safety, economic development, and ethical business practices, the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) oversees movers in the state. They are responsible for inspecting, examining, and auditing public utility providers like movers. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a South Carolina moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in South Carolina, 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 Charleston 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. When moving in South Carolina, explore movers’ insurance options. Many offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, discuss Full Value Protection with the moving company or consider third-party insurance providers. Prioritize understanding coverage limits and potential extra costs. Read reviews to make an informed decision on the best insurance for your South Carolina move.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Charleston
Ready to relocate to The Holy City? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Charleston.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Harleston Village
- James Island
- North Charleston
- South of Broad West Ashley
Best neighborhoods for families
- Mount Pleasant
- Park Circle
- Stiles Point
- Summerville
- Wagener Terrace
Things to do in Charleston
Now that you’ve made the move to South Carolina, it’s the perfect time to explore Charleston. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Charleston include museums and art centers like the Fort Sumter National Monument, Nathaniel Russell House, Old Slave Mart Museum, and The Charleston Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Middleton Place, Battery & White Point Gardens, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, and Joseph P. Riley, Jr. 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 Charleston RiverDogs (Carolina League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Lexington to Charleston?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Lexington to Charleston. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Lexington.
When is the cheapest time to move from Lexington to Charleston?
With many people choosing to move from Lexington to Charleston 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 Lexington to Charleston take?
Covering 543 miles, the move from Lexington, KY to Charleston, typically takes one to six days. Some Lexington movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Charleston can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Lexington can handle specialty items for my move to Charleston?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Lexington, 6 movers can handle pianos. 4 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of KY, there are 21 piano movers and 14 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
Lexington moving services
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