Top-rated local movers that handle Memphis to Charleston moves
When planning a move from Memphis to Charleston, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing seven local movers in Memphis who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Memphis to Charleston.
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Guardian Moving Systems: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- The Armstrong Company: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Cord Moving and Storage: 4.42 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Alternate Names: All My Sons Moving & Storage of Memphis, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 35
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: BSTB Moving, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 39
Alternate Names: Alexander Mayflower , Alexander Moving Express , Mayflower Transit
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 68
DOT #: 1170867
Alternate Names: Armstrong Transfer & Storage 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
Years in Business: 104
DOT #: 181102
Alternate Names: Cord Moving – Memphis , North American Van Lines
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Memphis to Charleston?
Movers in Tennessee charge $123 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,151 – $3,851 | $736 – $1,673 | $496 – $955 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,139 – $5,592 | $1,246 – $2,514 | $556 – $1,090 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,052 – $8,037 | $1,702 – $3,459 | $694 – $1,334 |
Cost to hire movers from Memphis to Charleston
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Memphis to Charleston, you can expect to spend between $1,151 and $3,851. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,139 to $5,592 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Memphis to Charleston typically runs between $4,052 and $8,037.
Cost of moving containers from Memphis to Charleston
When moving from Memphis to Charleston, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $736 and $1,673. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,246 to $2,514. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,702 up to $3,459. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Tennessee.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Memphis to Charleston
Renting a moving truck in Memphis is usually your cheapest option to get to Charleston. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $496 and $955. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $556 and $1,090. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $694 and $1,334.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Memphis to Charleston
The cost of Memphis movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,846, but larger homes can run up to $7,020.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Memphis.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($496–$1,211) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Memphis to Charleston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Charleston runs about 188% higher for singles and 79% higher for families than Memphis.
Singles spend around $5,300 in Memphis versus $1,842 in Memphis; families pay $7,890 compared with $4,402.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Memphis | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,187 | $2,529 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,571 | $4,487 |
| Average home value | $143,715 | $559,231 |
| Average income (per capita) | $48,090 | $62,294 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,842 | $5,300 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,402 | $7,890 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 4.0% |
| Sales tax | 9.75% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 7.0% |
- As you consider relocating to Charleston, note that rent can be roughly 92% more expensive than it is in Memphis; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 289% higher in Charleston than in Memphis.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 30% higher in Charleston compared to Memphis, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Plan for higher expenses in Charleston, since the cost of living for a single person is 188% more than in Memphis. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Charleston, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Charleston is 79% more than it is in Memphis.
- Charleston experiences an unemployment rate that is about 50% lower than that of Memphis. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 8% lower in Charleston than in Memphis. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Charleston can reduce your overall living expenses.
- South Carolina has a state income tax, while Tennessee does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Memphis with Charleston:
| Living Expense | Memphis | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $213.78 | $156.99 |
| Cell phone plan | $58.88 | $54.78 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.12 | $4.55 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.83 | $3.82 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $19.50 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $37.67 | $29.17 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Memphis than in Charleston.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Memphis than in Charleston.
- Eggs are less expensive in Memphis than in Charleston.
- Bread costs less in Memphis than in Charleston.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Memphis than in Charleston.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Memphis than in Charleston.
- Gym memberships cost more in Memphis than in Charleston.
How life is different in Memphis vs. Charleston
| Memphis | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 633,104 | 150,277 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 35 | 40 |
| Bike friendliness score | 41 | 50 |
| Crime index | 77.49 | 44.97 |
| Safety index | 22.51 | 55.03 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston’s population is about 76% less than Memphis.
- Charleston’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Memphis’s score of 4.
- Charleston is more walkable than Memphis with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Memphis’s 35 out of 100.
- With a score of 50 out of 100, Charleston is more bike-friendly than Memphis, which has a score of 41 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Charleston’s crime rate is lower than Memphis with a score of 44.97 compared to Memphis’s 77.49. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Memphis neighborhoods are safer than 77.49%.
- Charleston is considered to be safer than Memphis with a safety index of 55.03 vs Memphis’s 22.51.
- Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in Memphis it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Memphis to Charleston move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While South Carolina doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Charleston smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Charleston
Now that you’ve chosen The Holy City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Charleston to check out.
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
After getting comfortable in your new South Carolina home, it’s time to see what Charleston is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Charleston offers cultural landmarks like the Fort Sumter National Monument, Nathaniel Russell House, Old Slave Mart Museum, and The Charleston Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Middleton Place, Battery & White Point Gardens, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, and Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Charleston RiverDogs (Carolina League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Memphis to Charleston?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Memphis to Charleston are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Memphis are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Memphis to Charleston?
Because spring and fall moves from Memphis to Charleston are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Memphis to Charleston take?
A move of 688 miles from Memphis, TN to Charleston, generally takes one to six days. Movers in Memphis sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Charleston is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Memphis offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 7 movers in Memphis have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 5 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across TN, there are 46 piano movers and 21 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
Helpful moving resources
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