Top-rated local movers that handle Charleston to Lancaster moves
When planning a move from Charleston to Lancaster, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 10 local movers in Charleston 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 Charleston to Lancaster.
- 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 Lancaster?
Movers in South Carolina charge $137 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 | $1,248 – $4,692 | $1,225 – $3,173 | $1,377 – $2,666 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,254 – $7,393 | $2,404 – $4,805 | $1,491 – $3,111 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,630 – $10,561 | $3,120 – $6,269 | $1,902 – $3,777 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Lancaster
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Charleston to Lancaster, you can expect to spend between $1,248 and $4,692. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,254 to $7,393 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Charleston to Lancaster typically runs between $6,630 and $10,561.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Lancaster
When moving from Charleston to Lancaster, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,225 and $3,173. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,404 to $4,805. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,120 up to $6,269. 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 South Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to Lancaster
Renting a moving truck in Charleston is usually your cheapest option to get to Lancaster. 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 $1,377 and $2,666. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,491 and $3,111. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,902 and $3,777.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Charleston to Lancaster
The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,492, but larger homes can run up to $10,439.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Charleston.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,377–$3,411) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Lancaster
Many movers find Lancaster easier on the wallet than Charleston – roughly 52% less for singles and 30% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,540 for one person in Lancaster versus $5,300 in Charleston. For a family of four, it’s $5,562 compared with $7,890.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Charleston | Lancaster | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,529 | $2,305 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,487 | $2,500 |
| Average home value | $559,231 | $473,053 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,294 | $74,723 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,300 | $2,540 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,890 | $5,562 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 15.6% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 13.3% |
- Your monthly budgeting won’t require significant modification when moving from Charleston to Lancaster, as rent prices are comparably stable.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 15% lower in Lancaster than in Charleston.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 20% higher in Lancaster compared to Charleston, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Lancaster, where the cost of living for a single person is 52% less than in Charleston.
- Moving to Lancaster could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 30% less than in Charleston.
- The unemployment rate in Lancaster is 290% higher compared to Charleston, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 14% higher in Lancaster than in Charleston. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Income taxes are 90% higher in California compared to South Carolina. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Charleston with Lancaster:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Lancaster |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $156.99 | $225.00 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.78 | $43.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.55 | $2.67 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.82 | $5.51 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $29.17 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in Lancaster, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Charleston than in Lancaster.
- Eggs cost more in Charleston than in Lancaster.
- Bread costs less in Charleston than in Lancaster.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Lancaster.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Lancaster
| Charleston | Lancaster | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 150,277 | 173,516 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 0 |
| Walkability score | 40 | 29 |
| Bike friendliness score | 50 | 40 |
| Crime index | 44.97 | 45.5 |
| Safety index | 55.03 | 54.5 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Lancaster’s population is about 15% greater than Charleston.
- Lancaster has no measurable public transportation (score of 0), while Charleston scores 3 out of 10, showing a clear advantage for Charleston.
- Lancaster is less walkable than Charleston with a score of 29 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 40 out of 100.
- Lancaster has a bike-friendliness score of 40 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Charleston, which has a score of 50.
- Lancaster and Charleston have a similar crime rate with scores of 45.5 and 44.97, respectively.
- Lancaster and Charleston have a similar safety level, with scores of 54.5 and 55.03.
- Air quality in Lancaster is Good, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Lancaster 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: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While California 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 Lancaster smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Lancaster
Now that you’ve chosen as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Lancaster to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown Lancaster
- Central Lancaster
- East Lancaster
- College Terrace
- Skytower Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Quartz Hill
- West Lancaster
- Rancho Vista
- Brentwood
- El Dorado
Things to do in Lancaster
After getting comfortable in your new California home, it’s time to see what Lancaster 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, Lancaster offers cultural landmarks like the Lancaster Museum of Art & History, Western Hotel Museum, and Boyle Heights History Studios & Tours.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, Apollo Community Regional Park, Saddleback Butte State Park, and Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State 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 game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Lancaster?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Charleston to Lancaster are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Charleston are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Lancaster?
Because spring and fall moves from Charleston to Lancaster 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 Charleston to Lancaster take?
A move of 2,461 miles from Charleston, SC to Lancaster, generally takes seven to 18 days. Movers in Charleston sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Lancaster is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Charleston offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 6 movers in Charleston have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 4 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across SC, there are 33 piano movers and 18 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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